Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Effective Stormwater and Sediment Control During Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence Concept

EPA Grant Number: R830633C003
Alternative EPA Grant Number: R827015C030
Subproject: this is subproject number 003 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R830633
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: Center for the Study of Metals in the Environment
Center Director: Allen, Herbert E.
Title: Effective Stormwater and Sediment Control During Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence Concept
Investigators: Barfield, Billy J. , Gasem, Khaled A , Matlock, Marty D.
Institution: Oklahoma State University
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: May 1, 2003 through April 30, 2004
Project Amount: Refer to main center abstract for funding details.
RFA: Integrated Petroleum Environmental Consortium (IPEC) (1999) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Targeted Research

Objective:

1. Prepare and present two workshop at the IPEC meeting: a) an initial workshop to develop consensus among leading researchers, industry, and environmental agencies on design and performance criteria for new silt fence technology to be used in the petroleum industry (completed and reported 1/10/04)
2. Develop threshold design criteria for sediment control, effluent guidelines under Phase II SWP based on a regional impact analysis (reported 7/12/04)
3. Prove the FAEST silt fence design and implementation concept under laboratory and field conditions where current silt fence fails due to:
1. Flow concentrations that result from current installation technology
2. Failure to trap clays and fine silts addressed through: flow barriers
4. Prove the FAEST silt fence design and implementation concept under laboratory and field conditions where current silt fence fails due to:
1. Failure to trap clays and fine silts addressed through: use of polyacrylimide (PAM) applied upslope of the fence or fused onto the apron to enhance settling
5. Write proposed BMP guidelines and develop design aids for the technology
6. Develop design requirements for machine systems to install fences (reported on 7/12/04)

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

Sediment has recently become an emphasis in the EPA NPDES storm water rules because of its impact on habitat and the macro-invertebrates in stream channels. This is particularly critical for pipelines and will become even more important under Phase II of the Clean Water Act. Current sediment control BMP technology for linear construction and brine reclamation projects is primarily limited to silt fence since it does not cause significant additional disruptions to the landscape during installation and removal. Since silt fence has been found to be practically ineffective in a recent national study this project address modifications of current technology to make silt fence effective. A dramatically modified to current silt fence technology, known as FAESF, has been investigated which has the potential to: a) control undercutting and overtopping due to cross-contour installations, b) control lateral flow along the silt fence, c) improve the trapping of fine silts and clays, d) provide adequate strength of posts and fence to prevent excessive stretching and overturning, and e) provide for adequate bearing capacity of post footings. Field testing has been successful and investigators are meeting with regulators and holding workshops to communicate their findings.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 3 publications for this subproject

Supplemental Keywords:

Soil, sediments, pollution prevention, sustainable development, engineering, hydrology, south central, Oklahoma, EPA Region 6, petroleum industry, construction industry,, Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Waste, Remediation, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Ecological Risk Assessment, Sustainable Environment, Treatment Technologies, Environmental Engineering, environmental education, petroleum industry, contaminated sediments, environmental sustainability, petroleum contaminated soil, remediation technologies, decontamination, bioremediation, environmental technology, petrochemicals, ecological research, environmental regulations

Relevant Websites:

http://ipec.utulsa.edu/ Exit

Main Center Abstract and Reports:

R830633    Center for the Study of Metals in the Environment

Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R830633C001 Development of an Environmentally Friendly and Economical Process for Plugging Abandoned Wells (Phase II)
R830633C002 A Continuation of Remediation of Brine Spills with Hay
R830633C003 Effective Stormwater and Sediment Control During Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence Concept
R830633C004 Evaluation of Sub-micellar Synthetic Surfactants versus Biosurfactants for Enhanced LNAPL Recovery
R830633C005 Utilization of the Carbon and Hydrogen Isotopic Composition of Individual Compounds in Refined Hydrocarbon Products To Monitor Their Fate in the Environment
R830633C006 Evaluation of Commercial, Microbial-Based Products to Treat Paraffin Deposition in Tank Bottoms and Oil Production Equipment
R830633C007 Identifying the Signature of the Natural Attenuation in the Microbial Ecology of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Groundwater Using Molecular Methods and “Bug Traps”
R830633C008 Using Plants to Remediate Petroleum-Contaminated Soil: Project Continuation
R830633C009 Use of Earthworms to Accelerate the Restoration of Oil and Brine Impacted Sites