Evaluation of an Infiltration Best Management Practice Utilizing Pervious Concrete1

:  A pervious concrete infiltration basin was installed on the campus of Villanova University in August 2002. A study was undertaken to determine what contaminants, if any, were introduced to the soils underlying the site as a result of this best management practice (BMP). The average infiltration r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Water Resources Association 2007-10, Vol.43 (5), p.1208-1222
Main Authors: Kwiatkowski, Michael, Welker, Andrea L., Traver, Robert G., Vanacore, Megan, Ladd, Tyler
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beds
best management practices
Engineering research
Environmental protection
Groundwater
infiltration
Medical treatment
monitoring
nonpoint source pollution
nutrients
Office parks
pervious concrete
Precipitation
R&D
recharge
Research & development
Sewer systems
Stormwater
surface water
urbanization
Water pollution
Water quality
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Summary::  A pervious concrete infiltration basin was installed on the campus of Villanova University in August 2002. A study was undertaken to determine what contaminants, if any, were introduced to the soils underlying the site as a result of this best management practice (BMP). The average infiltration rate at the site is approximately 10−4 cm/s. The drainage area (5,208 m2) consists of grassy surfaces (36%), standard concrete/asphalt (30%), and roof surfaces (30%) that directly connect to the infiltration beds via downspouts and storm sewers. Composite samples of infiltrated stormwater were collected from the vadose zone using soil moisture suction devices. Discrete samples were collected from a port within an infiltration bed and a downspout from a roof surface. Samples from 17 storms were analyzed for pH, conductivity, and concentrations of suspended solids, dissolved solids, chloride, copper, and total nitrogen. Copper and chloride were the two constituents of concern at this site. Copper was introduced to the system from the roof, while chloride was introduced from deicing practices. Copper was not found in porewater beneath 0.3 m and the chloride was not significant enough to impact the ground water. This research indicates that with proper siting, an infiltration BMP will not adversely impact the ground water.
ISSN:1093-474X
1752-1688
DOI:10.1111/j.1752-1688.2007.00104.x