Design Tool for Controlling Runoff and Sediment from Highway Construction

Regulations require that stormwater pollution prevention plans be developed for construction activities that disturb an area that is equal to or greater than one acre. Different strategies, including a combination of practices, can be used to develop these plans. The WATER model was a tool developed from a previous project to assess the effectiveness of different on-site sediment control practices. This model is expanded in this study to consider off-site practices, to include processes at the watershed scale, and to allow spatial data sets to be integrated into the simulation framework. Routines to simulate the impact of off-site practices of rock check dams, vegetative filters, and detention ponds are added to the WATER model. The detention pond model has been modified to allow rock and gravel infiltration filters to be included as an off-site practice. Two different algorithms are used: (1) the Protocol Method based purely on empirical data and (2) the Process-Based Method using process-based relationships developed for porous media flow. This report represents the results of research conducted by the authors and does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and/or the Center for Transportation Studies. This report does not contain a standard or specified technique. The authors and the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Center for Transportation Studies do not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or manufacturers' names appear herein solely because they are considered essential to this report. Acknowledgements The authors appreciate the support of the Office of Environmental Services of the Minnesota Department of Transportation for this research. We particularly appreciate the assistance and support provided by Mr. in the development of the WATER model. The support of a companion project funded by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) contributed to the success of the project. The authors sincerely appreciate LRRB's support as well. The Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, Regional Projects S-1004, also provided support for the project. The authors would also like to acknowledge several people whose work was instrumental to the completion of this study. • Leo Holm for his support and vision in developing improved risk assessment tools for sediment control from construction sites. • Brett Troyer and Dwayne Stenlund of Mn/DOT for their input of important features to include in the model and their willingness to share the needs of the construction industry with the authors. • Technical advisory team members of Larry Berkland …