EPA Grant Number: R83-0633-010
Title: Effective Storm water and Sediment Control During Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence Concept
Investigators: Dr. Billy J. Barfield, Regents Service Professor, Dr. Khaled A. M. Gasem, Maddox Professor, and Dr. Marty Matlock, Assistant Professor
Institution: Oklahoma State University and University of Arkansas
EPA Project Officer: Bala Krishnan
Project Period: 9-10-03 to 9-9-04
Project Amount: $159,734
Research Category: Pollution Prevention
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 brime 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, is proposed 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.
Funding is for the first year of a multi-year project. In that first year, the new concepts will be implemented into a working design and evaluated in laboratory studies to determine its effectiveness in trapping sediment. Further, a computer model of sediment trapping by the new design will be developed and tested in the field laboratory. During that second year, should funding be available for continuation, field tests will be performed on pipeline construction and plans developed for a machine system to install the new fence. An example BMP specification will be developed along with a spreadsheet design aid.