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Design and Construction of an Urban Runoff Research Facility
Published on: August 8, 2014
Large-scale performance and design for construction activity erosion control best management practices.
L B Faucette1, B Scholl, R E Beighley
1Filtrexx International, 551 East Lake Dr, Decatur, GA 30030, USA. brittf@filtrexx.com
Journal of Environmental Quality
|April 29, 2009
Summary
This study evaluated construction site erosion controls, finding compost erosion control blankets (CECBs) effective on steeper slopes. Results provide design guidance for effective stormwater management and sediment control.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Resource Management
- Soil Science
Background:
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II mandates erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) for construction site stormwater management.
- Existing research lacks comprehensive data on the performance and optimal design of these critical BMPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comparatively evaluate the performance of common construction erosion control BMPs using a standardized test method.
- To assess the impact of compost erosion control blanket (CECB) thickness and slope angle on erosion control efficacy.
- To determine Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) cover management factors (C factors) for various BMPs to aid designers.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three erosion control BMPs were tested using ASTM D-6459 on slopes of 4:1, 3:1, and 2:1 (H:V).
- Evaluations were conducted under simulated rainfall conditions of 5 cm and 10 cm.
- Soil loss reduction percentages and USLE C factors were calculated for each BMP treatment.
Main Results:
- Soil loss reduction varied significantly, ranging from -7% to 99% for 5 cm rainfall and 8% to 99% for 10 cm rainfall on a 2:1 slope.
- CECBs with 2.5 cm and 5 cm thickness effectively reduced erosion on slopes up to 2:1.
- CECBs less than 2.5 cm thick are not recommended for slopes of 4:1 or steeper with 5 cm rainfall.
Conclusions:
- Performance data and derived USLE C factors (0.01 to 0.9) offer valuable criteria for site planners and engineers.
- The study provides evidence-based guidance for selecting and designing effective erosion and sediment control BMPs.
- Optimized BMP selection can enhance stormwater pollution prevention plans and compliance with NPDES Phase II requirements.
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