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How to Remove Storm Water Sediment

Storm water runoff is created when rain and snow melt accumulates because of an impermeable ground surface, such as paved streets and building rooftops. As the runoff migrates, it collects debris and sediment among a variety of other potentially unsafe chemicals and pollutants. The materials that storm water runoff collects as it migrates, including an abundant sediment load, sand and debris, all can equally harm an ecosystem. Cities with a great deal of impermeable surface construction, therefore, have devised mechanisms for removing sediment from storm water runoff.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the residence time that the storm water runoff will require for sediment deposition and removal. This is the time the storm water runoff needs to remain in a retention pond to allow for particles to settle.
- 2
  Design a system with four components: inflow regulation, a method for channeling runoff in its natural conveyance system into your structured removal device; a pretreatment chamber used as a settling area for larger debris and sediment; a filter bed, a filter medium used as the runoff exits the pretreatment area to remove smaller sediment materials; and an outflow to ensure storm water runoff exits the filter bed and the entire storm water runoff sediment removal device to re-enter the storm water conveyance system.
- 3
  Maintain the sediment filters by raking the filter medium and removing obstructions. The filter also may need to be replaced multiple times per year, depending on the sediment load of the storm water runoff and the filter medium.

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