The effects of contaminated soil and ground water on subsurface utilities, surface water, drainage, and the environment.
Focus Area
Environmental Management Systems
Subcommittee
Environmental Process
Status
Archived
Cost
$100k-$249k
Timeframe
1-2 years
Research Idea Scope
Transportation projects are often constructed and maintained in the presence of soil and ground water contaminated with petroleum, solvents, and other toxic and hazardous substances. Subsurface utilities and drainage structures are often installed in areas where these contaminants were not known to be present until excavation begins. The research should determine the effect contaminated soil and ground water have on subsurface utilities and drainage structures for both hardened and unhardened systems, determine the effect on the environment due to the installation of these systems in contaminated areas, and determine how best to harden each system against the most common contaminants found on transportation projects.
Urgency and Payoff
The products will consist of material descriptions and techniques to harden various subsurface utilities and drainage structures against various chemical attacks and to prevent preferential pathways for contaminant migration; a description of adverse effects on the environment of installing utilities and drainage with and without hardening; a description of adverse effects on the utilities and drainage structures installed with and without hardening; and a best management practice for installing subsurface utilities and drainage in contaminated soil and ground water. These tools and techniques will be used on future maintenance and construction projects to ensure that best management practices are employed when installing subsurface utilities and drainage in contaminated soil and ground water. The Department will benefit by not having to harden utilities and drainage unless the conditions warrant hardening; having more options available in the event hardening is necessary; ensure the environment is not harmed as a result of the installation.
Suggested By
Cyrus Parker, P.G., P.E. North Carolina Department of Transportation 919-707-6868
Submitted
06/04/2015