Systems and Methods for Event-based Modeling of Runoff and Pollutant Benefits of Sustainable Stormwater Management

Abstract

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention are software models that present information in a format directly usable by stormwater managers to inform annual program decisions and consistently evaluate the effectiveness of stormwater management actions. Stormwater modeling systems in accordance with many embodiments of the invention provide a tool that can be used by stormwater managers to estimate load reductions. In a number of embodiments, a user interface is provided that streamlines user input data requirements. In this way, the stormwater modeling system can extend the utility of event-based model inputs, generate results that inform management decisions, and demonstrate progress using a common scalable unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The current application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 363,763, entitled “Systems and Methods for Event-based Modeling of Stormwater Runoff”, filed Jul. 18, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 534,173, entitled “Systems and Methods for Event-based Modeling of Runoff and Pollutant Benefits of Sustainable Stormwater Management”, filed Jul. 18, 2017. The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62 / 363,763 and 62 / 534,173 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to geographic information systems and more specifically to event-based modeling of stormwater runoff and pollutants.BACKGROUND[0003]The hydrologic impacts associated with urban development are well documented and include a decline in downstream receiving water quality. Increased peak and total stormwater ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system and method for modeling the movement of water and pollutants in a certain area. This system collects information about land and water management features, and calculates patterns of precipitation levels. By analyzing these patterns, the system can predict the impact of a large number of water management features on the environment. The system can then suggest ways to manage these features to reduce the negative impact.

Problems solved by technology

Increased peak and total stormwater runoff volumes are the result of impervious development and decreased potential for surface infiltration.

There are significant challenges in implementing an appropriate experimental design and data analysis procedure to confidently isolate pollutant load reductions attributable to a single or a suite of conservation efforts.

One challenge is related to the lag time between the implementation of effective actions and the measurable response in the receiving waters beyond hydrologic variability.

This lag time limits the immediate use of water quality data to guide impending decisions and stormwater program adjustments.

Such oversights can elevate data collection, management, and laboratory costs at the expense of developing a reliable and rigorous sampling and post-sampling procedure.

If not well planned, sampling strategies can introduce ambiguity to measurements and reduce confidence that changes in pollutant loads over time can be attributed to management actions.

Collection of water quality and hydrologic data is costly, complicated, and inherently spatially and temporally limited.

Stormwater managers continue to struggle with how to effectively incorporate monitoring data and results into annual resource allocation decisions.

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