Sustainable In-Ground Permeable Reactive Filter for the Treatment of Urban Stormwater Runoff

Abstract

Lake Michigan and the various beaches throughout Chicago have a long history of surface water contamination issues due to the impermeable landscapes and nonpoint source pollution associated with dense urban environment. During rain events, urban stormwater runoff can collect and concentrate pollutants that are then mobilized to surface waters within the watershed. Pollutants of concern include suspended solids, nutrients, organic chemicals like non-aqueous phase liquids or oils, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and bacteria. Stormwater management tools such as detention ponds and green infrastructure (bioswales, permeable pavements) are not or may not be practical in urban environments due to limited space and functionality of these tools. The City of Chicago currently must run same day testing for urban beaches to give swimmers notice of potential health risks and beach closures due to elevated E. Coli levels. In-ground reactive stormwater filters might be a viable solution to treat the contamination associated with urban runoff and improve the water quality of Chicago’s beaches. Utilizing three pre-tested filter designs from a previous study, the sustainability of each is evaluated and ranked using a triple bottom line (environmental, economic, and social) sustainability assessment within a conceptual site model in Chicago including contaminant removal efficiency.