Comparison of BMP Performance Using the International BMP Database
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 134, Issue 5
Abstract
This paper explores the performance and relative pollutant removal of several common best management practices (BMPs) using data contained in the International Stormwater BMP Database. These BMPs include retention (wet) ponds, extended detention basins, vegetated swales, and sand filters. Although the database contains numerous studies with varying amounts of detail, this comparison is based on the performance of only those sites with reported basic design characteristics and water quality data (event mean concentrations) so that constituent concentrations can be accurately determined and related to the design of the individual BMP. The use of selected BMPs has a number of advantages. Some of the variability in performance observed for facilities of a specific type can be explained by differences in design and/or watershed characteristics; consequently, the expected performance for a given set of conditions can be predicted more accurately. In addition, the differences in performance among BMP types for a given set of conditions can also be established with a higher degree of certainty. The principle measure for comparing the performance between the selected BMPs is their discharge quality, which was found to be a function of the influent concentrations for many constituents. A comparison of the discharge quality as a function of the concentration in untreated runoff demonstrates substantial differences in performance among these BMPs for many constituents.
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Acknowledgments
This work was funded by the Water Environment Research Foundation under Project No. 01-CTS-21T, Performance and Whole Life Costs of Best Management Practices and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. This analysis has been conducted independently of the team, which developed and maintains the Stormwater BMP Database and this interpretation should not be construed as approved or endorsed by the Database team.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 134 • Issue 5 • October 2008
Pages: 556 - 561
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 13, 2007
Accepted: Feb 28, 2008
Published online: Oct 1, 2008
Published in print: Oct 2008
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