Characterization of Highway Runoff in Austin, Texas, Area

Abstract

Water quality of highway runoff in the Austin, Texas, area was determined by monitoring runoff at three locations on the MoPac Expressway. Daily traffic volumes, surrounding land uses, and highway drainage system types were different at each site. The concentrations of constituents in runoff at all sites were similar to median values compiled in a nationwide study of highway runoff quality. A grassy swale at one site was effective in reducing the concentrations of most constituents in runoff. The lower runoff coefficient at this site is attributable to infiltration of runoff into the grassy swale. The pollutant loads discharged from the pipe draining the swale were lower than those observed at the sites where runoff drained directly from the pavement. A first flush effect (i.e., higher pollutant concentrations at the beginning of an event) was evident during selected events, but was generally limited to a small volume. The overall effect was negligible when all monitored events were considered.