25a_NCS000250_NCDOT_Research Plan_DRAFT_TERM4

N!;DCT
Highway
Stormwater
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan
Term IV (2015-2020)
For submittal to:
NC Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
Prepared for:
NC Department of Transportation
Hydraulics Unit
1590 Mail Service Center
Z
Raleigh, NC 27699-1590
919.707.6700
Prepared by:
AECOM Technical Services of North Carolina, Inc.
1600 Perimeter Park Drive
Suite 400
Morrisville, NC 27560, USA
Final
May 2017

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Table of Contents
1.0
Introduction......................................................................................................................
1-1
2.0
Description of Research Program....................................................................................
2-1
2.1 Step 1: Generate HSP Research Ideas................................................................
2-3
2.2 Steps 2: Select Funding Source...........................................................................
2-4
2.3 Step 3: Coordinate Ideas with NCDOT R&D Unit ............................................
2-5
2.4 Step 4: Identify Potential Partners......................................................................
2-6
2.5 Step 5: Identify Researchers...............................................................................
2-6
2.6 Step 6: Prepare and Submit Proposals to NCDOTError! Bookmark not defined.
2.7 Step 7: Approve Research...................................................................................
2-7
2.8 Step 8: Begin Research.......................................................................................
2-8
2.9 Step 9: Coordinate Research...............................................................................
2-8
2.10 Step 10: Complete and Document Research.......................................................
2-9
2.11 Step 11: Implement and Integrate Research Conclusions ...................................
2-9
3.0
Process for Evaluating SCM Effectiveness.....................................................................
3-1
4.0
Implementation of the Research Plan..............................................................................
4-1
5.0
References........................................................................................................................5-1
List of Tables
Table 1. Research Program Measurable Goals...........................................................................1-1
Table 2. Annual Cycle of Research Program Proposals............................................................. 2-3
List of Figures
Figure 1. Research Program Process for Identification, Selection and Execution of Projects ... 2-2
List of Appendices
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT-Sponsored Stormwater Research
Appendix B. Project QAPP Template
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List of Acronyms
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
BMP
best management practice
DEMLR
North Carolina Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
DQO
Data quality objectives
FHWA
Federal Highway Administration
GIS
geographic information system
HSP
Highway Stormwater Program
MSA
Master Services Agreement
NCDEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
NCDOT
North Carolina Department of Transportation
NCHRP
National Highway Cooperative Research Program
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
QAPP
Quality Assurance Program Plan
RAC
Research Advisory Committee
RFP
Request for Proposal
SCM
stormwater control measure
SCOR
Subcommittee on Research
SP&R
State Planning and Research Program
STC
Southeast Transportation Consortium
TAA
Technical Assistance Agreement
STORMDATA
Stormwater Research Monitoring Database
TMDL
total maximum daily load
TPF
Transportation Pooled Funds
TRID
Transportation Research International Documentation
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1.0 Introduction
HSP Research Plan
This Research Plan is a requirement of the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Number
NCS000250 (the Permit) Part ILF. NCDOT established the Highway Stormwater Program (HSP)
to develop programs related to permit compliance. The Research Program of the HSP supports
independent scientific research to characterize the quality of stormwater runoff from
transportation infrastructure, evaluate the effectiveness of structural stormwater control measures
(SCM) (also known as best management practices or BMPs), and identify enhancements to
existing practices or new methods to treat stormwater runoff and reduce runoff volume. This
Research Plan describes the Research Program, its objectives and processes, and how those
objectives and processes will be implemented. Table 1 outlines how this Research Plan addresses
the Measurable Goals required in the Permit.
Table 1. Research Program Measurable Goals
rheasurable o,Section
II.F.2.a (1) Description of the Research Program Section 2.0
II.F.2.a (1) Process for requesting funding Section 2.0, Steps 2 and 3
II.F.2.a (2) Process that identifies research needs that will Section 2.0, Step 1
evaluate program improvement areas
II.F.2.b Submission of proposed modifications to the Section 4.0
Research Program for DEMLR's approval
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2.0 Description of Research Program
Under the Research Program, NCDOT initiates and monitors stormwater research as part of a
continuous process improvement approach in developing and implementing stormwater
management. NCDOT contracts with independent universities or research institutions to plan,
implement and analyze research studies on the quality of runoff from NCDOT assets, evaluate
the effectiveness of both well -established and emerging SCMs, and identify avenues for
improved performance.
The results of these research projects have widespread impacts on various program elements of
the NCDOT HSP. Some examples are:
• Updating the NCDOT Stormwater Best Management Practices Toolbox (BMP
Toolbox), NCDOT Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, and the NCDOT
Stormwater Control Inspection & Maintenance Manual guidance documents to
reflect research findings on optimizing SCM performance
• Support science -based policy based on extensive research data for the evaluation of
NCDOT's contribution to the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)
• Evaluating the performance of emerging retrofits or practices to improve the
performance of well -established SCMs
• Modeling highway impacts using the Federal Highway Administration's Stochastic
Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) by enriching the national dataset
with an extensive record of NC data
• Evaluate vegetation management practices to enhance the effectiveness of SCMs
Recent research activities have been performed by universities such as North Carolina State
University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and designated research institutions
such as the United States Geological Survey.
As stated in Part II.F of the NPDES permit, the objectives of the Research Program are as
follows:
Conduct research with faculty and staff at state universities or other designated
institutions that result in independent quantitative assessment of stormwater from
NCDOT permitted activities and/or measure structural BMP effectiveness.
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Conduct research to enhance or improve existing practices or develop new methods
or processes to meet future permit requirements.
Figure 1 shows the process flowchart for identification, selection, and execution of projects as
part of the annual cycle for the Research Program. Table 2 highlights the timeline for the various
activities performed as part of this cycle. Table 3 (at the end of this document) summarizes the
research sponsored by NCDOT in support of the Permit requirements or activities.
Figure 1. Research Program Process for Identification, Selection and Execution of Projects
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Table 2. Annual Cycle of Research Program Proposals for SP&R Funding
Date
July - August
Proposals
NCDOT staff and other stakeholders generate new research ideas
August - September
NCDOT selects from submitted ideas and sends bulk RFP to
universities (excluding university -submitted ideas)
September - October
Researchers prepare preliminary proposals
Researchers submit their own new research ideas along with pre -
proposals
October — November
NCDOT screens pre -proposals
November - December
NCDOT requests researchers for full proposals
December - January
Researchers prepare full proposals
January — February
NCDOT screens full proposals
February - March
NCDOT Research Executive Committee reviews and selects research
projects for funding
March — April
NCDOT advises researchers to prepare project authorization documents
for successful proposals
April - May
Researchers prepare project authorization documents
May - June
NCDOT reviews project authorization documents
June - July
NCDOT signs off on project authorization documents
August
Research projects start
Detailed descriptions and discussion for each step of the process (as shown in Figure 1) are
provided below:
2.1 Step 1: Generate HSP Research Ideas, and Solicit Ideas from Researchers
NCDOT adopts a dual strategy of continually evaluating potential research ideas along with
formal needs assessments. As part of the NCDOT Annual Research Cycle, research ideas are
solicited from department staff, the university community, and the broader public. The Call for
Research Ideas is distributed through the NCDOT News page webpage, NCDOT's Research
Newsletters and through direct contact with university personnel such as principal investigators
and the Chairs of relevant university departments.
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NCDOT also participates in periodic meetings with university researchers, including currently
quarterly meetings with NCSU. In addition to a review of ongoing research, these meetings offer
a chance for the Department to highlight current operational or strategic challenges that could be
addressed by research, or for the researchers to identify promising new research avenues that
NCDOT could support that relate to the NPDES permit goals.
In addition to ideas solicited from the annual research cycle and periodic meetings with
university partners, NCDOT occasionally conducts all -day planning workshops. The workshops
allow participants to evaluate key findings from prior NCDOT-funded research, and identify
needs and goals for the program in the future.
Research ideas are also solicited for the National Cooperative Highway Research Program
(NCHRP) Annual Cycle by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials (AASHTO) Subcommittee on Research (SCOR) from three sources — member DOTS,
chairs of AASHTO committees and subcommittees, and the Federal Highway Administrations
(FHWA) Administrator. NCHRP Research Needs Statements are solicited from July through
September of each year.
Effective July 2018, universities are encouraged to directly submit ideas to NCDOT. To protect
intellectual property, these ideas are not publicly disclosed to other researchers, but are evaluated
similar to other research ideas. XV
2.2 Steps 2: Select Funding Source
Research may be performed under any of four funding sources depending on the research focus
and the anticipated complexity and duration of the project. Those funding sources are as follows:
State Planning and Research Program (SP&R). This program is established through
federal funds under Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 420. The
identification and selection of projects are achieved through the Annual Research
Cycle described in Table 2. Research Needs Statements are submitted to the R&D
Unit for consideration and funding from July to August of each year. HSP-related
ideas are evaluated along with research ideas from other business units supporting
other NCDOT activities, based on their need and benefit to the NCDOT.
Rapid Technical Assistance (TA) Program. The Rapid TA Program funds up to 80
hours of technical support from a designated faculty member that can be performed in
no more than 90 days. Such research projects may include performing a literature
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review or evaluating an existing process for potential improvements. TA projects can
be initiated at any time of the year.
Out -of -cycle funds. These research projects are paid for by the operating funds of an
NCDOT business unit or program such as the HSP, and administered by the Research
and Development (R&D) Unit. This funding route is usually adopted when there is a
specific high -priority project that needs to be implemented in an expedient manner,
rather than waiting for a successful proposal through the competitive annual cycle
process.
National and regional funding mechanisms. There are a variety of national funding
mechanisms available for research projects, including the following:
o NCHRP Annual Cycle
o Transportation Pooled Funds (TPF). TPF funding (hM2://www.pooledfund.org)
allows for collaboration and pooling of resources with other DOTS, with
additional federal funding for the project.
o Southeast Transportation Consortium (STC) Funds. The STC
(www.Itrc.Isu.edu/stc) is composed of DOTS in the Southeastern US and
administered by the Louisiana Transportation Research Center to collaborate on
research and reduce duplication of activities. When a research project is
identified, member states work together to form a technical committee to review
proposals and provide oversight of the project.
2.3 Step 3: Coordinate Ideas with NCDOT R&D Unit
HSP staff work with Research Unit staff to develop Research Needs Statements and prioritize
needs. This initial engagement is critical in understanding both the HSP's needs and particular
constraints such as funding levels for the SP&R research program. The HSP also has access to
the NCDOT librarian who has access to a variety of research reports, transportation related
periodicals and TRB and AASHTO publications and is available to perform literature review to
evaluate the state of practice for the topic in question.
The end product of this engagement is a Research Need Statement that includes a description of
the issue, background information, the goals and objectives of the proposed research, anticipated
benefits and outcomes, anticipated training and implementation requirements, and suggested
researchers. The criteria for a successful Research Needs Statement include an evaluation if the
topic is currently being studied elsewhere at the state or national level, the level of definition of
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the research need and potential applicability of research results, the availability of suitable
Principal Investigator(s), and the willingness of a Department subject matter expert to champion
the project.
2.4 Step 4: Identify Potential Partners
Some research ideas have the potential to be of interest to other organizations in addition to
NCDOT. Where feasible and beneficial, NCDOT may partner on research projects. These
partnerships may occur after the research has been identified or earlier in the research needs
assessment process.
For example, NCDOT collaborated with the Town of Kure Beach to design, install, and study a
dune infiltration system, which addressed stormwater runoff from an NCDOT roadway and a
portion of the town. The project was successful in greatly reducing the number of beach closures
in Kure Beach.
2.5 Step 5: Identify Researchers and Evaluate Ideas
NCDOT generally identifies one or more experienced researchers for the research need based on
their expertise and past performance in conducting similar stormwater research. The sponsoring
NCDOT business unit and potential partners may work with researchers to help define the needs,
specific concerns, or resource availability for implementing the research project.
For ideas that are deemed to have merit, NCDOT requests from principal investigators full
proposals, along with specific comments and suggestions that must be addressed in the final
proposal. Researchers will then develop the proposal including estimated costs based on the
requirements of the funding source.
For the Annual Research Cycle under the SP&R program, university researchers
submit full proposals in January to the R&D Unit for competitive evaluation. The
Research Executive Committee, consisting of staff from multiple business units,
review proposals received in different program areas and evaluate them on criteria
ranging from technical strength, value to the Department, urgency of the research,
etc., using criteria developed by the NCHRP.
For the Rapid TA program, full proposals are submitted to the applicable NCDOT
business unit for approval.
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Proposals for out -of -cycle research with the HSP are in the form of task orders. The
researcher submits a task order with schedule and budget with the funding business
unit.
Proposals for the NCHRP Annual Cycle are evaluated by the SCOR and the
AASHTO Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and forwarded to the SCOR
Secretary, who evaluates priority rankings and available funding. This list is then
forwarded to the AASHTO Board of Directors and approved by a two-thirds vote of
member departments.
For TPF projects, NCDOT, another DOT, or FHWA serves as the lead agency. The
lead agency develops the scope of the project, including estimated costs and duration,
and submits the solicitation to either the local FHWA office or the TPF manager.
Once submitted, the solicitation is posted on the TPF website. Once funding
commitments cover the cost of the project, the TPF Program Manager contacts the
lead agency to initiate the project.
The STC continually issues Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for synthesis projects
based on the needs of its members and availability of funding. Solicitations are
distributed to member DOTs for dissemination.
2.6 Step 7: Approve Research x
Around March of each year, the Research Subcommittee members rank their respective full
proposals based on urgency, need and priority. Technical Subcommittee meetings are held to
discuss the compiled rankings and comments. For those projects for which the members'
evaluation responses do not reveal a consensus, discussion during committee meetings are used
to evaluate the relative merits of the proposals. If necessary, major deficiencies in full proposals
are identified and returned to the submitters for revision. Efforts are made at this time to identify
persons in the Department who may provide an important role as the Steering and
Implementation Committee Chairperson for the individual candidate research projects.
Under the SP&R program, the R&D Unit meets in March of every year to select research
projects, which begin in August of that year. Under the Rapid TA Program, the applicable
NCDOT business unit issues a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) and the project can begin
immediately. Work performed with NCDOT business unit funds are approved on an ongoing
basis and are not subject to the normal research cycle schedule discussed in Table 2. National
and regional programs have their own mechanisms, but approval is generally based on review by
a technical committee.
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2.7 Step 8: Begin Research
To initiate research projects in support of the Permit, NCDOT staff form a Steering and
Implementation Committee, which may include other stakeholders such as staff from FHWA,
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), and other interested agencies
including the person(s) who submitted the original Research Needs Statement. The Chair of the
Steering Committee convenes a kickoff meeting with committee members and the researchers to
ensure open communication regarding the proj ect's goals, schedule, and plan for its
implementation. A work plan with a scope and established deliverables is confirmed with the
researcher. A primary contact for the researcher is identified to establish a line of authority and
to facilitate communication.
The NCDOT HSP Research Program has recently developed a programmatic document called
the Quality Assurance Program Plan to ensure consistent application of quality principles in the
planning, design, and execution of the research projects under the HSP Research Program
(NCDOT, 2013). This was produced as a result of NCDOT's efforts to evaluate different
research studies in a consistent manner for a variety of initiatives. There is also a body of
evidence indicating that documenting the approach and parameters of a research study reduce the
likelihood of implicit bias in experimental design.
At the start of each research project, the researchers are requested (and in the future, will be
required) to provide a Project Quality Assurance Project Plan (P-QAPP) discussing the Data
Quality Objectives (DQO), conformance or proposed variations from the programmatic QAPP,
analytical standards, etc. A P-QAPP template is provided in Appendix B for convenience and
efficiency; however, the researchers are not required to use this template.
2.8 Step 9: Coordinate Research
Within the HSP and projects in support of the Permit, communication with researchers occurs
regularly. Information, assistance, and access to NCDOT resources, materials, and facilities are
provided to the researchers as needed and/or available. Researchers submit quarterly progress
reports discussing project progress during the last quarter, technical issues, findings to date, and
proposed activities during the next quarter. Periodic progress meetings are conducted as often as
required to ensure project progress (often monthly early in the project, with frequency reduced
once the project is in routine monitoring).
As part of the quarterly progress and final reporting, researchers will be required to submit
electronic data in NCDOT-provided Excel templates. The electronic data submissions will
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include appropriate data qualifiers to highlight quality assurance information. NCDOT will
perform a limited review of these spreadsheets along with quarterly reports to identify particular
concerns in the execution of the research projects.
Data from ongoing research projects is also reported by the NCDOT R&D Unit to the TRID
Research In Progress database and is disseminated through newsletters, conferences and other
avenues.
2.9 Step 10: Complete and Document Research
A draft final report for the research project to document findings is prepared by the researcher
and submitted to NCDOT per the contracted schedule. The draft final report undergoes a
thorough review by the Steering and Implementation Committee. The results are also presented
to the Committee in a closeout meeting. Review comments are addressed as appropriate by the
researchers in a final report for the project.
The NCDOT R&D Unit distributes final research reports nationally to the AASHTO RAC,
FHWA officials, the libraries of the U.S. Department of Transportation Library, the John Volpe
Transportation Research Center, Transportation Research Board, and other national
organizations, and are incorporated into the TRID system. NCDOT also encourages researchers
to disseminate the information in the form of conference presentations and journal articles and
provides occasional travel grants for the former.
NCDOT is currently developing an electronic database called the Stormwater Research
Monitoring Database (STORMDATA) to serve as the official data repository for data collected
under the HSP Research Program. As part of this initiative, NCDOT will develop Project Data
Spreadsheets to support compilation of electronic data from research projects.
Starting in FY 2018, researchers will compile both interim (updated quarterly) and final Project
Data Spreadsheets that compile project data electronically. NCDOT is establishing a Data
Review Committee that will review and approve or reject Project Data Spreadsheets. If
approved, the data will be imported into STORMDATA. The Data Review Committee also
determines appropriate data qualifiers for the data prior to import.
2.10 Step 11: Implement and Integrate Research Conclusions
Research project findings are evaluated and incorporated into NCDOT's business processes and
practices as appropriate. Examples of how an NCDOT business unit may incorporate the
findings include modifying design or maintenance practices, implementing the use of new SCMs
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in select locations, and developing improved practices. The findings can be implemented by
disseminating information to the appropriate NCDOT staff members through notifications,
training, or the update of applicable guidance manuals as practicable for the research idea.
Research findings also support and influence the development of other HSP programs. Research
data has been or is currently being used to support a variety of HSP initiatives including forming
the basis for updating the NCDOT's BMP Toolbox of approved SCMs, proposing event mean
concentrations for an NCDOT-specific accounting tool in support of the Jordan and Falls Lakes
nutrient rules, and guiding appropriate policy as part of NCDOT's Post -Construction Stormwater
Program. NCDOT has been working with the universities to standardize data collection to
facilitate comparison of data from a variety of research projects. This effort will help improve
data analysis across multiple studies.
r
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3.0 Process for Evaluating SCM Effectiveness
A central element of NCDOT's Research Program is to evaluate the effectiveness of structural
SCMs, which may involve estimating pollutant loading from highways, assessing pollutant
removal efficiency and volume control potential of SCMs, identifying enhancements to improve
SCM performance, recommending modifications to the BMP Toolbox and the Inspection and
Maintenance Manual and considering the impact of maintenance practices on SCM performance.
The scope of previous research projects have ranged from monitoring existing swales and filter
strips to the design, construction, and monitoring of innovative SCMs such as biofiltration
conveyance measures.
NCDOT recognizes the following advantages of a standardized plan to evaluate SCM
effectiveness across these projects (adapted from Law et al., 2008):
• Documenting performance of existing and new SCMs, and evaluating differences
with national runoff data
• Assessing the ability of design enhancements to improve the performance of SCMs
• Providing a scientific basis for design criteria incorporated into NCDOT's BMP
Toolbox and Inspection and Maintenance Manual
• Allowing for comparison of data and analyses across various research studies
There are, however, several issues associated with standardization in implementing research
projects, especially in the context of linear projects. These include:
Applicability of percent reduction metrics. One common performance metric for
SCMs is related to the difference between influent and effluent concentrations.
However, this metric has been shown to be inadequate when the influent runoff has
low pollutant concentrations (Strecker et al., 2001; NCHRP, 2006). When edge -of -
pavement concentrations are below the irreducible concentrations for the downstream
SCM such as a filter strip or swale, removal efficiencies are negative, which is not
indicative of SCM performance. In general, different performance metrics have to be
evaluated depending on the specifics of the project.
Variability in Storm Characteristics. It is difficult to control and compare variables
such as event duration, antecedent dry period, and distribution of storm events that
affect the estimated loads across several research projects.
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Variability in Site Characteristics. Runoff concentrations and particle size
distributions in the linear environment are necessarily more variable than other
permitted stormwater activities because of the variability in physiographic factors,
traffic volumes, pavement type, land use, and non-NCDOT sources that affect
atmospheric deposition, etc.
Constraints in Highway Environment. Monitoring in the linear environment poses
site -specific constraints, including available right-of-way, highway safety
requirements, slope constraints, etc.
Constraints of SCM design. There are SCM-specific issues that might prevent a
simple quantitative approach (NCHRP, 2006; Center for Watershed Protection, n.d.).
For example, there might be residual effects or storage from a prior stormwater event
that could contribute to a subsequent storm, such as in the case of detention basins or
other SCMs that have a permanent pool (NCHRP, 2006).
In light of the benefits and constraints listed above, NCDOT adopts a flexible approach,
supporting research projects with some common elements, but relying on a collaborative effort
between the researchers and the Steering Committee on a project -specific basis in determining
monitoring protocols and research goals. Some of the common elements of most research
projects include the following: y
• Collection and analysis of analytical data consistent with FHWA guidance (Granato
et al., 2003; Strecker et al., 2001; Young et al., 1995)
• Use of paired site approach or sampling along the treatment train where applicable to
determine treatment effectiveness (Law et al., 2008)
• Use of automatic samplers where appropriate to ensure data quality and consistency
• Use of multiple (typically a minimum of 12-15 and generally a higher number) events
to improve reliability of analyses (Strecker et al., 2001)
• Site selection in multiple physiographic regions (sometimes across multiple projects)
when feasible
• Use of prior monitoring sites in future studies when feasible and desirable to study
temporal changes due to design changes or other factors.
In addition to the common elements discussed above, NCDOT staff also work with the
researchers to ensure that the results of the ongoing research project are amenable to comparison
with historical studies and contribute to enhancing the body of knowledge on the effectiveness of
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various SCMs in the linear environment or during non -road construction projects. Periodic
Research Roundtable sessions are held to discuss the findings of different research projects and
to address issues related to sample collection and monitoring. These sessions allow the
researchers to adopt consistent field and laboratory methods, to the degree possible, to reduce
variations between studies.
When substantial research on the effectiveness of particular SCMs is complete, this scientific
knowledge is used to support updates to the NCDOT BMP Toolbox and the Inspection and
Maintenance Manual.
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4.0 Implementation of the Research Plan
The Research Program has been implemented since the late 1990s, and several of the processes
are already established. Once the NCDEQ approves this Plan, it will be distributed to all business
units at NCDOT that are involved in meeting Permit requirements.
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5.0 References
HSP Research Plan
Center for Watershed Protection, n.d. BMP Performance Monitoring. Environmental Indicator
Profile Sheet No. 25. Accessed January 25, 2001.
http://www.mcet.or /fig/environment/Toolkit/Additional%20Resources/Best%20Manageme
nt%20Practices%2OGeneral/BMP%2OSite%20Indicators.pdf
Granato, G.E., Zenone, C., P.A. Cazenas, 2003. National Highway Runoff Water -Quality Data
and Methodology Synthesis, Volume I — Technical Issues for Monitoring Highway Runoff and
Urban Stormwater. Prepared for the Federal Highway Administration, Report No. FHWA-EP-
03-054. July.
Law, N.L., McNeal, L.F., K. Cappiella, 2008. Monitoring to Demonstrate Environmental
Results: Guidance to Develop Local Stormwater Monitoring Studies Using Six Example Study
Designs. Center for Watershed Protection.
National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), 2006. Evaluation of Best
Management Practices for Highway Runoff Control. Transportation Research Board,
Washington, DC. Report 565. hlt 2:Honlinepubs.trb.or /og nlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp rpt 565.pdf
NCDOT, 2008. Stormwater Best Management Practices Toolbox. Version 1, March.
NCDOT. 2010. Stormwater Control Inspection and Maintenance Manual. Raleigh. NC. North
Carolina Department of Transportation. NCDOT-HSP-2010-01.
NCDOT. 2013. Quality Assurance Project Plan. August.
Strecker, 2001. Guidance Manual for Monitoring Highway Runoff Water Quality. Prepared for
the Federal Highway Administration, Report No. FHWA-EP-0 1 -0 12 1. June.
Young, G.K., Stein, S., Cole, P., Kammer, T., Graziano, F., F. Bank, 1995. Evaluation and
Management of Highway Runoff Water Quality. Prepared for the Federal Highway
Administration, Report No. FHWA-PD-96-032. December.
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Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT-Sponsored Stormwater Research
HSP Research Plan
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
Post -Construction Studies
2017-27
Storm Water Infiltration and
This project investigates if deep-rooted perennial
NCSU-Soil Sci
In progress
✓
Pollinator Habitat Zones Along
planting may provide additional structural support
Highways
for the soil structure to maintain infiltration rates
after tillage. If the research confirms these findings,
these are additionally valuable since the
wildflowers used are supportive habitats for
pollinators.
2016-18
Swale Design Optimization for
This project is conducting controlled evaluations of
NCSU-BAE
In progress
✓
Enhanced Application
key design variables to optimize the design of
swales and bioswales. Initial experiments at NCSU
laboratories apply synthetic rainfall (dosed with
appropriate "pollutants") to multiple pilot -scale
plots. The findings from the pilot testing will then
be attempted to be replicated at two field sites.
2014-19
Assessment of Thermal
This project monitors nine sites in Ashe and
NCSU-BAE
In progress
✓
Pollution Associated with
Mitchell counties to investigate the magnitude of
Riparian Canopy Clearing: Part
stream temperature increase as a result of riparian
II
tree canopy removal. The study monitored streams
of various sizes (drainage area).
2014-18
Investigation of Tillage and
This project investigates the effect of tillage, and
NCSU- Soil Sci
In progress
✓
Soil Amendments to Increase
the longevity of these effects, on infiltration in
Infiltration in Vegetated
vegetated SCMs, and whether soil amendments like
Stormwater Controls
gypsum, compost and cross -linked polyacrylamide
can enhance the benefits of tillage practices. Early
results indicate some amendments like compost
could materially improve infiltration characteristics
of soils.
Notes: P: Pollutant characterization, E: SCM effectiveness, W: Receiving water quality and impacts, EC: Erosion and sediment control; None checked: other type of study
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IIII (2015-2020) Appendix A, Page 1
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-
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued)
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2014-17(A)
Water Quality Benefits
This study investigates the potential water quality
NCSU-BAE
In progress
Associated with Retrofitting
benefits of retrofitting existing swales with either
Swales with Check Dams
rock check dams or wattles filled with phosphorous -
adsorptive media (for enhanced P removal). The
study emphasized key design considerations when
incorporating check dams into vegetated swales.
2014-17(B)
Pathogen reduction using
This study investigates the effectiveness of a
NCSU-BAE,
In progress
bioswales
bioswale with proprietary media to reduce
Coastal Carolina
concentrations of bacteria in Lockswood Folly, NC.
The bioswale was effective in significantly reducing
concentrations of E. coli, fecal coliform and
Enterocci, and can be considered a viable SCM
when bacteria is a parameter of concern.
2013-17
Asset management aided
There has been a lack of research in exploring the
NCSU-Crop Sci
Complete
through vegetation
use of turfgrass species in vegetation management
management/ zoysiagrass along
of North Carolina roadsides. This study examined
NC roadsides
the use of turfgrass species and products in
enhancing roadside vegetative management.
2013-16
Improving Vegetation
NCDOT spends a significant amount of funds on
NCSU-Crop Sci
In progress
Management Practices and Cost
roadside vegetation maintenance. Native warm
Effectiveness on North
season grasses can assist in maintenance of brush
Carolina Roadsides
species, which impede lines of sight and restrict
maintenance of infrastructure. Proposed research
will develop and revise existing NCDOT vegetation
management guidelines.
2011-16
Stormwater Characterization
This is a 2.5-year study looking at the effectiveness
UNCC-CE
In progress
from Roadways with Open
of porous friction courses, specifically OGFC and
UNCC-Geog
Graded Friction Course
Novachip (a bonded wearing course), in treating
(OGFC) Surfaces
stormwater runoff from highways. Monitoring is
currently ongoing at sites in Davidson and
Mecklenburg counties.
Appendix A, page 2
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020)
May 2017

U
Highway
I Stormwater
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued) HSP Research Plan
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2011-35-
Biofiltration Conveyance
BFCs are inspired by natural riverine systems, and
NCSU-BAE
Complete
T05
(BFC) as a Stormwater Control
consist of a series of step pools separated by riffle
Measure
weirs. Smaller storms are treated by infiltration,
while the riffle weirs serve to dissipate energy
during conveyance of larger storms. NCDOT has
completed the design of three new BFC sites in
Brunswick and Alamance counties. Once
constructed, hydrological and water quality will be
monitored.
2011-35-
Carbon Sequestration by SCMs
NCDOT is currently supporting research into the
NCSU-BAE
In progress
TO1
carbon sequestration potential of vegetated
storawater measures. The FHWA has estimated
that grassed areas associated with transportation
infrastructure could sequester about 1.5 million tons
of carbon annually. Soil cores from filter strips and
swales have been collected, and are currently being
analyzed. Sites were selected to determine changes
in soil concentrations with age of the highways to
quantify an annual flux. NCDOT is not aware of
any other DOT that is currently characterizing the
climate change potential of stormwater control
measures.
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020) Appendix A, page 3
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Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued)
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
N/A
Stormwater Runoff From
In response to Session Law 2008-107, NCDOT
NCDOT
Complete
✓
✓
✓
Bridges
conducted a characterization study of the quality
URS
and quantity of bridge deck runoff, and the
NCDENR
effectiveness of treatment SCMs in reducing the
USGS
impacts of this runoff. Sampling was performed at a
NCSU-BAE
variety of bridge sites, including instream and
Kimley-Horn
runoff water quality sampling, bridge deck solids,
Lenat
sediment sampling, and bioassessments upstream
ETS
and downstream of bridge deck sites with either
CTE
direct discharge or discharge after treatment by an
SCM. The study included an analysis of the costs
associated with implementing treatment SCMs for
existing and new bridges over waterways in North
Carolina. The study concluded that impacts from
bridge deck runoff are generally minimal.
N/A
Discharge Analysis
NCDOT is currently evaluating the impacts of
NCDOT
In Progress
✓
✓
highway development on ecological diversity and
stream morphology. The Department is identifying
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
projects associated with roadway segments in the
proximity of streams, and has initiated stream
bioassessments in High Quality watersheds looking
at benthic macroinvertebrates, fish and other habitat
criteria before and after highway construction to
determine the impacts of highway construction on
ecological health. A future goal of this project is to
evaluate the effectiveness of various stormwater
control measures in reducing these impacts on
receiving streams and may be used to support
selection of SCMs in sensitive watersheds. NCDOT
is also performing studies on changes to ephemeral
drainage channel cross-section and profile before
and after a TIP road widening project to identify
hydrological impacts from roadway development
and the effectiveness of current post -construction
practices.
Appendix A, page 4
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020)
May 2017

U
Highway
Stormwater
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued) HSP Research Plan
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2011-12
Monitoring of Prospective
This research project focused on retrofit stormwater
NCSU-BAE
Complete
✓
✓
2009-29
Bridge Deck Runoff BMPs:
SCMs for bridge deck runoff management. Two
Bioretention and Bioswale at
bioretention cells and a swale were constructed in
Mango Creek/I-540
the easement of a bridge deck on I-540 at Mango
Creek in eastern Wake County, NC. One
bioretention cell was sized according to NCDENR
design guidelines, while a second cell was
deliberately undersized by one-half. The study
found that all SCMs were effective at treating
stormwater runoff from the bridge. The undersized
bioretention cell performed more effectively than its
relative size, which indicates that treatment
performance might be asymptotic, and even
undersized SCMs present value for treatment of
stonnwater runoff.
2010-11
Long-term Water Quality
Dune Infiltration Systems (DIS) have been
NCSU-BAE
Complete
✓
✓
✓
2009-22
Performance of a Coastal
implemented at three sites in Kure Beach, NC. The
2006-41
Infiltration System — Kure
goal of this project was to develop a low-cost
2005-29
Beach Dune Infiltration System
solution to reduce beach closures due to fecal
bacteria exceedances at beach outfalls. Stormwater
that used to discharge directly into the ocean was
rerouted through open -bottom chambers installed in
existing dunes, which provided equalization volume
until runoff could be infiltrated. Monitoring results
indicate the DIS systems captured 80-100 % of
stormwater volume, and reduced bacterial
concentrations by as much as 98%.
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020) Appendix A, page 5
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Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued)
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2007-21
Evaluation of Permeable
This study monitored vegetated filter strips and dry
NCSU BAE
Complete
✓
✓
Friction Course, Roadside Filter
swales at two sites and wet swales at two sites on I -
Strips, Dry Swales, and
40 in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Edge -
Wetland Swales for Treatment
of -pavement concentrations were relatively low due
of Highway Stormwater Runoff
to the presence of an open -graded friction course
overlay over the pavement. The researchers
compared the effluent quality to benchmarks
obtained from healthy Piedmont streams, and found
that a well -maintained vegetative conveyance was
able to produce effluent quality consistent with
these benchmarks.
2007-04
Evaluation of Nutrient Loading
Identification of major sources of nutrients in the
UNCC-CE
Complete
✓
✓
Rates and Effectiveness of
highway environment; calculation of annual unit
UNCC-Geog
Roadside Vegetative
area nutrient loading rates; identification of factors
Connectivity for Managing
that contribute to variability in loading rates;
Runoff from Secondary
development of monitoring protocol
Roadways
recommendations; development of a highway
nutrient loading database; monitoring;
recommendations of percent removal efficiency of
grass filters/swales.
2007-03
Platinum and Lead Markers as
The intent of this study was to provide information
NCSU-Env &
Complete
✓
Indicators of Transportation
necessary to characterize the present concentrations
Molec Toxic
Impact
of an emerging transportation related contaminant,
the platinum group metals (PGM), and to provide
background information necessary to explore the
potential uses of these metals as a specific marker
of transportation related contamination that results
from the discharge of road runoff into streams.
Appendix A, page 6
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020)
May 2017

U
Highway
Stormwater
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued) HSP Research Plan
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2006-04
Evaluation of Manufactured
This project involved the monitoring of three
UNCC-CE
Complete
✓
Stormwater Best Management
innovative and proprietary manufactured
L1NCC-Geog
Practices
Stormwater SCMs to assess their utility in treating
Stormwater runoff from NCDOT highway facilities.
The understanding of the effectiveness of
manufactured SCMs provides additional options for
design engineers to meet the regulatory
requirements of the NPDES permit.
2003-19
Evaluation and Implementation
This project involved monitoring of three structural
UNCC-CE
Complete
✓
✓
✓
of BMPs for NCDOT's
BMPs over a period of 3-6 months — a grass filter
UNCC-Geog
Highway and Industrial
strip in Clayton, a filtration Swale in Troy and a
Facilities
grassed shoulder in Charlotte. The grass filter strip
was able to achieve 56-94% Total Suspended Solids
(TSS) concentration reduction and 68-97% TSS
load reduction. The filtration swale, which is a
swale underlain with a short bed of permeable soil
with an underdrain, achieved TSS load reductions
of 56-100% and was effective in treating NH4-N.
The grassed shoulder on W.T. Harris Blvd in
Charlotte achieved median TSS concentration
reductions of 75% and 35%, based on highly
variable influent concentrations. This research
project also developed pump capacity curves for the
operation of stilling basins treating borrow pit
wastewater, to serve as a guide for operator to
adjust pumping rates during high turbidity surges.
2003-17
Development of a GIS-based
Development of statistical relationships between
UNCC-CE
Complete
✓
Methodology to Estimate Non-
pollutant loadings and climate and traffic data.
UNCC-Geog
Point Source Pollutant
Developed relationships are incorporated into a
Loadings from North Carolina
GIS-based methodology by which pollutant
Highways
loadings can be estimated on a highway segment or
watershed basis.
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020) Appendix A, page 7
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Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued)
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2001-14
Assessment and Prediction of
Identification of roadway effects on amphibian
UNC Biology
Complete
✓
✓
the Effects of Highways on
species that might serve as predictors of future
Population Ecological and
sensitivity to habitat fragmentation. One hundred
Genetic Properties of Selected
thirty-four sites were sampled, primarily in the
Faunal Groups
Piedmont region of North Carolina.
2001-13
Assessment of the Impact of
Identification of road runoff contaminants entering
NCSU
Complete
✓
✓
Highway Runoff on the Health
NC streams, development of nonlethal field
Vet Med
of Freshwater Mussels in NC
sampling techniques for assessing the health of
Toxicology
Streams
freshwater mussel populations, and measurement of
Clinical Sci
the potential impact of contaminants in road runoff
Earth Marine
on mussel health.
NC Museum of
Natural Sciences
2001-07
Evaluating BMPs for Treating
Evaluation of structural SCMs for treating runoff
NCSU-WQ
Complete
✓
Stormwater and Wastewater
from 20 sites (highway and industrial). Data
from North Carolina Highways,
elements collected include storm criteria and
Industrial Facilities, and
number to be sampled, borrow pit sampling,
Borrow Pits
monitoring description, QA/QC measures,
covariates (land use characteristics and tracking),
and data analysis.
1999-08
Emissions Reduction Through
Implementation of a comprehensive monitoring
NCSU-CE
Complete
✓
✓
Better Traffic Management: An
program for characterization of North Carolina
Empirical Evaluation Based
highway runoff. The study was part of NCDOT's
Upon On -Road Measurements
effort to comply with NPDES requirements.
1999-06
Sampling and Testing of
This project presents research findings pertaining to
UNCC-Geog.
Complete
✓
✓
Stormwater Runoff from North
the implementation of a comprehensive monitoring
UNCC-CE
Carolina Highways
program for characterization of North Carolina
highway runoff. The effectiveness of vegetative
stormwater control measures (SCMs) was assessed.
A database was established for estimation of
seasonal and annual pollutant loads and event -
mean -concentrations. The study was part of
NCDOT's effort to comply with NPDES
requirements.
Appendix A, page 8
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020)
May 2017

U
Highway
Stormwater
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued) HSP Research Plan
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
TA-2002-01
Industrial Facilities
SCM evaluations at sites in Orange County,
UNCC-CE
Complete
Alexander County, and Wilson County industrial
UNCC-Geog
facilities. Review existing monitoring data and
summarize the impact of the results based on
NPDES program objectives. Comment on site -
specific constraints and parameters with the existing
Stormwater SCMs and monitoring at those
industrial facilities. Provide SCM improvement
recommendations where necessary.
TA-2002-02
NPDES Stormwater Permit
Development of a site -selection methodology for
UNCC-CE
Complete
Highway BMP Site Selection
SCM implementation. Overview of SCM site
UNCC-Geog
selection (permit requirements, schedule,
physiographic region, types of SCMs, resource
limitations, monitoring protocol etc.). Document
methodology for site selection and summarize
hydrologic, hydraulic, and resources available at
sites selected. Coordination of site selection and
evaluation.
Construction -Related Studies ahm
2017-26
Continuing Intensive
This is a three-year monitoring study to aid in
NCSU-BAE
In progress
Monitoring of Nutrient and
determining the effect on both hydrology and water
Material Load in Claridge
quality during the various stages of a road
Nursery Stream "The Canal":
construction project and stream restoration project.
assessing the water quality
Monitoring is ongoing in Wayne County, NC.
impacts & benefits of a stream
restoration in the coastal plain
2015-17
Performance Standards for
Project will determine the factors and
NCSU-BAE
In progress
Straw Mulch Binding Agents
characteristics of straw binding agents and
investigate the failure modes (wind and rain
erosion). Study will also investigate affects binding
agents have on vegetation establishment.
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020) Appendix A, page 9
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Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued)
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2015-16
Evaluation of Flocculants:
Study will include sediment samples collected from
NCSU-Soil Sci
In progress
✓
Optimizing Characteristics and
NCDOT construction sites around the state.
Screening Methods
Samples will be chemically and physically
characterized. Work will determine the best
screening and test on 5 sites were flocculants are
being used.
2014-21
Comparing Low -Cost Methods
Research has shown that the majority of sediment
NCSU-Soil Sci
In progress
✓
to Stabilize Temporary
accumulating in temporary diversion ditches and
Diversions and Ditches
sediment basins originates from the ditches
themselves. Study will evaluate four low-cost ditch
liners for effectiveness and cost.
2014-20
Turbidity Reduction and
In response to EPA requirements for turbidity limits
NCSU-Soil Sci
In progress
✓
Monitoring Research
from construction site runoff, NCDOT has funded
research to compare costs, ease of use, and accuracy
for various sampling and turbidity measurement
methods. Laboratory tests will also investigate the
effect of polyacrylamide (PAM) on mussels present
in receiving waters.
2013-37
Intensive Monitoring of
A 3 year monitoring study to aid in determining the
NCSU-BAE
In progress
✓
✓
Nutrient and Material Load in
effect on both hydrology and water quality during
Claridge Nursery Stream "The
the various stages of a road construction project and
Canal" pre -,during and post
stream restoration project. Monitoring is ongoing in
construction of Highway 70
Wayne County, NC.
Bypass in Wayne County, NC
Appendix A, page 10
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020)
May 2017

U
Highway
Stormwater
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued) HSP Research Plan
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2012-34
Maintenance and
The Multi -Sensor Precipitation Estimate (MPE) tool
UNCC-CE
Complete
Enhancements of the
was developed to support compliance activities
Precipitation Alert and
associated with rainfall events associated with the
Visualization Tool in Support
NCDOT NPDES permit. The internet engine is
of NCDOT's Stormwater
based on using available data from Doppler radar
Quality Monitoring
and in -field rain gauges to estimate rainfall at any
location within NC. The tool notifies registered
users when rainfall events meeting certain criteria
are estimated to have occurred to allow engineers to
inspect erosion and sediment control devices. This
project will development new enhancements to the
existing tool and enable more efficient use of the
tool.
2011-15
Sediment Basin Design Criteria
This project is designed to determine the range of
NCSU-Soil Sci
Complete
for Flocculated Sediment
flocculated sediment characteristics important to
settling and the impact they can have on basin
design. This will provide the information needed to
adjust the basin design to account for changes in
sediment characteristics when it is flocculated.
2011-13
Using RUSLE2 to Determine
This project involved using Revised Universal Soil
NCSU-BAE
Complete
Sediment Basin Size
Loss Equation, Version 2 (RUSLE2) to determine
sediment basin size during construction. The project
included collection of soil and topography data and
monitoring sediment and flow during
preconstruction, mass grading, final grade, and
post -construction. The project's objective was to
understand how to effectively use RUSLE2 for
planning by estimating erosion and delivery on such
sites.
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020) Appendix A, page 11
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Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued)
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2010-15
Field Evaluation of
The objectives of this study are: (1) Evaluate four
NCSU-Soil Sci
Complete
Hydromulches for Water
types of hydromulches for erosion control and
Quality and Vegetation
vegetation establishment under a variety of
Establishment
conditions around North Carolina and (2) Develop a
matrix based on the results to provide guidance for
when and where hydromulching is likely to be a
cost-effective alternative to other mulch materials.
2009-23
Effect of Highway Construction
NCDOT conducted this study during the widening
NCSU-WQ
Complete
on Two Streams in Yancey
of a section of US 19 in Yancey County, NC.
County
Because some of these waters are designated as
trout fisheries, minimizing the impact of highway
construction is critical. This project involved in -situ
monitoring of water quality of two potentially
affected streams during the period of construction.
In -stream measurements included the levels of
turbidity, temperature, conductivity in two
tributaries to the Bald Creek during highway
construction, and dissolved oxygen concentrations
at roughly 2-week intervals coinciding with visits to
the sites for maintenance.
2008-17
Monitoring the Effects of
Documentation of the changes in the water quality
NCSU-BAE
Complete
2007-17
Highway Construction in the
of unnamed tributaries to Sedgefield Lakes
2004-26
Sedgefield Lakes Watershed
(Guilford County, NC) as a result of highway
construction in the watershed. Evaluation of the
monitoring data to determine if changes in water
quality parameters are significant.
2007-02
Stilling Basin Design and
This project was designed to provide an evaluation
NCSU-Soil Sci
Complete
2006-22
Operation for Water Quality
of stilling basin designs and polyacrylamide (PAM)
injection to minimize turbidity in discharged water.
Of particular interest were difficult -to -settle Coastal
Plain sediments containing highly charged clays
(smectite/montmorillonite).
Appendix A, page 12
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020)
May 2017

U
Highway
Stormwater
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued) HSP Research Plan
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2006-17
Evaluating Sediment Capture
The effectiveness of sediment control devices was
NCSU-Soil Sci
Complete
✓
Rates for Different Sediment
studied on a large NCDOT project to determine the
Basin Designs
effects of different designs and conditions. Flow
and sediment content of water exiting six different
traps and basins were measured and the amount of
sediment trapped estimated from periodic surveys.
2010-32
Multi -sensor Precipitation
The Multi -Sensor Precipitation Estimate (MPE) tool
State Climate
Complete
2007-20
Estimates in Support of
was developed to support compliance activities
Office
2005-26
NCDOT's Stormwater Quality
associated with rainfall events associated with the
2010-32
Monitoring
NCDOT NPDES permit. The intemet engine is
based on using available data from Doppler radar
and in -field rain gauges to estimate rainfall at any
location within NC. The tool notifies registered
users when rainfall events meeting certain criteria
are estimated to have occurred to allow engineers to
inspect erosion and sediment control devices.
2005-24
Determination of Lateral
Investigation of whether pits dug for fill -dirt
NCSU BAE
Complete
✓
Effects of Borrow Pits on
extraction ("borrow pits") near wetlands serve as a
Hydrology of Adjacent
long-term drainage "sink" for the wetland, affecting
Wetlands
wetland hydrology in a strip of land adjacent to the
pit.
2005-05
Evaluating Systems to Reduce
Detailed monitoring of erosion and sediment
NCSU-Soil Sci
Complete
✓
Road Improvement Impacts on
control effectiveness under typical and modified
NCSU-BAE
Mountain Streams
systems on road improvement projects adjacent to
mountain streams. Comparison of a variety of
erosion control systems for effectiveness, including
combinations of standard straw, polyacrylamide,
rolled erosion control products, composts, and
manufactured matrix hydromulching. Installation
and evaluation of systems to increase sediment and
turbidity control in standard and modified ditches,
traps and basins.
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020) Appendix A, page 13
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illi
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued)
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
2004-23
Monitoring the Effects of
Documentation of the changes in the water quality
NCSU-BAE
Complete
✓
Highway Construction Over
of Crane Creek and the Little River associated with
Little River and Crane Creek
NCDOT roadway construction. Evaluation of the
monitoring data to determine if changes in water
quality parameters are significant.
2003-17
Development of a GIS-Based
This research aims to develop statistical
UNCC-CE
Complete
✓
✓
Methodology to Estimate
relationships between pollutant loadings and
UNCC-Geog
Stormwater Runoff Pollutant
climate and traffic data. The methodology will be
Loadings from North Carolina
GIS based to superimpose the various effects of the
Highways
roadway to establish the loadings on a segment or
basin basis. The methodology will help identify
Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) on a case -
by -case basis as required in the NPDES
requirements.
2003-04
Minimizing Water Quality
Comparison of erosion control systems for
NCSU-Soil Sci
Complete
✓
✓
Impacts of Road Construction
effectiveness, including combinations of standard
NCSU-BAE
straw, polyacrylamide, rolled erosion control
products, and bonded fiber matrix hydromulching.
Installation and evaluation of systems to increase
sediment and turbidity control in standard and
modified traps and basins. Establish baseline
information on stream water quality and stability in
small watersheds and the current stability of Long
Creek and four tributaries, and measure changes
annually.
2001-05
Measures to Reduce Erosion
Evaluation of polyacrylamides (PAM) for both
NCSU-Soil Sci
Complete
✓
and Turbidity on Construction
erosion and turbidity control for construction sites;
Site Runoff
results indicate that there is no one PAM that is
effective for turbidity reduction on all sediment
sources, but several are promising for many soils.
Other Studies
Appendix A, page 14
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020)
May 2017

NCC'.
way
ormwater
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued) HSP Research Plan
Study Type
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
P
E
W
EC
HWY-0712
GIS Coverages for NC
Development of GIS crossing -point coverage for
UNCC-CE
Complete
Highways and Sensitive Waters
NCDOT-maintained highways and sensitive waters.
UNCC-Geog
Crossing points generated by GIS methodology at
the intersection of roadway segments and sensitive
waters can be employed to identify locations or
highway segments where potential outfalls exits.
2006-23
Monitoring, Prioritization and
Prioritization of all 8 Dare County NCDOT outfalls
UNC Institute of
Complete
✓
✓
Assessment of Ocean Outfalls
by monitoring existing microbial indicators, flow,
Marine Sciences
of Stormwater in Dare County,
and rainfall data. In addition, comprehensive
UNC Coastal
North Carolina
monitoring of Dare County ocean outfalls to capture
Studies Institute
seasonal/temporal variations and to assess
fluctuations in loading of indicator bacteria and
potential explanations for different sources of fecal
contamination introduced at the coast through
stormwater.
TA-2004-06
Estimation of the Economic
Estimation of potential economic impacts of posted
NCSU- Forestry
Complete
Impacts of Beach Pollution
beach health warnings resulting from stormwater
Warnings and Recommended
runoff pollution. Identification of potential
Mitigation Methods for Nags
mitigation measures that could result in pollution
Head, NC
abatement.
TA-2004-05
Procedures for Integrating GIS
Estimation of runoff for the south Nags Head basin
NCSU- Forestry
Complete
Data into the TR-55 Hydrology
using Nags Head GIS data from Project 2004-04.
Model to Model Surface Water
The data gathered and created using GIS were
Runoff for Nags Head, NC
integrated into the TR-55 hydrology model to
estimate the amount of runoff that may occur during
different storm events. Watershed Modeling System
7.0 was used to estimate the time of concentration
and peak discharge.
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020) Appendix A, page 15
May 2017

HSP Research Plan
� 11: 7c-�n o-
-
Appendix A. Summary of NCDOT Sponsored Research (Continued)
ID
Title
Summary
Institution
Status
Study Type
P
E
W
EC
TA-2004-04
Procedures for Creating GIS
Identification and mapping of the watersheds and
NCSU- Forestry
Complete
Data for Use in the Assessment
major land use/cover types within the Town of
of Watersheds and Runoff on
Nags Head by using GIS. Future studies will
Nags Head, NC
incorporate the watershed boundaries and land
use/cover information to identify sources of
different pollutants.
I
ay
I 1
Appendix A, page 16 Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IV (2015-2020)
May 2017

Highway
Stormwater
Appendix B. Project QAPP Template
HSP Research Plan
All research projects are required to establish Data Quality Objectives during project initiation,
to be presented at the project kickoff meeting or shortly after that, prior to initiation of any
activities under the project. Refer to the HSP Research Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
(P-QAPP) for additional information.
Discuss why the project is necessary, proposed schedule and budget, and resources needed,
or attach a copy of the latest version of the proposal and highlight any modifications
proposed to that document.
Goals
Identify specific study questions to meet the project's objectives (P-QAPP Section 5.1).
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IIII (2015-2020) Appendix B, Page 1
May 2017

NCCT
Highway
HSP Research Plan Appendix B. QAPP Template
u
Appendix B, page 2 Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IIII (2015-2020)
May 2017

Highway
Stormwater
Appendix B. QAPP Template HSP Research Plan
3. Boundaries of the Study
Discuss spatial and temporal coverage, and scope of the investigation (P-QAPP Section 5.2).
4A. Field Sampling Methods
W L
Include types of samples that will be collected, and indicate any deviations from the holding
times or preservation methods specified in P-QAPP Section 6, or include these for any
analytes not listed there.
4B. Safety Considerations
Please list proposed safety protocols and any specific safety considerations for the project
(P-QAPP Section 4.2).
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IIII (2015-2020) Appendix B, page 3
May 2017

r:cco-
Highway
HSP Research Plan Appendix B. QAPP Template '..k
5A. Parameters of Concern
Identify parameters of concern in the study (P-QAPP Section 5.3), proposed analytical
method, and analytical limits (P-QAPP Section 6). [Use insert rows to add additional POCs].
Matrix Parameter of Analytical Method Reporting Limit
Concern
(e.g. Water)
Appendix B, page 4 Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IIII (2015-2020)
May 2017

NCCT
Highway
Appendix B. QAPP Template HSP Research Plan
16. Data Evaluation Methods
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IIII (2015-2020) Appendix B, page 5
May 2017

NGDOT
HSP Research Plan Appendix B. QAPP Template F�--,
Include the proposed approach to developing statistically valid conclusions based on
available data (P-QAPP Section 11.0) and proposed confidence intervals.
7. Quality Control Measures
Measure
Frequency
Field blanks
Method blanks
Field duplicates
Laboratory duplicates
Matrix Spikes
7. Quality Performance Standards
Metric
Performance Goal
Precision (C < 20*MDL)
(list general baseline and analytes with different
precision)
%
Precision (C>20*MDL)
(list general baseline and analytes with different
precision)
%
Appendix B, page 6 Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IIII (2015-2020)
May 2017

HMO -
Highway
Appendix B. QAPP Template HSP Research Plan
Matrix recovery %
(list general baseline and analytes with different
precision)
J
Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IIII (2015-2020) Appendix B, page 7
May 2017

h�CJ-
Highway
HSP Research Plan Appendix B. QAPP Template'"
Discuss the strategy for dissemination of study results at the conclusion of the projection (P
QAPP Section 12).
10. Variances
Discuss any other proposed variances from the requirements of the P-QAPP.
Appendix B, page 8 Highway Stormwater Program Research Plan - Term IIII (2015-2020)
May 2017