Research Report no 395

Enhancing the control of contaminants for New Zealand's roads: results of a road runoff sampling programme

A study conducted by NIWA in the Auckland region from February 2008 to June 2009 sought to quantify representative contaminant loads for different road types and assess the effectiveness of existing control measures.  The aim was to provide roading managers with an improved ability to prioritise road runoff treatment needs and to select appropriate control measures.

The study investigated vehicle emission factors (VEFs) for copper and zinc in road runoff and identified guideline VEF estimates for untreated road runoff from roads with normal traffic flows and congested or intersection traffic flows.

The study also investigated the performance of a specifically designed stormwater detention pond, a grass swale and a common roadside drainage channel as treatment devices.  Guideline load reduction factors (LRFs) were developed to allow copper and zinc loads being discharged to be estimated.

Go to: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/395/docs/395.pdf

 

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