In certain geologic formations, the use of conventional excavation and embankment construction techniques may result in acid runoff (ph less than or equal to 4.5). In turn, this may contaminate nearbystreams and severely impact the fauna and flora that live in those streams. Acid runoff is most likely to be produced by the weatheringof rock materials containing sulfur mineralization in excess of 0.5% That do not contain sufficient alkaline mineralization to neutralize the resulting acid runoff. Often, low-volume roads are constructed in environments where live streams and wildlife exist close to theconstruction right-of-way. Accordingly, environmental impact of theconstruction of low-volume roads on the adjacent lands is of great concern. Guidelines are presented that have been developed and implemented on existing low-volume roads to minimize the impact that the handling of acid-producing materials has on the adjacent environment. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1291, Fifth international conference on low-volume roads, may 19-23, 1991, raleigh, north carolina, volume 2.
Abstract