11.30. Risk, Compliance Issues, and Management Examples for Highway-Generated Waste - Oregon DOT

11.30. Risk, Compliance Issues, and Management Examples for Highway-Generated Waste - Oregon DOT

Table 29: Risk, Compliance Issues, and Management Examples for Highway-Generated Waste - Oregon DOT

Waste / Toxicity/Risk / Compliance issues / Management Examples
Vactor Waste • Catchment Cleanout • Sediment Ponds • Bridge Culverts / High (in urban areas). Typically the most contaminated roadwaste. Hydrocarbons and metals are common. Historical pollutants can be present. Low to High Depending on factors such as ADT, land-use, maintenance schedules, etc. Low (if content of silt or fine soils is low). / Vactor waste must be separated into liquids and solids prior to disposal. Each waste must be disposed of separately. Many waste disposal rules apply. ODOT Environmental and DEQ can offer guidance. Even free of toxins, litter, and trash, vactor waste requires proper placing and erosion control. / • Develop alternative disposal options such as bioremediation or composting. • Pursue alternative decanting techniques (retrofit sewerage manholes for liquid field disposal, treat vactor slurries with flocculent, etc.). • Partner with other agencies and share waste disposal facilities. • Construct ODOT decant facilities that separate vactor waste into liquids and solids. Landfill solids and dispose liquids to sewer.
Sweepings • Winter Sand / Low to High
Litter and sharps will be obvious. Hydrocarbons and metals are a concern. Urban sweepings usually test high in toxin levels. Low (with quick pick up). Less time on roadway reduces litter and toxins. / Similar to vactor solids in risk and environmental concerns. Testing may be needed to determine toxin levels. Litter and trash must be disposed of at permitted waste facilities. / • Test, characterize, and sort for reuse. • Develop re-use options: compost, shoulder repair, fill, concrete, etc. (remove trash by screening). • Develop and permit disposal sites (partnering). • Thermal treatment (incinerator). • Landfill.
Ditching Spoils / Low to Medium Generally risk is low but urban ditchings have tested positive for toxins (hydrocarbons, metals, historical pollutants, chemical dumping, etc). / Storage sites must be suitable (protect wetlands and streams). Clean soil is a pollutant if it is not contained (erosion control). / • Use as fill material in appropriate locations. • Partner in give-away programs if material is suitable (agriculture, construction, etc.). • Develop and permit disposal sites.
Landscape Cuttings / Low Nitrogen, bacteria, and other pollutants associated with the break down of organic material can be considered toxic pollutants. / Landscape debris must be disposed at permitted facilities. Composting is allowed but may require a permit. Odor, vector control, and public perception are concerns. / • Keep landscape debris separate from other waste and dispose appropriately. • Composting. • Burning (only allowed at limited locations). • Chipping/Mulching.
Construction Soils and Slide Debris / Low Toxins can sometimes be a concern (fuel spills, septic waste, excessive vegetation, etc.) / Similar to Ditching Spoils in risks and concerns. Storage sites must be suitable. Material must be contained. / • Use as fill or construction material if appropriate (rock fall or sound berms, general fill, etc.). • Develop give-away programs with partners. • Develop and permit disposal sites.