Source Control

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) uses source control best management practices (BMPs) to remove trash, sediments and other debris on roadway surfaces that contain pollutants before they are washed into adjacent waterways.

Street Sweeping

Sweeping the roadway removes pollutants like trash, as well as other debris like leaves, dirt and sand from curbs, gutters and bridge parapets. The removed material is then properly disposed in approved landfills. Street sweeping also helps prevent flooding conditions along roadways by removing materials that can block stormwater drainage systems.

Mechanical street sweeper

Catch Basin and Inlet Cleaning

Catch basins and inlets are structures along closed storm drain systems that allow water to flow from the roadway surface into underground pipes (closed storm drains discharge runoff into open ditches, channels or waterways). Catch basins and inlets capture sediment and debris, and regular cleaning can prevent these pollutants from entering waterways. MDOT SHA cleans catch basins and inlets using vacuum trucks.

Before and after photos of inlet cleaning
Before	After