innovations in low impact development practices for stormwater treatment

Innovations in Low Impact Development Practices for

Stormwater Treatment

Mark B. Miller, P.G. Research Scientist

mmiller@aquashieldinc.com

www.aquashieldinc.com

“It’s good to be green.” (K. Frog)

One of the leading topics today in stormwater management is a drive for sustainability, green infrastructure designs and Low

Impact Development (LID) practices. For example, local regulations now require capturing the 1st inch of rainfall which relies on innovative designs instead of conventional end-of-

pipe solutions.

Let’s explore an integrated technologies approach to enhance LID practices by expanding our “BMP toolbox.”

Local Examples: v  Operations Facility v  Office building v  New Library

The 3 Pillars of Water Quality Design – Installation - Maintenance

v Design – The greatest emphasis on water quality is during the design and permitting phase. BMPs are subjected to great scrutiny and review in this phase.

v Installation – Planned inspections during construction support good installation control. Reliance on inexperienced contractors can lead to improper installation of LID technologies.

v Maintenance – Once the site is occupied there is little or no contact with stakeholders to ensure functionality often due to lack of regulatory enforcement. If left unattended, every BMP will fail over time.

What is Low Impact Development?

v  Manage stormwater as an asset, not a liability

v  Mimic predevelopment hydrology

v  Reduce, infiltrate, re-use, evaporate, filter & detain runoff close to its source

Photo:  Sea*le  SEA  Streets  Project    

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LID  Technology  Selection  Pyramid  

LID Benefits & Technologies

Technology  

LID Benefits  

Capture Rainfall  

Reduce Peak Flows  

Reduce Runoff

Volumes  

Enhance Infiltration  

Filter Out Pollutants  

Surface Infiltration   X   X   X   X   X  

Subsurface Infiltration   X   X   X   X   X  

Rainwater Harvesting & Storage   X   X   X  

Biofiltration   X   X   X   X   X  

Media Filtration   X  

Hydrodynamic Separation can be used for Pretreatment

Surface Infiltration (Permeable Pavers)

Rainwater Harvesting

Biofiltration

Media Filtration

Storage

Hydrodynamic Separation

Main Terrain Art Park

Benefits of Integrated Technologies

Ø  Reduce pollution from stormwater runoff Ø  Increased surface infiltration = reduced runoff Ø  Reduced disruption to natural site hydrology Ø  Utilize water that would otherwise have been lost Ø  Efficient water use,

allowing potable water uses elsewhere in community

Ø  50% reduction in potable water use thru’ harvesting

Ø  Reduced heat island effect Ø  Enhanced aesthetics thru’

drivable grass and gravel paving technologies

Drivable grass

treatment & storage

Perm. paver

Want  more  information?  

Email us at info@aquashieldinc.com to request a stormwater consultation.

v Manufactures stormwater treatment systems used worldwide v  Incorporated in 2000 from environmental consulting/contracting

companies solving water contamination issues since 1981 v  Corporate HQ in Chattanooga, TN v  Corporate staff – Project/Customer Services, Engineering, Design,

Research & Development, Maintenance, Business Management v  6 HDPE fabrication plants v  1 Polymer Coated Steel plant v  Sales Agents in U.S. & International [Puerto Rico, Brazil, Canada,

China, Malaysia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea] v  Krusei Award, 2004, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Spirit of

Innovation

Who we are: