ESTIMATION OF LONG-TERM POLLUTANT REMOVAL EFFICIENCIES OF WET RETENTION/DETENTION BASINS USING THE WEANES MODEL

A macro spreadsheet model, WEANES (Wet Pond Annual Efficiency Simulation Model), has been developed to predict the long-term or annual removal efficiencies of wet retention/detention basins. The model uses historical, site-specific, multi-year, rainfall data, usually available from a nearby National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climatological station to estimate basin efficiencies which are calculated based on annual mass loads. Other required input parameters are: 1) watershed parameters; drainage area, pervious curve number, directly connected impervious area, and ti me of concentration, 2) pond parameters; control and overflow elevations, pond side slopes, surface areas at control elevation and pond bottom; 3) outlet structure parameters; 4) pollutant event mean concentrations; and 5) pond loss rate which is defined as the net loss due to evaporation, infiltration and water reuse. The model offers default options for parameters such as pollutant event mean concentrations and pond loss rate. The model can serve as a design, planning, and permitting tool for consulting engineers, planners and government regulators.