Author(s): Jaclyn Marge; Hans Benford; Robert Traver
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Stormwater; Runoff quality; Infiltration; Simulation
Abstract: This project is the result of a multiyear hydrologic and water quality monitoring study of a stormwater infiltration trench best management practice (BMP) built for research on the campus of Villanova University. Constructed in 2004, the BMP captures stormwater off an elevated parking deck, and is deliberately undersized to speed the aging process, and was designed to enable flow and quality monitoring. A network of PVC pipes collect runoff from approximately half of the parking garage, where it is routed into a bench where debris and sediment are removed, and the inflow monitored/sampled. The flow then enters a perforated distribution pipe where it is released into the stone bed. The stone bed provides temporary storage as the water slowly soaks into the surrounding soil. At the top of the storage bed there is an overflow pipe that allows flows in excess of the capacity of the trench to flow into an existing stormwater inlet. During extremely intense periods of rainfall the porous paver patio acts as a secondary overflow and the water flows over a grass strip and into the same stormwater inlet. The project website is available at the below link. Utilizing several years of monitored water quality and quantity data, a continuous simulation hydrologic and water quality model is under development to model of the hydrologic and pollutant removal effectiveness over a multi year effort, and to examine the effects of changes in climate and other factors. USEPA’s Stormwater Management Models is the vehicle used for this study. Currently the hydrologic model is complete, and the water quality portion is under final development. This paper focuses on the process of continuous simulation of the runoff quantity and quality, and the advantages of using this approach.
Year: 2010