Estimating the impact to wetlands in western North Dakota from dust and road use increases due to energy development

Travel on gravel roads in western North Dakota has increased in recent years due mainly to energy development and little information exists on the impacts. This project's objective was to compare high dust impact sites and low dust impact sites to determine the effects of road dust on wetlands. Four aspects were evaluated: 1) dust loading; 2) wetland condition and function; 3) water quality; and 4) trace element changes in the soil. Dust loading was measured utilizing dust collectors. Wetlands were assessed for condition using the Index of Plant Community Integrity and North Dakota Rapid Assessment Method and function using the Hydrogeomorphic model. Monthly water quality measurements were taken and yearly soil samples. Results show greater dust loading in the high impact sites than low impact sites and spatially closer to the road. Information from this study can be used by future land managers of wetlands affected by dust.