Regulating Industrial Stormwater: State Permits,Municipal Implementation,and a Protocol for Prioritization1

Abstract:  This research evaluated the effectiveness of regulations for stormwater pollutants originating from industrial facilities. Industrial facilities discharging stormwater are subject to General Permits implemented by state and federal agencies, which require facility operators to identify themselves and to implement pollution prevention measures. An overlying system of permits require Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System operators to identify and inspect facilities in their jurisdictions capable of discharging substantial pollutant loads into stormwater conveyances, introducing more active regulation and strategic prioritization, but with unequal implementation in different urban regions. This research evaluated the interaction between the regulations and ways in which the regulations succeed, or fail, at protecting water quality. The research evaluated potential for pollutant discharges at 136 industrial facilities in Pinellas County, Florida, using telephone interviews; off-site facility visits; and on-site facility inspections, targeting four industrial categories: wood products; stone, clay, glass, and concrete products; fabricated metal products; and electronic products. Results documented that a large proportion of facilities subject to General Permits conduct few or no activities likely to produce stormwater pollutants, indicating that the regulations’ equal treatment of all facilities may constitute overregulation. The research developed a methodology to assess facilities using intensity of industrial activities exposed to stormwater, a rational measurement that could regularize municipal agencies’ requirements and prioritize implementation toward facilities with the potential to impact receiving water quality.     

DO WETLANDS BEHAVE LIKE SHALLOW LAKES IN TERMS OF PHOSPHORUS DYNAMICS?1

ABSTRACT: The applicability of empirical relationships governing phosphorus (P) retention and nutrient assimilation in lakes and reservoirs was extended to include free surface water wetland treatment systems. Mixed reactor models have been used in lakes to predict steady state P concentration, characterize trophic state, compare P‐dynamics, and predict permissible P‐loading rates. Applying lake models to free surface water wetlands treatment systems, it was found that: sedimentation rates, loading rates, and settling velocity in these wetlands, and their typology are comparable to their lake counterparts. The analyses also suggest that phosphorus removal efficiency in a free surface water wetland treatment system is independent of trophic status, and similar to lakes, these wetlands can be classified according to their trophic state. Oligo‐and eutrophic wetland treatment systems can be defined by low and high TP inflow concentrations, respectively. In this study, olig‐otrophic status is defined as systems receiving inflow P‐loading less than 0.10 g m^‐2 year‐¹, and their P inputs are mainly derived from agricultural and stormwater runoff. Eutrophic treatment systems, on the other hand, are defined as those receiving inflow P‐loading higher than 0.20 g m² year‐¹, and their inputs are mainly derived from industrial and municipal wastewater. The comparability found between lakes and free surface water wetlands treatment systems raises the question: should we consider these wetlands “shallow lakes?”     

Clogging of an Effluent Dominated Semiarid River: A Conceptual Model of Stream‐Aquifer Interactions1

Abstract: Water managers in arid and semiarid regions increasingly view treated wastewater (effluent) as an important water resource. Artificial recharge basins allow effluent to seep into the ground relieving stressed aquifers, however these basins frequently clog due to physical, chemical, and biological processes. Likewise effluent is increasingly used to maintain perennial base flow for dry streambeds, however, little is known about the impact of effluent on streambed hydraulic conductivity and stream‐aquifer interactions. We address this issue by investigating: if a clogging layer forms, how the formation of a clogging layer alters stream‐aquifer connections, and what hydrologic factors control the formation and removal of clogging layers. We focused on the Upper Santa Cruz River, Arizona where effluent from the Nogales International Waste Water Treatment Plant sustains perennial flow. Monthly sampling, along a 30 km river reach, was done with two foci: physical streambed transformations and water source identification using chemical composition. Historical dataset were included to provide a larger context for the work. Results show that localized clogging occurs in the Upper Santa Cruz River. The clogging layers perch the stream and shallow streambed causing desaturation below the streambed. With these results, a conceptual model of clogging is established in the context of a semiarid hydrologic cycle: formation during the hot premonsoon months when flow is nearly constant and removal by large flood flows (>10 m³/s) during the monsoon season. However, if the intensity of flooding during the semiarid hydrologic cycle is lessened, the dependent riparian area can experience a die off. This conceptual model leads us to the conclusion that effluent dominated riparian systems are inherently unstable due to the clogging process. Further understanding of this process could lead to improved ecosystem restoration and management.     

Thermal Pollution Mitigation in Cold Water Stream Watersheds Using Bioretention

This study examines the use of bioretention as a strategy to reduce the thermal impact associated with urban stormwater runoff in developing cold water stream watersheds. Temperature and flow data were collected during 10 controlled runs at a bioretention facility located in Blacksburg, Virginia. It was determined that bioretention has the ability to reduce the temperature of thermally charged stormwater runoff received from an asphalt surface. Significant reductions in peak and average temperatures (p < 0.001) were observed. However, this facility was unable to consistently reduce the temperature below the threshold for natural trout waters in Virginia. The ability of bioretention to reduce runoff volume and peak flow rate also serves to reduce the hydrothermal impact. An average thermal pollution reduction of nearly 37 MJ/m³ was calculated using an adopted threshold temperature of 20°C. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that properly designed bioretention systems have the capability to reduce the thermal impact of urban stormwater runoff on cold water stream ecosystems.     

Biomass production for bioenergy using recycled wastewater in a natural waste treatment system

Bioenergy production from biomass is proposed as a method to solve part of the nation's energy problem. However, biomass and bioenergy production is questioned as an environment-friendly approach due to the potential increase of water pollution and the potential decrease of available water resource. A conceptual model of an integrated natural waste treatment system that produces biogas and biomass for bioenergy, treat waste and wastewater, conserve fresh water, and decrease the potential water pollution is presented. The potential biomass production from water hyacinth, duckweed, cattail, and knotgrass was investigated using recycling wastewater from an integrated natural waste treatment system from 2005 to 2008. Although the biomass production from recycling wastewater was not controlled for maximum production, this research identified the large potential impact that could be made if these systems were implemented. The overall average water hyacinth growth rate was high to 0.297 kg wet wt./m²/day during a research period of over 500 days, including both the active and non-active growing seasons. The average daily growth rates of duckweed, cattail, and knotgrass were 0.099-0.127, 0.015, and 0.018 kg wet wt./m², respectively. This research illustrated that water hyacinth was a more promising aquatic plant biomass for bioenergy production when wastewater effluent was recycled as water and nutrient sources from an integrated natural waste treatment system.     

ACCUMULATION OF SELECTED TRACE METALS IN SOILS OF URBAN RUNOFF DETENTION BASINS1

ABSTRACT Field investigations were conducted at three sites in the Washington, D.C., area to detect accumulation patterns of the trace metals, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc in the soils of urban stormwater detention basins. The research results seemed to indicate that the use of detention basins to control urban stormwater runoff had few harmful effects to fine textured soils with respect to the study trace metals. Although the trace metals, especially lead and zinc, were found to accumulate in the surface soils of the basins, little significant downward movement of metals in the soil profiles had occurred. Accumulations of metals in the surface soils appeared to be a function of microtopography and the resultant residence time of standing water. The fractions of trace metals that were present in a leachable form in surface soils and stormwater solids were small, with median values ranging from 7.7 percent of the total concentration for Cd to 0.01 percent for Pb.     

Heavy metal removal and cyanide destruction in the metal plating industry: an integrated approach from egypt

Wastewater produced from a metal plating is a major environmental problem. Industrial auditing revealed that the main source of pollution mainly originated from rinsing water. The characterization of final effluent showed that it is highly contaminated with hazardous heavy metals and cyanide. The concentration of copper, hexavalent chromium, nickel, and cyanide in the rinsing water of metal plating department was 14.8, 40.9, 13.3, and 19 mg/l, respectively. The concentration of cyanide and zinc from the galvanizing department reached 60 and 80 mg/l. The remediation scheme included the application of in-plant control measures via changing the rinsing process followed by the destruction of cyanide and reduction of hexavalent chromium bearing wastes. The pretreated wastes were then mixed with other industrial wastes prior to a combined chemical coagulation-sedimentation using lime and/or lime in combination with ferric chloride. The results indicated that, after applying the waste minimization measures alone at the source, prior to final treatment of industrial waste, removal rates of cyanide, copper, nickel, and chromium concentrations were 23.2%, 14.9%, 32.3%, and 55.3%, respectively in the rinse water from metal plating department. Furthermore, the removal rates of cyanide and zinc in the galvanizing department reached 59.7% and 24.3. The integrated control measures and treatment scheme led to more than 99% removal of copper, nickel, chromium, and zinc, while the complete removal of cyanide was achieved in the final effluent.     

Decentralized Groundwater Recharge Systems Using Roofwater and Stormwater Runoff1

Stephens, Daniel B., Mark Miller, Stephanie J. Moore, Todd Umstot, and Deborah J. Salvato, 2011. Decentralized Groundwater Recharge Systems Using Roofwater and Stormwater Runoff. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(1): 134‐144. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00600.x Abstract: Stormwater capture for groundwater recharge in urban areas is usually conducted at the regional level by water agencies. Field and modeling studies in New Mexico indicate that stormwater diverted to retention basins may recharge about 50% of precipitation that falls on the developed area, even in dry climates. Comparable volumes of recharge may be expected at homes, subdivisions, or commercial properties with low‐impact development (LID) technologies for stormwater control that promote recharge over evapotranspiration. Groundwater quality has not been significantly impacted at sites that have been recharging stormwater to aquifers for decades. Distributed recharge systems may be a good alternative to centralized regional facilities where there is limited land for constructing spreading basins or little funding for new infrastructure. LID technologies borrowed from stormwater managers are important tools for groundwater managers to consider to enhance recharge.     

SUBALPINE,COLD CLIMATE,STORMWATER TREATMENT WITH A CONSTRUCTED SURFACE FLOW WETLAND1

The Tahoe City Wetland Treatment System (TCWTS) was constructed in 1997 to treat stormwater runoff from 23 ha of commercial, highway, and residential land use in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This subalpine, constructed, surface flow wetland treatment system consists of two cells in series, with a design water surface area of about 0.6 ha. Water quality monitoring from October 2002 through September 2003 was conducted with autosamplers at the inflow and outflow sites during 24 sampling events, with a median duration of 53 hours, representing 42 percent of total inflow to this wetland during the year. Monitoring data indicate an improvement of 49 percent or greater in effluent concentrations of dissolved phosphorus, nitrate, orthophosphorus, and total suspended solids. On average, event mean concentrations of total phosphorus were reduced from a median 279 μg/l at the inflow to 94 μg/l at the outflow. Event mean concentrations of total nitrogen were reduced from a median 1,599 μg/l at the inflow to 810 μg/l at the outflow. Net nutrient retention for the sampling period was estimated at 3 g phosphorus (P)/m²/y and 13 g nitrogen (N)/m²/y. Almost 4,000 kg of suspended sediment was captured by this wetland system during the year.     

Closing the water cycle for industrial laundries: An operational performance and techno-economic evaluation of a full-scale membrane bioreactor system

To reduce the consumption of freshwater in the laundry industry, a new trend of closing the water cycle has resulted in the reuse/recycling of water. In this study, the performance of a full-scale submerged aerobic membrane bioreactor (9 m³) used to treat/reuse industrial laundry wastewater was examined over a period of 288 days. The turbidity and total solids (TS) were reduced by 99%, and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) effluent removal efficiencies were between 70% and 99%. The levels of COD removed by the membrane were significantly greater than the levels of biodegraded COD. This enabled the bioreactor to sustain COD levels that were below 100 mg/L, even during periods of low wastewater biodegradation due to bioreactor sludge. An economic evaluation of the membrane bioreactor (MBR) system showed a savings of 1.13 € per 1 m³ of water. The payback period for this system is approximately 6 years. The energy and maintenance costs represent only 5% of the total cost of the MBR system.     

Accretion of Nutrients and Sediment by a Constructed Stormwater Treatment Wetland in the Lake Tahoe Basin

This unique study evaluates the cumulative 16‐year lifetime performance of a wetland retention basin designed to treat stormwater runoff. Sediment cores were extracted prior to basin excavation and restoration to evaluate accretion rates and the origin of materials, retention characteristics of fine particulate matter, and overall pollutant removal efficiency. The sediment and organic layers together accreted 3.2 cm of depth per year, and 7.0 kg/m²/yr of inorganic material. Average annual accretion rates in g/m²/yr were as follows: C, 280; N, 17.7; P, 3.74; S, 3.80; Fe, 194; Mn, 2.68; Ca, 30.8; Mg, 30.7; K, 12.2; Na, 2.54; Zn, 0.858; Cu, 0.203; and B, 0.03. The accretion of C, N, P and sediment was comparable to nonwastewater treatment wetlands, overall, and relatively efficient for stormwater treatment wetlands. Comparison of particle size distribution between sediment cores and suspended solids in stormwater runoff indicated the wetland was effective at removing fine particles, with sediment cores containing 25% clay and 56% silt. A majority of the accretion of most metals and P could be attributed to efficient trapping of allochthonous material, while over half the accretion of C and N could be attributed to accumulation of autochthonous organic matter. Stormwater treatment was shown to be effective when physical properties of a retention basin are combined with the biological processes of a wetland, although sediment accretion can be relatively rapid.     

Detention Outlet Retrofit Improves the Functionality of Existing Detention Basins by Reducing Erosive Flows in Receiving Channels

By discharging excess stormwater at rates that more frequently exceed the critical flow for stream erosion, conventional detention basins often contribute to increased channel instability in urban and suburban systems that can be detrimental to aquatic habitat and water quality, as well as adjacent property and infrastructure. However, these ubiquitous assets, valued at approximately $600,000 per km² in a representative suburban watershed, are ideal candidates to aid in reversing such cycles of channel degradation because improving their functionality would not necessarily require property acquisition or heavy construction. The objective of this research was to develop a simple, cost‐effective device that could be installed in detention basin outlets to reduce the erosive power of the relatively frequent storm events (~ < two‐year recurrence) and provide a passive bypass to maintain flood control performance during infrequent storms (such as the 100‐year recurrence). Results from a pilot installation show that the Detain H₂O device reduced the cumulative sediment transport capacity of the preretrofit condition by greater than 40%, and contributed to reduced flashiness and prolonged baseflows in receiving streams. When scaling the strategy across a watershed, these results suggest that potential gains in water quality and stream channel stability could be achieved at costs that are orders of magnitude less than comparable benefits from newly constructed stormwater control measures.     

ALGAL BIOASSAY AND GROSS PRODUCTIVITY EXPERIMENTS USING SEWAGE EFFLUENT IN A MICHIGAN WETLAND'

ABSTRACT: One component of the filamentous algal community of a northern fen ecosystem in central Michigan was studied under conditions of nutrient enrichment by secondarily treated sewage effluent during one growing season. The productivity of Cladophora spp. measured by continuous flow bioassay was 2.6 g dry weight m day at the site of effluent addition compared to 0.085 g m day at the control site. Under conditions of nutrient enrichment, uptake by bioassay Cladophora spp. averaged 12 mg m^?2day^?1for phosphorus and 55 mg m^?2day^?1for nitrogen, compared to 0.01 mg m^?2 day^?1and 0.16 mg m^?2day^?1for phosphorus and nitrogen, respectively, in the control area. At the end of the growing season approximately 4.3 g N m^?2 and 0.96 g P m^?2were immobilized in Cladophora algal biomass. Algal growth temporarily immobilized 3.0 percent of the nitrogen and 1.0 percent of the phosphorus added as sewage effluent. Gross productivity of surface water in the fen averaged 1.5 g O₂m^?2day^?1at the nutrient enriched site, compared to 0.5 g O₂ m^?2day^?1at the control area. Gross productivity, community respiration and reaeration constant values in the fen were similar to data collected by other researchers in shallow water aquatic systems, but only at the fertilized sites.     

The Financial Impact of Different Stormwater Fee Types: A Case Study of Two Municipalities in Virginia

Eight stormwater user fees (SUFs) were applied to the City of Roanoke and the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia, to determine the effect each has on how land use type impacts the sources of revenue. Roanoke is larger and includes more industrial areas, but less multifamily impervious areas than Blacksburg, which translates differently in the SUFs. Residential parcels comprise the highest percentage of the revenue in all eight SUFs in Blacksburg and four in Roanoke. For both municipalities, two specific SUFs consistently comprised the highest percentage burden for residential homeowners while three other SUFs demonstrated the highest burden for commercial parcels. Open space parcels contain little impervious area, yet account for up to 27% of the revenue in the Blacksburg Area fee structure. Industrial parcels comprise more revenue in Roanoke, averaging 10.1‐4.5% in Blacksburg. Fee types that are easier to administer (e.g., Flat fees) may not fully represent the stormwater contribution from the parcels. SUF types that more accurately represent the stormwater burden on the municipality are also more administratively intensive and are more variable with fee factors.     

Feasibility Assessment of Basin Solar Stills

The present study assesses the feasibility of exploiting single- and double-basin solar stills in our daily lives. An investigation is carried out to determine the thermal performance and economic viability of making use of solar stills in water desalination. The climatic conditions of Tehran (35°44?N, 51°30?E) are considered to assess the feasibility of the basins. Transient energy and mass balance equations are utilized for modeling the thermal performance. The equations are solved by using fourth-order Runge–Kutta method in FORTRAN. The daily productivities of single- and double-basin solar stills are found to be 5.22 kg/m² and 7.73 kg/m², respectively, while the effect of different water masses (20–100 kg) on the productivity of each system was found to be optimum at 20 kg/m². The results are compared with experimental work performed under different climatic conditions to examine the validity of the feasibility of basins in general. A life cycle cost analysis performed for Tehran, yields that single- and double-basin solar stills have savings-to-investment ratios of 4.2 and 4.8, respectively, indicating that they are economically feasible.     

Seeking calm water: Exploring policy options for India's water future

This paper seeks to identify some promising policy options which could be part of a strategic and holistic effort to address India's future water challenges. Significant increases in agricultural water productivity would be a major factor in reducing the need for developing new water sources. Crop diversification, appropriately targeted to account for the present agricultural systems and available water resources, will increase productivity. Furthermore, much more emphasis needs to be placed on effective management of the groundwater resources through renewed efforts to enhance artificial recharge and conservation. Also, efforts should be revived to improve the existing surface irrigation systems. In particular, systems could be reconfigured to provide a more reliable water supply and allow effective community level management, where appropriate. Finally, while some of the increasing demands from domestic and industrial users will be met by the development of groundwater and reallocation of water from the agricultural sector, this will not be sufficient. Given that such conditions are emerging in states with high economic growth and relatively water scarce basins, this will require the further development of water resources. In some cases, these conditions along with the demand for reliable water for high value crops, will be part of the justification for inter‐basin transfers.     

Fish bioassay monitoring of waste effluents

Spills of toxic materials into bodies of water receiving industrial waste discharges can be prevented only if frequent or continuous assessments of effluent quality can be made. Currently available methods can automatically measure individual physical or chemical waste components but cannot assess toxicity caused by the interaction of components or the presence of an unsuspected material. Aquatic organisms, in contrast, respond to their total environment and in this way integrate the effects of all the various chemical and physical waste parameters.This study evaluates the possibility of using the continuously and automatically recorded responses of fish to monitor the toxicity of industrial waste effluents. A review of previously developed toxicity monitoring systems is followed by a field evaluation of a method that uses the computer-monitored ventilatory patterns of 12 bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque) to monitor the toxicity of an industrial waste effluent as it flows into a river. No known toxic spills occurred in the effluent during the operation of this system, but acetone added to the effluent waste caused responses from the fish at concentrations which peaked near the 96-hr LC₅₀ level. Some responses were also noted when no known toxicant was present; these were related to environmental disturbances and system design problems. Recommendations are made for the design of future biologic monitoring units.     

Water localisation and reclamation: steps towards low impact urban design and development

Numerous drivers are providing stimulus for increased water cycle localisation within urban neighbourhoods. This paper uses predominantly Australasian case studies to highlight trends, successes and challenges in the transition to neighbourhood centred water-based services using 'Low Impact' and 'Water Sensitive' design and development techniques. Major steps towards urban sustainability are demonstrated, for example, up to 70% reduction in the demand for potable water (Aurora, Melbourne), removal of contaminated stormwater and sewage effluent discharge to natural waterways vulnerable to nutrient or toxin accumulation, and up to 55% of the area of the greenfield site planted in indigenous species (Regis Park, New Zealand). Reduced demand for potable water would enable continued undiluted use of 'pure' water sources from limited bush catchments (Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand), and less dependence on rivers stressed by low flows. Reductions and dispersion of sewage effluent discharges protects receiving waters, such as Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, from eutrophication. Reduced stormwater discharge favours retention of the natural hydrological regime of rivers and minimises bioaccumulation of toxins in aquatic ecosystems.     

REUSE OF DOMESTIC WASTEWATER FOR IRRIGATION IN ARID ZONES: A CASE STUDY1

ABSTRACT: The domestic sewage of the city of Beer-Sheva, Israel, which is located in an arid region, is treated in a series of facultative ponds. The treated effluent is stored temporarily in an open surface earthen reservoir (about 0.5 ± 10⁶ m³ in volume) and then used for irrigation. The effluent is applied via sprinkler and trickle irrigation systems. The main crops irrigated are cotton, wheat, alfalfa, and corn. Total cotton yield is over 5500 kg/ha, and the wheat grain yield is over 7500 kg/ha. The amount of effluent applied is about 6500 m³/ha for cotton (including preplant irrigation), and the wheat receives about 4500 m³/ha via irrigation and an additional 2000 m³/ha from precipitation. Due to the nutrient content in the effluent, the above yields are obtained without any additional fertilization.     

WATER QUALITY TRENDS IN LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA,FLORIDA, USA: RESPONSES TO WATERSHED MANAGEMENT1

ABSTRACT: Water quality in eutrophic Lake Tohopekaliga, Florida, improved markedly from 1982 to 1992 as a result of reductions in phosphorus and nitrogen loading to the lake. Annual budgets of water, chloride, phosphorus and nitrogen were constructed for the lake, and indicate it is a sink for phosphorus and a source for nitrogen. Water column concentrations of total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, total nitrogen, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and chlorophyll a all declined as external inputs of nutrients decreased. Water column nitrogen: phosphorus ratios have increased, suggesting a probable shift from nitrogen- to phosphorus-limitation. This apparent shift in nutrient limitation status also is supported by comparisons of the mean Trophic State Indices for phosphorus, nitrogen, and chlorophyll a. These improvements in water quality are attributed to the diversion of wastewater treatment plant effluent from the lake, and the increased use of wet retention ponds for stormwater runoff.