Current ICT Project
Investigators:
  Prasanta Kalita (Primary), Richard A.C. Cooke
Project Title:
  Storm Water Pollution, Erosion & Sediment Control Products Demonstration & Training Center
Start Date: 1/1/2009
End Date: 12/31/2011
Summary of Project:
  Land development and construction projects often alter the hydrologic responses that result in increased rates and volume of storm water runoff and soil erosion rates. This in turn contributes to increased and frequent flooding, channel erosion, sediment transport and deposition, loss of structures due to high runoff rates, and non point pollution of our streams, lakes and reservoirs. Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) thrives to excel in road construction technologies, including storm water management (SWM) and adopting best management practices (BMPs) for erosion control and sediment transport. There is a greater need to develop a research and training center (RTC) for evaluating the performance of BMPs on SWM and erosion control methods and technologies. Such an RTC has the potential to improve on methods and develop new technologies for IDOT to use. Most importantly, an RTC can provide education on hands-on training to technicians and other individuals involved with IDOT.
Objective of Project:
  The objective of this project is to establish a demonstration, training, and research Center (RTC) for IDOT and other possible partners within the premises of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The RTC will demonstrate and evaluate storm water management practices and erosion and sediment structures within laboratory and field settings. The field RTC, equipped with rainfall simulators (sprinklers) and automated water quality samplers will focus primarily on providing a setting that will simulate a multitude of conditions typically found along Illinois roadways, highways and urban settings. The Agricultural Engineering Soil Erosion Research Laboratory provides a unique opportunity for an indoor RTC. These proposed facilities will provide critical hands-on training in outdoor and indoor classroom on proper installation, use and evaluation of erosion and sediment control products.
Expected Outcome:
  There are a multitude of anticipated outcomes that could generate from this proposal. First, we will develop a state-of-the art research, demonstration, and training center. Second, we will utilize this facility to evaluate the performance of IDOT identified storm water management and erosion control BMPs. Third, we will use evaluation study results to recommend improved BMP practices and installation guidelines. Fourth, we will provide IDOT with staff training in a timely and cost effective manner. Fifth, the research and training resulting from the proposed facility will help reduce IDOT construction and maintenance costs.
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Last Updated: 10/21/2009