Waste Management of Highway Right of Way Areas in Southeast Georgia
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2020-09-01
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Edition:Final; October 2016 – September 2020
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Abstract:Maintenance of highway right of way (ROW) areas has become challenging during the last years due to the high cost, and little to no economic return associated with disposing vegetation waste generated on highways across Georgia. In response, a study was done to examine the feasibility of using ROW areas to generate biomass for energy production. Particularly, this study included an analysis of the ROW current vegetation potential for energy production, the development of a site selection process for the establishment of bioenergy crops, a pilot study that quantified biomass and energy production from three feedstocks, and an economic assessment. Results revealed that replacing existing ROW vegetation with bioenergy crops is a feasible alternative because most of the existing vegetation has no potential for energy production. Specifically, results showed that switchgrass, big bluestem, and woodland sunflower adapted well to the ROW conditions, which included a high soil density due to compaction, acidic sandy soils, low nutrient conditions, and variable weather patterns. Switchgrass and big bluestem produced biomass and energy values comparable to similar feedstock produced in better environments. From an economic standpoint, results revealed that growing switchgrass and big bluestem from seeds was the most cost-effective option over a longer period. Overall, results demonstrated that ROW areas can be used for green energy production. However, each option considered (e.g., crop type, planting method, recovery period, etc.) will present advantages and limitations based on GDOT immediate needs and requirements.
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