AN ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF A BRIDGE DEMOLITION

An ecological assessment in terms of stream macroinvertebrate samples and suspended solids measurements was made shortly before, shortly after, and eight months after a demolition of a bridge deck. The following conclusions were reached: (1) bridge demolition, while quite limited in extent, produces a significant level of suspended sediment (over 200 ppm in this case) which may persist for several days; (2) no effect on the downstream ecology of the stream was observed even though the EPA limits for suspended solids were exceeded during and for several days following demolition; and (3) the EPA proposed limits for suspended solids appear to be too low for short-term stream disturbing events. It was recommended that rock berms be used on similar projects with placement being made well before demolition. Also, a methodology was recommended for the monitoring of future bridge demolitions.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/75-r54.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/19976
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/213449387
• Corporate Authors:

  Virginia Highway and Transportation Research Council

  Charlottesville, VA  United States 
• Authors:
  • Poche, D
  • Hensley, B E
• Publication Date: 1975-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 9 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Berms; Bridges; Demolition; Ecology; Fishes; Methodology; Monitoring; Sampling; Sedimentation; Statistical analysis; Streams; Water quality
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Economics; Highways; Marine Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00097220
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: VHTRC 75-R54
• Files: NTL, TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Oct 18 1975 12:00AM