Marchese, Dayton

Dayton Marchese is a professional engineer and Director of Partnerships with Opti. He has led over 50 stormwater real-time control projects and has authored multiple scientific publications on technology-enhanced infrastructure. Dayton attended the University of California at Berkeley, earning a Masters in Environmental Engineering and a Bachelors in Environmental Science.

Titles from this speaker

A Tale of Two Sites: Comparing Real-time Control Projects

Abstract

Aging infrastructure, urbanization, and increasing frequency and intensity of rainfall events are causing communities to consider smart stormwater management practices that are more efficient and resilient. One such community is Beckley, West Virginia, where the Beckley Sanitary Board has implemented two stormwater ponds with real-time control technology called continuous monitoring and adaptive control (CMAC). These projects were developed to optimize the performance of stormwater detention facilities by automatically controlling discharge in response to monitoring data and the weather forecast. Outcomes include a reduced risk of downstream flooding and improved water quality. This paper provides an overview of the two projects, discusses design and installation considerations, and summarizes the site performance.

This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2023 in Chicago, IL.

SpeakerJohnson, Jeremiah

Presentation time

14:00:00

14:20:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:00:00

SessionStormwater Design Case Studies

Session locationRoom S401d - Level 4

TopicDiversity, Equity & Inclusion, Intelligent Water, Intermediate Level, Stormwater and Green Infrastructure

Author(s)

Johnson, Jeremiah O

Author(s)J. Johnson 1; S. Cook 2 ; M. Huffman 1; L. Stevens 1; K. Smith 1; Z. Wright 2; D. Marchese 3; J. Johnson 1;

Author affiliation(s)Beckley Sanitary Board 1; The Thrasher Group 2 ; Beckley Sanitary Board 1; Beckley Sanitary Board, Beckley, WV 1; Beckley Sanitary Board, Beckley, WV 1; The Thrasher Group 2; OptiRTC 3; Beckley Sanitary Board, Beckley, WV 1;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825159109

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count10

Decentralized Stormwater Reuse: A Sustainable Solution in The Bronx

Abstract

Decentralized stormwater reuse is emerging as a sustainable approach to mitigate urban runoff issues while promoting resource efficiency. This abstract highlights the benefits of such a decentralized system, exemplified by the Arbor House Affordable Housing complex project in the Bronx. The Arbor House project successfully deployed a real-time stormwater management solution to address the challenge of combined sewer overflow (CSO) in New York City. By capturing and storing rainwater in cisterns, the system optimizes water use for rooftop urban agriculture and minimizes untreated wastewater discharges into local waterways. Key advantages of decentralized stormwater reuse, as demonstrated by this project, include: Reducing CSO Impact: Decentralized systems like the one at Arbor House significantly reduce CSO discharges by retaining and reusing rainwater. This proactive approach aligns with sustainability goals and helps protect aquatic ecosystems. Maximizing Resource Efficiency: The captured rainwater serves as a valuable resource for irrigation, reducing reliance on potable water sources and conserving this precious resource for essential needs. Environmental Compliance: The project's monitoring and reporting capabilities ensure compliance with environmental regulations, facilitating transparency and accountability in stormwater management. Community Benefits: Decentralized stormwater reuse projects often have the added benefit of enhancing community well-being. In Arbor House, the reclaimed water supports urban agriculture, contributing to local food production and quality of life. Scalability and Adaptability: Decentralized systems are versatile and can be scaled to suit the needs of various developments, making them a flexible solution for urban areas facing runoff challenges. Decentralized stormwater reuse, as demonstrated by this project, offers a sustainable solution to urban runoff challenges. It reduces CSO impact, optimizes resource efficiency, ensures environmental compliance, enhances community well-being with urban agriculture, and provides scalability for diverse urban environments. This approach sets a sustainable precedent for global urban water management. The Arbor House Affordable Housing complex project goes beyond stormwater management; it actively addresses equity and inclusion by providing affordable housing, supporting urban agriculture, creating jobs, mitigating environmental challenges, engaging the community, and promoting sustainable practices. These efforts contribute to a more equitable and inclusive urban environment. The Arbor House project exemplifies the transformative potential of decentralized stormwater reuse, offering a sustainable blueprint for urban water management. As cities worldwide grapple with stormwater issues and water scarcity, this approach showcases the feasibility and benefits of implementing decentralized systems to achieve water resilience and environmental stewardship. Learning Objectives: 1. Explore the concept of decentralized stormwater reuse and its significance in addressing urban runoff challenges and promoting resource efficiency. 2. Examine the project as a real-world example of successful stormwater reuse, focusing on its key benefits and impact on sustainability. Recognize the role of decentralized stormwater reuse in enhancing community well-being, promoting urban agriculture, and creating opportunities for local residents. 3. Assess the versatility of decentralized systems and their potential applicability in various urban settings, emphasizing their flexibility and adaptability. 4. Consider the broader implications of decentralized stormwater reuse as a sustainable solution with global relevance for urban water management and environmental stewardship.

This paper was presented at the WEF Collection Systems and Stormwater Conference, April 9-12, 2024.

SpeakerMarchese, Dayton

Presentation time

10:45:00

11:15:00

Session time

10:45:00

11:45:00

SessionStormwater Reuse

Session number04

Session locationConnecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Connecticut

TopicReuse, Smart Cities, Stormwater Capture and Use, Stormwater Case Study/Application, Stormwater Control Measure, Stormwater Management Design And Analysis, Utility of the Future

Author(s)

Marchese, Dayton

Author(s)D. Marchese1

Author affiliation(s)OptiRTC 1

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Apr 2024

DOI10.2175/193864718825159410

Volume / Issue

Content sourceCollection Systems and Stormwater Conference

Word count10

Mitigating High-Flows and Improving Water Quality in a Stormwater Impaired Brook

Abstract

Many New England communities are undergoing flow restoration efforts to improve the health of impaired waterbodies. One such waterbody is Englesby Brook, which drains an area of approximately 605 acres in Vermont's Burlington Bay watershed before flowing into Lake Champlain. Englesby Brook was designated as a stormwater-impaired watershed on the 2006 Vermont 303(d) list due to multiple impacts associated with excess stormwater runoff [1]. A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) target was subsequently released, requiring an 11.2% increase in stream flows during low flow conditions and a 34.4% reduction in flows during the 1 year 24 hour storm event. To improve stream health in Englesby Brook, the City of Burlington Department of Public Works planned a number of stormwater projects. One such project was the retrofit of a stormwater basin called '08 Pond', a wet detention pond collecting runoff from 131.5 acres (21.7% of the Englesby Brook watershed). The proposed retrofit would have included expanding the existing pond footprint, excavating below the pond bottom, and creating additional storage above the existing permanent pool at an estimated 2015 cost of $400,000. This proposed project was estimated to reduce peak discharge from the pond by 63.4% for the 1 year storm [1]. However, recent advances in communications and control technology provided an alternative to this traditional expansion retrofit. To optimize flow through the 08 Pond, the City of Burlington decided to enhance the basin with continuous monitoring and adaptive control (CMAC) technology. CMAC systems leverage real-time site data, the weather forecast, cloud-based software, and flow controls (e.g., actuated valves) to predictively control the timing and rate of flow through stormwater facilities [2]. At 08 Pond, CMAC automatically draws down the pond below the normal pool in advance of storms, allows the pond to fill up targeting zero discharge during events, and performs a post-storm release. Model results show an up-to 80% reduction in peak discharge during the 1-year storm is possible through the use of CMAC at 08 Pond. Anticipated CMAC costs in early 2020 totaled $98,000. Following the retrofit completion in May, 2022 the City will have invested $105,000 to facilitate the installation of this innovative CMAC system. Data from a set of storms totaling 1.63 inches of rainfall in seven days at 08 Pond is shown in Figure 2. Englesby Brook 08 Pond is the second CMAC system in the City of Burlington. The first was the enhancement of an underground detention vault at the Greater Burlington YMCA in 2020. During an analysis period of 3/1/2020 through 11/1/2020, this project retained 70.2% of the stormwater volume during critical wet weather periods, compared to only 16.8% stormwater capture simulated for an identical passive detention system. This presentation will discuss how Burlington is working towards stormwater impaired waters flow restoration and parallel water quality requirements, the background for the Englesby Brook 08 Pond project and highlight aspects of the design, construction, and software configuration. Performance results will be shared for both the 08 Pond and YMCA CMAC projects.

This paper was presented at the WEF Stormwater Summit, June 27-29, 2023.

SpeakerMarchese, Dayton

Presentation time

11:15:00

11:45:00

Session time

10:45:00

15:00:00

SessionSession 03: Applying Technology to Elevate Stormwater Management

Session number03

Session locationKansas City Convention Center

TopicSmart Solutions, Innovation and Technology in Stormwater Management

Author(s)

Marchese, Dayton

Author(s)D. Marchese1; J. Sherrard2;

Author affiliation(s)OptiRTC1; City of Burlington, Vermont2;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Jun 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825158938

Volume / Issue

Content sourceStormwater

Word count12

Smart Stormwater Management at the Ford Campus in Dearborn, Michigan

Abstract

Introduction:
Evolving stormwater regulations, increasing urban development, and the accelerating impacts of climate change have led to a pressing need for innovative stormwater management solutions. The Ford Motor Company, addressing these challenges, incorporated a state-of-the-art 'smart' stormwater management system as part of its transformation of the Research & Engineering Center in Dearborn, Michigan. This project integrates advanced technologies, community partnerships, and sustainable design principles to improve stormwater management efficiency and environmental outcomes. This paper details the challenges, solutions, and results associated with implementing the smart stormwater management system within this complex redevelopment project.

Project Overview:
The redevelopment of Ford's 320-acre campus aimed to create a centralized and sustainable environment for its employees and customers. A cornerstone of the redevelopment is the innovative stormwater management system designed to address regional issues of stormwater capacity and quality while protecting critical facilities from storm events. This system provides over 2 million cubic feet of storage through a network of interconnected components, including detention ponds, storage chambers, repurposed combined sewers, and green infrastructure. The pipes include over a half mile of storage via repurposed City of Dearborn combined sewers, which historically served the Ford campus and the community. Through the system, stormwater is detained and conveyed to a pump station that diverts ï¬‚ow to a wet detention pond, called P-1 (Figure 1), for treatment and storage. These features, combined with the integration of a type of stormwater real-time control called continuous monitoring and adaptive control (CMAC), optimize stormwater storage and reduce downstream impacts.

CMAC System Implementation:
Ford's CMAC system, operational since December 2023, represents Michigan's first private-sector deployment of adaptive stormwater management technology. The system utilizes real-time water level data, weather forecasts, and an automated valve to dynamically manage water levels in the P-1 Pond. By preemptively drawing down to create storage capacity ahead of storm events, the CMAC system minimizes discharge and maximizes retention, reducing strain on downstream combined sewer systems and enhancing flood resilience (Thomasson & Marchese, 2022; Johnson, 2023).

Performance Analysis and Results:
The performance of the P-1 Pond system was analyzed over a one-year period, from December 1, 2023, to December 1, 2024 (Table 1). Key metrics include retention efficiency, peak discharge reduction, and system reliability. Observed results were compared with a modeled passive system to highlight the benefits of the adaptive control approach.
> Retention Efficiency: The CMAC system retained 111 acre-feet of inflow (82%), compared to 57 acre-feet (42%) for the passive model, effectively doubling retention capacity.
> Peak Discharge Reduction: CMAC significantly reduced peak discharges across varying storm sizes. For example, during a 1.5-inch storm event on April 11, 2024, the system demonstrated dynamic modulation, as shown in the operational dashboard (Figure 2). The system created pre-event storage capacity, managed inflow during the storm, and retained remaining water below the passive weir threshold.
> Operational Reliability: The system achieved 99% connectivity and operated in automatic mode 95.4% of the time, ensuring consistent performance and minimal manual intervention.

Conclusions: The project's success underscores the transformative potential of integrating smart technologies into stormwater management. By leveraging innovative design and adaptive controls, Ford's P-1 Pond system not only enhances campus resilience but also benefits the surrounding community. The repurposing of City of Dearborn combined sewers demonstrates effective public-private collaboration, advancing municipal goals while protecting local water resources. By sharing these results, this project provides a scalable model for other organizations to optimize stormwater management, enhance environmental stewardship, and foster community resilience.

This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2025, held September 27-October 1, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Presentation time

14:30:00

15:00:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:00:00

SessionTransforming Stormwater Management with Next-Generation Digital Technologies

Session locationMcCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

TopicStormwater

Author(s)

Smith, Erich, Marchese, Dayton

Author(s)E. Smith1, D. Marchese2

Author affiliation(s)Wade Trim & Associates1, Opti2

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Sep 2025

DOI10.2175/193864718825160039

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count11

Smart Stormwater Management at the Ford Motor Company's Research Campus

Abstract

Introduction: Evolving stormwater regulations, increasing urban development, and the accelerating impacts of climate change have led to a pressing need for innovative stormwater management solutions. The Ford Motor Company, addressing these challenges, incorporated a state-of-the-art 'smart' stormwater management system as part of its 10-year transformation of the Research & Engineering Center (REC) in Dearborn, Michigan. This project integrates advanced technologies, community partnerships, and sustainable design principles to improve stormwater management efficiency and environmental outcomes. This paper details the challenges, solutions, and results associated with implementing the smart stormwater management system within this complex redevelopment project. Project Overview: The redevelopment of Ford's 320-acre campus aimed to create a centralized and sustainable environment for its employees. A cornerstone of the redevelopment is the innovative stormwater management system designed to address regional issues of stormwater capacity and quality while protecting critical facilities from flooding during storm events. This system provides over 2 million cubic feet of storage through a network of interconnected components, including detention ponds, storage chambers, combined sewers repurposed for storm sewer conveyance and storage, and green infrastructure features including bioswales. The pipes include over a half mile of storage via repurposed City of Dearborn combined sewers, which historically served the Ford campus and the community. Through the system, stormwater is detained and conveyed to a pump station that diverts ï¬‚ow to a wet detention pond, called P-1 (Figure 1), for treatment and storage. These features, combined with the integration of a type of stormwater real-time control called continuous monitoring and adaptive control (CMAC), optimize stormwater storage and reduce downstream impacts. Stormwater Management Design and Analysis and Sewer Separation: Designing a stormwater management system that seamlessly ties into Dearborn's combined sewer system and increases overall capacity in compliance with the City of Dearborn, the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), and State Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) requirements was complex. The City has refined their storage requirements and discharge rates over the years due to increased development and flooding issues. However, the size of Ford's campus made meeting those requirements a major hurdle because development standards are established for sites typically 5 acres or less. Collaborating with the City, Wade Trim completed a historical drainage study and hydraulic modeling to demonstrate area runoff rates before Ford's campus was built. The study revealed that post-development discharge rates, required to meet historical rates, would total 0.55 cfs/acre, significantly improving the current runoff rate of 3 cfs/acre runoff from the campus for a 100-year storm event prior to the Ford DCT kickoff. In addition, connection points to the City's system were analyzed using the Dearborn-wide combined sewer network model to show there was a decrease in upstream tailwater conditions, further minimizing upstream flooding risks. Separating and repurposing combined sewer as stormwater storage posed design and construction challenges due to the high number of sewer connections and lack of historical documentation of existing utilities. Utility location methods included ground penetrating radar, survey, all materials locators, and hydro excavation. When existing utilities were unearthed or new utilities installed, radio-frequency identification markers were buried and documented in a 3D model tied to a GIS system. Video inspection and smoke-and-dye testing were used to identify and confirm sewer laterals and leads. Laterals with existing sanitary flows were diverted to new, dedicated sanitary mains. In lower elevation areas, sanitary lift stations were installed to handle buildings' existing sewer outlets. In addition, a permanent flume was installed under Military Road to convey the sanitary and existing offsite combined flows through the large storm sewer being used for storage and conveyance. Linear stormwater trenches along new roadways using haydite, a porous aggregate material, were also incorporated to help treat stormwater filtering to perforated storm sewer. CMAC System Implementation: Ford's CMAC system, operational since December 2023, represents Michigan's first private-sector deployment of adaptive stormwater management technology. The system utilizes real-time water level data, weather forecasts, and an automated valve to dynamically manage water levels in the P-1 Pond. By preemptively drawing down to create storage capacity ahead of storm events, the CMAC system minimizes discharge and maximizes retention, reducing strain on downstream combined sewer systems and enhancing flood resilience (Thomasson & Marchese, 2022). Performance Analysis and Results: The performance of the P-1 Pond system was analyzed over a one-year period, from December 1, 2023, to December 1, 2024 (Table 1). Key metrics include retention efficiency, peak discharge reduction, and system reliability. Observed results were compared with a modeled passive system to highlight the benefits of the adaptive control approach. Retention Efficiency: The CMAC system retained 111 acre-feet of inflow (82%), compared to 57 acre-feet (42%) for the passive model, effectively doubling retention capacity. —Peak Discharge Reduction: CMAC significantly reduced peak discharges across varying storm sizes. For example, during a 1.5-inch storm event on April 11, 2024, the system demonstrated dynamic modulation, as shown in the operational dashboard (Figure 2). The system created pre-event storage capacity, managed inflow during the storm, and retained remaining water below the passive weir threshold. —Operational Reliability: The system achieved 99% connectivity and operated in automatic mode 95.4% of the time, ensuring consistent performance and minimal manual intervention. Conclusions: The project's success underscores the transformative potential of integrating smart technologies into stormwater management. By leveraging innovative design and adaptive controls, Ford's P-1 Pond system not only enhances campus resilience but also benefits the surrounding community. The repurposing of City of Dearborn combined sewers exemplifies effective public-private collaboration, advancing municipal goals while protecting local water resources. By sharing these results, this project provides a scalable model for other organizations to optimize stormwater management, enhance environmental stewardship, and foster community resilience.

This paper was presented at the WEF/WEAT Collection Systems and Stormwater Conference, July 15-18, 2025.

Presentation time

15:45:00

16:15:00

Session time

13:30:00

16:45:00

SessionStormwater and Coastal Resilience Modeling

Session number05

Session locationGeorge R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas, USA

TopicContinuous Monitoring and Adaptive Control, Sewer Separation, Stormwater Management Design And Analysis

Author(s)