Research Idea Details
Home » Design Optimization of the Subsurface Gravel Wetland for Linear Transportation Right of Way and Stormwater Pond Retrofits for Nutrient Controls
Design Optimization of the Subsurface Gravel Wetland for Linear Transportation Right of Way and Stormwater Pond Retrofits for Nutrient Controls
- Focus Area: Water Quality/Wetlands
- Status: Archived
- Subcommittee: Natural Resources
- Cost: $250k-$499k
- Timeframe: 2-3 years
Research Idea Scope
Subsurface gravel wetlands have proven successful as a nitrogen control strategies however costly to construct. Studies show that these systems show a unique ability to remove bioavailable nitrogen in excess of 90% during summer months, and greater than 55% annual phosphorous removal. Gravel wetlands are being implemented as a TMDL compliance measure for roadway expansion in areas with impaired waters. A potentially significant application of GW is their simplicity use as a detention pond retrofit. Two alternate designs that are reduced in size and scope will be evaluated to assess nutrient removal performance and engineering design andconstruction costs. Design alternate 1 is a subsurface gravel wetland that is narrow and long and intended for installation in thetransportation right of way typically reserved for roadside swales. Design alternate 2 is a subsurface gravel wetland that is a single treatment cell with precast pretreatment device intended as a low-cost stormwater pond retrofit. Research products will include two new designs and design and construction cost estimates for gravel wetlands as a nutrient control strategy.
Urgency and Payoff
There will be an improved ease and cost of DOT compliance with nutrient controls for water quality certification permits. There will be a reduced cost and improved flexibility of design for application of gravel wetlands.
Robert Roseen, University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center
03/30/2011