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In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, the U.S. 69 Project Team wants to acknowledge several 69Express construction activities that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The 69Express Contractor team considers air quality, water quality, and recycling of construction materials throughout the corridor as this project progresses.
Crews are processing portions of the removed U.S. 69 concrete pavement into aggregate for use in other portions of the project. This operation can be seen inside the College Boulevard loop ramp. The project is also reusing asphalt millings from existing asphalt pavement in several applications throughout the project.
The Contractor follows the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines in establishing temporary erosion control and protecting waterways and streams along the corridor. The Contractor and KDOT also maintain an active Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan environmental permit. This permit is crucial for regulating dust control and preventing runoff of pollutants into the surrounding environment. Weekly inspections ensure standards are met and the project is in compliance.
Air quality is important when developing the concrete for all the paving needs throughout the corridor. As paving continues, the Contractor has implemented a range of environmental protection measures to ensure operations are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. These measures include use of:
- Bag house filters that capture and remove particulate matter from the air, significantly reducing the release of dust and airborne particles during the concrete production process.
- Sealed silos, which prevent dust and other pollutants from escaping into the environment, further enhancing dust-control measures.
- Water suppression, used to suppress dust emissions at various points within the project, ensuring that dust is effectively controlled.
These measures are important to KDOT, the Contractor team and the City of Overland Park, as well as all the Federal, state and local partners on this project.
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