MPC
Project Details

Title:	Using Flocculation to Reduce Turbidity of Construction Site Runoff
Principal Investigators:	Guanghui Hua
University:	South Dakota State University
Status:	Completed
Year:	2013
Grant #:	DTRT12-G-UTC08 (SAFETEA-LU Extension)
Project #:	MPC-436
RH Display ID:	13578
Keywords:	best practices, erosion control, flocculating agents, road construction, runoff, sedimentation, turbidity

Abstract

The United States Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of developing a new regulation on turbidity for the stormwater runoff from construction sites. Construction of highways usually requires large areas of land disturbance which may result in accelerated soil erosion. The stormwater runoff from highway construction sites typically contains a large amount of fine silt and clay particles that are difficult to remove using conventional best management practices (BMPs) such as silt fences, mulching, and sedimentation basins. It is crucial to develop technologies that can effectively reduce the turbidity of runoff from highway construction sites in order to meet future regulations and protect natural water resources. Polyacrylamide (PAM) flocculation has been demonstrated to be a cost-effective and practical BMP for erosion and sediment control. The application of PAM in construction sites requires an evaluation of specific soil types and climate conditions. The goal of this research is to determine the effectiveness of PAM flocculation to reduce the runoff turbidity level for highway construction sites in South Dakota.

Project Deliverables

• [Final Report] Using Flocculation to Reduce Turbidity of Construction Site Runoff — MPC-20-418
  • View Research Brief

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