Choosing Substrate Best Management Practices

Follow these standard best management practices that apply to all roadwork projects.

Select surface materials that reduce noise and vibrations.

Select a permeable base material that improves drainage and helps facilitate subsurface waterflow. For example, shot rock creates a larger rock base to allow for subsurface flow. This method is not a replacement for culverts but can be used alongside them at stream crossings or in areas with surface or subsurface flow to enhance water movement and reduce erosion.

Choose permeable pavement for road surfaces and parking lots.

• Choose substrate on a project-specific basis. In addition to factors such as the function of the road, type and volume of traffic, and speed limits, there are ecological factors to consider, such as local hydrology and whether the substrate could attract or possibly benefit wildlife. Work with a qualified person if unsure.
• In areas where there are turtles, but natural nesting habitat is limited, maintaining exposed gravel shoulders instead of paving may be an option that benefits turtles as long as additional mitigation measures are implemented to minimize road-related impacts, such as wildlife exclusion fencing.

Use clean, locally sourced fill, aggregate, and erosion control materials.