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The Impact Of Motor Vehicle Transportation On Water Quality

Investigator: Jean Daniel Saphores

Support: U.S. Department of Transportation and California Department of Transportation/ University of California Transportation Center>

This research will analyze the impact of road transportation by motor vehicles on water quality in California. Air pollution and noise externalities have been the object of numerous studies to inform public policy on pollution control, yet the impact on water quality of operating motor vehicles on roadways has not received much attention. Our investigation will include the impacts on water quality from constructing motor vehicles and road infrastructure operating vehicles and disposing of used motor vehicles. We will review the engineering, planning, and economic literatures; collect information about relevant policies in OECD countries and at the federal, state, and local levels; quantify pollution impacts whenever possible; identify data gaps; and critically review the policies that have been proposed to deal with this problem. Better understanding sources of water pollution is important at a time where the population of California is growing and there are few options for new supplies of water. Finally, we will develop policy recommendations tailored to the situation in California.