Environmental Considerations in Highways Maintenance

Module 8: Environmental Considerations in Highways Maintenance

1. Sustainable Materials and Recycling

A. Eco-Friendly Materials:

• Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP): Up to 30% reused in new mixes (reduces quarrying).

• Plastic-Modified Bitumen: Incorporates waste plastics (e.g., bags, bottles) for enhanced durability.

• Porous Pavements: Allow water infiltration (SUDS-compliant).

B. Circular Economy Practices:

• Crushed Concrete: Reused as sub-base material.

• Reclaimed Timber: Repurposed for signage posts or barriers.

Standards:

• BS EN 13108-8 for recycled asphalt.

• WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) guidelines.

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2. Pollution Prevention (Oil, Chemicals, Debris Control)

A. Spill Management:

• Prevention:

• Store fuels/oils in bunded tanks (110% capacity).

• Use drip trays under machinery.

• Response:

• Spill Kits onsite (absorbents, PPE, containment booms).

• Report to Environment Agency if >200L spills (UK).

B. Dust & Debris Control:

• Water Sprayers: Suppress dust during cutting/grinding.

• Silt Fences: Prevent sediment runoff into waterways.

• Sweeper Vehicles: Collect microplastics/debris post-works.

Regulations:

• Environmental Protection Act 1990 (duty of care for waste).

• Control of Pollution Act 1974 (dust/noise limits).

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3. Wildlife and Habitat Protection

A. Pre-Works Surveys:

• Ecological Appraisals: Check for protected species (e.g., bats, badgers).

• Seasonal Restrictions: Avoid nesting (March–August) or hibernation periods.

B. Mitigation Measures:

• Hedgehog Highways: Install tunnels under fencing.

• Amphibian Fencing: Guide frogs/toads away from works.

• Bat Boxes: Relocate roosts if disturbed.

Legal Compliance:

• Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981: Protects habitats/species.

• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Mandates 10% habitat improvement (England, 2024).

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4. Waste Management and Disposal Regulations

A. Waste Classification:

Waste Type	Disposal Route	Regulation
Hazardous (e.g., tar, asbestos)	Licensed facility	Hazardous Waste Regs 2005
Inert (e.g., concrete, bricks)	Recycling centers	Landfill Tax (inert rate)
Non-Hazardous (e.g., soil, vegetation)	Composting/landfill	Environmental Permitting Regs

B. Best Practices:

• Segregation: Separate waste streams onsite (color-coded bins).

• Documentation: Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs) for all loads.

• Landfill Avoidance: Target 90% recycling/reuse (Defra 2025 goals).

Penalties:

• Unlicensed disposal: Fines up to £50,000 + prison (EPA 1990).

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Key Takeaways

♻ Recycling cuts costs (e.g., RAP saves 30% on material costs).
⚠ Spill negligence = prosecution (EA fines up to £250,000).
🦔 Habitat checks prevent project delays (e.g., badger sett closures).

Training Tools:
▶ Case Study: Fines for illegal dumping of highway waste.
▶ Interactive Quiz: Sort waste types into correct disposal routes.

Module 9: Communication and Documentation in Highways Maintenance

1. Reporting Defects Using Digital Tools