Introducing a Series of New ASTM Standards Relating to Specifications and Performance Protocols for Stormwater Control Measures

ASTM Committee E64 on Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) has published a series of new standards relating to specifications and performance protocols for manufactured water quality treatment devices (MTDs) including hydrodynamic separators (HDSs), media filters, and trash & debris capture technologies. These consensus-based ASTM standards have been developed to objectively measure the performance of these technologies to provide improved assurance on the efficacy of tested and verified technologies. This presentation will discuss the ASTM standards process and how it produces consistent quality procedures and products for the benefit of all stakeholders. An overview of these standards will be provided to gain insight into their rationale and essential elements. This presentation will also explore the potential benefits of using these standards as part of an SCM regulatory program; and what implementation of these standards within an authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) could look like. The prospect of a national validation process for ASTM standards via the Stormwater Testing and Evaluation of Products and Practices (STEPP) initiative will also be discussed. The overall intent of the ASTM standards process is to provide a high level of confidence to AHJs that the MTDs will provide long term and consistent treatment to meet water quality goals. Two E64 Subcommittees have been established to develop standards for both laboratory and field testing as E64.01 and E64.02, respectively. To date, laboratory standards include general specifications, standards applicable to HDSs, standards for media filtration, and a standard for trash & debris capture. General specifications address standard terminology for SCMs, silica-based test sediment and weighting factors for TSS removal on an annual basis. HDS standards and working items apply to TSS performance testing methods and data analysis, hydraulic characteristics and head loss, as well as scour testing to support online installations. Filtration standards and working items consider hydraulic characteristics, test sediment, performance testing and scour testing. The trash & debris capture standard is unique to laboratory protocols since it applies to manmade and natural materials >5 mm (5,000 microns) in two directions and uses a 'cafeteria style' approach for six testing elements. A standard for microplastics testing is also in progress. The first field-testing working standard addresses the use of autosamplers for the collection of paired influent and effluent flow-weighted composite samples. The development of new laboratory and field specifications and protocols is an ongoing effort with updates to existing standards occurring as the stormwater industry continues to advance MTD technologies and testing methodologies.