Grantee Research Project Results
2006 Progress Report: Effective Stormwater and Sediment Control During Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence Concept
EPA Grant Number: X832428C001Alternative EPA Grant Number: R827015C030
Subproject: this is subproject number 001 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant X832428
(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 , University of Arkansas
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: October 11, 2005 through June 30, 2007
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 11, 2005 through June 30, 2006
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:
The overall objective of the project is to turn the currently unsuccessful silt fence technology into a highly effective sediment control system. Research is needed to replace current ineffective technology with a workable alternative that is effective at trapping sediment for the duration of the construction project and is cost effective as well. Year 1 efforts concluded with a preliminary design for such a system, to be known as Failure Avoidance and Effective Silt fence Technology (FAEST). The preliminary design successfully solved the problem of flow concentration and resulting undercutting and release of sediment at the toe of conventional silt fence; in addition, the inability of conventional silt fence to trap clays and fines due to inadequate detention time was greatly reduced. Year 2 efforts will result in a final structural design for FAEST and address installation issues.
The following is a brief summary of the objectives in the proposal to be addressed in the current project period.
Proposal Objective 1. Present a workshop at the IPEC Annual Meeting
Proposal Objective 3b. Increase trapping of fines and clays through addition of Polyacrylamide (PAM)
Proposal Objective 3c and 3d. Address failure of conventional silt fence due to fabric stretching and inadequate post strength.
Proposal Objective 4. Address economic and manufacturability issues.
Proposal Objective 5. Develop design aids and BMP guidelines.
Proposal Objective 6. Develop design requirements for a machine to install FAEST.
Progress Summary:
Proposal Objective 3. The series of pilot-scale model tests was started completed. We obtained baseline sediment concentrations through the fence averaging 22,000 ppm from the tests with no addition of PAM. The first set of tests with PAM was disappointing, as there was no significant reduction in sediment discharge. A second series was completed with a higher concentration of PAM. Visual observations during the test suggested that the increased concentration of PAM was effective, and laboratory analysis supported this, as sediment concentration in discharge through the fence averaged 12,000 ppm.
With respect to stretching and inadequate post strength, we determined through stress computations and observation of actual silt fence that unreinforced silt fence had adequate strength for a 6-foot post spacing. A lightweight metal T-post with an anchor vane, such as can be purchased at a home improvement store, was adequate to resist overturning when loaded in wet soils. However, when the fence was attached to the post with ties, local stress concentrations developed at the ties resulting in gaps and weakness in the fence. We are in process of designing a post that will include a continuous clamp that will secure the fence to the post from toe to top of fence.
Proposal Objective 4. We obtained a sewing machine and our lab technician fabricated racks and rollers to handle the silt fence as it is being stitched. We conducted tensile tests on several types of glue for the flow barriers and found that the cheapest brand of glue performed adequately. Ditch Witch gave a demonstration of a tractor attachment that can install a “two-tail” fence.
Proposal Objective 5. Work is continuing with the computer model, which currently performs data entry, calculations, and displays results within an Excel spreadsheet. Significant progress has bee made toward developing a Visual Basic version of the model which will be easier for consumers of the product to use.
Proposal Objective 6. Progress on this objective is included in the information for objective 4.
Proposal Objective 1. A half-day workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, October 18 during the IPEC Annual Meeting. Scheduled presenters are Bill Barfield, Kahled Gasem, Ellen Stevens, Sandeep Yeri, (all from OSU) and Kelvin Self (from Ditch Witch). The workshop will present an overview of the development process and include segments on mechanized installation, performance evaluation with the model, and cost estimating.
Future Activities:
During the next quarter we plan to complete fabrication of the fence and other equipment for the Greenville, SC field installation of FAEST. We also plan to finish analysis of the lab and field data collected, complete calibration and de-bugging of the spreadsheet model and continue development of the visual basic code.
Supplemental Keywords:
Soil, sediments, pollution prevention, sustainable development, engineering, hydrology, south central, Oklahoma, EPA Region 6, petroleum industry, construction industry,Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractMain Center Abstract and Reports:
X832428 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).
X832428C001 Effective Stormwater and Sediment Control During Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence Concept
X832428C002 Paraffin Control in Oil Wells Using Anaerobic Microorganisms
X832428C003 Fiber Rolls as a Tool for Re-Vegetation of Oil-Brine Contaminated Watersheds
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.