Optimal allocation of stormwater pollution control technologies in a watershed.
详细信息
文摘
In recent decades, more than 90 percent of urban growth in the United States has taken place in the suburbs. The phenomenon, referred to as urban sprawl, has led to long-term degradation of environmental quality.;Best Management Practices (BMPs) serve as novel effective technologies to reduce the movement of pollutants from land into surface or ground waters, in order to achieve water quality protection within natural and economic limitations.;Four types of BMPs are discussed in this study---Pond, Wetland, Infiltration, and Filtering Systems. Each has different installation requirements, costs, and pollutant removal efficiency. The purpose of this research is to find out the minimum-cost combinations of these four technologies, with a focus on total suspended sediments (TSS), in order to achieve TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Loads) and EQS (Environmental Quality) standards.;The methodology uses three major models: Spatial Model, Watershed Model, and Economic Model. These models provide suitability analyses for potential residential developments and BMP technology installations, stormwater and pollutant simulations, and minimum cost optimization procedure.;The results of this research will provide a practical reference for decision making about the balance between the urban development and environment protection. It can further provide EPA with economic assessment information regarding existing TMDL and EQS standards.