Groundwater Mounding at a Storm-Water Infiltration BMP
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 3
Abstract
This research presents an initial study of the impacts of storm-water infiltration on a shallow unconfined aquifer at a bioinfiltration best management practice (BMP) on the campus of Villanova University. The study site is a vegetated infiltration basin with a 0.52 ha drainage area consisting of parking areas and recreational fields and features approximately 35% directly connected impervious area. The research utilized continuous monitoring of precipitation, groundwater elevation, and groundwater temperature in conjunction with surface water hydrologic modeling to assess the duration, magnitude, and extent of groundwater mounding at a storm-water infiltration BMP. Results indicate that precipitation greater than 1.80 cm causes increased mounding at wells adjacent to the site. In addition, it was found that precipitation less than approximately 1.80 cm leads to larger increases in groundwater elevation at an upgradient control well located near the edge of a large grass field. The extent of groundwater mounding is observed to be localized to the BMP and does not extend a significant distance downgradient. In addition, the magnitude and duration of groundwater mounding is related to both infiltration rate and groundwater temperature, such that cooler temperatures correlate to increased mounding. This study demonstrates the utility of groundwater monitoring for the purpose of BMP hydraulic performance assessment, and recommends that additional research be conducted in the future and that groundwater monitoring be considered for site monitoring plans.
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Acknowledgments
This study was made possible by funding from the PADEP 319 NPS Program, a PADEP Growing Greener Grant, the VUSP partners, and Villanova University. Special thanks to Mr. William Heasom, P.E., for assistance and model development and to Dr. Clay Emerson for his knowledge and assistance.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 137 • Issue 3 • March 2011
Pages: 154 - 160
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 22, 2009
Accepted: Aug 23, 2010
Published in print: Mar 1, 2011
Published online: Aug 26, 2011
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