Assessing the Improvement of Stormwater Quality Through Street Cleaning

Upon street surfaces lie large debris comingled with finer particulates. Studies have shown that contaminants such as metals, organic chemicals, and nutrients within this material can degrade water quality. Furthermore, higher concentrations of these contaminants are found within the smallest particles.Street cleaning is considered a Best Management Practice (BMP) by U.S. EPA for pollution prevention/good housekeeping under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). However, a comprehensive understanding of street cleaning technologies on improved environmental quality has remained elusive.Thus, this study’s objectives were to:• Understand the differences in modern street cleaning technologies and their effectiveness in the prevention of stormwater pollution• Review and critique the available literature regarding street cleaning practices• Determine the effectiveness of street cleaning to mitigate ecological risk.Herein we attempt to identify research needs, and propose a framework for future testing methods of street cleaning technologies to improve stormwater quality and reduce environmental risks.