Research Idea Details

Research Idea Scope

Background:

Many NPDES Permits require DOTs to monitor receiving waters to

characterize runoff from DOT facilities, assess the effectiveness of BMPs, and

for compliance with TMDLs. Monitoring programs require considerable time and resources

to implement. The objectives of DOT monitoring programs may not be well

defined, and the data may not be used fully to provide feedback to improve the

performance of the stormwater program.

Research Objective:

A primary purpose of this research is to develop monitoring program

study questions. The study questions should define the most important data gaps

and data needs to improve the performance of the DOTs stormwater program. There

is also a need to examine sampling protocols to determine the most appropriate

approach for DOTs, as well as to establish a consistent recommendation

nationally to ensure that data across the US is comparable.

Specific Tasks:

Task 1 – Literature

Review, Compilation of Data and Survey of State Practices and Experience

The literature review and the data compilation will focus on the

following areas

·        

Current DOT monitoring programs;

·        

Study questions for DOT monitoring programs;

·        

Protocols for BMP effectiveness testing;

·        

Sampling protocols by constituent.

Task 2 – Develop Model

Program Study Questions

Work under this task will develop study questions that are appropriate

for a DOT stormwater program. This task will also explore the conditions under

which (if any) a DOT should participate in receiving water sampling and

analysis. The study questions should ensure that the data provided by the

monitoring program is of value to the DOT in improving the performance of the

overall stormwater program. Study questions for DOT participation in TMDLs

should also be provided.

Task 3 – Develop Model

Monitoring Program

This task will develop a framework for a standard monitoring program.

The framework will include sampling site selection, sampling protocol,

appropriate detection limits (for example, is the same level of sensitivity of

analysis appropriate for answering the study question), and suggested

constituents for a baseline program. The framework will also define feedback

loops for the monitoring data to evaluate the potential for changes in the DOTs

stormwater program.