Pollutant Control for Inlet Protection

Abstract

A pollutant control apparatus for mounting in a grate frame used for protecting a water inlet comprising a basin frame and a flexible basin. The basin frame is adapted for disposition upon the grate frame. The flexible basin affixed to the basin frame is made of an open mesh material. In a curb and gutter water inlet, the pollutant control apparatus can optionally further comprise a fabric filter and an inset. The fabric filter is disposed substantially within the flexible basin frame for collecting sediment. The inset is disposed adjacent to the basin frame for securing the fabric filter against the basin frame. The present invention can also be used in a manhole water inlet. In another embodiment of the invention where the water inlet further comprises a shaft disposed under the grate frame, the basin frame further comprises an extension member affixed to the basin frame. The extension member is adapted for attachment to the water inlet shaft.

Description

FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to storm water inlet protection systems, and more particularly for such systems that employ a basin for collecting sediment, debris, and other floating pollutants.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Stormwater runoff can come from rain that fails to percolate into the soil and flows over land. Impervious surfaces, including sidewalks, streets and parking lots increase the volume, velocity and temperature of that runoff thereby decreasing the infiltration capacity of the land area. Stormwater runoff picks up and carries off debris, trash, and pollutants that can degrade aquatic life, wildlife, habitat and human health. Sediment is a primary stormwater pollutant from erosion at a construction site. To address that problem, Federal regulations require nearly all construction site operators engaged in clearing, grading, and excavating activities that disturb one acre or more, including smaller sites i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Another object of the present invention is to provide a stronger means of sediment collection than a fabric filter bag while still facilitating manual removal.

Problems solved by technology

Impervious surfaces, including sidewalks, streets and parking lots increase the volume, velocity and temperature of that runoff thereby decreasing the infiltration capacity of the land area.

Stormwater runoff picks up and carries off debris, trash, and pollutants that can degrade aquatic life, wildlife, habitat and human health.

In addition to the nature of a pollutant control apparatus and its means of installation, the time, cost and effort involved with inspection and maintenance of such pollutant control devices for protecting storm drain inlets can also be significant factors.

A drawback to a bag and handles formed from an orange fabric filter can occur during maintenance when the fabric handles rip off from the fabric bag while manually pulling out the heavy sediment laden fabric bag or when it is cut or overfills with sediment, breaks and dumps the pollutant into the water drainage system.

When these larger sediment capacity rigid basins fill and need to be cleaned out, they can become too heavy to be manually lifted and require more expensive and specialized tools, skills, and equipment such as vacuum trucks.

Another disadvantage is the expense of the units, some which can cost $325 each and are vulnerable to theft at the construction site.

And too often, they can't be used because they don't fit.

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