Development of a research and demonstration facility for the evaluation of stormwater runoff, erosion control, and sediment control best management practices

Construction and land development projects often alter intrinsic hydrologic responses, thereby contributing to increased rates and volumes of stormwater runoff and soil erosion. Soil erosion is a major global environmental problem and the fourth leading cause of water quality impairment in U.S. Although many commercial products are available for erosion and sediment control, there is currently a deficit in objective quantitative performance evaluations of such products under an adequate range of locally relevant climate conditions and soil types. To address these concerns, an Erosion Control Research and Training Center (ECRTC) has recently been established at the University of Illinois to perform research and evaluate stormwater management, soil erosion control, and sediment control best management practices (BMPs). This site includes a large earthen berm, a detention pond, and three channels of varying configurations. Four erosion plots, runoff collection structures, and a portable rainfall simulator were designed and calibrated to evaluate hillslope erosion control on the berm. A demonstration of three different check dam series was performed in the channels, and various flow conditions used to explore evaluation methodology. Five demonstration vegetation plots with different cover practices for a native grass seed mixture were implemented and monitored to evaluate their performance. Preliminary results indicated that the compost and mulch covers led to greater vegetation establishment than either hydromulch treatment. The establishment of the research site has provided insights into appropriate strategies for the field evaluation of erosion control and sediment control BMPs, and will continue to allow any related products to be objectively and quantitatively evaluated under locally relevant conditions.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Agricultural & Biological Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Monical, Joseph

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kalita, Prasanta K.

• erosion control
• sediment control
• best management practices
• stormwater runoff

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 Joseph Monical

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/29651

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/29651