Case Study of a Marine Filter Curtain System for Coliform Reduction at a Public Beach
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 134, Issue 1
Abstract
A floating marine filter curtain system (boom) was placed around a tidal beach on Long Island Sound to reduce coliform levels following storm events. Coliform data were collected inside and outside the boom over a three-year period. The results showed a 93% reduction in total coliforms and a 73% reduction in fecal coliforms, based on a comparison of the medians. Exceedences of the applicable water quality standards were reduced by 98% for total coliforms, and 81% for fecal coliforms. The method by which the boom actually reduces bacteria levels is thought to be a combination of filtration of solids, and the alteration of hydraulic conditions at the beach.
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Acknowledgments
The writer would like to acknowledge the valuable information provided by Gabe Sganga and Heather Herreros, Westchester County Department of Health, and Andrew McCusker and Hal Dreyer of Gunderboom, Inc.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 134 • Issue 1 • January 2008
Pages: 60 - 66
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 14, 2006
Accepted: May 25, 2007
Published online: Jan 1, 2008
Published in print: Jan 2008
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