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Characterization of stormwater runoff from bridges in North Carolina and the effects of bridge deck runoff on receiving streams

October 28, 2011

In 2008, the North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 2436 that required the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to study the water-quality effects of bridges on receiving streams. In response, the NCDOT and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collaborated on a study to provide information necessary to address the requirements of the Bill. To better understand the effects of stormwater runoff from bridges on receiving streams, the following tasks were performed: (1) characterize stormwater runoff quality and quantity from a representative selection of bridges in North Carolina; (2) measure stream water quality upstream from selected bridges to compare bridge deck stormwater concentrations and loads to stream constituent concentrations and loads; and (3) determine if the chemistry of bed sediments upstream and downstream from selected bridges differs substantially based on presence or absence of a best management practice for bridge runoff.

Publication Year 2011
Title Characterization of stormwater runoff from bridges in North Carolina and the effects of bridge deck runoff on receiving streams
DOI 10.3133/sir20115180
Authors Chad R. Wagner, Sharon A. Fitzgerald, Roy D. Sherrell, Douglas A. Harned, Erik L. Staub, Brian H. Pointer, Loren L. Wehmeyer
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Scientific Investigations Report
Series Number 2011-5180
Index ID sir20115180
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization South Atlantic Water Science Center
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