BMP Manual Revision Committee Sub-Group H: Highways and other linear projects
As previously noted in our September posts, PA DEP has convened a BMP Manual Revision Committee. In their notification to attendees, they noted that
… recommended updates may include edits to existing portions, complete omissions, or additions of new material. All changes much be justified through acceptable principles of engineering or science. If unable, to do so, subgroups may bring new ideas before the bigger committee for consideration and feedback.
Following is PA DEPs statement on the focus of this Sub-Group, as presented at the first Committee Meeting:
Roads/Highways: PennDOT has developed their own PCSM and Antidegradation Policy for highway projects. The group can start by analyzing this document.
Does the group agree with this policy and/or does it recommend any changes.
What additional measures/BMPs, if any, does the group recommend for highway/roadway projects for:
- Volume Control
- Rate Control
- Water Quality
- Thermal Impacts & Antidegradation
Are there any existing BMPs that could be modified for a roadway or other linear project?
Other linear projects include trail systems & pipelines.
Trail systems are usually incorporated into a natural or park-like setting. These projects are often low impact and involve minimal grading. Some trails traverse or abut critical areas such as wetlands and stream watercourses. What BMP approach would be recommended?
Some trail projects are more intrusive which is often dependent on their companion projects (i.e. they are sometimes related to a bigger plan of development). These are normally treated differently since they are part of a bigger project. The focus of this discussion should be on trail projects not related to a bigger project, however many of the ideas and BMPs could apply.
Pipeline projects usually do not propose any increases to impervious cover. However, in many cases, pipelines change the land cover. CN approach provides a relatively low CN for “brush” which is utilized by pipelines as the proposed condition. This CN is lower than meadow and comparable with woods. Does the group agree with this methodology? Does the group believe that watershed protection is being addressed? Is there another approach that can be taken for pipeline projects to achieve watershed protection?
Are there other linear type projects or issues related to linear projects that this subgroup can help address?
