Metals, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and Semi-Volatile Organic Compound (SVOC) Content in Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) Sediments from Highway Runoff: Implications for Potential Sediment Disposal Options

Abstract Submission: Stormwater control measures (SCMs) have been shown to be effective at solids removal from stormwater runoff. Sediment buildup in these SCMs is unavoidable and routine maintenance to remove stormwater sediment is essential for the long-term operation of these systems. However, little research has been performed to determine what, if any, special disposal requirements are required for these stormwater sediments (i.e., can these sediments be disposed of in a solid waste landfill? can they be left on-site?). The purpose of this research was to characterize pollutant concentrations in sediment collected from three highway-runoff stormwater control systems (two rain gardens and one solids-removal SCM equipped with a Contech Cascade Separator® and Jellyfish® filtration system in series). Sediment analysis includes Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP) extraction and subsequent analysis for eleven metals (arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, copper, nickel and zinc), 67 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 64 semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Correlations between metals/VOC accumulation and sediment particle size distribution, as well as how stormwater sediment concentrations of metals, VOCs and SVOCs compared to regulatory limits, will be discussed.

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