BMP Performance Analysis Results for the International Stormwater BMP Database

Abstract

The International Stormwater BMP Database (BMP Database) is a long-term project that began in 1994 through the vision of members active in the Urban Water Resources Research Council of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and leadership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Funded for many years by EPA, the project is now supported by a coalition of partners including the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), Federal Highway Administration, American Public Works Association, as well as ongoing support from ASCE's Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI). The project is multi-faceted and includes guidance on BMP monitoring, design parameters and watershed characteristics to report with BMP monitoring studies to facilitate analysis and performance analysis protocols. The cornerstone of the project is a publically available database containing performance information for over 450 BMP studies, with 500 anticipated by late 2011. During 2008–2010, major revisions to the Database were completed to enhance user friendliness, incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) practices and site designs, refine analysis protocols, and develop new performance summaries. All project materials are publically available for download at www.bmpdatabase.org. This paper provides a condensed summary of key findings from performance analysis completed during 2010 and early 2011, representing the most comprehensive analysis to date of the BMP Database performance data in several key areas. Five technical summaries were developed focusing on BMP performance for fecal indicator bacteria, nutrients, volume reduction, total suspended solids (TSS), and metals. Each paper provides a discussion of the current regulatory context for the constituent, a summary of data included in the database, a detailed assessment of adequacy of the data for purposes of analysis, discussion of unit treatment processes relevant to the constituent, and statistical analysis and evaluation of BMP performance for the data sets. Data are summarized graphically and are provided in spreadsheets that can be used for independent analysis. Based on the analysis, recommendations regarding BMP selection, limitations on use of the data, and recommendations for additional research are provided.