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44 The Authority | October 2025 PA Turnpike article continued from page 40. Obtaining approvals and permits involves extensive studies, testing, and investigations before construction begins. Our environmental engineers manage this process, often collaborating with federal and state agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), PA Fish & Boat Commission, PA Game Commission, and the PA Historical and Museum Commission. One of the PA Turnpike’s recent projects, the Southern Beltway, employed various techniques to minimize environmental impact, including the use of long-life pavement. The pavement’s projected 30-60-year service life can reduce maintenance and rehabilitation cycles that expose soil and disrupt traffic. A state-of-the-art maintenance facility in Cecil and South Fayette townships features a rain harvesting system that collects and stores rainwater for washing vehicles and equipment. Salt storage facilities reflect our commitment to providing essential services while minimizing environmental impact. Due to improved practices and enhanced coordination between the Maintenance and Facilities departments, the PA Turnpike has drastically reduced salt runoff related to deicing and almost eliminated unnecessary salt storage runoff, unintentional leaks or rain exposure. This is accomplished through a variety of upgrades, ranging from storing salt and anti-skid separately, to allow precise mixing based on weather conditions, to housing materials in durable, long-life storage sheds and keeping deicing liquids in improved tanks with efficient, more easily maintained pumps. Improving Communication We’ve strengthened partnerships and regulatory compliance through improved communication and technology. Previously paper-based, inspections are now managed using the Document Inspection Reporting Technology (DIRT) app, used by over 180 staff to automate project registration, notifications, and corrective actions. DIRT streamlines workflows, enhances oversight, and supports timely responses—helping keep projects on schedule and in compliance with PA DEP and EPA standards. In 2022, these efforts earned the Commission an International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association Toll Excellence Award. As we celebrate our 85 th anniversary, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission strives to innovate for the next eight decades and beyond. Reaching our goal of becoming “America’s First Sustainable Superhighway” requires commitments to sustainability, stewardship and acting as “good neighbors” to the communities we intersect. We will continue to collaborate with Pennsylvania’s municipal authorities to manage stormwater, reduce pollution, and meet regulations while maintaining roadway infrastructure. Info Box: To learn more about the PA Turnpike’s MS4 efforts and stormwater compliance initiatives, visit our website (www. paturnpike.com/responsibility-matters/ clean-water/ms4-post-construction- storm-water-management) . Stay up to date on the latest PA Turnpike news by subscribing to our newsletter (www.paturnpike.com/news/the-road- ahead), “The Road Ahead.” S