The Committee and Research – Where are we and where might we be going?

Research Challenges No research problem statements developed or posted at time of TSP Triennial Strategic Plan Review TRB Strategic Initiative Annual Workplan Objective for Technical Subcommittees Advancing Committee Research Coordinator Identify and Build relationships with Research Organizations Implementable Performance-Based Research Re-visit past emphasis areas Recommendations back to TRB

Research Needs Statements – Brainstorming Ideas 1Centralized stockpiling of recycle/reused material Increase waste material recycling or reuse through systematic inventory and stockpiling program. A research project could evaluate the effectiveness of such as program and outline existing case studies or run a pilot study. 2Feasibility Study and Pilot Study for Sustainable Rest Areas Many DOT Rest Areas are resource intensive and mostly institute unsustainable practices. Research could evaluate sustainable design/operations and perform feasibility study for cost effectiveness of operation changes and capital expenditures. The research could include either pilot study or develop a compendium of best practices and recommendations with return on investment and life cycle costs 3Zero Waste Generation for Transportation Systems Many DOTs have sustainability programs with a goal of zero solid waste disposals. Identify common DOT waste streams being generated by DOTs via surveys and develop guidance towards achieving zero solid and hazardous waste. Quantify life cycle costs and return on investment.. 4Disposal Management of Collected Sediment from Stormwater BMPs Sediment collected from stormwater BMPs difficult to manage and in urban areas some materials may be hazardous or have pollutants in high concentrations. Collected material is typically disposed of by landfilling or other disposal means. Research and identify recycling or reuse alternatives and identify situations or conditions in which collected material can be considered hazardous or a controlled waste. Develop protocols to evaluate if material is hazardous or can represent a risk.

5Water conservation strategies for Transportation Agencies Water is projected to rise in cost in many areas of the US due to climate variability and increased demand. Many agencies do not have stringent water conservation programs Research will be performed to evaluate specific DOT water usage and areas of waste and cost savings. Water recycling/reuse potential is part of this study (water harvesting, gray water usage). A survey and information synthesis approach will be used to develop best practices guidelines. 6Vegetated Roofs for Maintenance Facilities Vegetated roofs are an innovative method to manage stormwater and insulate buildings Research will identify under what conditions that vegetated roofs can be utilized by DOT buildings for stormwater management and cooling benefits. Research will review current DOT practices and evaluate cost effectiveness. 7Establishment, Implementation and Enforcement of a Green Procurement System Green Procurement Systems are important in screening materials that are hazardous; promote toxic chemical generation; and generate green house emissions. Research would evaluate existing DOT systems in the US and evaluate program effectiveness. This research will identify actual or perceived problems in using green materials. A guidance document will be developed on how to establish and implement a successful green procurement program. Research will propose a risk and sustainability evaluation process needed to review/approve chemical and materials. Education and enforcement methods will be part of this guidance document. 8Integrating Sustainable Practices and Specifications into Agency Contracts Many Agencies talk about sustainability but fail to put requirements into contract specifications. The research study would identify the constraints of requiring sustainable actions via contracts or specifications and provide recommendations. Research will perform a synthesis study based upon Agency practices used nationwide.

9Summary of DOT specifications for material recycling and reuse This literature based research will summarize nationwide DOT and FHWA specifications for the use of recycle/reused materials (could be included in research statement #14) 10Water Recycling/Reuse Approaches for Transportation Construction Projects Concrete washout material generated on construction sites is expensive to properly manage and represents an environmental risk. This research would Identify or develop technologies that will treat concrete wash water on site to eliminate offsite transport for treatment. It would also develop or identify water conservation methods used by other states Identify uses for remaining concrete material in basins. The research would also provide guidance on concrete batch plant best management practices. 11Vehicle Tracking Best Best Management Practices At construction sites, vehicle tracking of soil onto road surface can be a major sediment problem. Tracking pads are generally ineffective in controlling sediment from truck tires; many times street vacuum sweepers are required. The research would evaluate the effectiveness and costs associated with using truck tire washing systems to effectively remove sediment from tire treads and other BMPs in comparison with normal tracking stone/pad systems. 12Guidance for developing material recycling/re- use and Equipment Emission Control plans for construction projects DOTs do not have guidance to provide contractors on how to develop material management (recycling/reuse) plans and vehicle emission control plans. The research would obtain and evaluate available plans from transportation projects or DOT programs. The research would also develop guidance on effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emission from construction based operations..

13Reducing DOT Stormwater RiskState DOTs are at risk in contributing to stream impairment from stormwater discharges. Recent court Decision have highlighted the CERCLA risk exposure in addition to TMDL standards that must be met to maintain compliance. Mitigation in either case can be very expensive. The research would identify how to effectively evaluate environmental risk associated with stormwater discharges. It would evaluate the need for potential retrofits or changes in highway maintenance operations to reduce risk. The need and considerations for long term monitoring of sensitive systems would also be part of the research.