DOI

10.5703/1288284313229

Abstract

The objectives of this research were - 1. To assess the department’s progress at selected facilities toward minimizing, reducing, recycling, reusing, reclaiming and eliminating by-products of operations classified as hazardous, solid or special waste. The department’s progress toward modifying or eliminating (such as by contracting) operations or its use of alternate products to reduce potential environmental liability and associated costs will be examined, 2. To observe and analyze selected operations at a sample of facilities visited during the first study [March 1990 – November 1992] to identify where additional strengthening is needed. Additional facilities recommended by the department will also be visited. The work plan for objective 1., above, entailed - 1. the conduct of full-day site visits at facilities, as described; 2. an examination of selected operations included in the earlier study; 3. a determination as to progress made replacing hazardous chemical products with less and non-hazardous products in each operational area examined and an examination of the costs/benefits of materials substitution strategy, 4. an identification of the costs/benefits of contracting various operations to reduce the department’s environmental liability, including recycling light bulbs, paper, cardboard, batteries, etc. The work plan for objective 2., above, included - 1. the conduct of site visits at facilities visited in the earlier study and others recommended according to the existence and severity of various environmental problems, 2. the identification of operational areas where additional strengthening is needed The results of the study reveal significant, positive changes in the department since the first, 1990 study regarding: (1) recognition of the potential impacts various of its operations have on the environment; (2) the management and supervision of its operations to reduce potential impacts, and (3) its overall compliance with federal and state environmental regulations. The results also show that the department has increased its awareness of the benefits of contracting for selected operations, both maintenance (e.g., highway striping, vegetation control) and support (e.g., recycling) to further reduce its environmental liability

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2000/29

Keywords

environmental management, environmental compliance, stormwater control, road salt storage, motor vehicle fluid release control, transportation facility decommissioning, state agency contracting, SPR-2341

SPR Number

2341

Project Number

C-36-67AAA

File Number

9-10-52

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, IN

Date of this Version

2001

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