This page is in development
The MPCA is working on development of a credit for street sweeping. We will update this page as this project proceeds.
Project overview
MPCA is working with University of Minnesota researchers and TetraTech to develop a method for crediting street sweeping. The objective is to develop a credit system that can be used by cities and other entities to calculate reductions in pollutant loading associated with street sweeping. These reductions can be applied toward TMDLs or other water quality objectives.
The work includes the following tasks. 1. Conduct a literature review of existing credit methodologies 2. Conduct a survey street sweeping practices conducted by cities 3. Conduct research to establish relationships between sweeping practices and pollutant removal 4. Develop a credit method that can be widely used by cities or other entities.
The project includes a core team consisting of U of M researchers, TetraTech staff, and MPCA staff. A technical support and review team includes representatives from cities, whose role is to provide input as the method is developed.
Literature review
Survey of street sweeping practices
The MPCA conducted a survey of cities to determine their street sweeping practices, their interest in a street sweeping credit, and their ability to implement different methods for crediting sweeping. We have not yet fully analyzed the data, but some general conclusions include the following.
- 75 cities responded to the survey and indicated they operate a sweeping program. This was a response rate of close to 50 percent. The responses were distributed geographically across the state and covered a wide range of city sizes (large to small).
- About 78 percent indicated they would be likely to participate in a crediting program
- All but 7 cities can track sweeping information, but 66 percent said they cannot relate material collected to a specific geographic area. This is a question we likely will follow-up with, since being able to relate material to a geographic location is potentially a way of targeting sweeping efforts.
- Most cities estimate volume or mass of material collected, but few measure volume or mass or have the ability to measure dry weight of material collected
- Most cities sweep quarterly or less and most do not specifically sweep in response to fall leave drop
The summary information can be found here