research project details
Project Title: Dirt and Gravel Road Cooperative Program
Investigator(s): Kevin Abbey and Barry Scheetz
Sponsor: PA Department of Environmental Protection
Environmental Problem Addressed:
Nonpoint source pollution from dirt and gravel roads.
Research Project Objectives:
Purpose of program is to provide training, outreach, and funding to local road owning entities to aid in mitigating stream pollution originating from dirt and gravel roads.
Summary:
Sedimentation is the most significant pollution degrading the state's watersheds and streams, especially in high quality and exceptional value watersheds. A major source of sediment in Pennsylvania is the more than 20,000 miles of publicly-owned dirt and gravel roads.
The Dirt and Gravel Road Cooperative Program is a program designed to prevent nonpoint source pollution resulting from the use and maintenance of unpaved roads. The program requires an extensive educational effort to inform road personnel from various government units of the environmental detriments of improper dirt and gravel road maintenance and advise them of options available to maintain their unpaved roads using environmentally sound technologies and materials. It requires a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) with analytical ability and a defined procedure for program and performance evaluation. The program offers technical assistance through:
- Training development and delivery
- Field operations and technical assistance
- GIS and technology
- Product and process research
- Communications and reports
- Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Through the program, funds are appropriated to County Conservation Districts who administer the program at the local level. The Conservation Districts work with local road owning entities, usually townships, to develop a work plan to correct verified pollution problems on unpaved roads.