Water Quality Characteristics and Performance of Compost Filter Berms, Summary Report

摘要

Several recent Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) pilot efforts demonstrated the beneficial uses of compost in roadside applications. Specific uses of composted materials on the roadside include erosion control, compost filter berms, and compost filter socks. Compost application as a soil amendment or mulch has shown positive results for vegetation establishment and is used widely across the state. TxDOT, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) were concerned that compost may have a negative water quality contribution through its leachate characteristics when used as a compost filter berm. Specific questions arose regarding possible eutrophication (also called nutrient loading) of receiving waters, a condition in an aquatic ecosystem where high nutrient concentrations stimulate blooms of algae. TxDOT was also concerned about the structural stability of compost filter berms, and this was investigated as an objective, secondary to water quality testing. This project developed supplemental specification information regarding use and placement of compost filter berms and compost/wood mulch filter socks as viable best management practices (BMPs) for erosion and sediment control based upon the environmental implications of use.