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VERIFICATION TESTING OF WET-WEATHER FLOW TECHNOLOGIES
Citation:
Schenk, J., K. Smith, AND M K. Stinson*. VERIFICATION TESTING OF WET-WEATHER FLOW TECHNOLOGIES. Presented at ASCE World Water and Environmental Resources Congress, Orlando, FL, 5/20-24/2001.
Description:
A number of technological solutions are being offered by vendors to communities and industries seeking cost-effective means for characterizing and reducing the impacts of wet-weather sources of pollution. Whether considering an emerging technology or a new application of an existing technology to address a wet-weather concern, prospective buyers need objective performance data in order to make an informed purchase. As part of the USEPA's ETV Program, the Wet-Weather flow (WWF) Technologies Pilot Program verifies the performance of commercial-ready technologies by generating quality-assured data using test protocols developed with broad-based stakeholder input. The availability of a credible and objective verification report should reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the need for on-site pilot or demonstration testing prior to selection of a given product. The use of technically sound test protocols and procedures ensures the value of the verification report to the equipment purchaser and permit writer. NSF Int, is the verification partner organization working with EPA to conduct the verification pilot. This paper describes the critical components of the ETV Program for two specific technology categories: Flowmeters utilized for monitoring combined sewer overflow (CSO) and stormwater discharges, and; stormwater source-area treatment devices. In addition, this paper describes the stakeholder-based process employed by the WWF Pilot to develop generic test protocols and site-specific test plans for these technologies. It discusses the challenges associated with developing protocols that can be applied to multiple vendors' products at one or more test sites. The WWF Pilot seeks to balance the desire for comprehensive testing that fully characterizes equipment to balance the desire for comprehensive testing that fully characterizes equipment performance under a variety of water quality and facility conditions against the need to keep testing costs reasonable.