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Siting, design and operational controls for snow disposal sites
1Municipality of Anchorage, PO Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA. wheatonsr@ci.anchorage.ak.us
Summary
The Municipality of Anchorage improved snow disposal by using a V-swale pad design. This method significantly reduced meltwater turbidity and chloride, enhancing environmental protection.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Urban Hydrology
- Water Quality Management
Background:
- Municipal snow removal in Anchorage (MOA) uses grit and chloride for winter traffic safety.
- Meltwater from snow disposal sites can contain high levels of chloride and turbidity.
- Previous MOA studies indicated that snow disposal site design influences meltwater quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a passive "V-swale" pad configuration for managing snow disposal site meltwater.
- To develop improved siting, design, and operational criteria for snow disposal facilities.
Main Methods:
- Investigated melt processes at snow disposal facilities.
- Compared a novel "V-swale" pad configuration against conventional planar pads.
- Monitored meltwater turbidity and chloride levels.
Main Results:
- The V-swale pad configuration reduced meltwater turbidity by approximately 90% (from ~500 NTU to ~50 NTU).
- Site design and operational practices can effectively control chloride and turbidity in meltwater.
- The V-swale design proved superior to conventional planar pad geometries.
Conclusions:
- The V-swale pad configuration is an effective strategy for reducing meltwater pollution from snow disposal sites.
- MOA has established new criteria for snow disposal facilities based on the V-swale design.
- Implementing these criteria can lead to improved environmental outcomes for urban snow management.