Research and analysis

The long term monitoring of pollution from highways runoff

Report to assess the impact of highway runoff on receiving waters in order to assist in the future design of highway drainage systems.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 25 June 2005

Documents

The Long Term Monitoring of Pollution from Highways Runoff

Ref: LIT 2243

PDF, 87.9 KB, 2 pages

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Details

Highway surface runoff discharges may contain pollutants that have accumulated on the carriageway, particularly following periods of dry weather. These pollutants can then be transported via the surface water drainage system to discharge to ground or receiving watercourses.

Previous studies have demonstrated that highway runoff affects the quality of waters and sediments. Increased concentrations of metals, hydrocarbons and anions are associated with changes in the structure and functioning of biological communities.

Published 25 June 2005