EFFECT OF DEICING CHEMICALS ON THE HYDROLOGIC ENVIRONMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS-EVALUATION OF SURFACE-WATER DATA COLLECTION

The objective of this study is to develop predictive relationships that can be used to describe the impact of highway deicing salts on the hydrologic environment. A method, presented in an earlier report, for estimating yearly mean chloride concentrations from estimated or actual runoff and salt-application data was applied to the period 1971 through 1974 and the results compared with yearly mean chloride concentrations computed from records of specific conductance. Estimates were found to be from minus 63 percent to plus 56 percent in error when the error was expressed as teh difference between estimated and computed values as a percentage of the computed values. Chloride concentrations used in this study are computed from specific conductance/chloride concentration relationships and records of specific conductance. Preliminary results from graphic analyses and least-squares regression analysis show that relationships between measured values of specific conductance and chloride concentration have correlation coefficients ranging from 0.30 to 0.97. Analysis of streamflow for all major dissolved constituents is recommended with the purpose of attempting to describe the variations in the specific conductance/chloride concentration relationships. An alternate method is proposed for estimation of both annual maximum daily and annual mean chloride concentrations. The predictive relationships of the method are derived from all the data available and, therefore, have not been verified. Chloride discharges and salt-application data, as chloride, were found to be greatly different in some cases suggesting possible inaccuracies in the salt-application data. It is recommended, therefore, that salt-application data be reviewed and verified.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Study sponsored by Massachusetts Department of Public Works.
• Corporate Authors:

  U.S. Geological Survey

  F Street Between 18th and 19th Street, NW
  Washington, DC    20244
• Authors:
  • Frost Jr, L R
• Publication Date: 1976-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 34 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Catenaries (Railroads); Chemicals; Chlorine content; Conduction; Correlation analysis; Data collection; Deicing; Deicing chemicals; Environmental impacts; Flow; Forecasting; Graphics; Hydrology; Least squares method; Runoff; Streamflow; Streams; Surveys; Water areas
• Uncontrolled Terms: Graphical analysis; Surface waters
• Old TRIS Terms: Conductance
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Environment; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00158126
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: USGS-MDPW-004 Intrm Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: 2764
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 13 1977 12:00AM