FEASIBILITY STUDY OF AN EROSION CONTROL LABORATORY IN NEW ENGLAND

This study examines the need for a soil erosion control testing facility in New England to evaluate erosion protection products and techniques. The study includes a survey of the 6 New England Departments of Transportation to assess their current approach to erosion control and future erosion control needs. A literature review is performed to identify current erosion testing laboratories, to evaluate capabilities and to determine the economics of testing. Both large scale and small scale erosion testing facilities are considered and each testing facility/method is evaluated considering current soil erosion theories. Several testing laboratories were contacted directly, including site visits, to obtain needed background information. A series of recommendations was prepared for the New England DOTs that considers the economics and quality of results of erosion testing.