Pop-Up Hyporheic Zones (PUHZO) A Novel Modular Technology to Treat Phosphorus in Urban Drool and Dry-Weather Creeks

Abstract Submission: High levels of phosphorus (P) in arid streams due to agricultural and urban runoff, such as those found in Colorado and California, are detrimental to the environment and the health and safety of our scarce freshwater resources. P pollution is of considerable concern in these states, as evidenced by the existing water quality credit trading program in California and the Colorado Water Quality 10-year road map plans to release draft phosphorus criteria for streams by 2025. This study will focus on a new technology called “Pop-Up Hyporheic Zones” (PUHZOs) which are nonpermanent systems for phosphorus removal emplaced as permeable bags of geomedia on streambeds in urban drool flows (streams consisting of urban runoff during periods of low flow). PUHZOs are also directly relevant to other pollutants (metals, bacteria and virus, organics, nitrogen), and other applications (e.g., agricultural return flows, acid mine drainage, detention pond outlets). Via field and lab-based sampling and permeability and soil acid extractions, this study is able to determine the treatment efficacy of this innovative tool in real-world settings. The method enables determination of total P removed, which could be useful for quantification of water quality trading credits and will contribute to a portfolio of solutions to the pressing problem of high phosphorus levels in arid, urban waterways. This project has created a portable, removable, stream BMP technology, where removal of contaminant mass can be quantified, and that can be implemented by water regulators and managers for phosphorus removal and water quality improvement in streams. This presentation will explore the motivations, supporting evidence, and findings from field tests of this novel PUHZO technology.

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