Barriers to Real-Time Control of Stormwater Systems

Abstract

Real-time control of stormwater infrastructure is an emerging technology that can improve stormwater system function. However, this technology has not been adopted widely, nor is it typically addressed within current stormwater regulations. This study addressed these gaps by identifying barriers to the adoption of real-time controls of stormwater and exploring ways in which real-time controls of stormwater can fit within current regulatory frameworks. To identify barriers, a survey was distributed to municipal and consultant stormwater engineers in Wisconsin. The results indicated that cost, operations and maintenance, and failure to qualify for regulatory credits are significant perceived barriers to real-time control of stormwater. Municipal engineers were reluctant to adopt real-time controls and were concerned with regulatory credits for real-time controls. In light of these concerns, a case study was performed to evaluate how a detention pond augmented with a real-time control valve at the outlet performed in terms of common stormwater design standards and regulatory criteria, including peak flow reduction and total suspended solids (TSS) removal. Model results indicated that the controlled pond reduced the magnitude of peak flows. It also improved annual total suspended solids removal from 70% to 96%, thereby exceeding the 80% TSS removal requirement for municipal separate storm sewer systems in many US states. Given the identified barriers and model performance, this study discussed potential paths forward for overcoming barriers in attributing regulatory credits to real-time controls of stormwater.