TECHNICAL PAPERS
Aug 1, 2008

Field Comparison of Rock-Filled and Chambered Trench Systems

Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 13, Issue 8

Abstract

A field evaluation was conducted in Minnesota to identify whether there is a statistical difference in performance between chambered and rock-filled trench systems. This was achieved by a large-scale survey of over 100 selected onsite systems of both rock-filled and chambered trenches. Each system type was studied within three major soil permeability categories (fast, medium, and slow) and the percentage of the system in use at the time of the site visit was determined. Adjusting both types of systems to a standard size datum, the ponding levels were compared. Nearly 60% of the systems visited during the study of ages 5–10 years did not have any ponding observed at the end of the first trench segment. When the amount of ponding was compared between rock-filled and chambered systems, the data did not prove the hypothesis that chambered systems of a similar age as rock-filled systems utilize 25% less area than rock systems at 10% significance level.

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Acknowledgments

Sincere thanks to Michael Hanson (Cottonwood County), Pam Holst (Goodhue County), Laird Hensel (Hubbard County), Dennis Manning (Olmsted County), Hank Schreifels (Stearns County), Chris LeClair (Washington County), and Kimberly Jopp (Wright County) for assistance in determining appropriate sites. The property owners in this study also deserve acknowledgment, as without them, this study would not have been possible. The project team would like to thank Infiltrator Systems, Inc. and the University of Minnesota for funding to support this project.

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Published In

Go to Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 13Issue 8August 2008
Pages: 671 - 680

History

Received: Nov 7, 2006
Accepted: Jul 3, 2007
Published online: Aug 1, 2008
Published in print: Aug 2008

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Authors

Affiliations

Sara Christopherson
Extension Specialist, Water Resources Center, Onsite Sewage Treatment Program, Univ. of Minnesota, 1985 Buford Ave., 173 McNeal Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108. E-mail: [email protected]
Dan Wheeler
Research Fellow, Water Resources Center, Onsite Sewage Treatment Program, Univ. of Minnesota, 1985 Buford Ave., 173 McNeal Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108. E-mail: [email protected]
Jessica Wittwer
Program Associate, Water Resources Center, Onsite Sewage Treatment Program, Univ. of Minnesota, 1985 Buford Ave., 173 McNeal Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108. E-mail: [email protected]
Tim Haeg
President, Watab Inc., 14234 Fruit Farm Rd., St. Joseph, MN 56374. E-mail: [email protected]

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