SPR-696: Preliminary Study of Climate Adaptation for the Statewide ...

Table 10. Question 5B Responses (Continued)ResponsesHEAT – As development engineer, I need to consider and recommend potential treatments for highways as wedevelop project to improve the highway system. Changes may involve asphalt and oil treatments, and the type ofasphaltic concrete used in construction. URBAN HEAT ISLANDS – As development engineer in the hottest part ofthe state (Yuma), effects on the Interstate system due to increased temperatures will be observed first in the YumaDistrict (even before observed in Phoenix). Yuma can serve as the “canary in the mine” for the testing of newproducts and observation of the warning signs of heat stress to highways. INTENSE PRECIPITATION – Unlikeother areas of the state, Yuma District has the lowest concentration of plants adjacent to highways. Thus, increasedprecipitation results in higher flows and more erosion of the components of highway systems (e.g., shoulders).DEGRADED AIR QUALITY – Yuma County is a non-attainment areas for PM10. Drier climate can result inincreased air-borne pollutants (i.e., dust) that causes non-attainment. As a result, environmental regulationsaffecting construction projects increase which in turns alters construction practices and increases costs. WILDLIFEHABITAT LOSS – Drier climate increases the need for wildlife migrations as wildlife (e.g., wild horses, wild burros,and bighorn sheep) move to seek grass and other food and water. This movement increases vehicle/wildlifeconflicts and the mitigation measures needed to provide wildlife passages (e.g., wildlife bridges). Mitigationmeasures drive up the cost of highway projects. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has already contactedYuma District to discuss potential mitigation measures for future projects.The design and maintenance of building roofs, HVAC and Electrical systems. Affect the decisions to maintain orreplace equipment and review of long term or short term saving. The intensity of the sun affects nearly everycomponent of a structure.Climate change affects all the above which affects ADOT.Lets guess, One air is cleaner now that in the 60s, with 10times the population. Climate has been changing sincethe start of time. People cannot adapt to changes today, looking for reasons and blame. Heat and toad ruttingmaterials are better and you do not see near the amount of rutting as 30 years ago, Remember 17 to Flagstaff as aprime example. Life and products need maintenance Wildlife there are more Deer, Elk, Bears, Mountain Lions, BobCats, Duck now than when Pilgrims landed, Drought and additional hunting pressure has decreased Quail, ButDove population are increasing. Look to history for Weather...not in years but in 1000 of years. Water could be aproblem. so they have been saying for the 50- years I have been in Arizona.B-droughts affect water levels and water quality from wells. A and C-increased strain on building HVAC systems.more snow/wind affects building roof design. E- affects water levels and water quality from wells. F-affects ability todrain building sites and increases possible contaminants leaving ADOT property. G-outside workers possibleincreased breathing problems.High winds knock down traffic control and dust storms cause visibility issues, which cause safety issues onconstructions sites. Also wind bursts can knock down and have knocked down bridge false work before the walls orbottom deck have been poured. Also SRP letting out dam water all at once down the Salt River, like in 1993, hit theMill Road Bridge false work and knocked it down before the bottom deck and walls had been poured. This was likea flash flood that came down the river channel. Besides these ‘climate impacts’ endangering people’s lives, theycause thousands of dollars of damage and cause a lot of re-work.D) No snow and /or early snow melt will affect how often our plow trucks and other equipment is used. We maysuddenly have too many of one type and not enough of another. h) As the NIMS resource typing person forEquipment Services this will effect what equipment we need to help out FEMAIntense precipitation could obscure video detection at intersections.Added emergency callouts to respond to rockslides, etc.As a geotechnical engineer, excess precipitation is our main nemesis. Add in a wildfire and we are in for trouble.Thermal expansion and contraction are problems as well. Some structures are damaged due to expansion, anderosion issues arise when contraction occurs.Whether I end up a designer or resident engineer, I will have to help remedy some/all of these issues.These could impact projects that affect the driving public or stakeholders and that would require communityrelations informing the public.Wild fires may damage bridges and interfere with highway transportation (smoke-visibility, heat, smoke-particulates,soil degradation-erosion or flash flooding, land slides, loss of life and property, wildlife dislocation, etc.). Road killsof dislocated animals may increase but generally not a significant problem unless certain species are to beprotected. Snow melt will be a problem mainly in counties experiencing annual snow fall, limited to northern tiercounties in Arizona. However, heat may reduce snow accumulation in first place. Intense precipitation couldincrease due to availability of particulates in the air (smoke, dust) as droplet nucleus. Dust storms may increase dueto drought periods and reduced surface vegetation to hold moisture.Seasonality of migrating birds coming in early can change our avoidance timing. We often deal with birds protectedunder the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Loss of habitat can also increase chances of wildlife becoming listed on theEndangered Species List and thus require a higher level of consultation if we are doing work in their habitat.80