Abstract

The purpose of the project described in this chapter is to evaluate the water quality and quantity improvement benefits of a large scale application of green infrastructure control practice retrofits in an entire monitored sub-catchment. These green infrastructure controls have been shown, when implemented and maintained properly, to increase retention at the runoff source. This increased retention decreases the runoff volume entering the drainage system and the demand on a drainage system. Many researchers have reported findings that support these observations for individual or small neighborhood applications at LID (low impact development) conferences. This project is unique in that a large area is being retrofitted and will be monitored for many different scales to measure these benefits. This chapter describes a preliminary modeling effort that is being used to assist in the design of the practices at the site, showing how complementary practices that can be constructed on private property which will enhance the performance of the curb-side biofilters to be constructed in the public right-of-way.

This chapter describes updated modeling results for the use of rain gardens, rain barrels or tanks, and roof disconnections, together with preliminary calculations pertaining to curb cut biofilters. They are being examined for potential application in the Kansas City, Missouri, test area for the control of combined sewer overflows. The initial modeling results using WinSLAMM indicate that the use of bioretention facilities in the test area (which has poor soils with limited infiltration capacities) can be effective in the storage of peak flows during many events, significantly decreasing overflows.

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