New Directions in Real-Time and Dynamic Control for Stormwater Management and Low Impact Development

Although the application of real-time and dynamic controls is commonplace in wastewater and combined sewer system management, the use of on-site dynamic control systems for stormwater has been limited. The availability of low cost, highly functional, internet accessible, programmable logic controller systems and single board computer platforms and a new breed of large diameter, lower cost, low maintenance valve systems are making real-time and dynamic controls viable options for both new construction as well as retrofits of stormwater systems. The inclusion of dynamic control systems in on-site stormwater systems provides designers with an effective tool for meeting increasingly complex stormwater suite of goals by retaining water as close as possible to where it is generated and releasing it over an extended period to minimize the potential effects from stream ecological and morphological perspectives. Typical stormwater analysis and modeling is focused on developing designs that passively achieve stated goals; however, passive systems rarely represent optimal solutions. Dynamic systems are particularly well suited for complex situations where timing, duration of flow, peak discharge, volume reduction and reuse, and water quality are critically important. This paper focuses on describing the state-of-the practice, recent research by the authors, and new directions in applications, design, and equipment. Innovative applications that will be described include integration into low impact designs, flow-duration control, integration of embedded stormwater models, adaptive management approaches, water quality treatment optimization, and reuse. Case studies where such implementations have been explored as discussed.