Schueler, T., Youngk, A., Williamson, L. 2017. The Effectiveness of Stormwater BMPs in Reducing Toxic Contaminants in Urban Runoff: A Literature Review for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Watershed Science Bulletin June 2017. Center for Watershed Protection, Ellicott City, MD. 19pp. Toxic contaminants, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and metals, are of interest to many watershed managers who want to safeguard aquatic and human health. This article summarizes literature findings on the degree to which structural urban best management practices (BMPs) that are currently intended to decrease nutrient and sediment pollution can also reduce toxic contamination of waterways. Such multiple benefits could provide significant cost savings to regulatory agencies, such as the Chesapeake Bay Partnership, that must meet nutrient and sediment total maximum daily loads and also want to reduce toxic contaminants in the water environment. The literature review focused on 12 categories of urban toxic contaminants (UTCs) and involved review of more than 250 research papers and reports. recommended here.
Archives
Influence of Stormwater Infiltration Practices on Surrounding Structures
Building the Next Generation of Smart BMPs: Media Enhancements for Phosphorus Removal
May 2017 Runoff Rundown
Performance Enhancing Devices for Stormwater Best Management Practices
Hirschman, D, Seipp, B, and Schueler, T. 2017.Performance Enhancing Devices for Stormwater Best Management Practices. Prepared by Hirschman Water & Environment, LLC, Center for Watershed Protection, and Chesapeake Network. 38 pages This report focuses on the capability of performance enhancing devices (PEDs) to increase nitrogen and phosphorus removal in bioretention, sand filters and other low impact development (LID) practices. Common PED strategies include adding media amendments, incorporating an internal water storage (IWS) zone in the underdrain system and maximizing plant uptake. This report summarizes the findings of an extensive literature review and recommends options for potentially crediting PEDs by adapting existing Chesapeake Bay nutrient reduction protocols. This document aims to provide technical support for Chesapeake Bay managers and stormwater professionals to decide whether nutrient removal credits should be offered for bioretention, sand filter, and other LID practices that rely on one or more performance enhancing devices (PEDs).