Operation and maintenance of swales Revision as of 16:49, 5 March 2013 by PLeegar (talk | contribs) (→Design Phase Maintenance Considerations)
Contents
Operation and Maintenance
Overview
The most frequently cited maintenance concern for filters is surface and under-drain clogging caused by organic matter, fine silts, hydrocarbons, and algal matter. Common operational problems include:
- Standing water
- Clogged filter surface
- Clogged, inlet, outlet or under-drains
Design Phase Maintenance Considerations
Implicit in the design guidance in the previous sections is the fact that many design elements of filtering systems can minimize the maintenance burden and maintain pollutant removal efficiency. Key examples include: limiting drainage area, providing easy site access (REQUIRED), and providing adequate pre-treatment (REQUIRED).
Construction Phase Maintenance
Proper construction methods and sequencing play a significant role in reducing problems with operation and maintenance (O&M). In particular, with filter construction the most important action for preventing operation and maintenance difficulties is to ensure that the contributing drainage area has been fully stabilized prior to bringing the practice on line (this is a REQUIRED practice).
Inspections during construction are needed to ensure the filter practice is built in accordance with the approved design and standards and specifications. Detailed inspection checklists should be used that include sign-offs by qualified individuals at critical stages of construction, to verify the contractor’s interpretation of the plan is acceptable with the designer. An example construction phase inspection checklist is here.