Summary Report: Water Quality Characteristics and Performance of Compost Filter Berms

Several recent Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) pilot efforts demonstrated the beneficial uses of compost in roadside applications. Specific uses of composted materials on the roadside include erosion control, compost filter berms, and compost filter socks. Compost application as a soil amendment or mulch has shown positive results for vegetation establishment and is used widely across the state. TxDOT, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) were concerned that compost may have a negative water quality contribution through its leachate characteristics when used as a compost filter berm.