“Curb (& Gutter) Your Enthusiasm” - A Discussion on During- and Post-construction Roadside Inlet Pollutant Controls

Presenters: Wesley N. Donald, PhD, CPESC & Michael Perez, CPESC

Stormwater runoff from roads and highways are typically controlled using some type of curb and gutter inlet or a catch basin inlet. The design of these inlet points often differ between Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), DOTs, municipalities, and states for a number of reasons. Regardless of their design, these inlets usually provide stormwater access to outlets that discharge directly to local surface waters. Stormwater regulations typically require controls to be used to minimize construction and post construction pollution from stormwater runoff. This may lead to these inlets being the main or only opportunity for treatment. In this roundtable discussion, you will be provided with the access to top industry professionals to discuss best practices, design limitations, installation issues, and maintenance requirements for different roadside inlet protection practices.

• Discuss the desired and realistic outcomes of implementing roadside inlet pollutant controls.
• Have an opportunity to provide input on one’s own experiences in using these practices.
• Become knowledgeable about the different options and limitations of roadside inlet pollutant controls in both construction and post construction scenarios.

Presented by Wesley N. Donald, PhD, CPESC – Research Fellow, Auburn University, Department of Civil Engineering & Michael Perez, CPESC – Assistant Professor, Auburn University

Dr. Wesley Donald is currently a Research Fellow in the Department of Civil Engineering at Auburn University. Dr. Donald received a Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees in Civil Engineering from Auburn University. The focus of his doctoral research was on the use of ditch check practices in channelized flow for controlling erosion on highway construction sites. Dr. Donald has performed research in ditch check practices; has researched sediment barriers in sheet flow applications for evaluating ALDOT sediment barrier practices; has evaluated catch basin inserts for urban runoff applications; and has assisted in the testing of inlet protection practices. Currently Dr. Donald is overseeing the testing of erosion control products under simulated rainfall conditions and evaluating flocculents for construction applications. Dr. Donald also provides training in erosion and sediment control technologies to industry practitioners; and instructing undergraduate and graduate students in Introduction to Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Project Estimating, and Erosion and Sediment Control Technologies in Construction.

Michael A. Perez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Auburn University. He helps oversee the Auburn University – Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility. HIs research specializes in the evaluation and enhancement of construction stormwater practices, methods, and technologies using large-scale testing techniques.