Roofing Materials’ Contributions to Storm-Water Runoff Pollution
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 134, Issue 5
Abstract
Development in sensitive watersheds continues to pose environmental problems for receiving waters. One contributor to this long-term pollution is building and other construction materials. However, the long-term effect of many building materials on the environment has not been quantified due to limited testing of these materials prior to sales and installation. Laboratory “leach” testing of commercially available roofing materials by this research group indicated that the potential for release (primarily nutrients, lighter hydrocarbons, pesticides, and metals) is substantial. Testing of metals’ release from aged roofing panels also has shown that the potential for pollutant release still exists after . The data missing from a complete evaluation of many roofing materials is behavior over the lifespan of the material, including the critical period of initial exposure. The of runoff data from a pilot-scale testing of these materials indicated substantial concerns regarding zinc from uncoated galvanized metals and copper from treated woods in this early part of the materials’ lifespan, plus the potential for long-term nutrient releases in the runoff from several roofing types.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to acknowledge the contributions of three undergraduate students at UAB—Blaine Collier, Amanda Lowry, and Bridget Shealy, and one graduate and two undergraduate students at PSH—Brad Mikula, Jim Elligson, and Christopher Roenning. In addition, the writers would like to express their appreciation to the following funding sources: Alabama Water Resources Research Institute and the Penn State Harrisburg Graduate Council Faculty Research Grants Committee.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 134 • Issue 5 • October 2008
Pages: 638 - 645
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 28, 2007
Accepted: Jan 28, 2008
Published online: Oct 1, 2008
Published in print: Oct 2008
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