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Published on: December 9, 2012
Performance comparison of structural stormwater best management practices
1Center for Research in Water Resources, University of Texas, Austin 78712, USA. mbarrett@mail.utexas.edu
Summary
A new method objectively compares stormwater treatment devices (BMPs) by predicting effluent quality for any influent concentration. This allows for accurate performance comparisons across different sites, aiding in selecting effective pollution control solutions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Quality Management
- Stormwater Management
Background:
- Traditional pollutant removal metrics for stormwater best management practices (BMPs) are influenced by influent concentration.
- Percent reduction calculations are unreliable when event mean concentrations (EMCs) in untreated runoff are low.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a standardized methodology for comparing the pollutant removal efficiency of various BMPs.
- To enable objective BMP performance evaluation across different watersheds by normalizing influent concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized linear regression to predict expected effluent concentrations from BMPs based on a specified influent concentration.
- Employed data from the California Department of Transportation BMP Retrofit Pilot Program for method development.
Main Results:
- Effluent concentrations for media filters and wet basins were found to be relatively constant and independent of influent pollutant levels.
- Demonstrated that percent reduction is a function of influent EMC, not solely an inherent BMP characteristic for certain devices.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method provides an objective basis for comparing BMP performance based on effluent quality and mass reduction.
- Facilitates informed selection of BMPs tailored to specific pollutant concerns by standardizing performance metrics.
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