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Stormwater Management
-
Introduction
Water Runoff from Flooding - Environmental Issue or Problem
- Long-Term Goal and APGs Addressed
- Status/Results
- Expected Outcomes and Impacts
- References and Products
- Contact
Introduction
Stormwater management is an important element of a sustainable infrastructure. Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snow melt flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground. In urban and suburban areas, much of the land surface is covered by buildings and pavement, which do not allow rain and snow melt to soak into the ground. Instead, most developed areas rely on storm drains to carry large amounts of runoff from roofs and paved areas to nearby waterways.
Environmental Issue or Problem
Urban runoff as one of the leading sources of water quality impairment in surface waters. Urban sources can also contaminate ground water.
People and their actions are the most significant sources and causes of urban runoff and pollution. The stormwater runoff carries pollutants such as:
- sediment,
- oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from motor vehicles,
- road salt,
- heavy metals from roof shingles, motor vehicles and other sources,
- thermal pollution from dark impervious surfaces (streets and roof tops),
- improperly disposed of household chemicals,
- dirt, pesticides, and lawn fertilizers from yards,
- pet wastes,
- improperly sited, designed and maintained onsite wastewater treatment (septic) systems
- vehicle emissions, and
- viruses and bacteria
directly to streams, rivers, and coastal waters where they seriously harm water quality.
The resulting rush of stormwater discharge can also cause infrastructure damage, downstream flooding and property damage, and stream bank and streambed erosion. Stormwater runoff often causes stream channel incision and sediment deposition in stream channels. In addition, runoff from these developed areas can increase stream temperatures that along with the increase in flow rate and pollutant loads negatively affect water quality and aquatic life. Sentence on human illness.
Stormwater management research addresses these concerns through a variety of techniques, including strategic site design, measures to control the sources of runoff, and thoughtful landscape planning. The objectives of stormwater management are to prevent loss of life, reduce hazards to human health and well being, minimize damage both to property and to the environment.
Performance Testing of Best Management Practices (PDF) (2 pp, 312 Kb) (EPA/600/F-09/037)
Performance Evaluation Of Best Management Practices Monitoring and Sampling Data (PDF) (2 pp, 198 Kb) (600/F-09/032)
Long-Term Goal and APGs Addressed
EPA Goal 2: Protecting America's Waters
Status Results
Expected Outcomes & Products
References and Products
US EPA Regional Science Workshop on Stormwater Management – Final Report (PDF) (60 pp, 744 KB) In: Proceedings Edison, New Jersey, October 20–29, 2009.
Rowe, A., M. Borst, T. O'Connor, and E. Stander. (2010) “Monitoring of the Permeable Pavement Demonstration Site at the Edison Environmental Center.” Presentation, ASCE/EWRI 2010 International Low-Impact Development Conference, San Francisco, California, April 11–16.
Rowe, A., M. Borst, T. O'Connor, and E. Stander. (2010). Permeable Pavement Demonstration at the Edison Environmental Center.” Presentation, ASCE EWRI International Low-Impact Development Conference, San Francisco, California, April 11–14.
Borst, M., T. O'Connor, A. Rowe, and E. Stander. (2009). “Permeable Pavement Demonstration at the Edison Environmental Center.” Poster presentation, SAB Review, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, November 10.
Rowe A., M. Borst, T. O'Connor, and E. Stander. (2009). “Permeable Pavement Demonstration at the Edison Environmental Center.” In: Proceedings International Erosion Control Association Northeast Chapter Annual Conference, Hartford, Connecticut, October 27–29.
Rowe, A., M. Borst, T. O'Connor, and E. Stander. (2009). “Permeable Pavement Demonstration at the Edison Environmental Center.” Presentation, Conference and Trade Show, Northeast Chapter, International Erosion Control Association, Hartford, Connecticut, October 27–28.
Rowe, A. (2009). “Permeable Pavement Demonstration Site at Edison Environmental Center.” Presentation, 2010 International Low-Impact Development Conference, San Francisco, California, April 11–14.
BMAP Modeling Concepts and Simulation (EPA/600/R-06/033) July 2006 – Abstract
This report analyzes several modeling methods to evaluate best management practice (BMP) performance with the intention of facilitating the integration of improved BMP modeling methods into EPA Stormwater Management Model (SWMM). Several other models are examined as part of this study. Options for enhancement of SWMM’s LID simulation capabilities are also presented. This report is an example of the EPA watershed management research products produced at the Edison Urban Watershed Management Facility.
Contact
Michelle Latham, Technology Transfer Specialist
Phone: 513-569-7601
Email:
latham.michelle@epa.gov
U.S. EPA National Risk Management Research Laboratory
Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center
Water Supply and Water Resources Division
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Mail Code: MLK 693
Cincinnati, OH 45268