United States Department of Transportation
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Assessment of Colorado Department of Transportation Rest Areas for Sustainability Improvements and Highway Corridors and Facilities for Alternative Energy Use
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2011-03-01
[PDF-6.29 MB]
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Edition:Final Report
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Abstract:The research project focused on two sustainability based elements associated with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Maintenance operations, namely rest areas and right-of-way (ROW) utilization. For the first element, a sustainability assessment was performed on selected rest areas in the areas of sustainable design and operations. Assessment criteria and scoring criteria developed by the Colorado State University-Pueblo Team focused on the following areas: existing site conditions, materials recycling and reuse, existing environment, air quality, water quality/usage, energy, and public/motorist/trucking outreach and services. Rest area carbon footprints were calculated and carbon reduction strategies developed primarily for long term idling trucks. Cost-effective sustainable recommendations were provided that focused on efficient use and consumption of natural resources. A second element of the study evaluated the potential use of CDOT ROW for alternative energy applications, including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower sources. Total potential for energy production was calculated for CDOT Regions. Implementation: Cost-effective strategies were developed and identified to CDOT Highway Maintenance Managers to reduce rest area operational costs while conserving finite natural resources. Initial cost analysis indicates that reduced operational costs can be realized by implementing water conservation practices (waterless urinals, water harvesting, irrigation, energy conservation and alternative energy practices, and re-use and recycling of solid waste and landscaping transition toward xeriscape practices). Project steps for the second element of the study, evaluation of CDOT ROW for alternative energy applications, included researching and preparing GIS-based mapping of alternative energy resources in Colorado; overlaying ROW mapping to identify areas of low, moderate or high potential for alternative energy production within ROW; and applying criteria to estimate the net energy produced under technology, safety and site constraints. The total potential for energy production was calculated for CDOT Regions and the State, and suitable areas of ROW for alternative energy production were identified. Legal and policy influences on the ability of CDOT to use produced energy for its own purposes and/or for sale to outside users were also evaluated.
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