2019 journal article

Retrofitting a grass swale with rock check dams: hydrologic impacts

URBAN WATER JOURNAL, 16(6), 404–411.

By: R. Winston n, J. Powell n & W. Hunt n

co-author countries: United States of America πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
author keywords: Clogging; highway runoff; peak flow rate; low impact development; runoff reduction; vegetated swale
Source: Web Of Science
Added: December 2, 2019

The hydrologic performance of a grass swale, a common stormwater control measure often utilized to drain roads, may potentially be improved using simple retrofits. Two rock check dams were retrofitted into an existing grass swale located in Knightdale, North Carolina, USA. The swale was monitored before and after check dam installation, and the addition of check dams improved runoff volume reduction (17%), peak flow mitigation, and hydraulic retention time in the swale, particularly for small (< 19 mm) and moderate (19–38 mm) rainfall events. The check dams were effective filters of gross solids, which eventually led to clogging and caused extended inundation and subsequent loss of swale vegetation. Because check dams are relatively inexpensive and simple vis-Γ -vis other stormwater control measure enhancements, their use for stormwater treatment is encouraged, provided they are adequately maintained.