An evaluation of the stormwater quality performance of catch basin filter/inserts

With the impending implementation of EPA's National Pollutant Discharge EliminationSystem (NPDES) Phase 11 regulations, the demand for innovative and effective means of dealing with point and non-point source pollution is and will continue growing. Catch Basin filters have been recently introduced as an alternative type of stormwater qualityBest Management Practice (BMP). With Phase 11 requirements on the horizon, numerous companies have begun manufacturing and selling unique designs of catch basin insert/filters. This thesis will present a performance analysis of these innovative water quality BMPs to determine if all filter models are practical for all hydrologic and hydraulic conditions. The study will summarize what the filters are and what they do, what filters are being manufactured and by whom, and what level of performance has been observed by selected municipalities who are using the inserts. Also summarized is a field study on the AquaShield™ catch basin filter that was conducted to determine the expected pollutant removal efficiency and overall performance in a highly urban setting. The Primary purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the overall performance of catch basin insert/filters and develop recommendations and guidelines for municipalities to use when considering the installation of a this type of water quality BMP.