Highways Pollute Groundwater, Threaten Ecosystems Nationwide
This report looks at how building highways in Austin, Texas affects water quality and quantity. It discusses ways to stop pollution from highway runoff, like using barriers and pollution control devices. The type of road surface and drainage system can affect the quality of the runoff. Preventing erosion during construction is important to reduce negative effects. Most of the pollution in highway runoff comes from suspended particles. Using vegetation to control runoff is effective and cost-efficient. Wet ponds are recommended when vegetation is not possible. Infiltration practices are not ideal due to high maintenance needs.