Transportation Networks

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Transportation systems are fundemental to our development of ecosystems. Transportation networks have both direct and indirect impacts. This is a high level topic page

Notes on direct impacts

• USGS research has described PAH release from road sealants, with coal-tar sealants having 1000 times the release.
• Copper in brake pads can be found in highway runoff at levels that affect aquatic life.

Notes on indirect impacts

• Transportation networks can capture and accelerate delivery of storm runoff into streams and rivers.
• Transportation networks enable residential and urban development, which reduces forest cover, increase impervious surfaces and ultimately leads to degradation of aquatic ecosystems.

Notes on Transportation Network Management

• The Federal Highway Administration or FHWA passes federal funds through the Washington State Department of Transportation which in turn subsidizes Counties in their development of road-based transportation networks, including bridges and tunnels.
• The Federal Transit Administration or FTA provides a similar support for mass transit systems.