Texas Approves Stormceptor System To Protect Edwards Aquifer
Sensitive and vital groundwater system provides drinking water for 1.7 million people
Texas - To protect one of the state's most valuable water resources from harmful pollutants carried in stormwater runoff, the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has approved the Stormceptor system for use in the Edwards Aquifer.
"The Stormceptor system is a perfect fit for such an important and sensitive area as the Edwards Aquifer," said Kenneth Waite, Rinker Materials Manager for South Texas. (Covering over 4,350 square miles over 11 counties, the Edwards Aquifer is the sole source of drinking water for over 1.7 million people and provides water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses.
But when it rains, oils, sediment and other contaminants are washed from paved surfaces directly into this watershed. Because non-point source pollution such as stormwater accounts for 80% of water pollution, the TCEQ sought measures to protect water quality.
"In addition to being the drinking water source for San Antonio, the Edwards Aquifer springs are also habitat for several endangered species, so we're trying to protect both drinking water quality and threatened species," said Dr. Michael Barrett, a researcher at the University of Texas who assisted the TCEQ with its review process.
Designed to remove a wide range of particle sizes, as well as free oils, heavy metals and nutrients that attach to fine sediment, Stormceptor is ideal for protecting the Aquifer's recharge zone – the area where surface water enters the aquifer. Stormceptor's patented scour prevention technology ensures contaminants are captured and contained during all rainfall events, even extreme storms.
With unit sizing considered in the review process, PCSWMM for Stormceptor – the most accurate, easy-to-use sizing tool in the market today played a significant role in Stormceptor's approval. PCSWMM for Stormceptor is continuous simulation modeling software that combines up-to-date local rainfall data from hundreds of North American weather stations with a selection of particle sizes to determine the best system for a particular site.
Stormceptor's small footprint, simple maintenance requirements and proven performance also contributed to its approval.
No strangers to Texas, in addition to the Edwards Aquifer there are currently over 400 Stormceptor systems protecting natural water resources across the state. The Stormceptor system is manufactured and sold by Rinker Materials in the United States.
SOURCE: Rinker Materials / Concrete Pipe Division