Water quality of road runoff in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia

Abstract

The Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia is a populated area that includes a world heritage listed area. There is concern about the impact on the national parks of the pollution that may result from stormwater runoff from the roads in the area. A rainfall simulation experiment was undertaken on two areas with paved and unpaved road segments. Water quality parameters were examined, including metals, organic pollutants and sediment load. The hydrology and the hydraulics of the road surfaces were also studied. The paper reports on the experimental set-up at both sites and also the main results. Some recommendations are made concerning the management of the roads.