The Stormwater Blog 

The intent of LEED Sustainable Sites Credit 6.2 is “to limit disruption and pollution of natural water flows by managing stormwater runoff,” and the requirements necessary for meeting this intent are clearly spelled out: capture 90% of the average annual rainfall and treat it by removing 80% of the total suspended solids (TSS). While the rating system does not define TSS it does recommend reliance on field monitoring data that is compliant with the Technology Acceptance Reciprocity Partnership (TARP) protocol or the Technology Acceptance Protocol-Ecology (TAPE) when screening stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Seemingly straightforward, but...

As an industry, we’ve acquired a vast amount of knowledge about stormwater, its adverse impacts and the best management practices (BMPs) implemented to mitigate them. However, the spirited debate with regard to whether the field or the laboratory is the best arena for evaluating BMP performance refuses to yield to consensus. Here are some of the arguments for and against laboratory testing...

With LID, not all solutions are created equal. There is a hierarchy in the regulations for what is the preferred technology. So it’s not so much is it approved or not approved… there are certain preferred technologies that must be considered first, and if that doesn’t work, you consider the next option in preference. This is a huge difference in conventional stormwater regulations, which says technologies must be approved by state of local jurisdictions – and then everything is on a level playing field. 

Filtering stormwater is an effective way to remove the most challenging pollutants from urban runoff - including fine solids, soluble heavy metals, and total nutrients. Though the physics of filtration are the same, there are many variables to consider when designing a stormwater filtration system. It’s important when designing a filter treatment system to consider a balanced approach that incorporates performance, hydraulics, longevity and life cycle costs.

All stormwater BMP’s will require maintenance at some time or time interval. Long-term maintenance costs and maintainability are very important considerations. Here are some other things you should consider when discussing maintenance of your stormwater filtration system.

As the economic downturn continues to shrink state coffers, budget cuts have rendered numerous government programs nearly inoperable. Unfortunately, stormwater management and other water quality initiatives have not been spared from a similar fate. Considering that many state and municipal stormwater programs were already operating with a skeleton staff and shoestring budget before the downturn, it’s easy to imagine the adverse impact additional cuts are having.

Inspection and maintenance are key factors for making sure that your biofiltration box is performing as designed and achieving the required water quality standards.  Here are a few things to keep in mind...