Rainfall derived inflow and infiltration (RDII) is a cause of sanitary sewer overflows and sewers exceeding capacity before the end of their design lives, but it is not well understood. Several methods exist to model RDII in existing sanitary sewers. These models are not applicable for design, which is frequently accomplished by applying constant unit rates. Two analytical probabilistic models are developed to estimate the contribution of RDII to peak flow and volume. The analytical models have been tested against computer simulations using long-term rainfall records and parameters calibrated using actual field data. One model relies on calibrated parameters from the RTK method; a commonly used method requiring a time-consuming calibration process. The second model relies on the R-value parameter of the RTK method, and a time of concentration parameter. By providing better information to designers, these analytical models aim to improve engineering decision-making in the design of sewer systems.

This thesis utilizes a distributed hydrologic model to predict hydrologic effects of Low Impact Development (LID), and also analyzes runoff from small sub-areas within the watershed. City planners and developers rely on accurate hydrologic models, which enable them to design flood-proof developments and effectively mitigate flooding downstream. Common hydrologic models use a lumped approach, which averages the physical characteristics of basins for model calculations, limiting their ability to estimate runoff within the basin. In contrast, distributed hydrologic models, which divide the watershed into a grid system, can be used to predict runoff at any location within the watershed. The fully distributed hydrologic model, VfloTM, is used to model stormwater runoff in The Woodlands, TX watershed, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the master planned community. This thesis also suggests that a calibrated VfloTM model can accurately predict stormwater runoff from small sub-areas within a watershed.

Porous asphalt pavements offer an alternative technology for stormwater management. A porous asphalt pavement differs from traditional asphalt pavement designs in that the structure permits fluids to pass freely through it, reducing or controlling the amount of run-off from the surrounding area. By allowing precipitation and run-off to flow through the structure, this pavement type functions as an additional stormwater management technique. The overall benefits of porous asphalt pavements may include both environmental and safety benefits including improved stormwater management, improved skid resistance, reduction of spray to drivers and pedestrians, as well as a potential for noise reduction. With increasing environmental awareness and an evolving paradigm shift in stormwater management techniques, this research aims to provide guidance for Canadian engineers, contractors, and government agencies on the design of porous asphalt pavement structures. One of the keys to the success of this pavement type is in the design of the asphalt mix. The air void percentage, which is ultimately related to the effectiveness of the pavement to adequately control the runoff, is a critical component of the mix. However, special consideration is required in order to obtain higher air void percentages while maintaining strength and durability within a cold climate. The objectives of this study were to evaluate several laboratory porous asphalt mix designs for durability and strength in cold climate conditions. The porous asphalt mixes consisted of a porous asphalt Superpave mix design method whereby the asphalt binder type was varied. Performance testing of the porous asphalt including draindown susceptibility, moisture-induced damage susceptibility, dynamic modulus, and permeability testing were completed. Based on the preliminary laboratory results, an optimal porous asphalt mix was recommended for use in a Canadian climate. Initial design guidelines for porous asphalt were provided based on preliminary findings and hydrological analysis.

Porous asphalt pavements offer an alternative technology for stormwater management. A porous asphalt pavement differs from traditional asphalt pavement designs in that the structure permits fluids to pass freely through it, reducing or controlling the amount of run-off from the surrounding area. By allowing precipitation and run-off to flow through the structure, this pavement type functions as an additional stormwater management technique. The overall benefits of porous asphalt pavements may include both environmental and safety benefits including improved stormwater management, improved skid resistance, reduction of spray to drivers and pedestrians, as well as a potential for noise reduction. With increasing environmental awareness and an evolving paradigm shift in stormwater management techniques, this research aims to provide guidance for Canadian engineers, contractors, and government agencies on the design of porous asphalt pavement structures. One of the keys to the success of this pavement type is in the design of the asphalt mix. The air void percentage, which is ultimately related to the effectiveness of the pavement to adequately control the runoff, is a critical component of the mix. However, special consideration is required in order to obtain higher air void percentages while maintaining strength and durability within a cold climate. The objectives of this study were to evaluate several laboratory porous asphalt mix designs for durability and strength in cold climate conditions. The porous asphalt mixes consisted of a porous asphalt Superpave mix design method whereby the asphalt binder type was varied. Performance testing of the porous asphalt including draindown susceptibility, moisture-induced damage susceptibility, dynamic modulus, and permeability testing were completed. Based on the preliminary laboratory results, an optimal porous asphalt mix was recommended for use in a Canadian climate. Initial design guidelines for porous asphalt were provided based on preliminary findings and hydrological analysis.

Pervious concrete pavement has the capacity to perform as two types of infrastructure: a pavement; and a stormwater management solution. It is a low impact development as it does not alter the natural hydrological cycle when implemented, unlike a conventional impermeable pavement. This research represents some of the initial investigations into pervious concrete pavement in Canada. The two research hypotheses of this research were the following: 1. Pervious concrete pavement can be successfully planned, designed, constructed and maintained in Canada for successful performance based on surface evaluations of permeability rate and surface condition. 2. Verification that the subsurface drainage capabilities of pervious concrete pavement are as described in literature and can be quantified using instrumentation. Through monitoring of the design, construction, performance and maintenance of five field sites across Canada and various laboratory pavement slabs, the behaviour of pervious concrete pavement in freeze-thaw conditions has been evaluated. This thesis presents the findings from the various phases of the life cycle of pervious concrete pavement: planning; design; construction; and maintenance. An interpretation of the performance of pervious concrete pavement both from the perspective of the surface and subsurface is included. The various field sites led to pervious concrete being used in areas exposed to static or parked traffic and areas with slow moving traffic. At the two sites that included static and slow moving traffic, the permeability performance was better in the areas of static traffic than those with moving traffic. Each of the field sites had a unique mix design and some had multiple variations of one basic mix design. The relationship between the void content and hardened density of the pervious concrete cores was linear with none of the cores being visually identified as outliers. Substantial deterioration in pavement structure performance was identified at one site. Other field sites showed changes in structural capacity over the monitoring timeline. However, no locations of substantial decreases in structural capacity were identified. The surface condition of the sites over the analysis period indicated that compaction to the surface during construction was helpful in constructing a quality pavement. The results of the project indicated that pervious concrete will crack when joints are not included and may also crack similarly to conventional impermeable concrete pavements if joints are spaced too widely or do not match joints of adjacent pavement. Washing the pervious concrete pavement surface with a large hose or garden hose was found to be the most effective in improving permeability across a site and also in increasing the permeability of the pervious concrete. The initial permeability of the pervious concrete pavement was found to influence future performance. Freeze-thaw cycling and moisture were found to alter the internal structure of pervious concrete. However, did not generally lead to surface distress development. The application of sand as a winter maintenance method decreased the permeability, as did the use of a salt solution. However, neither winter maintenance method led to the permeability rates of laboratory slabs dropping below an acceptable level. All three slabs loaded with a salt solution deteriorated to a point where the slabs had failed. The initial permeability of the field sites proved to be important and although some sites started with what appeared to be very high permeability rates, these sites were successful in the multiple year evaluation in maintaining adequate permeability rates. The types of surface distresses that developed in the cores and slabs in the laboratory were generally not substantially worse at the field sites, suggesting that pedestrian and vehicle traffic do not necessarily escalate distresses caused by the Canadian climate and corresponding winter activities. The subsurface drainage that was quantified by the instrumentation included in three field sites confirmed observations from the surface of the pavement and exceeded other expectations. Two field sites exhibited limited drainage capabilities on the surface of the pervious concrete pavement, one shortly after construction, and the other within a year following construction. The subsurface analysis quantified and confirmed that moisture was not able to drain completely vertically through the pavement structures at these two sites due to the limited access in the pervious concrete pavement surface. In comparison, the subsurface drainage at another site surpassed the assumed behaviour of pervious concrete pavement structures. The pavement structure in general at this site was highly permeable and this was identified as moisture was not observed to be collecting in the bottom of the storage base layer at any time or for any period of time. The successful overall drainage performance of this site demonstrates the ability to effectively use pervious concrete pavement in Canada.

Comparative research was conducted to assess the environmental impacts of the Adopt-a-Pond program, which operates throughout Hillsborough County, Florida. The Adopt-a-Pond program was established in 1992 and designed to address nonpoint pollution through outreach and stormwater pond enhancement. However, the program had never been thoroughly and scientifically evaluated. Therefore, assessments of water quality and vegetative characteristics were made at ninety Adopt-a-Pond participants and eleven control ponds to explore the potential impacts of the program on measurable environmental parameters. Statistical analysis of the results failed to demonstrate any statistically significant environmental improvements associated with the Adopt-a-Pond program, and measures of program activity did not illustrate a consistently positive relationship. These results indicate a need to readdress the policies and implementation of the program. Poor compliance by program volunteers, evident by the limited span of group participation (mean = 2.5 years) and relatively low percentage of actively involved residents, is the most likely culprit for the unremarkable improvements in pond quality, as pond enhancement techniques are firmly established in the literature. Overall, these conclusions underline the need for an integrated evaluation component in policymaking and an adaptive management approach to environmental management. A more detailed analysis is warranted to provide time series data, which examines ponds both before and after entry to the program and after implementing landmark improvement measures. In the end, the results of the study have provided a better understanding of the AAP and other similar restoration programs, and hopes to allow for enhancement of AAP program restoration practices.

Current research is revealing that stormwater can carry pathogens and that this stormwater is entering wastewater treatment facilities. During periods of intense rainfall, not only can stormwater carry higher amounts of pathogens, but it also increases the flow rate to the wastewater treatment facility. In many instances, the flow rate exceeds the facilities' treatment capacity and can impact treatment performance. The purpose of this study was to identify whether wastewater treatment is impaired during periods of increased rainfall, and to compare current policies that address this issue. The study was conducted using a case study approach to analyze historical precipitation and wastewater treatment data from facilities located in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Florida. The effluent from the biological nutrient removal system operated at the facilities located in Clearwater was compared to the effluent from the activated sludge treatment system operated by the facility located in St. Petersburg. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify significant differences in either the loading or performance of wastewater treatment facilities under wet and dry flow conditions. In this case, the Clearwater facilities operating below their treatment capacity were better equipped to handle peak wet weather flows and efficiently treat wastewater than the St. Petersburg facility which has a less advanced treatment system and was operating at and above its treatment capacity.

This paper presents the results of a study on the effectiveness of porous overlays on urban highways. Permeable Friction Course (PFC) is a layer of porous asphalt applied to the top of conventional asphalt highways at a thickness of around 50 mm. PFC is often installed for safety and noise benefits, and is being seen as an emerging technology for meeting environmental requirements for stormwater discharge. The first objective of the study was to determine the impact of porous asphalt on the quality of stormwater runoff on highways with a curb and gutter drainage system. The quality of highway stormwater runoff was monitored before and after the installation of PFC on an eight-lane divided highway in the Austin, Texas area for 2 years. Observed concentrations of total suspended solids from PFC are 92% lower than those in runoff from the conventional pavement. Concentration reductions are also observed for nitrate/nitrite and total amounts of phosphorus, copper, lead, and zinc. The data shows that the results with curb and gutter are consistent with past results where runoff sheet flowed onto vegetated shoulders. The effect of two different binder compositions is also compared, showing an increase in zinc when recycled rubber is used. The second objective focuses on the drainage capabilities of PFC. While porous overlays can reduce stormwater accumulation on roadways, capacity at high rainfall intensities is limited. Installing subgrade underdrains within PFC could further improve stormwater conveyance. This research attempts to model the hydraulic profile of runoff as it approaches an underdrain with varying flow rates and grades. The results could assist TxDOT in the sizing and configuration of drains based on rainfall intensity and roadway geometry. / text

Preliminary reconnaissance undertaken in summer 2013 identified the scale of stormwater management issues in Xiamen, having frequent storm events that overwhelm the stormwater and sewer infrastructure resulting in widespread flooding. This research explored the role that green facilities play in addressing stormwater issues through the inquiry of Low Impact Development strategies and techniques. From a long-term perspective, green infrastructure planning and implementation is inevitably linked with strong education programs, rational stormwater codes and regulations, a variety of financing and incentives, as well as an integrated and competent administration system. This research presents a design proposal for green infrastructure retrofit for a selected study block in the central area of Xiamen to help guide water sensitive urban design and development in the future. Seven recommendations based on the synthesis of the literature review, key-informant interviews, built-project studies and the retrofit design proposal are proposed. This document will be submitted to Xiamen Urban Planning & Design Institute for considerations to be integrated in city master planning policy and zoning codes and standards as needed and to inform a demonstration project to help advance long-term strategies and recommendations. / October 2015

This report examined efforts to manage combined sewage overflows and create effective stormwater management plans. To provide background on the issue, a brief history of sewage management was provided, along with the legal history regarding water quality, sewage and CSOs, effects of CSOs and current green infrastructure methods for dealing with CSOs. The report then compared the efforts of three cities--Portland, Oregon; Philadelphia, PA; and Chicago, IL--to improve water quality and manage CSOs and stormwater. From the examination of the efforts of these cities the author derived a list of ten recommended elements for a CSO/stormwater management plan. These recommended elements were then used to evaluate New York City's recently released sustainable stormwater management plan and its prospects for success. / text