Enhanced biofilter treatment of stormwater by optimizing the residence time

The treatment of stormwater by biofilters is dependent on the hydraulic residence time in the device for some critical pollutants. The effective use of biofilters for the control of stormwater in combined sewered areas is also related to residence time, as it is desired to retain the water before discharge to the drainage system in order to reduce the peak flows to the treatment plant. This paper will describe the initial results from a series of tests being conducted to determine the hydraulic characteristics of sand-based filter media (having a variety of particles sizes representing a range of median particle sizes and uniformity coefficients) during pilot-scale trench tests. The drainage rate in biofiltration devices is usually controlled using an underdrain that is restricted with a small orifice or other flow-moderating component. These frequently fail as the orifices are usually very small (<10 mm) and are prone to clogging. A series of tests are also being conducted using a newly developed foundation drain material (SmartDrain™) that offers promise as a low flow control device with minimal clogging potential. A pilot-scale biofilter using a trough 3m long and 0.6 × 0.6m in cross section is being used to test the variables affecting the drainage characteristics of the underdrain material (such as length, slope, hydraulic head, and type of sand media). Current tests are also being conducted to test the clogging potential of this drainage material. This paper describes the initial tests that have investigated the basic hydraulic properties and the clogging potential of this drain material.