The Contech StormFilter: A Comprehensive Stormwater Treatment Solution
The Contech StormFilter is a leading stormwater treatment system that offers effective solutions for managing stormwater runoff and improving water quality. Designed by Contech Engineering, the StormFilter is a highly efficient and versatile solution that can remove a wide range of pollutants from stormwater runoff.
In this article, we will delve into the details of what the Contech StormFilter is, how it works, its effectiveness, installation considerations, maintenance requirements, cost, regulatory compliance, and successful case studies.
What is Contech and What Is the Contech StormFilter?
The Contech StormFilter is a stormwater treatment device that utilizes rechargeable, media-filled cartridges to absorb and retain challenging pollutants from stormwater runoff. These pollutants can include total suspended solids (TSS), hydrocarbons, nutrients, metals, and other common contaminants. This storm drain filter is designed to improve water quality by effectively removing these pollutants before the stormwater is discharged into the environment.
How does the Contech StormFilter work?
The StormFilter operates through a four-step treatment cycle and is an excellent tool:
- Filtration: During a storm event, runoff flows through the StormFilter’s filtration media. As the water accumulates, it fills the center tube in the cartridge, while air is expelled through a one-way valve.
- Float activation: Once the water reaches the top of the float, buoyancy forces pull the float off, allowing the filtered water to exit the cartridge through a specialized siphon.
- Scrubbing: After the storm event, as the water level in the structure falls, it reaches the bottom of the hood, where scrubbing regulators are located. Air passing through the regulators breaks the siphon, creating air bubbles that agitate the filter and cause accumulated sediment to settle on the floor.
- Contech StormFilter maintenance: The StormFilter requires routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Cartridges may need to be replaced periodically, depending on site-specific conditions and pollutant loads.
What Types of Pollutants can the Contech StormFilter Remove from Stormwater Runoff?
The Contech StormFilter is designed to target and remove a wide range of pollutants commonly found in stormwater runoff. These pollutants include:
- Total suspended solids (TSS): The StormFilter effectively captures and retains sediment, debris, and other particulate matter suspended in stormwater.
- Hydrocarbons: The media-filled cartridges in the StormFilter can absorb and retain hydrocarbons such as oil and grease, preventing them from entering water bodies.
- Nutrients: The StormFilter can remove nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which can contribute to water pollution and eutrophication.
- Metals: The StormFilter is effective in removing various metals, including copper, lead, zinc, and mercury, which can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
- Other common pollutants: The StormFilter can also target and remove other pollutants such as pesticides, herbicides, and bacteria, improving overall water quality.
How Effective Is the Contech StormFilter in Treating Stormwater and Improving Water Quality?
The Contech StormFilter has been extensively tested and proven highly effective in treating stormwater and improving water quality. The system has undergone rigorous testing and verification by reputable organizations, including the Washington State Department of Ecology (WA DOE), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), and ISO 14034 Environmental Management – Environmental Technology Verification (ETV).
These evaluations have demonstrated StormFilter’s ability to achieve high pollutant removal efficiencies, exceeding regulatory requirements. The system’s performance in removing TSS, hydrocarbons, nutrients, metals, and other pollutants has been verified, providing confidence in its effectiveness as a stormwater treatment solution.
What Are the Design and Installation Considerations for the Contech StormFilter?
The Contech StormFilter offers flexibility in design and installation, making it suitable for various projects and applications. The system can be configured as a decentralized, small-scale inlet, including stormfilter catch basins, curb inlets, and manhole systems, to meet low-impact development (LID) and treatment requirements.
The StormFilter can be tailored to target specific pollutants or provide comprehensive treatment within the same system. It offers multiple cartridge heights, allowing for design flexibility and cost optimization. The system’s modular design enables it to easily integrate into various stormwater management plans and infrastructure.
Installation of the StormFilter requires careful consideration of site-specific hydraulic conditions, flows, and space constraints. Contech Engineering provides technical expertise and support to ensure proper installation and alignment with project requirements.
What Are the Maintenance Requirements for the Contech StormFilter, and How Often Does It Need to be Serviced?
Proper maintenance is essential for the long-term performance and effectiveness of the Contech StormFilter. The system has been optimized to reduce maintenance costs and minimize the frequency of service events. Maintenance intervals typically range from one to five years, depending on site-specific conditions and pollutant loads.
The StormFilter is designed to be easy to maintain, with access points provided for inspection, media replacement, and structure washing. Visual indicators are also incorporated into the system to facilitate maintenance monitoring. Additionally, Contech offers a cartridge replacement program that provides refurbished cartridges ready for installation, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Contech has established a network of Certified Maintenance Providers to offer maintenance services at competitive rates, ensuring the StormFilter continues to perform at its best over time. Stormwater Compliance Solutions is a Certified Maintenance Provider.
What Is the Typical Cost of Installing and Maintaining a Contech StormFilter System?
The cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining a Contech StormFilter system can vary based on various factors such as project size, site conditions, and specific requirements. It is important to consult with Contech Engineering or their authorized distributors to obtain accurate cost estimates and determine the most cost-effective solution for a particular project.
While the initial investment in the StormFilter system may vary, the long-term benefits of improved water quality, regulatory compliance, and potential cost savings in stormwater management make it a valuable investment for many projects.
In What Types of Projects or Applications Is the Contech StormFilter Most Suitable?
The Contech StormFilter is highly versatile and can be applied to various projects and applications. Some of the common applications where the StormFilter is suitable include:
- High-volume detention and treatment systems: The StormFilter’s flexibility and scalability make it effective for managing high volumes of stormwater runoff, providing efficient treatment and meeting regulatory requirements.
- Low-impact development (LID): In LID designs, the StormFilter can be decentralized and strategically placed to provide efficient treatment at the source of runoff, minimizing the impact on the environment.
- Industrial sites: The StormFilter’s ability to filter out complex pollutants and solids makes it suitable for industrial applications, where stormwater runoff may contain a higher concentration of contaminants.
- Municipal and urban areas: StormFilter systems can be incorporated into existing stormwater infrastructure in urban areas to improve water quality and meet stringent stormwater management regulations.
- Construction sites: The StormFilter can be used to mitigate the impact of construction activities by treating stormwater runoff and reducing the discharge of sediment and pollutants into nearby water bodies.
Are There Any Regulatory or Permitting Requirements Associated with Using the Contech StormFilter?
The Contech StormFilter is designed to meet regulatory requirements and best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater management. It contributes to compliance with local, state, and federal stormwater regulations by effectively treating runoff and reducing the discharge of pollutants into receiving water bodies.
The StormFilter has received approvals and certifications from regulatory agencies, including the Washington State Department of Ecology (WA DOE), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), and ISO 14034 Environmental Management – Environmental Technology Verification (ETV). These approvals validate its performance and compliance with strict stormwater treatment standards.
By incorporating the StormFilter into stormwater management plans, developers, municipalities, and property owners can ensure compliance with regulations while protecting water resources and maintaining environmental stewardship.
Can the Contech StormFilter Be Used in Conjunction with Other Stomrwqter Management Systems or Strategies, Such as Green infrastructure or Low-impact Development?
The Contech StormFilter can be used in conjunction with other stormwater management systems and strategies to create a comprehensive approach to stormwater treatment. It can complement green infrastructure practices, such as vegetated swales, rain gardens, and permeable pavement, by providing additional treatment and pollutant removal for complete Contech stormwater solutions.
The StormFilter can also be integrated into low-impact development (LID) designs, where decentralized treatment systems are strategically placed to provide efficient treatment closest to the source of the runoff. By combining various stormwater management strategies, the overall effectiveness of stormwater treatment can be enhanced, leading to improved water quality and reduced environmental impact.
Are There Any Case Studies or Examples of Successful Contech StormFilter Installations in Various Settings?
Numerous successful installations of the Contech StormFilter have been documented in various settings and applications. These case studies highlight the system’s effectiveness in improving water quality, meeting regulatory requirements, and providing long-term stormwater management solutions.
For example, in an industrial site in Maryland, the StormFilter was successfully used to remove pollutants such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons, ensuring compliance with stormwater regulations and protecting nearby water bodies. In a high-volume detention and treatment system in Virginia, the StormFilter effectively captured and retained sediment, preventing it from entering a sensitive watershed.
These case studies demonstrate the versatility and reliability of the Contech StormFilter in diverse projects, further reinforcing its position as a trusted stormwater management system.
The Contech StormFilter is a robust and versatile stormwater treatment system designed to remove many pollutants from stormwater runoff. With its effective filtration media, flexible design options, and proven performance, the StormFilter offers an efficient solution for improving water quality and meeting regulatory requirements.
By incorporating the Contech StormFilter into stormwater management plans, developers, municipalities, and property owners can achieve effective stormwater treatment, protect water resources, and ensure compliance with stormwater regulations. With the support of Contech Engineering’s technical expertise and maintenance services, the StormFilter provides a reliable and long-term solution for stormwater management needs.
Allow a stormwater professional from SCS to guide you through the maintenance, operation, and inspection process of the StormFilter. Contact us today [email protected]
