Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
I. Title Page
Title:
Subtheme this proposal is
responding to
Principal Investigator and
Receiving Institution
Co-Principal Investigator
Co-Principal Investigator
Co-Principal Investigator
Grants Contact Person
Funding requested:
Total cost share (value of
Evaluation of alternative abrasives and snow plowing practices and
road sweeping/vacuuming as source control BMPs for load
reduction of fine sediment particles and phosphorus in urban
roadway stormwater
2b: Quantifying the benefits of urban stormwater management
Hyun-Min Hwang
UC Davis
Civil and Environmental Engineering
One Shields Ave.
Phone: 530-752-1755, Fax: 530-752-7872
Email: hmhwang@ucdavis.edu
Russell Wigart
El Dorado County Department of Transportation
924 B Emerald Bay Rd.
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Phone: 530-573-7924, Fax: 530-541-7049
Email: Russell.Wigart@edcgov.us
Raphael Townsend
UC Davis
Tahoe Environmental Research Center
291 County Club Drive
Incline Village, NV 89451
Phone: 530-386-2454, Fax: 775-832-1637
Email: raph_townsend@yahoo.com
Alan Heyvaert
Desert Research Institute
2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89512
Phone: 775-673-7322, Fax: 775-673-7363
Email: alan.heyvaert@dri.edu
Kathleen Nolan
UC Davis
Office of Research, Sponsored Programs
1850 Research Park Drive, Suite 300
Davis, CA 95618
Phone: 530-754-8323
Email: knolan@ucdavis.edu
$ 277,251
financial and in-kind
contributions):
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
II. Proposal Narrative
a. Project abstract
This proposed research will evaluate the effectiveness of alternative abrasives, road sweeping and
vacuuming, and snow plows with rubber blades as BMP strategies for load reductions of fine sediment
particles and associated phosphorus. Time series sampling will improve the understanding of what factors
(e.g., season, hydrograph, road maintenance) control the size distribution, turbidity, mobility, and source
profiles of fine sediment particles and associated phosphorus in urban roadway stormwater runoff. This
research will use paired site comparisons to identify source profiles of fine sediment particles and
phosphorus in urban roadway runoff. It is expected that a significant load reduction can be achieved by
utilizing better quality crush-resistant abrasives for road maintenance. Road vacuuming combined with
sweeping is expected to further remove fine sediment particles generated from abrasion by tires, road
surface wear, and atmospheric deposition. If rubber blades are proved to be effective in reducing fine
sediment particle generation during winter road maintenance activities, then recommendations can be
made to replace steel blade snow plows with rubber blade snow plows to mitigate the water quality
degradation. The results of this study can improve our understanding on the sources and mobility of fine
sediment particles in urban roadway runoff that will eventually help the development and implementation
of management plans such as source control and treatment control BMPs designed to target different
sources.
b. Justification statement: explain the relationship between the proposal and the subtheme(s)
Disturbance within the Lake Tahoe Basin increased rapidly in the late 1950s primarily due to extensive
road network located mainly in the lower reaches of the watershed that boosted urban development and
traffic activities (LRWQCB & NDEP, 2009). More than 50% of Lake Tahoe’s clarity loss can be
attributed to fine sediment particles (< 16 µm) that are generated by various sources (LRWQCB & NDEP,
2009), including anthropogenic sources such as traction sands and pavements. LRWQCB & NDEP
(2009) estimated that 72% of the < 16-micron sediment load to Lake Tahoe is mostly carried by
stormwater runoff from the urban upland and stresses the importance of urban stormwater management.
One of the critical prerequisites for efficient urban stormwater management is improved understanding of
the factors that control generation and mobilization of fine sediment particles and phosphorus during the
winter road maintenance season, in order to develop more efficient and cost-effective load reduction plans
and BMP designs.
This proposed study will evaluate the effectiveness of alternative abrasives, road sweeping and
vacuuming, and the use of snow plows with rubber blades to serve as BMP strategies to reduce the
generation and transport of fine sediment particles and associated phosphorus. This study will also
address questions about how the two most commonly used sampling techniques (grab sampling and
automated mechanical sampling) are different in collecting sediment particles and how these techniques
affect measurements of some parameters such as particle numbers, mass, and turbidity. This sampling
technique comparison will help better interpret data obtained previously and in the future. Time series
measurement of particle numbers, mass, turbidity, phosphorus, and chemical markers will provide
information about the factors (e.g., road maintenance, hydrograph) that control the generation and
mobility of fine sediment particles and source profile changes that can be used to develop cost-effective
BMP designs. If the vast majority of particles are washed off during the initial phase of runoff, then later
phase runoff can be directed to alternate sites without extensive treatments, which would help mitigate the
need for installation of new structural BMPs and perhaps reduce maintenance costs. The results of this
study will provide very important information on how fine sediment particle and phosphorus loadings can
be controlled efficiently and cost-effectively, which is one of the major concerns for agencies responsible
for achieving the clarity goal in a timely manner.
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
c. Concise background and problem statement
LRWQCB and NDEP (2009) recommended 34% of reduction of the fine sediment particles from urban
upland to achieve the clarity challenge. Stormwater runoff from urban roadways is the largest contributor
of fine sediment particles to the lake. In many cases, fine sediment particles in roadway runoff could be
more easily controlled through practically feasible management plans than through extensive
management of stream and hill slope erosion. One of the critical prerequisites to achieve the fine sediment
particle reduction goal is accurate understanding on the processes that generate particles and their
resulting mobility and source profiles in stormwater runoff.
For general winter road maintenance, abrasives such as sand are placed on roadways and shoulders during
and after snow events to provide safer driving conditions. El Dorado County has utilized volcanic cinders
as abrasives. Application of abrasives can contribute to the increase of fine sediment particles through
primary and secondary road inputs. Typically, particle sizes of abrasives cover a range of classes
including particles smaller than 63 µm and 20 µm that directly contribute to fine sediment particles found
in roadway runoff. Currently the Nevada State Purchasing Division allows that abrasives can contain
particles smaller than 300 µm up to 20% (Nevada, 2007) and the State of California allows particles
passing 300 µm sieve up to between 20% and 30% (California, 2007). The El Dorado County
specification for road cinders is 100% passing the 3/8” sieve and no more than 5% passing 63 µm.
Previous measurement of grain size distribution for a single sample collected in 2008 indicated that the
volcanic cinders used in the El Dorado County contained 19% of particles smaller 300 µm, 6% smaller
than 63 µm, and 2.4% smaller than 20 µm (EDOT, 2010). Therefore, use of abrasives with prescreening
can remove about 5% of mass as particles smaller than 63 µm, which may help facilitate the achievement
of fine sediment particle reduction goal. Vehicle tires, especially snow-chained tires, can crush bigger
particles into smaller particles that can indirectly increase the amount of fine sediment particles carried by
roadway runoff. If abrasives that are more resistant to break-down are applied, then this indirect input of
fine sediment particles can be also reduced. However, no actual road tests have investigated the benefits
of alternative abrasives. Previous EDOT study indicates that sweeping may not be operated with
appropriate timing due to some factors like weather conditions. Also sweepers may not remove fine
sediment particles well, especially when the road surface is wet. Combination of sweeping and
vacuuming may improve fine sediment particle removal, but no studies have investigated the
effectiveness of a combination of these two methods.
It is known that snow plows with steel blade can damage road surfaces. However, no studies have
investigate the generation of fine sediment particles during snow plowing. One recent study (Hwang et
al., unpublished data) observed that pavement wear accounted for almost all organic solvent soluble
components in highway snowmelt runoff and it implies that road surface wear may contribute more than
20% of the fine sediment particles (Figure 1 in section V). During winter season, pavement damage can
occur through snow plowing and traffic with snow-chains (Figure 2 in section V). Practically it is very
difficult to ban the use of snow-chains, but snow plowing operation can be changed relatively easily to
reduce the road surface wear. Polymerized rubber blades have been used for snow/ice control in other
areas but have not been tested in the Tahoe Basin. Comparison of particle generation potential between
steel blade and polymerized rubber blade will evaluate whether conventional snow plowing practice in the
Tahoe Basin can be improved.
It is not clear how the two most commonly used sampling techniques (grab sampling and automated
mechanical sampling) are different in collecting particles and how these methods affect sample
measurement for some parameters such as particle number and turbidity. It is known that automated
mechanical samplers are not efficient in collecting bigger particles, however, it is not likely to cause
significant differences in turbidity or mass of fine sediment particles. Another issues related to automated
sampling techniques is that time gap between collection and measurement can affect fine sediment
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
particle numbers and mass and turbidity due to probable coagulation. Time series grab samples can solve
these problems, however, due to some issues like weather and safety, time series grab sampling cannot
adopted routinely. In the case of grab sampling, particle number and turbidity can be measured readily
using portable analyzers on site but single grab sample may not represent event mean concentration.
Time-series study will allow comparison of these two sampling techniques that will provide additional
valuable datasets that will help regulatory agencies, scientists, and engineers better interpret runoff related
data obtained previously and in the future. Due to limited datasets on detailed mobility, source profiles,
and loadings of fine sediment particles in roadway runoff, it is difficult to design more cost-effective
BMPs. Time series measurement of particle numbers, mass, turbidity, and chemical markers will provide
information what factors (e.g., road maintenance, hydrograph) control the generation, mobility, and
source profiles of fine sediment particles that can lead to the development of more cost-effective BMPs. If
the vast majority of particles are washed off during the initial phase of runoff, then later phase runoff can
be directed to alternate sites without extensive treatments, which would help mitigate the need for
installation of new structural BMPs and perhaps reduce maintenance costs.
Fine sediment particles and phosphorus in roadway runoff come from many different sources. Some
studies have investigated loadings of fine sediment particles and phosphorus in runoff from roads
(LRWQCB and NDEP, 2009). However, only now is data becoming available regarding major sources of
fine sediment particles and phosphorus in runoff from both primary and secondary roads (e.g. existing
SNPLMA proposal to Thomas et al. for fine sediment particle fingerprinting) and this ongoing study does
not measure organic markers unique to each source. Each source material has its own unique single
organic chemical compound and/or classes of compounds that could be used for more robust
fingerprinting and source apportionment. For example, patterns of alkanes and unresolved complex
mixtures can be used as excellent markers for asphalt pavement binder as shown in Figure 1.
Benzothiazol, strontium isotope, and phenolic lignin compounds can be used as markers for tires, traction
sand, and plant materials, respectively. Analysis of fingerprinting markers in different size classes of
particles (e.g., total, < 63 µm, and < 20 µm) will shed additional light on source profile of fine sediment
particles and phosphorus and factors that control their generation, which will complement the ongoing
SNPLMA fingerprinting study of Thomas et al. focused on highway fine sediment particles (<20 µm)
using inorganic constituents (e.g., elements) only.
d. Goals, objectives, and hypotheses to be tested
Ultimate goal of this study is to evaluate alternative winter road maintenance options that may reduce the
generation and transport of fine sediment particles and associated phosphorus in urban roadway runoff.
The supporting information from this study can be used to design more efficient and cost-effective
management plans such as source control and treatment control BMPs required to achieve basin wide fine
sediment particle and nutrient load reduction goal.
The specific objectives are to
a. Evaluate the usefulness of alternative abrasive as a source control BMP to reduce the loadings of fine
sediment particles and associated phosphorus,
b. Evaluate the effectiveness of sweeping and vacuuming in removal of fine sediment particles from
roads,
c. Evaluate the effectiveness of snow plowing with rubber blades in diminishing the generation of fine
sediment particles from road wear.
d. Investigate time series changes of fine sediment particle concentrations within each runoff event to
determine whether entire roadway runoff needs to be treated or only a certain portion of runoff can be
treated, and
e. Identify source profiles of fine sediment particles and phosphorus and characterize their loadings in
urban roadway runoff in terms of particle numbers, mass and turbidity.
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
Some hypotheses to be tested are
a. Use of Washoe Septic Sand will significantly reduce the loadings of fine sediment particles and
associated phosphorus.
b. Sweeping combined with vacuuming will significantly increase the removal of fine sediment particles
from the roads compared to the removal by sweeping only.
c. Snow plowing with rubber blades will diminish road surface wear that will reduce fine sediment
particle loadings more than 20%.
d. More than 50% of fine sediment particles are originated from abrasives and road surface wear.
e. Detour of the second half of each stormwater runoff to alternate sites without extensive treatments
will not significantly increase the input of fine sediment particles and associated phosphorus to Lake
Tahoe.
e. Approach, methodology and location of research
Task 1 Evaluation of alternative abrasive, road sweeping/vacuuming, and snow plows with rubber
blades as a source control BMP
Though fine sediment particles smaller than 16 µm is of more concern for Lake Tahoe’s clarity loss, there
are no feasible techniques that can separate them from larger particles in stormwater runoff samples for
chemical analysis and direct measurement of their mass. One of the sieve mesh sizes that closest to 16 um
is 20 um so for the present study particle mass and chemical marker concentrations will be reported for
fine sediment particles smaller than 20 um, instead of 16um. This shift in particle size cut will not
produce significant differences because the total numbers and mass of particle between these two size
cuts typically are less than 5% as observed by Shift et al. (2006) and in our ongoing highway runoff
monitoring study (unpublished data).
Task 1.1 Site selection and equipment installation: Runoff sampling sites for this task will be two sites on
a primary road within the County of El Dorado. Sampling sites will be finalized at a kickoff meeting with
agency representatives. Autosamplers, flow meters, and other required equipment will be installed and
tested prior to sampling.
Task 1.2 Abrasive application: New (Washoe Septic Sand) and current use (volcanic cinders) abrasives
will be tested to evaluate the benefits of using Washoe Septic Sand. El Dorado County Department of
Transportation will apply Washoe Septic Sand and volcanic cinders at a rate of 2 tons per lane mile
following a schedule summarized in Table 1. For each snow event, only one type of abrasive will be
applied to both sites 1 and 2.
Task 1.3 Road surface wash-off simulation for RAM (Rapid Assessment Methodology): To investigate the
effectiveness of road sweeping and vacuuming, road surface wash-off simulation will be performed prior
to sweeping summarized in Table 1. Simulation will be performed at 10 different points at both sites 1
and 2 using a portable wash-off simulator (Figure 3 in section V), which is designed for RAM (Rapid
Assessment Methodology). Collected samples will be measured for turbidity on site. Particle size
distribution will be also measured on site, pending availability of a UCD portable particle size analyzer
that needs to be shared with other ongoing and future projects. Collected samples will be transported on
ice to the laboratory immediately for additional measurement such as particle size distribution and sizeresolved particle mass and associated elements. Organic fingerprinting markers listed in Task 2.5 will be
also measured if the remaining particle mass is enough.
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
Task 1.4 Road sweeping and vacuuming: After application of abrasives to the road section, sites 1 and 2
will be swept and vacuumed as summarized in Table 1. Stormwater runoff samples will be collected
using automated mechanical sampling and/or grab sampling techniques from both sites as summarized in
Table 1. Samples from autosamplers will be measured for turbidity using a portable turbidometer on site
at the end of the sampling of each event. Particle size distribution will be also measured on site if a
portable particle size analyzer is available. Samples will not be sieved for the measurement of particle
numbers. One autosampler can collect up to 22 of 1 L samples. Typically fine sediment particle mass in 1
L of roadway runoff is enough for elements but not enough for organic markers and thus samples will be
combined into at least three groups (hydrographic rise, peak, and fall) to reduce uncertainties in chemical
analysis. Combined samples will be sieved to separate particles into three size fractions (total, < 63 µm,
and < 20 µm). Grab samples will be sieved on site into three size fractions. Turbidity will be measured
immediately after the sieving for all three fractions. Additional grab samples will be collected at some
secondary road sites to compare sources and loadings between primary and secondary roads. All collected
samples will be transported on ice to the laboratory for additional measurements. The results of this
paired site comparison study will evaluate the usefulness of sweeping and vacuuming in removal of fine
sediment particles from roads.
Task 1.5 Snow plowings with steel blade and rubber blade: Snow plows equipped with steel blade and
commercially available rubber (and/or polyurethane) blade will be tested to investigate whether rubber
blade can help reduce the damage of the pavement surface. Rubber (and/or polyurethane) blades will be
donated from commercial vendors. Snow plowing schedule is summarized in Table 1. The results from
Task 1.4 will be also used for this task. Chemical fingerprinting results will provide clues on relative
contribution of fine sediment particles from asphalt binder and aggregates.
Table 1. Overall schedule for sampling and road maintenance
Runoff sampling
Task 1.2
Site 1
Site 2
Sites 1 & 2
Sites1 & 2
Task 1.4
Site 1
Site 2
Task 1.5
Sites 1 & 2
Snow 1
Auto Auto/Grab Time Series Grab
WSS
S
NS
Rubber
Snow 2
Auto Auto/Grab
WSS
S+V
S
Rubber
Snow 3
Auto Auto/Grab
WSS
S
NS
Rubber
Snow 4
Auto Auto/Grab Time Series Grab
WSS
S+V
S
Rubber
Snow 5
Auto Auto/Grab
VC
S
NS
Steel
Snow 6
Auto Auto/Grab Time Series Grab
VC
S+V
S
Steel
Snow 7
Auto Auto/Grab Time Series Grab
VC
S
NS
Steel
Snow 8
Auto Auto/Grab
VC
S+V
S
Steel
Rain 1
Auto Auto/Grab Time Series Grab
S
NS
Rain 2
Auto Auto/Grab Time Series Grab
S+V
S
Rain 3
Auto Auto/Grab
Auto: automated sampling, Auto/Grab: automated or grab sampling, WSS: Washoe Septic Sand,
VC: volcanic cinder, S: sweeping, NS: no sweeping, S + V: sweeping plus vacuuming,
Rubber: snow plowing with rubber blades, Steel: snow plowing with steel blades
Task 1.6 Times series runoff sampling: While collecting runoff samples using autosamplers, time series
grab samples will be collected for up to 2 rainstorm events and 4 snowmelt events at the two primary road
sites. In the case of rainstorm events, sampling will target rains while snows are still on surrounding
areas. It is expected that the results of this time series study will help decide whether it is required to treat
whole runoff or only a portion (e.g., first flush) of it. This information can be used to implement more
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
cost-effective treatment BMPs. Time series runoff samples will be measured for temporal changes of
particle numbers, particle mass (total, <63 µm, and <20 µm), turbidity, and sources of particles and
phosphorus.
Task 1.7 Comparison of grab sampling and automated mechanical sampling: Simultaneous grab
sampling and automated mechanical sampling will provide opportunities to investigate how these two
most commonly used sampling techniques are different in collecting particles and how these affect
measurement of some parameters such as particle numbers, mass, and turbidity. The results of the present
study will further improve understanding on the effects of sampling techniques on some parameters such
as particle size distribution, particle numbers, and turbidity. The results of the current study will also
complement the ongoing SNPLMA Round 10 Science Project (Heyvaert et al., 2009).
Task 2. Sample analysis and source apportionment
Task 2.1 Source sample collection: Source sample analysis is prerequisite for robust source
apportionment, so all possible sources will be collected and analyzed for chemical markers. Typical
source samples of fine sediment particles in urban roadway runoff include winter time traction sand,
pavement wear, atmospheric deposition, soils from unpaved areas and lawns, tire wear, vehicle exhaust,
and degraded or ground plant materials. Typical sources of phosphorus in urban roadway runoff include
artificial and organic fertilizers, atmospheric deposition, degraded and/or ground plant materials, leaked
engine oils, window cleaning agent, and soils from unpaved areas and lawns.
Task 2.2 Sample analyses: Samples will be processed and measured for target constituents at UCD
laboratories. Target analytes include fine sediment particle numbers, turbidity, particle mass, elements,
strontium (Sr) isotopes, total particulate phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, phosphate, alkanes,
hopanes, unresolved complex mixtures, benzothiazol, and phenolic lignin compounds. Particle size
distribution and particle numbers will be measured in the laboratory. They will be also measured on site,
pending availability of a portable particle size measurement device that needs to be shared with other
ongoing and future projects. Turbidity of bulk and sieved samples will be measured on site using a
portable turbidometer and again upon arrival at the laboratory. Particle mass will be measured in both
unsieved (for total) and sieved particle fractions (< 63 µm and < 20 µm). Chemical markers will be also
measured using various analytical instruments. Elements and phosphorus in dissolved and size-resolved
particles (total, < 63 µm, and < 20 µm) will be acid digested and quantified using an ICP-MS. For organic
fingerprinting markers, size-resolved samples will be extracted with organic solvents such as pentane,
dichloromethane, and acetone. The extracts then cleaned up with Si/Al column chromatography to
remove interfering compounds and quantified using GC-MS. All chemical analytical procedures are
identical or similar to EPA methods. QA/QC procedures will be followed for robust and reliable datasets.
Task 2.3 Source apportionment of fine sediment particles and phosphorus
Using chemical fingerprinting marker data of source samples, source apportionment equations will be
secured. Stormwater runoff sample data will be incorporated into the source apportionment equations to
calculate the contribution of the tested abrasives and road surface wear to fine sediment particles and total
phosphorus in the runoff samples. Contributions from other sources such as surface soils, atmospheric
deposition, and tires will be also estimated. This source apportionment output will indicate relative
contributions of abrasives and pavement wear in each sample and consequently validate the effectiveness
of the use of alternative abrasives, road sweeping/vacuuming, and snow plowing with rubber blades. The
particle size distribution and chemical fingerprinting results of runoff samples will allow estimation of the
amount of fine sediment particles (< 63 µm and < 20 µm) generated through break-down of coarse
particles by traffic with and without snow chains.
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
Task 3. Project reporting
Quarterly progress report and annual accomplish report will be submitted to Tahoe Science Program
coordinator in a timely manner. Upon request, a mid-term or final presentation about the progress and
results will be presented in a meeting with agency representatives. The draft final report will be submitted
to Tahoe Science Program coordinator for a review upon completion of the proposed study. After
incorporating reviewers’ comments and suggestions, the final report will be submitted to Tahoe Science
Program coordinator before final invoice is submitted.
f. Relationship of the research to previous and current relevant research, monitoring, and/or
environmental improvement efforts
Currently, DRI and UCD are conducting studies to fingerprint the sources of fine sediment particles in
highway runoff. The proposed study will focus on urban primary and secondary road runoff associated
with alternative abrasives and snowplowing options. Thus data and products of the present study will
further improve our understanding of source profiles of fine sediment particles and phosphorus in basin
wide roadway runoff. EDOT investigated potential benefits of Washoe Septic Sand as source control for
load reduction of fine sediment particles and reduced turbidity. The proposed study will evaluate the
effectiveness of this source control practice in actual road application tests. Hwang et al. (unpublished
data) observed that pavement wear accounted for almost all organic solvent soluble components in
highway snowmelt runoff, which implies that fine sediment particles generated from road wear may
contribute more than 20% of fine sediment particles in wintertime roadway runoff. The snow plowing
study will evaluate whether rubber blade snow plow can reduce the pavement wear during winter road
maintenance. Sample collection method comparison study will complement the ongoing SNPLMA
Round 10 Science Project (Heyvaert et al., 2009). Results from the present and ongoing studies will
significantly advance our knowledge required to select appropriate sampling method for stormwater
runoff collection. Overall, this proposed study will provide critical information that can be readily used to
improve winter time road maintenance practices that will lead an additional step forward to achieving fine
sediment particle and phosphorus load reduction goals.
g. Strategy for engaging with managers and obtaining permits
Tahoe Science Program coordinator and representatives of federal, state, and local agencies will be
engaged starting from a kickoff meeting. Principal investigators will work closely with these agency staff
to efficiently perform the proposed study in a timely manner. Agency staff will have the opportunity to
provide input and guidance for decisions on important aspects of study implementation, such as study site
selections, sampling schedule, and road maintenance schedule. Conference calls and meetings will be
arranged as needed to discuss progress and any study plan modification. Project manager, representatives
of agencies and stakeholders, and review committee will participate in the review of final reports and
mid-term supporting materials.
h. Description of deliverables/products and plan for how data and products will be reviewed and
made available to end users
The expected study period is from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013. The following is a list of expected
deliverables. Upon request from Tahoe Science Program coordinator and representatives of federal, state,
and local agencies, additional data and products will be submitted.
Deliverable 1: Quarterly progress reports and annual accomplish report
Deliverable 2: Mid-term or final presentation of results and discussion to agency representatives
Deliverable 3: Draft final report
Deliverable 4: Final report
Deliverable 5: Database
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
III. Schedule of major milestones/deliverables
Projects should not expect to begin before June 2011. Note that it is the responsibility of the
project proponent to coordinate with appropriate agency representatives or partners and secure
any agreements or approvals necessary prior to initiating research. Be sure to include adequate
time for submitting draft deliverables for review, responding to reviews, and submitting final
deliverables.
Milestone/Deliverables
Kick-off meeting
Site selection and
equipment installation
Sample collection
Sample analysis
Source apportionment
Prepare progress reports
Annual accomplishment
report
Mid-term or final
presentation
Draft final report
Final report and database
Start Date End Date
Description
7/1/11
7/30/11 Arrange a kick-off meeting with the project
coordinator and agency representatives to
discuss about general study plan and
incorporate their request into the study plan.
7/1/11
9/30/11 Select study sites and install sampling
equipment.
10/1/11
12/31/12 Collect source samples and runoff samples
from the selected road sites.
10/1/11
12/31/12 Analyze target constituents in collected
samples.
1/1/12
3/31/13 Calculate the contribution of particles and
nutrients from each source.
7/1/11
6/30/13 Submit brief progress report to Tahoe Science
Program coordinator by the 1st of July,
October, January, and April.
9/1/12
9/30/12 Prepare annual summary of accomplishments
in September.
6/31/12
6/30/13 Upon request, arrange meetings for
presentations about progress and data to
agency representatives.
1/1/13
4/30/13 Prepare and submit a draft final report for
reviews by the end of December 2012.
5/1/13
6/30/13 Prepare and submit the final report after
responding to reviews by the end of January
2013.
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
IV. Literature cited/References (Up to 2 pages)
California State, 2007. State commodity specification for highway de-icing sand/cinder specifications.
5610-000-0001SC.
El Dorado County Department of Transportation (EDOT) White Paper 10-01. Development and
Understanding of Current Abrasive Practices, Their Water Quality Impacts and Alternatives for Improved
Source Control / Recovery, January 2010
Heyvaert et al., 2009. Tahoe Stormwater Particle Assessment and Management for Urban and Roadway
Runoff. SNPLMA Round 10 Science Project.
Swift, T. J., J. Perez-Losada, S.G. Schladow, J. E. Reuter, A.D. Jassby and C.R. Goldman. 2006. Water
Quality Modeling in Lake Tahoe: linking suspended matter characteristics to Secchi depth. Aquatic
Sciences 68, 1-15.
LRWQCB & NDEP (2009) Lake Tahoe Total Maximum Daily Load Technical Report. Lahontan
Regional Water Quality Control Board, South Lake Tahoe, CA. and Nevada Division of Environmental
Protection, Carson City, NV.
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
V. Figures (optional, up to 6 total) for project locations, schematics, sample outputs, etc. Figures do
not count toward page limits unless they are embedded in the narrative.
Asphalt
Snowmelt Runoff
Stormwater Runoff
Figure 1. Comparison of chromatograms of snowmelt runoff, stormwater runoff, and asphalt pavement
binder (Hwang et al., unpublished data).
Figure 2. A photo showing a sign of road surface damage by snow plowing. This photo was taken at a
HW 89 site near Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe.
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
Figure 3. A portable road surface wash-off simulation apparatus designed for RAM (rapid assessment
methodology).
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