Caltrans Approves Use of Low-Carbon Cement

The California Department of Transportation recently approved the use of low-carbon cement to help reduce the carbon footprint of the state’s transportation system.

[Above photo by Caltrans]

Known formally as Portland Limestone Cement or PLC, low-carbon cement is a blended product containing higher limestone content. Using more limestone creates less “clinker,” the basic component in nearly all types of cement, in the manufacturing process; generating less carbon dioxide as a result.

Caltrans said its road construction and maintenance projects could generate less carbon dioxide with the same high-performance standards at a slightly lower cost by using more PLC. For example, in 2017 alone, Caltrans used 325,000 tons of cement to upgrade the state highway system. Switching to low-carbon cement could potentially reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 28,000 tons a year — the equivalent of removing more than 6,000 cars off the road.

“Using low-carbon cement can cut Caltrans’ concrete-related carbon dioxide emissions annually by up to 10 percent,” noted Toks Omishakin, director of Caltrans, in a statement. “This is a big step in supporting California’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.”

The agency based its new low-carbon cement standards on Caltrans-funded research conducted at Oregon State University, which concluded that PLC is equally suitable for Caltrans’ construction projects as ordinary cement with a reduced carbon footprint.

Throughout the review process, Caltrans worked closely with the California Air Resources Board plus industry experts and stakeholders, such as the California Construction and Industrial Materials Association and the California Nevada Cement Association, to draft the new standard specifications.

AASHTO Sends Floodplain Management Comments to FEMA

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials sent a five-page letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency on January 27 to provide feedback on floodplain management standards for land management and use; a key part of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP.

[Above image via FEMA]

Developed with the assistance of the AASHTO Technical Committee on Hydrology and Hydraulics, the letter cautions against creating more requirements for specific threatened and endangered “T&E” species as that could create a “patchwork of complex regulations” among multiple federal agencies that would further complicate floodplain permitting.

”Additional impact restrictions imposed by a change to the NFIP minimum floodplain management standards could potentially delay or prevent fish passage projects at some [state] DOTs that have their own environmental regulations and requirements regarding T&E,” AASHTO said.

The organization also recommends that the NFIP focus on floodplain management while other agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service focus on T&E.

On another front, AASHTO pointed out that improving the distinction between river and coastal standards is critical as environmental and climate concerns are much different between them.

“State DOTs across the country are struggling with the best method to address climate change,” the letter explained. “[Yet] climate science regarding future flooding events is in a very immature state and is not well developed. Incorporation into the NFIP should not be considered until the science has stabilized and an acceptable design method is available to [state] DOTs.”

AASHTO added that a memorandum of understanding between FEMA and the Federal Highway Administration regarding hydraulic modeling within the special hazard flood area or SFHA within the NFIP would be beneficial to state DOTs.

That would be especially true when it comes to handling minor culvert and bridge maintenance, as well as ways to improve hydraulic models to limit any potential damage to streams, creeks, or other bodies of water in and around transportation projects, the organization noted.

ETAP Podcast: Preserving Post-WW2 Historical Homes

This episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast discusses ways state DOT cultural resources programs within state departments of transportation are exploring to identify and preserve homes built in the 30 years following World War II that may have potential historical significance.

[Above photo of Levittown, NY, circa 1948]

At the end of World War II, a huge demand for housing ensued. With the help of the G.I. Bill and Federal Housing Administration loans, many returning soldiers were in the market for a new home. The construction boom contributed to what is now termed “post-war” architecture.

However, as those homes – built in the late 1940s through the 1970s – begin to age into potential historical significance, cultural resource practitioners have their work cut out for them.

Scott Williams, cultural resources program manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation, explains how his and other similar groups at state DOTs across the country are trying to post-war home historical preservation demands.

On the podcast, Williams explains how the cultural resources subcommittee within the AASHTO Committee on Environment and Sustainability is conducting a nationwide survey of state DOT post-war practices and protocols when it comes to housing preservation.

Click here to listen to the full podcast.

California Governor Proposes Zero Emission Vehicle Package

Governor Gavin Newsom (D) (seen above) has introduced a $6.1 billion zero-emission vehicle or ZEV fiscal support package to accelerate the state’s transition to ZEVs and “fight climate change” in the process.

[Above photo by the California Governor’s Office]

Combined with a $3.9 billion ZEV investment package signed into law in September 2021, California would ultimately outlay $10 billion to support broader ZEV deployment statewide.

That spending also dovetails the governor’s executive order issued in September 2020 requiring that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California by 2035 must be zero-emission vehicles.

“The future is electric, and we’re making it easier and cheaper than ever before to go electric. That means more assistance to help folks buy clean cars and more charging stations in more communities throughout the state,” said Gov. Newsom in a statement.

This latest funding proposal would also support the construction of vehicle charging stations and other infrastructure needed to “facilitate” the state’s transition to ZEVs.

The governor’s $6.1 billion package includes:

  • Low-Income Zero-Emission Vehicles and Infrastructure: $256 million for low-income consumer purchases, and $900 million to expand affordable and convenient ZEV infrastructure access in low-income neighborhoods. These investments will focus on planning and deploying a range of charging options to support communities, including grid-friendly high-power fast chargers and at-home charging.
  • Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles and Supporting Infrastructure: $935 million for the purchase of 1,000 zero-emission short-haul drayage trucks and 1,700 zero-emission transit buses. Another $1.5 billion would support the purchase of electric buses for school transportation programs. A further $1.1 billion would help buy zero-emission trucks, buses, and off-road equipment plus related fueling infrastructure, with $400 million to enable port electrification.
  • Zero-Emission Mobility: $419 million to support sustainable community-based transportation equity projects that increase access to zero-emission mobility in low-income communities. This includes supporting local clean mobility options plus sustainable transportation and equity projects.
  • Emerging Opportunities: $200 million to invest in demonstration and pilot projects in high carbon-emitting sectors, such as maritime, aviation, rail and other off-road applications, as well as support for vehicle grid integration at scale.

Environmental News Highlights – January 26, 2022

FEDERAL ACTION

Transportation Committees Prep New Waterways Bill – Transport Topics

White House to ask mayors nationwide to name infrastructure coordinators – Spectrum News

U.S. Army Plans $14 Billion for Ports, Waterways and Climate Help – Bloomberg Green

EPA, blue states push back on Republicans’ SCOTUS bid to curb agency powers – Reuters

Cassidy, Coons, Murkowski Unveil Landmark Bipartisan Climate Resilience Legislation – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (Media release)

COVID-19

Supreme Court rejects bid to block mask mandate on airplanes – The Hill

Air quality back to pre-pandemic levels – KARE-TV

NEPA

Court may back Mountain Valley pipeline, despite NEPA fight – E&E News

INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

AASHTO Issues Bridge Guide for Tsunami Effects – AASHTO Journal
AASHTO Supporting EV Infrastructure Webinar Series – AASHTO Journal

The U.S. is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future – AP

14 streetlight sensors are collecting data on a Center City block as part of a ‘smart cities’ pilot – Billy Penn

AIR QUALITY

Two Governors Issue ‘Clean Transportation’ Executive Orders – AASHTO Journal

National coalition to advance the development of hydrogen fuel cell buses formed in the U.S. – Intelligent Transport

How can transportation companies reach their sustainability goals? With better data – Fast Company

Projects would harvest CO2 for transport in pipelines across five states – KELO-TV

Clean fuel standard would build economy, reduce emissions – Las Cruces Sun News (Opinion)

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Universities may fall short promoting biking to underserved populations – Penn State University

Giant sky-high train bridge through downtown will ruin Fort Lauderdale, mayor says – South Florida Sun-Sentinel

To Skirt Air Pollution Oversight, States Can Play Hide and Seek – Undark

Can AI-powered congestion pricing improve transportation equity? – GCN

HEALTH AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENT/ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

Maine highway planners look to new federal funding for village projects – Portland Press Herald
Bicyclists & Pedestrians Must Wait to Use New, I-74 Bridge Trail – WVIK Radio

New bike lanes coming for Richmond cyclists – Richmond News

CVRD to host virtual open houses on its active transportation plan – Cowichan Valley Citizen

Small Electric Shuttles Ideal for Last-Mile Transit – Government Technology

Show the City Where You Want to See Walking and Biking Route Improvements with New Public Input Map – City of Austin (Media release)

TRB RESOURCES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Breaking Barriers: Alternative Approaches to Avoiding and Reducing Highway Traffic Noise Impacts – TRB

Flying in the COVID-19 Era: Science-based Risk Assessments and Mitigation Strategies on the Ground and in the Air – TRB

Embracing the Unknown – Strategic Transportation Planning in the Pandemic Age – TRB

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) 2022 Issuance of General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities – EPA (Notice of final permit issuance)

Control of Air Pollution From Aircraft Engines: Emission Standards and Test Procedures; Rescheduling of Public Hearing – EPA Proposed rule; rescheduling of public hearing)

Maryland Works to Reduce Road Salt’s Environmental Impact

In conjunction with several state agencies, including the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is spearheading an effort to reduce the amount of salts entering rivers, streams, and groundwater while also ensuring roads remain safe for winter travel.

[Above photo by the Maryland DOT]

MDE has been working for several years with state agencies and local jurisdictions on new salt application strategies, including use of improved weather forecasting, using the right amount of salt, targeting roads in most need of treatment, using brine to reduce overall salt usage, and increasing training for employees and contracted equipment operators.

The agency noted that Maryland DOT’s State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has used those and other strategies over the past five years to reduce its overall salt usage up to 50 percent.

MDOT SHA has moved to use salt brine – a liquid solution that is 22 percent salt and 78 percent water – before, during, and after winter weather events. Pre-treating roads with salt brine prevents the initial bonding of snow or ice, thus giving road crews time to mobilize. The agency now has two “tow plows” – separate plows towed behind a salt/plow truck to clear an additional travel lane – which enhance snow-clearing operations and reduce the need for road salting.

MDOT SHA has also designated salt brine-only routes for the duration of winter storms, resulting in less overall salt use when compared to routes where only rock salt is used. The agency pre-wets rock salt with salt brine to reduce the “bounce and scatter” effect of salt solids ricocheting off the highway.

MDOT SHA also works with weather forecasters to develop a treatment plan and employs more than 100 mobile infrared sensors at key locations, along with mobile sensors, to determine conditions and target its storm deployment – greatly contributing to salt reduction efforts.
“[We] congratulate and thank the Maryland Department of Transportation for leading by example when it comes to reducing the use of road salts that can threaten public health and our environment,” said Ben Grumbles, Maryland’s secretary of the environment, in a statement.

While sodium chloride or salt is effective, relatively inexpensive, readily available, and easily stored, it can destroy a soil’s structure and cause erosion, damage, and kill vegetation, while contributing to the corrosion of metal bridges and motor vehicles, MDE said. It can also seep into groundwater and runoff into surface waters, contaminating wildlife habitats and potentially affecting drinking water.

The agency noted it has increased monitoring for sodium chloride in the environment to gain information to help develop restoration plans. However, MDE noted that once salt has entered the environment there is no effective way to remove it. Thus, the best solution is a widespread, decreased use of road salt, it noted.

Colorado DOT Debuts Archeology TV Documentary

The Colorado Department of Transportation recently debuted a documentary called “Durango 550 – Path of the Ancestral Puebloans” to show how the agency worked with archaeologists and regional Native American tribes to document, study, and ultimately share the discoveries unearthed near Durango in southwest Colorado.

[Above photo by the Colorado DOT]

The archaeological excavation took place in 2018 and 2019 ahead of construction on the US 550-US 160 Connection South project in 2020.

“This documentary shows the unique collaboration of all entities involved, laying the groundwork for a new approach to archaeology, blending western science with traditional cultural beliefs,” explained Greg Wolff, a Colorado DOT archaeologist, in a statement. “Tribal members frequently visited the project area during the excavations. Tribal elders contributed traditional knowledge, experience, and spiritual guidance to the archaeologists and other project staff members.”

The documentary features several tribal representatives involved in the project and other tribal members who worked and trained as paid interns, participating in both the excavations and educational outreach. The documentary also touched upon tribal youth groups involved with the excavation.

The 30-minute documentary – created by the Grit and Thistle Film Company – aired on the Rocky Mountain PBS station on January 16 and will air again on March 17. It is also available for viewing on the television station’s website and mobile app.

Center for Environmental Excellence Updating PAL Database

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Center for Environmental Excellence (CEE) is looking for state assistance in updating the contents of its Programmatic Agreement Library (PAL database).

The PAL database functions as a “central library” or “one-stop-shop” for programmatic agreements between state departments of transportation and/or the Federal Highway Administration in partnership with resource agencies that help streamline compliance with federal environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

The PAL contains not only the programmatic agreement information; but links to each full agreement and ongoing access for practitioners to research agreements that meet specific requirements.

However, most of the agreements within the database are 10 years old, so the CEE asks states to review their documents within the PAL to see if they are still valid, need to be updated, or removed entirely.

State agencies willing to help review PAL documents can reach out to jbillo@aashto.org for more information.

Environmental News Highlights – January 19, 2022

FEDERAL ACTION

Biden Spending Bill Ignites Debate Over Dairy Methane Pollution – U.S. News and World Report
DOE Launches New Initiative From President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law To Modernize National Grid – US Department of Energy (Media release)

COVID-19

2021 ferry ridership nears 75% of pre-pandemic levels – Washington State DOT

Omicron disrupts transit, emergency services as workers call out sick: ‘Most people are going to get Covid’ – CNBC

INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Northwest Progressive Institute’s Polling Shows Washingtonians Want State’s Next Transportation Package To Be Safety And Climate Focused, Not Car-Centric – Cascadia Advocate

Cities Want Ebikes to Stay in Their Lane – but Which One? – Wired

How U.S. Infrastructure Plans Shrank in Ambition – CityLab (Commentary)

AIR QUALITY

U.S. emissions surged in 2021, putting the nation further off track from its climate targets – Washington Post

EPA to review general aviation lead emissions risks – Reuters

This startup pays Bay Area residents to monitor their air quality – in crypto – SFGATE

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

TRB Panel Examines Ways to Create Equity in Transportation – AASHTO Journal

A California City Is Taking Electric Transit Into Its Own Hands – Jalopnik

Vt. lawmakers look to create statewide environmental justice policy – WCAX-TV

NATURAL RESOURCES

How Does a Cougar Cross a Washington Freeway? Their Future May Depend on the Answer – U.S. News and World Report

World’s Largest Wildlife Crossing Is Finally Underway in Los Angeles – Curbed

CULTURAL RESOURCES

As St. Louis’ historic buildings crumble, city eyes little-used powers some say can help save them – St. Louis Post-Dispatch

New Colorado DOT Documentary Depicts New Era Of Archeology – Estes Park Trail Gazette

HEALTH AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENT/ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

Old Florida Keys bridge reopening to pedestrians, bicyclists – AP

Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive Revs Up for a Car Comeback – Bloomberg CityLab

E-Scooters Set to Return to Chicago’s Streets, But They’ll Be Banned from 606 Trail – WTTW-TV

TRB RESOURCES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRB 2022 Annual Meeting – Keynote USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg – TRB (Video)

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES

Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program To Allow Persons Ages 18, 19, and 20 To Operate Commercial Motor Vehicles in Interstate Commerce – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (Notice and establishment of pilot program)

Notice To Reestablish the Transit Advisory Committee for Safety Charter – FTA (Notice)

Notice of Designation of the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve – NOAA (Notice)

Atlantic Wind Lease Sale 8 (ATLW-8) for Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the New York (NY) Bight – Final Sale Notice (FSN) – Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (Notice)

Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fee – Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (Interim final rule, request for comments)

Michigan DOT Using Carbon Fiber in Bridge Construction

To reduce the cost of corrosion and long-term maintenance expenses, the Michigan Department of Transportation is broadening its use of carbon fiber structural material on bridges statewide.

[Above photo by the Michigan DOT]

“Rusting of steel elements is the leading cause of deterioration in our bridges. Since carbon fiber is non-corrosive, we are eliminating that potential for damage,” explained Matt Chynoweth, Michigan DOT’s chief bridge engineer, in a statement. “Using a material that will not corrode is a real game-changer.”

Paul Ajegba, Michigan DOT’s director, added that one of the ultimate goals in expanding the use of carbon fiber is to build bridges that last a century with minimal maintenance.

He noted that Michigan DOT has been collaborating with Lawrence Technological University or LTU in Southfield, MI, on the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer materials in concrete bridge beams since 2001 – research now moving from the lab into the field. For example, Michigan DOT is currently building two bridges with carbon fiber reinforced beams as part of its massive I-94 modernization project in Detroit.

[Editor’s note: The Federal Highway Administration launched a new $27 billion Bridge Formula Program on January 14 – a program funded by the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in November 2021. FHWA projects this new national program will repair approximately 15,000 highway bridges. In addition to providing funds to states to replace, rehabilitate, preserve, protect, and construct highway bridges, the Bridge Formula Program also offers funding for “off-system” bridges as well – generally referring to locally-owned bridges not located on the federal highway system.]

Michigan DOT’s joint research with LTU included subjecting carbon fiber reinforced beams to 300 freeze-thaw cycles, combined fire/loading events, severe weather, and other trials. Now, that joint research team believes they have the information and specifications they need to predict how carbon fiber reinforced beams will perform under a variety of real-world conditions, as well as design tools for future bridge projects.

The agency also noted that the Research Advisory Committee of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials named its joint carbon fiber work with LTU as one of the top 16 research projects of 2020 – work that also led to the development of new MDOT and AASHTO design specifications.

The agency said steel is prone to corrosion and deterioration under assault from extreme temperatures, water, and deicing chemicals – conditions all too common in Michigan. Thus, preventing corrosion and repairing damaged areas requires time and money and can limit the lifespan of bridges, Michigan DOT said.  By contrast, carbon fiber strands have a tensile strength comparable to steel yet resist corrosion and require less maintenance over time.

However, a factor limiting the deployment of carbon fiber bridge beams is price, as carbon fiber elements can cost as much as three to four times more than comparable steel elements. However, based on Michigan DOT and LTU’s joint research, as carbon fiber reinforced beams should last much longer than steel, they may prove to be cheaper over the long run.

“We’ve calculated the ‘break-even point’ to be about 22 years based on life cycle maintenance,” explained Michigan DOT’s Chynoweth. “But since the data points only go back about 20 years, this is a theoretical estimate.”