Implementation and Maintenance of Floating Treatment Wetlands for Urban Stormwater Management
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 141, Issue 11
Abstract
The floating treatment wetland (FTW) is an innovative hydroponic device which can be installed on the surface of a stormwater retention pond to improve its pollutant removal efficiency. Limited full-scale experiments have been published, and no design or maintenance guidelines have been developed to date to promote their use. This paper presents implementation and maintenance considerations developed based on the monitoring of three full-scale ponds retrofitted with FTWs. Results suggest that the size and relative surface cover of the FTW, the relative root depth, and the capability of the plants to tolerate periodic anaerobic conditions are crucial factors to promote good removal across a spectrum of pollutants. Special attention to the location and anchorage of the FTW are thought to promote good performance and facilitate FTW maintenance. While zinc and copper sediment concentrations were unlikely to cause undue aquatic impacts after 2 years of operation, more frequent sediment removal will be needed than in conventional retention ponds to maintain adequate storage capacity in the permanent pool because of enhanced sedimentation. Given proper installation and maintenance, FTWs can enhance aesthetic and water quality benefits of stormwater ponds.
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Acknowledgments
The Auckland Council and Auckland Motorway Alliance/New Zealand Transport Agency are thanked for their financial support as well as Waterclean Technologies/Kauri Park Group, manufacturer of the New Zealand FTW, who provided technical support. The U.S. EPA, through the 319(h) program, is appreciated for their funding of the North Carolina research. The city of Durham, North Carolina, also provided funding and aid with installation of the FTWs, which was much appreciated. Jessica Fears, Alessandra Smolek, and Shawn Kennedy provided assistance in site instrumentation and data collection in North Carolina. Viewpoints expressed in this paper are those of the writers and do not reflect policy or otherwise of the funding agencies or supplier.
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 141 • Issue 11 • November 2015
Copyright
© 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 2, 2013
Accepted: Jan 30, 2015
Published online: Apr 16, 2015
Discussion open until: Sep 16, 2015
Published in print: Nov 1, 2015
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