Modeling Hydrologic and Pollutant Transport Processes for Stromwater Runoff to Surface Waters

by Leslie L. Shoemaker, (A.M.ASCE), Tetra Tech, Inc., Fairfax, United States,
Mohammed Lahlou, Tetra Tech, Inc., Fairfax, United States,
Andrew Stoddard, Tetra Tech, Inc., Fairfax, United States,
James Pagenkopf, (M.ASCE), Tetra Tech, Inc., Fairfax, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

Combined sewer overflows and stormwater discharges, which are considered point sources, and certain nonpoint sources (NPSs) display the characteristics of precipitation-driven events. Some common features of wet-weather pollutant transport include intermittent loadings, wide variations in chemical concentrations, resuspension of deposited sediments, spatial variation, and, in the case of nonpoint sources, distributed inputs. Wet weather pollutant transport dynamics complicate the analytical assessment of receiving water impacts by variable watershed loadings from multiple sources. Guidance on how to implement models and assess receiving waters under highly variable conditions is critical for an effective water quality evaluation, analysis, and management resolution. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), States, and local governments move toward the control and management of wet weather pollutant transport, through the CSO, stormwater, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), and NPS programs, demand for analytical tools will increase. This paper discusses the need to evaluate modeling approaches that can be used to link watershed and receiving water hydrologic transport analyses, identify areas for additional research, and conceptualize solutions in key research areas.

Subject Headings: Water quality | Water pollution | Water management | Stormwater management | Contaminant transport | Hydrologic models | Watersheds

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