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Use of Vegetative Controls for Treatment
of Highway Runoff
By Walsh, P.M., Barrett, M.E., Malina, J.F., Jr., and Charbeneau,
R.J.
ABSTRACT
Pollutants found in runoff from highways may cause toxic responses
in receiving waters for some conditions and are obstacles to obtaining
water quality goals in the United States. This study investigated
the capability of two vegetative controls, grassed swales and vegetated
buffer strips, to treat highway runoff. A grassed swale was constructed
in an outdoor channel to investigate the impacts of swale length,
water depth, and season of the year on removal efficiency. Results
indicate that swale length and water depth affect the removal of
runoff constituents by swales, and the removal efficiency can vary
with the season of the year. Two vegetated strips treating highway
runoff in the Austin, Texas, area also were monitored to determine
removal capabilities. The filter strips removed most constituents
effectively and consistently, and the inclusion of filter strips
is recommended in future highway design if conditions are appropriate
and right-of-way is available.
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