Now MCDOT reduces water pollution
- Cultivate street trees
MCDOT cares for about 500,000 street trees along County-maintained roadways and plants new ones. Trees enhance the soil’s capacity to absorb rainwater, decreasing erosion, replenishing groundwater and reducing stormwater runoff into local streams. They also improve water quality by filtering pollutants. Studies have shown that trees can even enhance residents’ sense of well-being and reduce stress.
- Sweep streets
MCDOT removes about 1,300 tons of debris from County-maintained roadways each year, keeping these pollutants from washing into rivers and streams, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.
- Create green streets
The divisions of Transportation Engineering and Highway Services are partnering with the Department of Environmental Protection to construct “green streets” that improve water quality by using rain gardens, permeable pavers and other methods to filter rainwater on-site.
- Use salt brine in the winter
Before a snowstorm, MCDOT may treat roads with salt brine, which is a mixture of salt (the same as table salt with no additives) and water. Salt brine prevents ice from forming, makes snow removal easier, and reduces the amount of salt needed to treat pavement after a snowfall. Salt saves lives when roads are treacherous, but MCDOT recognizes the need to balance salt usage with its potential to affect the environment. That is why MCDOT uses only the minimum amount of salt needed during storms.
- Sponsor the Adopt a Road program
More than 400 road segments have been adopted by Adopt a Road volunteers who remove trash from roadways, keeping it out of the County’s waterways.
- Support and expand green space
MCDOT supports the Keep Montgomery County Beautiful Committee and its annual awards program that recognizes ladnscaping projects that incorporate environmentally sensitive designs. MCDOT also provides beautification awards to communties.
- Replant trees and create wetlands
To ensure there is no net loss of natural areas resulting from projects, MCDOT has an active remediation program to replant trees and create wetlands.