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Practices for Reducing the Use of Plastic-Based Erosion and Sediment Control Materials on State DOT Projects
Summary
Highway construction sites often use plastic mesh and netting to control soil erosion, but these materials break down into microplastics and can trap or kill wildlife—pollution that eventually makes its way into our waterways, soil, and food chain. This study found that plastic-free alternatives, like natural fiber blankets and mulch berms, work just as well at controlling erosion, meaning states can reduce plastic pollution without sacrificing effectiveness or costing more effort to install.
Erosion and sediment control (ESC) practices are essential for minimizing soil loss from active construction sites and preventing the discharge of sediment-laden stormwater. However, many traditional ESC products rely heavily on synthetic materials (e.g., plastic). Growing awareness of microplastic pollution and increasing concerns over wildlife entanglement have prompted many state departments of transportation (DOTs) to seek alternatives to plastic-based ESC materials. The objective of this study was to investigate the current use of plastics in ESC practices across state DOTs and examine policies and initiatives aimed at reducing or eliminating plastic dependency. A literature review was conducted to gather information on plastic use in ESC products. Findings were used to develop a web-based survey, which was distributed to stormwater professionals in all 50 state DOTs and the Washington, DC DOT. The survey achieved an 82% response rate. Finally, semistructured interviews were conducted with six state DOTs to document their unique approaches to reducing plastic use. Key findings indicate that alternatives are needed for erosion control because netted products can be a substantial source of microplastic pollution and present the greatest risk of wildlife entanglement. Alternative practices such as natural fiber blankets and slash mulch berms have been perceived to have high effectiveness. State DOTs that have transitioned to plastic-free alternatives report no decrease in ESC practice performance and similar efforts for installation when compared with standard practices. Together, the survey results and interviews were used to develop a nine-step framework to support state DOTs transitioning away from plastic-based ESC practices in varying stages.