Title: Effect of Urban Stormwater BMPs on Runoff Temperature in Trout Sensitive Regions
Abstract: years, a variety of stormwater BMPs have been developed to reduce the impact of sediments, nutrients, and metals on receiving waters; however, one area that has received little attention is the effect that these systems have on the temperature of stormwater runoff. Warm stormwater runoff is a concern because it can raise the temperature of coldwater stream environments, negatively impacting the aquatic organisms that live there, such as trout. A monitoring study was conducted in North Carolina at 4 bioretention areas, a stormwater wetland, and wet pond to determine the effect of these systems on runoff temperature and identify any design criteria that affect effluent temperatures. It was found that stormwater wetlands and wet ponds increased runoff temperatures. Temperatures at the bottom depths of the stormwater wetland and wet pond were cooler than existing effluent temperatures, suggesting the implementation of modified outlet structures that draw water from these depths. Bioretention areas were able to reduce maximum runoff temperatures; however, storm median temperatures sometimes increased. Results of this study show that the thermal impact of stormwater treatment can be minimized and sometimes runoff temperatures can be reduced when thermal pollution is considered in stormwater BMP design.
Publication Year: 2008
Publication Date: 2008-11-17
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 3
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