......... ..I.. - .. .- ........

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I

Page

I INTRODUCTION

......................
. . . . . . ................................................. . .
1.1 Thepurpose. 1.1
1.2 Application of Sedimentation Ponds 1.1
1.3 Scope 1.2
1.4 Design Manual U s e 1.3
 I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Purpose
The need f o r c o n t r o l of sediment eroded from areas disturbed by coal
mining o p e r a t i o n s has been w e l l documented. Presently, s e v e r a l e r o s i o n and
sedimentation c o n t r o l measures are a v a i l a b l e t o t h e operator. Of t h e s e
v a r i o u s methods, sedimentation ponds have been t h e m o s t widely used and are
required by federal regulations. Sedimentation ponds are t y p i c a l l y t h e last
treatment measure applied before runoff leaves t h e permit area. Therefore, it
is paramount t h a t sedimentation ponds be designed, constructed, and maintained
t o provide sediment removal to meet regulatory e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s and main-
t a i n t h e hydrologic balance.
Previously, federal and state r e g u l a t i o n s have required design of sedi-
mentation ponds f o r two general criteria: ( 1 ) to provide a s p e c i f i c s t o r a g e
c a p a c i t y based on the amount of disturbed area and ( 2 ) provide a required
s t o r a g e c a p a c i t y t o r e t a i n t h e runoff from a design precipitation event f o r a
s p e c i f i e d period of time. Recent s t u d i e s have shown that t h e sedimentation
ponds designed t o meet the above criteria do not n e c e s s a r i l y meet applicable
effluent limitations. This inconsistency is addressed by t h e r e g u l a t i o n s
', c u r r e n t l y published by t h e Office of Surface Mining (OSM), whereby seaimen-
\
t a t i o n ponds are required to meet e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s and t h e s e l e c t i o n of
sedimentation pond design criteria such as s t o r a g e volume, pond geometry, and
d e t e n t i o n time is l e f t t o the design engineer. Thus, t h e design of sedimen-
t a t i o n ponds should be based on the pond's a b i l i t y t o achieve specific
effluent limitations.

1.2 Application of S e a m e n t a t i o n Ponds

As stated previously, sedimentation ponds are t h e last treatment measure
applied before t h e runoff leaves the permit area. However, it should be
understood t h a t sedimentation ponds are not t h e only means of sediment and
e r o s i o n c o n t r o l , but simply an i n t e g r a l part of an o v e r a l l plan. The need f o r
a complete sediment and erosion c o n t r o l plan before, during, and a f t e r mining
o p e r a t i o n s based on sound engineering knowledge is necessary to minimize
p o t e n t i a l environmental damage from s u r f a c e mining a c t i v i t i e s . Further, it i s
e s s e n t i a l t h a t t h e designer r e a l i z e t h a t t h e drainage b a s i n i n t h e permit area
is only one part of a larger, mre complex drainage system. The drainage
 .. .. . . 1..... .. .-. .. .

1.2

network i n the pepnit area i n t e r a c t s w i t h other parts of the l a r g e r drainage

system i n a complex fashion. Over time this complicated system has
established a s t a t e of balance or quasi-equilibrium. The mining o p e r a t i o n , or
any other large-scale disturbance, w i l l a f f e c t this balance or equilibrium and
can r e s u l t i n dynamic responses through the system. The &signer must
recognize this s i t u a t i o n i n order to restore the disturbed topography and
drainage t o a c o n d i t i o n where it w i l l again properly function as part of the
larger system.
Sedimentation ponds as referred to in this manual are used f o r the re-
moval of sediment due to erosion from d i s t u r b e d areas during the a c t i v e mining
phase and during the reclamation phase u n t i l adequate revegetation has been
established. Sedimentation ponds are used i n a l l OSM regions, w i t h a l l types
of d n i n g methods, on n a t u r a l drainageways and in conjunction with d i v e r s i o n s .
The major c o n t r o l l i n g f a c t o r in the a p p l i c a t i o n of sedimentation ponds is
topography of the s p e c i f i c site. Although mining in steep sloped t e r r a i n is
normally -associated with e a s t e r n mines in the Appalachian Hountain range,
l i m i t e d mining is conducted on steep sloped t e r r a i n i n the Rocky Mountain s t a -
tes. There are also r o l l i n g and f l a t t e r r a i n areas i n southeastern parts of
..
\
t h e United States. Therefore, techniques f o r a p p l i c a t i o n and design of sedi-
mentation ponds cannot be s p e c i f i e d by region, but are very dependent on the
topography of the s i t e being analyzed.

1.3 SCOP
The procedures p r e s e n t e d h this manual are based on a comprehensive
literature review and assessment of the best technology c u r r e n t l y available.
S e l e c t i o n c r i t e r i a f o r i n c l u s i o n in t h e design manual for t h e range of design
methodologies a v a i l a b l e included consideration of the p h y s i c a l environment of
surface mine o p e r a t i o n s , c u r r e n t design procedures employed, the problems with
e x i s t i n g sedimentation ponds, and the l e v e l of e f f o r t r e q u i r e d t o provide
compliance with e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s . Modeling methods f o r design of sedimen-
t a t i o n ponds are considered state-of-the-art procedures. However, based on
the capabilities and p r e s e n t procedures used by most o p e r a t o r s , modeling is
not included i n the manual. I n c o n t r a s t , many of t h e s i m p l i f i e d procedures,
i n c l u d i n g some methods i n comwn use, are presented i n t h i s manual.
 1.3

This manual addresses all aspects of the pond that affect the removal of
suspended solids including, but not limited t o 8 type of mining, topography,
location soil types8 pond geometry, inlet and outlet control, and maintanence.
No attempt is made to present information on structural design.
To help meet the needs of designers and operators, contacts were made
with appropriate agencies in states where significant active mining operations
occur. Eurther, contacts were made with operators to develop a background of
their capabilities, problems in sedimentation pond performance, innovative
techniques, and present design procedures. This information provided insight
for development of a useable design manual.

1.4 Design Manual Use

The methodologies and considerations in design of sedimentation ponds
have been presented to provide the designer or operator with an understanding
of the processes involved to remove suspended solids and what effect6 these
processes have. In Chapter 11, preliminary considerations of watershed
characteristics and sources of sediment are discussed. In Chapter 111, com-
putational methods for water routing and removal efficiency are presented
..
\ along with a discussion on the Characteristics of sediment removal to meet
effluent limitations. This chapter contains the data requirements and the
methodologies that are used to design a sedimentation pond. An important
discussion in this chapter is that pertaining to sediment data, specifically
the particle size distribution. The design of ponds to meet effluent limita-
tions is greatly dependent on the particle size distribution. Therefore,
great care should be taken to develop an accurate representative size distri-
bution. Chapter N presents modifications that can be made to improve the
performance of the sedimentation pond. Chapter V deals with maintenance and
sediment removal. Maintenance of sedimentation ponds cannot be emphasized
enough. Lack of pond maintenance is one of the major problems in
the per-
fonnance of existing sedimentation ponds and the development of a maintenance
program is a significant part of pond design. Chapter V I presents how these
sections are interrelated in the design process.
To bring the information and methodology together, the final chapter pre-
sents the procedural steps for design along with a comprehensive design
 1.4

example. Users of the design manual are encouraged to carefully review the
example presented i n Chapter VI to better understand the design methodology.
With a l i t t l e practice, the complete design process w i l l become familiar and
8 traight f orward.
 . . . . . _-._.
.... -. ..... .-.... ....

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I f

Page

.
I1 PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS FOR APPLICATION AND USE OF
SEDIMENTATION PONDS FOR SURFACE MINING

2.1 O f f i c e of Surface Mining Regulations

2.2 Watershed C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s
. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
and Environmental P r o t e c t i o n Agency
Water Q u a l i t y Standards 2.1
2.2

2.2.1 Climatology ....................

..................... 2.2
2.2.2
2.2.3
Geology
soils ......................
....................
2.3
2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
Vegetation
Topography
Iiydr010gy
.................... 2.4
2.4
2.6

2.3 Location of Major Sources of Sediment .......... 2.6

2.3.1 Haul and Access mads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.7

2.3.2 Areas of Active Mining . . . . . . . . . . ..... .. .. 2.7
2.3.3
2.3.4 Areas in Process of Reclamation .........
Areas Being Cleared for f i n i n g A c t i v i t i e s 2.8
2.8

2.4 Types and Applications of Sedimentation Ponds ...... 2.9

2.4.1 Excavated Sedimentation Ponds .......... 2.9

2.4.2 Embankment and Combination
Excavated Sedimentation Ponds . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
npbankment/
2.10

Multiple Pond Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.4.3 Sedimentation Pond Spillway Type 2.11

. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
2.4.4 2.12
2.4.5 Physical/Chemical Treatment Ponds 2.12
2.4.6 Dry Basin versusPermanent Pool 2.13

2.5 Summary of Preliminary Considerations .......... 2.14

 ..- . - . . . - . . . .-. .

LIST OF FIGURES
C E U P E R I1

Page

Figure 2.1. Example of r i l l and gully erosion ....... . 2.5

..

..
\
 11. PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATI013S FOR APPLICATION A?$D USE OF SEDIMENTATION PONDS
FOR SURFACE MINING
2.1 Off ice of Surf ace Mining Regulations and Environmental P r o t e c t i o n Agency
Water Qual i t y Standards
Design criteria f o r s e m n t a t i o n ponds are e s t a b l i s h e d through f e d e r a l
and s t a t e regulations. OSM sedimentation pond design criteria are intended t o
prevent, to t h e e x t e n t possible, a d d i t i o n a l c o n t r i b u t i o n s of suspended solids
t o stream f l o w or runoff outside t h e permit area and t o achieve a p p l i c a b l e
federal and s t a t e w a t e r q u a l i t y standards. These d n h m water q u a l i t y stan-
dards include e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n g u i d e l i n e s f o r c o a l mining p o i n t s o u r c e s
e s t a b l i s h e d by t h e Environmental P r o t e c t i o n Agency (EPA). Therefore, the
requirements of the E P A are d i r e c t l y t i e d t o the performance standards for the
design c r i t e r i a of sedimentation ponds.
OSM c o n s i d e r s sedimentation ponds i n conjunction with a l t e r n a t i v e c o n t r o l
measures as t h e best practical technology (BPT) c u r r e n t l y a v a i l a b l e , as
e s t a b l i s h e d by t h e EPA, for the c o n t r o l of sediment. A sedimentation pond is
', s p e c i f i c a l l y defined by OSM t o include any barrier, -8 or excavated
depression which slows water runoff allowing sediment to settle.

..
5
\
0% sedimentation pond design criteria must enable compliance with the
e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s , water q u a l i t y standards, and t h e s a f e t y requirements of
state and f e d e r a l governments. The determination of sedimentation pond design
c r i t e r i a is l e f t up to the operators and t h e r e g i s t e r e d p r o f e s s i o n a l e n g i n e e r s
designing the ponds and reviewed by the r e g u l a t o r y a u t h o r i t i e s .
Currently, t h e requirements of the EPA e f f l u e n t U m i t a t i o n s are the
r e s u l t of t h e Federal Water P o l l u t i o n Control A c t Amendments of 1972. I n 8um-
mary, p o i n t source water discharges are required t o meet e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s
- and best
r e q u i r i n g t h e a p p l i c a t i o n BPT c u r r e n t l y available by' J u l y l, 1977, -.'

available technology (BAT) economically achievable by J u l y I, 1983. The C l e a n

Water A c t of 1977 r e v i s e d t h e control program for nontoxic p o l l u t a n t s . For
d e t a i l e d discussion of a p p l i c a b l e e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s , see Section 3.3.
Suggested design criteria f o r sedimentation ponds are based on t h e c u r r e n t
e f f l u e n t lFmits found in many states. E x a c t requirements f o r each agency
vary; however, t h e s t a t e agency requirements must be taken i n t o account by the
design engineer.
 2.2

2.2 Watershed Characteristics

The l o c a t i o n , design, construction, and methods of treatment used i n
sedimentation ponds a r e dependent on the c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of the watershed
where mining a c t i v i t y t a k e s place. Preliminary consideration f o r the climato-
logy, geology, s o i l s , . vegetation, topography, and hydrology of t h e watershed
w i l l h e l p f a c i l i t a t e t h e design of e f f i c i e n t sedimentation ponds t h a t m e e t
water quality standards and regulations. These c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s do vary on a
watershed-by-watershed basis; proper consideration of this must be made i n
o r d e r to design sedimentation ponds properly.

2.2.1 Clfmatology
Climatological elements in sedimentation pond design include temperature
and p r e c i p i t a t i o n . I n general, temperature can a f f e c t t h e amount of runoff to
be t r e a t e d as w e l l as how e f f e c t i v e l y it is treated i n a pond. Variation in
ambient temperature changes the v i s c o s i t y of water which changes t h e s e t t l i n g
v e l o c i t y of sediment particles. Consequently, t h e detention t i m e r e q u i r e d t o
s e t t l e o u t a waterborne particle of a given size changes. Ambient temperature
a l s o i n f l u e n c e s t h e magnitude and seasonal d i s t r i b u t i o n of runoff.
..
\ P r e c i p i t a t i o n i n the form of snow causes l i t t l e or no erosion. However, snow
melting i n the Spring on p a r t i a l l y frozen ground is a source f o r higher rates
of runoff and erosion. I f low temperatures exist f o r a s i g n i f i c a n t period of
time, ice formations in sedimentation ponds may be a problem. I f not taken
i n t o c o n s i d e r a t i o n i n pond design, ice formations may cause f a i l u r e of embank-
ments o r damage energy d i s s i p a t o r s such as b a f f l e s or riprap. L o w tem-
peratures f o r a s i g n i f i c a n t period of t i m e may d i s r u p t , damage, or h a l t
chemical treatment processes t h a t may be used as part of water treatment i n
sedimentation ponds.
P r e c i p i t a t i o n is t h e m o s t important element of climate in determining the
rate of erosion. The magnitude of annual p r e c i p i t a t i o n , i n a d d i t i o n t o the
frequency, i n t e n s i t y , duration, and seasonal d i s t r i b u t i o n of p r e c i p i t a t i o n
e v e n t s a f f e c t the magnitude of runoff and erosion. P r e c i p i t a t i o n charac-
teristics a l s o e f f e c t the type of o u t l e t and operation of a sedimentation
pond. For example, gated o u t l e t s a r e normally used t o store a l l of the runoff
from an event. The gates are opened t o discharge the runoff after sediments
have s u f f i c i e n t l y settled t o meet w a t e r q u a l i t y standards. This would be
 2.3

d i f f i c u l t to design f o r a pond on a watershed i n t h e e a s t e r n region of the

United States where annual p r e c i p i t a t i o n is much greater and p r e c i p i t a t i o n
e v e n t s that occur are c h a r a c t e r i s t i c a l l y of a longer duration, l o w e r inten-
s i t y , and amre frequent. Gated o u t l e t s are much more suitable f o r ponds i n
the western r e g i o n where annual p r e c i p i t a t i o n and water y i e l d are much lower
and p r e c i p i t a t i o n e v e n t s are of high i n t e n s i t y but for a r e l a t i v e l y s h o r t
duration.
Seasonal d i s t r i b u t i o n of p r e c i p i t a t i o n r e s u l t s i n a seasonal d i s t r i b u t i o n
of annual e r o s i o n p o t e n t i a l . The e r o s i o n p o t e n t i a l is greater during the high
p r e c i p i t a t i o n period such as Spring than it is during Winter. This is impor-

-
-
t a n t in e s t i m a t i n g t h e y i e l d and concentration of seUiment i n t h e runoff.
f u r t h e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n of seasonal e r o s i o n p o t e n t i a l refer to %=face
Hydrology and Sedimentology Manual" (OSM, 1982).

2.2.2 Geology
--

The geology of a watershed interacts somewhat with a l l hydrologic charac-

Water
For

teristics of t h e watershed. The geology has a s i g n i f i c a n t e f f e c t on the

topography. Topography is a major c o n s i d e r a t i o n in the l o c a t i o n and shape of
..
\
a sedimentation pond.
~n important c o n s i d e r a t i o n of the geology is t o e v a l u a t e the d i f f e r e n t
types of overburden material t h a t w i l l be exposed during t h e mining process.
Overburden e r o s i o n characteristics should be considered when e s t i m a t i n g sedi-
ment y i e l d s and runoff concentrations.

2.2.3 Soils
Watershed Soil c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s depend t o a l a r g e e x t e n t on t h e p a r e n t
geologic materials and the predominant weathering processes. These soil
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of the watershed determine runoff and e r o s i o n from the
watershed. The magnitude of runoff and e r o s i o n is a function of s o i l
i n f i l t r a t i o n , s o i l permeability, moisture content, s t r u c t u r e , texture, and
c o n t e n t of o r g a n i c matter.
The sediment s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n of t h e runoff is the main design c r i t e r i a
i n s i z i n g a sedimentation pond. As the s i z e of particle to be removed becomes
smaller the s i z e of a sediment pond r e q u i r e d becomes l a r g e r . Often t i m e s , the
s i z e of pond is impractical and chemical treatment may be necessary to remove
 - . ... ..-..- -. .._-...
- . - ,.._ ,

2.4

t h e f i n e particles and a l l e v i a t e t h e high c o s t of constructing a very l a r g e

pond.

2.2.4 Vegetation
Vegetation plays an important r o l e i n t h e water balance and s o i l stabi-
l i t y i n a watershed. Through i n t e r c e p t i o n , t r a n s p i r a t i o n , and evaporative
processes, vegetation can s u b s t a n t i a l l y reduce water y i e l d from a watershed.
Vegetation plays an important part i n p r o t e c t i n g t h e soil from erosion.
Vegetation can reduce t h e amount of erosion through: i n t e r c e p t i o n , reduced
r a i n f a l l i n t e n s i t i e s by providing an energy-absorbing cover, reduced l a n d s l i d e
hazards through binding and lowering soil water content, and reduced overland
and channel erosion by providing added roughness which retards water v e l o c i t y .
Removal of vegetation exposes underlying soils to g r e a t l y increased e r o s i v e
forces. Thus, one of t h e =re c r i t i c a l periods during t h e mining process i s
when reclaimed area s o i l s have not Beveloped s i g n i f i c a n t vegetation.
, \ .
2.2.5 Topography
Topography, including l a n d and channel slopes, aspect, and surface and
. . channel geometry, is an expression of the morphological, geologic8 and other
\
e r o s i v e f o r c e s that have a c t e d on the watershed. t u r n 8 these f a c t o r s are
modified by t h e topography they have created. For example, channel slope
governs water discharge rate and sediment transport rate. Conversely, the
discharge rate and the sediment t r a n s p o r t c a n a l t e r t h e channel form t o pro-
duce a new slope. Channel and s u r f a c e geometry a f f e c t t h e depth and v e l o c i t y
of w a t e r flow, thus a l t e r i n g sediment t r a n s p o r t . Primary topographic con-
s i d e r a t i o n s i n c o n t r o l l i n g erosion are slope and length of slope. An increase
i n s l o p e increases t h e t r a n s p o r t capacity of surface runoff, thus i n c r e a s i n g
erosion. An increase i n l e n g t h of slope allows f o r concentration of s h e e t

flow. This concentration of sheet flow forms r i l l s and g u l l i e s by e r o s i o n

(see Figure 2.1).
The watershed shape or geometry can a l s o be considered part of watershed
topography. The geometry of the watershed determines the amount of a r e a of
t h e watershed where flow concentrates and the time required.for f l o w
concentration.
 .. . - . .. .

2.5

WIND EROSION

RAINDROP EROSION
SHEET EROSION

\ '

R l l l AND GULLY ER,OSION

. .
5
\

STREAM AND CHANNEL EROSION

FIGURE 2.1 EXAMPLE OF RILL AND

GULLY EROSION (SCS, 1980)
 . . . - . . . .

2.6

Many t i m e s topography c o n t r o l s the l o c a t i o n of a sedimentation pond or

the type of pond t h a t is constructed. Regulations s t a t e that sedimentation
ponds should be l o c a t e d as close to the source of sediment as possible.
Normally the o n l y f a c t o r that limits l o c a t i n g a pond is s t e e p t e r r a i n ; ponds
are u s u a l l y c o n s t r u c t e d i n v a l l e y s or hollows a short d i s t a n c e downstream t o
facilitate construction.

2.2.6 Hydrology
Runoff that reaches a sedimentation pond is the r e s u l t of complex
i n t e r a c t i o n of a l l t h e p r e v i o u s l y discussed watershed c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s ; clima-
tology, geology, s o i l s , v e g e t a t i o n , and topography i n t e r a c t t o make up the
hydrologic process t h a t i n c l u d e s runoff from a p r e c i p i t a t i o n event. Climate
includes the i n t e n s i t y , frequency, duration, d i s t r i b u t i o n of p r e c i p i t a t i o n
e v e n t s , and how that p r e c i p i t a t i o n uccurs, e i t h e r in the form of snow or r a i n
depending on temperature. Vegetative cover intercepts a f r a c t i o n of this pre-
, c i p i t a t i o n by e v a p o t r a n s p i r a t i o n . The e x i s t e n c e and degree of v e g e t a t i v e
cover i n c r e a s e s w i t h favorable clFmate and s o i l conditions. O f the remaining
f r a c t i o n of p r e c i p i t a t i o n , s o i l conditions determine what f r a c t i o n w i l l
. .
\
i n f i l t r a t e and what f r a c t i o n w i l l become s u r f a c e runoff. The remaining f r a c -
t i o n t h a t becomes surface runoff w i l l concentrate i n a watershed according t o
t h e geologic and topographic f e a t u r e s of the watershed. I n this manner the
i n t e r a c t i o n of watershed c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s governs t h e magnitude and d i a t r i b u -
t i o n of runoff f r o m p r e c i p i t a t i o n and t h e sediment y i e l d . Consequent Y, the
q u a l i t y of runoff f r o m the disturbed area is a f f e c t e d by the dynamic
equilibrium of the watershed.

2.3 Location of Major Sources of Sediment

There are f o u r categories for sources of sediment from s u r f a c e m ning
a c t i v i t i e s in a watershed. These are the d n e d p o r t i o n of the watershed,
t h e mined or mining p o r t i o n of the watershed, spoil banks or areas where spoil
is s t o c k p i l e d , and h a u l or access roads necessary f o r mining a c t i v i t i e s . Of

these four categories, the unmined p o r t i o n of the watershed g e n e r a l l y y i e l d s

t h e least amount of sediment and is not considered a major source of sediment
yield. The remaining three c a t e g o r i e s are a direct consequence of mining
operations. O f these three, h a u l or access roads and s p o i l banks commonly
 _.. . - .... .

2.7

generate the greatest sediment y i e l d per u n i t area. For example, a study done
on a monitored watershed I n Appalachia (EPA, 1976) gave t h e following com-
parison f o r rates of erosion:

Yield
Area (tons/square mile)
-~ ~~ ~~

Unmlned watershed 28

Mined watershed 1,930

S p o i l bank ,
27 000

Eaul road 57,600

However, due t o the much larger percentage of the t o t a l watershed covered by

the mined or mining portion of the watershed, these areas generally y i e l d t h e
' most sediment.

'.. . 2.3.1 Haul and Access mads

\ Both haul roads and.access roads to mine sites c o n s t i t u t e a major source
of sediment. I n addition, roadways generally remain as a main source
throughout the l i f e - o f the mine. Roadways y i e l d l a r g e r amounts of sediment
due to an increased r a t e of runoff r e s u l t i n g from a r e l a t l v e l y Impermeable
surface, and steep c u t or f i l l slopes associated with roadways. Roads inter-
cept s h e e t runoff and act as a t r a n s p o r t mechanism v i a roadside ditches.
Roadways occasionally require c l e a r i n g and steepening of s i d e slopes which
i n c r e a s e slope erosion. Other f a c t o r s which c o n t r i b u t e to a greater sediment
y i e l d from roadways include:
- Poor l o c a t i o n of mads.
- Improper construction/maintenance of roads and s i d e slopes.
- Improper planning/construction of road drainage systems.

2.3.2 Areas of Active f i n i n g

The n a t u r e and extent of sediment y i e l d from areas of a c t i v e mining are-
dependent on the mining method or procedure u t i l i z e d . Four coamon methods of
s u r f a c e mining are: area mining, contour mining, boxcut mining, a n d mountain
 . .

2.8

top removal. I n general, area mining i s a lesser source of sediment than con-
t o u r mining due to containment of runoff on disturbed areas. Contour mines
have a long, narrow geometry with more spoil and bench area p o t e n t i a l i t y ,
d r a i n i n g o f f t h e disturbed area d i r e c t l y i n t o an o f f - s i t e drainage system. In
a d d i t i o n , t h e receiving waters are generally c l o s e r t o t h e mining operations
for contour mining than f o r area mining.
Boxcut mining is a form of contour mining used i n steeper t e r r a i n t h a t
reduces s p o i l dumped downhill by moving it l a t e r a l l y along t h e boxcut and
p l a c i n g it i n areas where c o a l has been removed. This f a c i l i t a t e s maintaining
t h e o r i g i n a l grade of t h e h i l l . Boxcut mining f a l l s somewhere between area
and contour mining as a source of sediment.
Mountain t o p removal is another form of contour mining used when the eco-
nomics of overburden removal and coal seam thickness f a c i l i t a t e removing t h e
e n t i r e hilltop. Mountain top removal is a l s o considered a lesser source of
sediment than contour mining. This is due to t h e regional n a t u r e o f , and t h e
\ reduction i n , r e l i e f the t o mountain top removal. This g e n e r a l i z a t i o n i s t r u e
only i f the surface drainage is c o n t r o l l e d i n t e r n a l l y .
--__
The mining methods could be ranked from t h e l a r g e s t- _-con@$bufor cf_$edi-
..
\
ment t o t h e least as contour mining, boxcut mining, mountain t o p removal, and
area mining. This i s an wet g e n e r a l i z a t i o n s i n c e t h e sediment y i e l d from a
mined area is s i t e s p e c i f i c and is dependent on the amount of on-site e r o s i o n
c o n t r o l measures t h a t are taken.

2.3.3 Areas Being Cleared f o r Mining A c t i v i t i e s

The areas being c l e a r e d and grubbed as pretreatment for s u r f a c e mining
a c t i v i t i e s a r e one of t h e major sources of sediment yield. Clearing and
grubbing expose s o i l on s t e e p slopes and c a n c r e a t e a s o i l s u r f a c e that im-
pedes i n f i l t r a t i o n and/or concentrates runoff. Other f a c t o r s t h a t i n c r e a s e
sediment y i e i d are: failure to i n s t a l l perimeter c o n t r o l measures,
o v e r c l e a r i n g or c l e a r i n g too f a r ahead of t h e p i t exposing t h e area f o r a
longer period, and improper placement of t h e salvaged t o p s o i l .

2.3.4 Areas i n Process of Reclamation

This last major source occurs from t h e s t a r t of grading o p e r a t i o n s and
lasts u n t i l s t a b i l i z a t i o n of the s o i l occurs by vegetative and/or s t r u c t u r a l
 . .
..I -
.. - .

2.9

.,easures. Other f a c t o r s i n the reclamation process that can i n c r e a s e sediment

y i e l d include c o n s t r u c t i n g excessively steep, long slopes or s t r u c t u r a l l y
u n s t a b l e drainage channels. Also, improper t i l l a g e practices, p l a n t material
s e l e c t i o n , seedbed preparation, and maintenance can i n c r e a s e sediment y i e l d
from reclamation areas. The p o t e n t i a l f o r e r o s i o n is greater just after
reclamation than a t any o t h e r t i m e during mining operations; t h e r e f o r e , recla-
mation practices such as t i l l i n g , mulching, and revegetation are very impor-
t a n t i n t h e c o n t r o l of erosion.

2.4 5pes and Applications of Sedimentation Ponds

Sedimentation ponds can be an e f f e c t i v e way t o c o n t r o l sediment from
l e a v i n g t h e mine permit area. On-site e r o s i o n p r o t e c t i o n measures can be
t a k e n t o reduce the sediment yield from the mine s i t e , but such measures
r a r e l y c o n t r o l the sediment t o t h e e x t e n t that e f f l u e n t requirements can be
-met. Sedimentation ponds are t y p i c a l l y the last sediment c o n t r o l measure that
dn operator uses before the runoff leaves the mine permit area and e n t e r s
n a t u r a l drainageways downstream. Improper c o n t r o l of t h e sediment l e a v i n g the
t . mine penuit area may cause severe o f f - s i t e damages.
\
Sedimentation ponds a r e generally constructed with embankments, by excaz
v a t i o n , or a combination of both. The sedimentation ponds presented i n the
following s e c t i o n s c a t e g o r i z e the types of ponds t h a t are c u r r e n t l y used by
the mining industry. However, s e v e r a l combinations of t h e v a r i o u s types&&' -
exist and may be used i n t h e sediment c o n t r o l plan. There are many f a c t o r s
which must be considered a t each site to detenaine which basic type of eedi-
mentation pond, or v a r i a t i o n , w i l l provide the maximum c o n t r o l of sediment.
The following s e c t i o n s give a d e s c r i p t i o n of the v a r i o u s types of sedimen-
t a t i o n ponds and where their a p p l i c a t i o n is most practical.

2.4.1 Excavated Sedimentation Pond

Excavated sedimentation ponds are c o n s t r u c t e d by excavating a p i t or
"hole" i n t h e ground with the use of a bulldozer or backhoe. Generally, t h e s e
types of sedimentation ponds are l i m i t e d to c o n t a i n s u r f a c e runoff from
d i s t u r b e d areas a t s u r f a c e mines located i n r o l l i n g t o f l a t t e r r a i n and from
s m a l l drainage areas. Sedimentation ponds which are constructed s t r i c t l y by
excavation are not used i n steep sloped t e r r a i n due t o t h e large amount of
 .. . ,, . .. . . _.....- - .. .. . ....... - -, . . . ._

2.10

excavation t h a t would be required to ,achieve t h e applicable storage volume

requirements. These types of ponds a r e generally located off a natural
drainageway.
The excavated sedimentation pond has been used in conjunction w i t h t h e
mine p i t which serves as a p r e l i m i n a G s e t t l i n g basin. The runoff from
disturbed areas within the mine s i t e is directed i n t o t h e mine p i t where
s e t t l i n g of the l a r g e r s i z e particles' occurs. mom the p i t , the mine atainage
is pumped i n t o t h e excavated sedimentation pond where f i n a l a e t t l i n g occurs.
I
Using pumps to c o n t r o l t h e inflow i n t o t h e excavated s e d h e n t a t i o n pond allows
c o n t r o l of the d e t e n t i o n time within $he
I
sedimentation pond. Additionally,
t h e s t o r a g e volume w i t h i n t h e p i t can: be u t i l i z e d , thereby reducing t h e sedi-
mentation pond s t o r a g e requirements as long as t h e s t o r a g e volume within t h e
mine p i t does not i n t e r f e r e with mining operations.
There are nmny disadvantages wit+ t h e excavated sedimentation pond. It
is- l i m i t e d to a p p l i c a t i o n s i n r e l a t i v e l y f l a t terrain and c o n t r o l l i n g s u r f a c e
1
runoff from s m a l l drainage areas. I n s t a l l a t i o n of &watering devices i n t h e s e
types of ponds is generally very expensive and therefore, they are rarely
installed. This leads t o t h e pond s t o r i n g water f o r a long period of time
. . t h u s reducing t h e a v a i l a b l e s t o r a g e vblume when a storm event occurs. The
\

r e s u l t of t h i s w i l l be decreased detention times and t h e r e f o r e , decreased

effluent quality. I n a d d i t i o n , it i s l d i f f i c u l t t o provide s e p a r a t e p r i n c i p a l
and emergency spillways. For t h e s e reasons, a p p l i c a t i o n s of t h e excavated
sedimentation pond are very W t e d . ~

2.4.2 Embankment and Combination PPbankment/Excavated

Sedimentation Ponds
An embankment sedimentation pond'can be used in any type of t e r r a i n .
Generally, t h e s e types of ponds a r e located on a draincgeway. An embankment
is constructed a c r o s s t h e atainageway to form t h e s e d i m e n t a t i o n pond. When
t h e drainageway bed is excavated upstream of t h e embankment, a combination
embankment/excavated sedimentation pond is formed. Excavation upstream of t h e
embankment provides a d d i t i o n a l s t o r a g e volume capacity t o a n embankment sedi-
mentation pond.

I
 2111

A variety of o u t l e t s may be u s e d , w i t h t h e embankment and combination

embankment/excavated sedimentation pond. The most common method i s t o use a
pipe o u t l e t for t h e p r i n c i p a l spillway and a channel c u t i n t o t h e top of t h e
embankment as t h e emergency spillway. Although, s e v e r a l o t h e r types of
o u t l e t s are used and are presented in Section 3.9.
As previously mentioned, embankment sedimentation ponds are g e n e r a l l y
c o n s t r u c t e d on drainageways. The topography o f t e n dictates t h a t t h i s type of
pond be constructed. Rowever, this type of pond has some disadvantages.
There is a p o s s i b i l i t y o f embankment f a i l u r e due to poor c o n s t r u c t i o n or the
u s e of poor construction materials. Bank sloughing may occur t h a t can
decrease t h e sedfioent removal e f f i c i e n c y of t h e pond by adding sediment t o t h e
pond. Bank sloughing reduces the s t o r a g e volume capacity.and t h e r e f o r e ,
i n c r e a s e s t h e maintenance requirements. The Shape of t h e embankment sedfmen-
t a t i o n pond is generally c o n t r o l l e d by topography.
The combination embankment/excavated sedimentation pond has the advantage
of providing a d d i t i o n a l s t o r a g e volume' without i n c r e a s i n g t h e h e i g h t or s i z e
of t h e embankment. However, exposure ,oft h e s i d e slopes due t o upstream exca-
I
v a t i o n may require t h a t t h e slopes be b t a b i l i z e d .
I
I

2.4.3 Sedimentation Pond Spillway Type

Sedimentation ponds have o f t e n b& c l a s s i f i e d according to t h e type of
I
p r i n c i p a l and emergency spillway used.: OSM r e g u l a t i o n s require t h a t a com-
b i n a t i o n of p r i n c i p a l and emergency spillways be provided to s a f e l y pass the
runoff from a 25-year, 24-hour p r e c i p i t a t i o n event or larger event s p e c i f i e d
by t h e regulatory a u t h o r i t y . I n a d d i t i o n , the e l e v a t i o n of t h e crest of the
emergency spillway s h a l l be a t least me f o o t above the crest of t h e p r i n c i p a l
spillway. Therefore, separate o u t l e t s must be provided f o r the p r i n c i p a l and
emergency spillways.
P r i n c i p a l spillways are u s u a l l y constructed by using some type of pipe
outlet. Pnergency spillways are g e n e r a l l y constructed by excavating an exit
channel through t h e embankment or natural ground. Other types of o u t l e t s may
be used for t h e emergency spillway b u t due to the costs involved, t h e exca-
vated e x i t channel is t h e most f e a s i b l e . A complete discussion of s p i l l w a y s
i s presented i n Section 3.9.
 ..

2.12

2.4.4 Multiple Pond'Systems

A m u l t i p l e pond system is considered to be t h e use of two o r more sedi-
mentation ponds i n a series (one downstream of the o t h e r ) . The concept of
m u l t i p l e ponds is a l s o accomplished through compartmentalization of a s i n g l e
pond. The concept of multiple ponds is the occurrence of staged s e t t l i n g .
Solids with higher s e t t l i n g v e l o c i t i e s w i l l settle i n the f i r s t pond or com-
partment and the f i n e r sediments w i l l be s e t t l e d in the f i n a l pond or compart-
ment. One p a r t i c u l a r advantage t o this type of system is t h a t most of the
maintenance ( i . e e r sediment removal) is l i m i t e d t o the first s e t t l i n g pond or
compartment. Also, f i e l d a p p l i c a t i o n s have shown t h a t multiple sediment ponds
i n a series are more e f f i c i e n t i n removing f i n e r particles than a s i n g l e pond
of equal s u r f a c e area. One disadvantage i n t h e use of multiple ponds is that
more area i s d i s t u r b e d due t o the construction of a d d i t i o n a l ponds. A
d e t a i l e d discussion on t h e a p p l i c a t i o n and design of multiple pond systems is
given in Section 4.3.
' .

2.4.5 Physical/Chemical Treatment Ponds

Physical/chemical treatment i d e n t i f i e s t h e . p r o c e s s of adding chemicals to
. .
5
\
enhance t h e p h y s i c a l s e t t l i n g c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of the sediment particles t o be
removed by g r a v i t y s e t t l i n g . The chemicals added are generally r e f e r r e d t o as
coagulants o r f l o c c u l a n t aids. Chemicals are added to t h e i n f l u e n t of t h e
sedimentation pond, whereproper mixing must occur, and then t h e sediment is
f l o c c u l a t e d and settled i n the pond. Coal f i n e s may not be f l o c c u l a t e d when
chemicals a r e added due t o t h e electrical nature of t h e coal f i n e s . Other
treatment measures may be required to remove t h e coal f i n e s .
Physical/chemical treatment is a standard p r a c t i c e i n t h e treatment of
water f o r d o m e s . t i c use. More r e c e n t l y it has been applied i n the mining
i n d u s t r y f o r t h e removal of sediment t o m e e t e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s . To m e e t
t h e e x i s t i n g and proposed e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s w i l l s o m e t i m e s r e q u i r e removal
of very f i n e c l a y and s i l t sedislents. The volume and surface area of a sedi-
mentation pond required for removal of very f i n e sediments are unreasonably
large. Therefore, physical/chemical treatment measures are required f o r re-
moval of f i n e sediments.
Physical/chemical treatment measures have been used i n the field i n
conjunction w i t h multiple ponds i n a series. I n this type of a p p l i c a t i o n r the
 2.13

l a r g e sediment is settled i n t h e first pond, reducing t h e sediment load t o t h e

second pond where it is only used f o r s e t t l i n g of the f i n e r sediments. The
chemical dose required f o r s e t t l i n g is generally d i r e c t l y related t o t h e
concentration of solids. Therefore, by reducing t h e solids concentration i n
t h e f i r s t pond, t h e amount of chemical required is reduced below t h e amount
t h a t would be required using only one sedimentation pond. Detailed discussion
on t h e a c t u a l physical/chemical treatment process and types of coagulants is
given in Section 4.3.
Some disadvantages do exist i n t h e a p p l i c a t i o n of physical/chemical
treatment. The use of chemicals i n s e t t l i n g solids adds to the volume of
material s e t t l e d in t h e sedimentation pond; t h e r e f o r e , consideration m u s t be
given to sediment storage volume and/or frequency of maintenance. Another
c o n s i d e r a t i o n is f i n a l disposal of t h e s e t t l e d sediment. It should be
r e a l i z e d that the sediment contains t h e chemicals used f o r coagulation. The

type and/or d i f f i c u l t y of f i n a l disposal w i l l depend on t h e type of coagula-

t i o n chemicals and f l o c c u l a n t aids used.

2.4.6 Dry Basin versus Permanent Pool

',. .
The dry basin is characterized as a basin which has a dewatering device
\
such t h a t t h e Sedimentation pond does not s t o r e t h e w a t e r runoff from any one
p r e c i p i t a t i o n event i n d e f i n i t e l y . Examples of dewatering devices include
t r i c k l e tubes and p e r f o r a t e d riser pipe o u t l e t s t h a t &water t o t h e sediment
s t o r a g e l e v e l i n t h e pond.
D r y basins MY be located e i t h e r on or off drainageways. For dry basin
ponds, t h e dewatering device is &signed t o dewater t h e sediment pond a t a
rate which achieves and maintains t h e required d e t e n t i o n time t o achieve
applicable effluent limitations. Between p r e c i p i t a t i o n events this type of
pond is either dewatering o r dry.
The permanent pool sedimentation pond is designed t o provide a permanent
s t o r a g e volume of water a f t e r the p r i n c i p a l spillway has stopped discharging.
The maximum permanent pool e l e v a t i o n is the e l e v a t i o n of t h e p r i n c i p a l
spillway crest. These types of ponds are o f t e n located on small drainageways
and p e r e n n i a l streams when approval of t h e r e g u l a t i n g a u t h o r i t y is given.
Permanent pool sedimentation ponds c a n a l s o be located off drainageways.
 2.14

The main d i f f e r e n c e between dry basins and permanent pool basins is t h a t

t h e permanent pool provides a constant s t o r a g e volume f o r water while t h e dry
b a s i n does not. The advantages of t h e permanent pool basin are t h a t it provi-
des a water supply f o r dust c o n t r o l on h a u l and access roads during dry
periods and t h e permanent pool helps minfmize resuspension of sediment t h a t
has already settled. The disadvantage of t h e permanent pool basin i s t h a t it
needs t o be designed f o r t h e a d d i t i o n a l permanent storage volume of water.
The advantage of t h e d r y basin pond is t h a t it does not have to be
designed f o r an a d d i t i o n a l s t o r a g e volume and t h e r e f o r e , t h e e n t i r e s t o r a g e
volume of t h e basin can be u t i l i z e d during large runoff events. The disadvan-
t a g e of dry b a s i n s is t h a t resuspension of t h e s e t t l e d sediment may occur i f
c o n t r o l measures a t t h e i n l e t a r e not taken.

2.5 Summary of Preliminary Considerations

Preliminary consideration f o r t h e a p p l i c a t i o n and use of a sedimentation
-_
I
pond i n a s u r f a c e raining operation is based on t h e p e r t i n e n t r e g u l a t i o n s and
standards t h a t o u t l i n e t h e l e v e l of performance required. With a wrung
knowledge of t h e watershed c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s , sediment t r a n s p o r t mechanisms, and

\
major sediment source locations, t h e type of sedimentation pond and i t s appfl-
c a t i o n c a n be chosen and designed to f a c i l i t a t e meeting r e g u l a t i o n s and s t a n -
dards f o r pond performance.
The criteria for design of sedimentation ponds i s e s t a b l i s h e d f e d e r a l l y
through r e g u l a t i o n s by t h e Office of Surface Mining, Environmental P r o t e c t i o n
Agency, and t h e Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). OSM design cri-
t e r i a a r e intended to prevent, to t h e e x t e n t possible, a d d i t i o n a l contribu-
t i o n s of suspended s o l i d s o u t s i d e of t h e permit area and achieve water q u a l i t y
standards. Sedimentation ponds are a l s o required to meet inspection and l a r g e
dam c r i t e r i a of t h e ?&HA ( 3 0 CFR 77.216) and requirements of s t a t e and l o c a l
agencies with j u r i s d i c t i o n over t h e design, construction, or discharge of
sedimentation ponds.
The climate, geology, soils, vegetation, topography, and r e s u l t a n t hydro-
logy of a watershed a f f e c t t h e magnitude and r a t e of erosion and sediment
t r a n s p o r t t h a t must be treated by a sedimentation pond. Climatological fac-
t o r s include t h e seasonal v a r i a t i o n and range of temperature and t h e magni-
tude, i n t e n s i t y , frequency, duration, and seasonal d i s t r i b u t i o n of
 2.15

precipitation. Geological processes creating long- and short-term land sur-

face adjustments affect watershed climate and hydrology. Erosion-resistant
rocks, large-scale erosive forces, and bed structure dictate the general
topography. Thus, the geology of a watershed is important because it affects
all of the other watershed characteristics.
The magnitude of runoff and erosion is a function of soil permeability,
moisture content, structure, texture, and content of organic matter. The
amount of vegetative cover, which is a function of climate and soil charac-
teristics, affects the stability of the soil and water yield from a watershed.
Primary factors of topography are the length and steepness of slopes and the
geometry of the watershed. The complex interaction of all these watershed
characteristics determines the magnitude and distribution of runoff from a
precipitation event, which is the element of the hydrologic process of
concern.
There a r e four categories of sediment sources from surface mining activi-
ties in a watershed. These are the unmined portion of the watershed, the
mined or mining portion of the watershed, spoil banks or areas where spoil is
Stockpiled, and haul or access roads necessary for mining activities. of
these four categories, the unmined portion of the watershed generally yields
\
the least amount of sediment and is not considered a major source of sediment
yield. The remaining three categories are a direct consequence of mining
operations.
The type of pond can be classified into one of three general categories:
excavated ponds; embankement ponds1 and combination excavated/embankment
ponds. The major factor in the selection of the type of pond is the
topography of the proposed site.
When conditions for treatment of runoff from the disturbed urea warrant,
chemical treatment systems or multiple pond configurations are used.
Normally, chemical treatment systems are utilized when high concentrations of
colloidal size particles are present in runoff from the disturbed area and
gravity-settling methods are not sufficient. Multiple ponds are normally used
when the cost of constructing a single pond is high because of topographic
constraints, or the gravity-settling method of treatment in a single pond is
not sufficient to meet effluent limitations.
 2.16

With sufficient knowledge of the preliminary considerations discussed

previously, the type and application of a sedimentation pond which will be
effective in sediment control can be selected.
 ....... ~ _ .

...
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 111

Page

.
I11 SEDIMENT REMOVAL THROUGH SEDIMENTATION PONDS

3.1 .....................
S i t e Selection 3.1

3.1.1 General Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1

3.1.2 Topography Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2

3.1.2.1 Sloped Terrain . . . . . . . . . .

Sloped T e r r a i n . . . . . . . . . .
Steep 3.2
3.1.2.2 Mild 3.3

3.1.3 Sedimentation Ponds m c a t e d on

Main Drainageways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4
3.1.4 Sedimentation Ponds bated off
Main Drainageways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
of Sediment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4

Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1.5 Source 3.5
3.1.6
Mining Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.5
3.1.7
Field Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.6
3.1.8 3.6

3.2 Data Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.8

Sediment Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
3.2.1 HydrOlOgY b 3.8
3.2.2 3.8

I n f l u e n t Sediment Size D i s t r i b u t i o n . .
3.2.2.1
Sediment
3.2.2.3 .............
Yield
3.9
3.12

3.2.3 Inflow Suspended S o l i d s Concentration ...... 3.12

3.3 Effluent Limitations .................. 3.13

3.3.1
3.3.2 Settleable Solids Limitation
. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Suspended S o l i d s Limitation 3.13
3.13

3.4
3.5
Trapping E f f i c i e n c y. . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
S e t t l e a b l e S o l i d s Concentration
3.16

. .. . . ... ... .. .. ... ... .. .. .. .. ... ...

3.20
3.6 Storage Volume Requirement 3.29
3.7 Available Storage Volume 3.30
3.8 Sedimentation Pond Configuration 3.36

3.8.1 IdealSettling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nonideal S e t t l i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.36
3.8.2 3.39

3.8.2.1 Flow Currents . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.39

3.8.2.2 Delta Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.40
 . . . . . . . .
_-A_.-- ...-... . . . .

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

CHAPTER 111 \

Page

3.8.2.3
3.8-2.4 .........
Scour and Resuspension
. . . .
Short C i r c u i t i n g and Turbulence 3.40
3.40

3.8.3 Control of Nonideal S e t t l i n g . . . . . . . . . . 3.40

Short-Circuiting Factor . . . . . . . .
3.8.3.1
3.8.3.2 Length-to-Width . . . . .. ..
Permissible I n l e t Velocity . .
Ratio
3.43
3.43
3.8.3.3
3.8.3.4 Permissible Flow-Through Velocity .. 3.44
3.44

3.9 Sedimentation Pond Outlet Control Measures ....... 3.46

3.9.1 P r i n c i p a l Spillways ............... 3.46

3.9.1.1
3.9.1.2
3.9.1.3
Open Channel Spillways
Drop I n l e t Spillways
Pipe Culvert Spillways
. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
. . . . . . .. .. ..
3.46
3.47
3.47
3.9.1.4 E f f i c i e n c y of P r i n c i p a l Spillways 3.50

3.9.2
3.9.3
Dewatering Devices. . . . . . . .................
P r i n c i p a l Spillway Modifications
3.50
3.54

3.9.3.1 . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Weir Troughs 3.56
3.9.3.2
3.9.3.3 . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
F l o a t i n g Discharge
Filterinp
3.56
3.58
3.9.3.4
3.9.3.5
Gated Spillways
..........
Anti-Vortex Devices
3.58
3.60

3.9.4
3.9.5
. . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Emergency Spillways
Erosion Control B e l o w Spillways
3.60
3.65

3.9.5.1
3.9.5.2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
General
Riprap
3.65
3.66

3.10Sunanary ........................ 3.67

 LIST OF TABLES
CHAPTER I11

Page
- Table 3.1
for Soil Textural Class ... .... ....... ..
Suggested P a r t i c l e S i z e D i s t r i b u t i o n '

3.11

................ ..
Table 3.2 Development of Settleable Solids
S i z e Distribution 3.24

Table 3 . 3 Size Distribution for

Smaller than 0 . 0 1 1 orrm ....... ..... .. . ..
Particles
3.29

Table 3.4 Stage-Storage Relationship Development .... ..... 3.36

Table 3.5 Permissible Velocities for ... .

Vegetated Spillways 3.63

Table 3.6 Permissible Spillway Velocities after ..... Aging 3.64

 .....................

LIST OF FIGURES
CHAPTER I11

Page
Figure 3.1 Imhoff cone test apparatus ............... 3.15

Figure 3.2
various e f f l u e n t limitations .............
R e q u i r e d t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y t o meet
3.18

Figure 3.3 D e f i n i t i o n of t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y f o r
v a r i o u s particle s i z e s ................ 3.19

Figure 3.4 I n f l u e n t sediment size .........

distribution 3.21

Figure 3.5 Settleable solids size distribution ......... 3.24

Figure 3.6 ..........

D e f i n i t i o n of percentage i n t e r v a l s 3.27

Figure 3.7 Water r o u t i n g curver S/V versus Tb . . . . . . . . . . 3.31

Figure 3.8 Water r o u t i n g curve. QI/Qo Tb . . . . . . . . .

versus 3.32

Figure 3.9 D e f i n i t i o n sketch t o determine

incremental s t o r a g e volume .............. 3.33

. .
\
Figure 3.10 P a r t i c l e s i z e versus detention
time f o r v a r i o u s depths ............... 3.38

Figure 3.11 Schematic of d e l t a formation ............. 3.41

Figure 3.12 Sedimentation ponds with dead s t o r a g e spaces .. . 3.42

Figure 3.13 Typical drop i n l e t spillway ............. 3.48

Figure 3.14 Typical pipe c u l v e r t spillway ............ 3.49

Figure 3.15 Subsurface d r a i n ................... 3.52

Figure 3.16 riser barrel . . . . . . . . . .

S i n g l e p e r f o r a t i o n of 3.53

Figure 3.17 Siphon dewatering methods .............. 3.55

Figure 3.18 Weir trough ..................... 3.57

Figure 3.19 Floating weir .................... 3.59

Figure 3 - 2 0 Anti-vortex device .................. 3.61

 111. SEDIMENT REMOVAL THROUGH SEDIMENTATION PONDS
The design of sedimentation ponds is based upon s a t i s f y i n g e f f l u e n t l i m i -
tations. These l i m i t a t i o n s are established f o r s p e c i f i e d stream water q u a l i t y
c r i t e r i a and design p r e c i p i t a t i o n runoff event. Sedimentation ponds are
u s u a l l y designed in the preliminary s t a g e s of the kine plan and t h e r e f o r e ,
t h e r e is l i t t l e or no a v a i l a b l e information on base flow conditions. Because
of t h i s , ponds are designed f o r t h e design p r e c i p i t a t i o n runoff event and t h e
pond e f f l u e n t f o r base flow conditions is tested a f t e r t h e pond becomes opera-
tional. I f base flow e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s cannot be satisfied, modifications
can be made t o t h e pond. Generally, t h e design runoff event w i l l c o n t r o l t h e
sedimentation pond design unless sediment inflow f o r base flow c o n d i t i o n s is
composed of high concentrations of f i n e silts and clays.
The following s e c t i o n s describe t h e information that is required f o r
designing a sedimentation pond to m e e t e f f l u e n t limitations. The pond design
is based upon ideal s e t t l i n g conditions with conservative f a c t o r s incorporated
i n t o t h e design t o account f o r nonideal s e t t l i n g conditions.
The design begins by s e l e c t i n g a particle s i z e which m u s t be removed i n
t h e pond such t h a t e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s are s a t i s f i e d . Determining the pond
.
5
\
. configuration requires an i n t e r a c t i v e process which begins by assuming a
depth. The required s t o r a g e volume and the a v a i l a b l e s t o r a g e volume are
determined and compared t o each other. When t h e required s t o r a g e volume is
l a r g e r than t h e a v a i l a b l e s t o r a g e volume, a new depth is assumed and t h e
design process is repeated. Once t h e a v a i l a b l e s t o r a g e volume is adequate,
t h e pond configuration is checked based upon nonideal s e t t l i n g conditions.
The design procedure and example presented in Chapter vf show how the infor-
mation presented i n the following s e c t i o n s is used in sedimentation pond
design.

3.1 S i t e Selection
3.1.1 General Considerations
S e l e c t i n g a sedimentation pon l o c a t i o n requires consideration of s e v e r a l
factors. I n a l l cases, sedimentation ponds must be constructed in l o c a t i o n s
where it w i l l be possible t o direct or d i v e r t a l l surface runoff from
d i s t u r b e d a r e a s i n t o sedimentation ponds throughout t h e l i f e of mining opera-
tions. Other f a c t o r s which are of primary importance and should be considered
 3.2

in s e l e c t i n g a sedimentation pond l o c a t i o n include the mpography of t h e mine

s i t e , l o c a t i n g major sources of sediment, a c c e s s i b i l i t y of t h e sedimentation
pond, a v a i l a b i l i t y of construction materials, and t h e d i r e c t i o n of mining. In
many i n s t a n c e s these f a c t o r s will l i m i t t h e number of v i a b l e l o c a t i o n s t h a t
are a v a i l a b l e f o r sedimentation pond construction. In. p a r t i c u l a r , a v a i l a b i -
l i t y of s u i t a b l e s i t e s for a sedimentation pond l o c a t i o n w i l l be c o n t r o l l e d ,
t o a l a r g e e x t e n t , by t h e topography of the mine site. I n a d d i t i o n , ponds
must be constructed p r i o r to any disturbance of the mine area. Through care-
f u l planning practices and f i e l d i n v e s t i g a t i o n , t h e sedimentation pond loca-
t i o n s which w i l l meet t h i s o b j e c t i v e can be i d e n t i f i e d .

3.1.2 Topography Considerations

3.1.2.1 Steep Sloped Terrain
Throughout t h e United States surface mining operaions are o f t e n l o c a t e d
i n s t e e p sloped t e r r a i n . This is t r u e for t h e Appalachian mining region, t h e
Rocky Mountain, and parts of northern C a l i f o r n i a and Washington. In the
regions which are characterized by s t e e p sloped t e r r a i n , the topography beco-

!
mes the m o s t important c o n t r o l l i n g f a c t o r i n the site s e l e t i o n f o r a sedimen-
t a t i o n pond location. The main problem i n finding a s u i t a b l e sedimentation
pond l o c a t i o n is t o determine where an adequate s t o r a g e volume can be
provided.
Where s u r f a c e mining operations are located in t h e upper part of a
watershed, t h e topography is characterized by s t e e p slopes and v-shaped
drainageways. It is usually desirable to locate the sedimentation pond as
close t o the mining operation as possible; t h e r e f a r e , t h e only site that is
o f t e n a v a i l a b l e for a sedimentation pond l o c a t i o n is the v-shaped drainageway
d i r e c t l y downstream of t h e s u r f a c e mine operation. A sedimentation pond which

i n c o r p o r a t e s t h e use of an embankment w i l l have t o be used. The s t o r g e volume

of t h e sedimentation pond can be increased by excavating upstream of the
embankment. Often t i m e s the s t o r a g e capacity provided by the embankment
i n c l u d i n g any upstream excavation does n o t provide the s t o r a g e volume required
to achieve e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s . To Overcome t h e problem of sedimentation
pond l o c a t i o n i n steep sloping t e r r a i n , there a r e two a l t e r n a t i v e s a v a i l a b l e
t o t h e operator.
 . - .... .-.. .. . -

3.3

The f i r s t a l t e r n a t i v e i s to c o n s t r u c t a sedimentation pond a t a l o c a t i o n

f a r t h e r downstream within t h e watershed where the slope of t h e drainageway
/

becomes milder and t h e shape of t h e drainageway becomes u-shaped. The bisad-

vantage of this a l t e r n a t i v e i s t h a t runoff from a much l a r g e r area w i l l need
to be contained and treated, thereby r e q u i r i n g t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of a much
larger s t r u c t u r e .
The second a l t e r n a t i v e is to c o n s t r u c t a series of sedimentation ponds
located i n the steep, narrow drainageways where t h e runoff from t h e d i s t u r b e d
mining areas passes through each sedimentation pond ( m u l t i p l e sedimentation
ponds).
It should be noted h e r e t h a t t h e r e are o t h e r a l t e r n a t i v e s t o seaimen-
t a t i o n ponds f o r sediment and e r o s i o n c o n t r o l . Depending on t h e size of the
area, s e v e r a l devices and techniques have been used. Refer t o "Design of
Sediment Control Measures f o r Small Areas in Surface C o a l Mining" (OSH, 1982)
'for f u r t h e r consideration of a l t e r n a t i v e s to sedimentation ponds.

3.1.2.2 Mild Sloped Terrain

There is much more f l e x i b i l i t y in s e l e c t i n g a sedimentation pond l o c a t i o n
5
i n mild sloped t e r r a i n . The p h y s i c a l c o n s t r a i n t s imposed by the topography
\
are less than for s t e e p ' s l o p e d t e r r a i n and t h e r e f o r e , more a t t e n t i o n may be
directed toward t h e o t h e r primary f a c t o r s considered in t h e s e l e c t i o n of a
sedimentation pond site.
Sedlmentation ponds may be located on or o f f drainageways. Small draina-
geways are o f t e n s e l e c t e d for a sedimentation pond location where an embank-
ment Is used with or without excavation t o provide t h e s t o r a g e volume
required. Due to t h e milder drainageway p r o f i l e and milder slopes of t h e
v a l l e y , t h e sedimentation pond located in t h e mild sloped t e r r a i n w i l l nor-
mally have a greater length and width f o r any h e i g h t of dam s p e c i f i e d , thereby
p r o v i d i n g more s t o r a g e capacity.
O f f drainage l o c a t i o n s are g e n e r a l l y p r e f e r r e d when t h e r e i s a suitable
l o c a t i o n available f o r sedimentation pond c o n s t r u c t i o n . Natural depression
areas are good l o c a t i o n s f o r sedimentation ponds. An embankment can be
c o n s t r u c t e d a c r o s s t h e downstream end of t h e depression area and t h e s t o r a g e
volume may be increased by excavation.
 3.4

3.1.3 Sedimentation Ponds irocated on Hain Drainageways

Sedimentation ponds located on main drainageways are u s u a l l y found i n
s u r f a c e mining o p e r a t i o n s located i n steep t e r r a i n . Due to topographic
c o n s t r a i n t s , this may be the arost c o s t - e f f e c t i v e way t o control sediment. The
main drainageway may be either an ephemeral or perennial stream. The sedimen-
t a t i o n pond located on a p e r e n n i a l stream will have a permanent pool, whereas
sedimentation ponds l o c a t e d on main drainageways which are ephemeral may be
e i t h e r a dry b a s i n or permanent pool.
The disadvantage of l o c a t i n g a sedimentation pond on 01 main drainageway
is that t h e s u r f a c e runoff from both d i s t u r b e d an6 undisturbed areas w i l l have
t o be detained long enough t o achieve e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s . This requires
m u c h l a r g e r s t o r a g e volume be provided and t h e r e f o r e , the c o n s t r u c t i o n of a
much l a r g e r sedimentation pond structure. I n a d d i t i o n , chances of a sedimen-
t a t i o n pond being washed away during a major flood event are increased due t o
c o n t r o l of runoff from a l a r g e r drainage area. Sedimentation ponds located on
drainageways which are perennial streams must be desgined t o m e e t base f l o w
w a t e r quality limitations. When t h e sedimentation pond is removed, reclama-
t i o n of t h e drainage channel w i l l be required. The channel w i l l have t o be
. .
\ restored t o i t s o r i g i n a l shape, slope, and channel p r o t e c t i o n .
It is p r e f e r r a b l e t o select a sedimentation pond l o c a t i o n which w i l l n o t
be located h a main drainageway. However, t h e topographic c o n s t r a i n t s of t h e
mine s i t e area may be such that the main drainageway is t h e only possible site
for a sedimentation pond location.

3.1.4 Sedimentation Ponds irocated o f f Main Drainageways

Off nutin drainageways sedimentation ponds are g e n e r a l l y used in r o l l i n g

*'U
and mild t e q r a i n where t h e topography does not restrict t h e l o c a t i o n t o t h e
-
extent a t do s i n steep sloped t e r r a i n . The types of sedimentation ponds '-7-

used' main drainageway l o c a t i o n s are embankment or some combination of

embankment and excavation. The sedimentation ponds may be c o n s t r u c t e d as
e i t h e r a permanent pool or d r y basin.
The o f f main drainageway l o c a t i o n has s e v e r a l advantages over t h e on main
drainageway l o c a t i o n . A sedimentation pond i n an o f main drainageway lOCa-

t i o n can g e n e r a l l y be constructed closer t o t h e sediment source and t h e r e f o r e ,

designed f o r a smaller i n f l u e n t volume. This location avoids unnecessary
 .. . - .. . _ _ -- . .

3.5

treatment of runoff from undisturbed areas. E s s e n t i a l l y , t h e base flow is

zero, t h e r e f o r e the pond is generally designed based on p r e c i p i t a t i o n events.
Gated o u t l e t s can be used on sedimentation ponds located i n an off main
drainageway s i t e to c o n t r o l the detention t i m e between runoff events. ~lso,
t h e chances of an a p b a n h e n t sedimentation pond f a i l i n g during a major storm
event are reduced s i n c e only t h e runoff from a much smaller area w i l l have to
be c o n t r o l l e d . However, again topography w i l l play an important r o l e as t o
whether an off main drainageway l o c a t i o n w i l l be feasible f o r t h e operator t o
construct.

3.1.5 Source of Sediment

During the development of a mine plan, the l o c a t i o n s that w i l l be major
sources of sediment i n t h e surface mining operation should be i d e n t i f i e d .
Major sediment sources include haul and access roads, a r e a s being cleared,
spoil p i l e s , and a r e a s being reclaimed. As mining progresses the l o c a t i o n s of
major sediment sources change. Thus, t h e l o c a t i o n of sediment sources
throughout t h e l i f e of the mine should be considered during t h e planning
stages.
Sedimentation ponds should be located as c l o s e to m j o r seaFment sources
as possible. Locating sedimentation ponds i n t h i s manner has s e v e r a l advan-
t a g e s from both a sediment c o n t r o l and construction viewpoint. Controlling
t h e sediment as c l o s e t o t h e source as p o s s i b l e may require the c o n s t r u c t i o n
of s e v e r a l smaller sedimentation ponds as opposed to one or two l a r g e r ponds.
The smaller seaFmentation ponds may be constructed d i r e c t l y downstream of t h e
major sediment sources thus requiring sediment c o n t r o l of only the disturbed
areas. The n e t e f f e c t of this is the i n f l u e n t volume is reduced by avoiding
c o l l e c t i o n of runoff from undisturbed areas, thereby reducing t h e required
s t o r a g e volume to achieve e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s .

3.1.6 Accessibility
Improper, o r l a c k o f , maintenance f o r sedimentation ponds is one of t h e
major reasons f o r poor sediment removal e f f i c i e n c i e s . Often the l a c k of main-
tenance is due t o i n a c c e s s i b i l i t y t o the l o c a t i o n of the sedimentation pond.
Sedimentation ponds are o f t e n constructed i n l o c a t i o n s t h a t are remote from
t h e s u r f a c e mining operation and t h e r e f o r e , access roads t o t h e sedimentation
 3.6

pond are given l i t t l e regular a t t e n t i o n and maintenance. The a c c e s s i b i l i t y t o

a sedimentation pond should be a primary consideration i n t h e planning and
design of sedimentation ponds.
The access road should be designed considering t h e type of equipment
which w i l l use the road. Where p o s s i b l e , t h e access road should be designed
such t h a t t h e road drainage w i l l be directed i n t o t h e sedimentation pond.
Other sediment c o n t r o l measures or t h e construction of another sedimentation
pond w i l l be r e q u i r e d downstream of t h e access road t o prevent o f f - s i t e damage
i f road drainage i n t o the sedimentation pond i s n o t possible.

3.1.7 Mining Considerations

Throughout t h e l i f e of t h e s u r f a c e mining o p e r a t i o n s , t h e l o c a t i o n s of
t h e major sources of sediment w i l l c o n s t a n t l y change due t o the progression of
mining. Sedimentation pond l o c a t i o n s should be selected c o n s i d e r i n g t h e
d i r e c t i o n of mining so it w i l l be p o s s i b l e t o direct or d i v e r t a l l s u r f c e
&off from d i s t u r b e d areas i n t o t h e pond throughout t h e l i f e of t h e mining
\ operations. I n a l l cases, t i m e of exposure of cleared land should be k e p t t o
a minimum t o avoid f i l l i n g of t h e sedimentation pond prematurely.
. .
\
3.1.8 Field Investigation
F i e l d i n v e s t i g a t i o n is e s s e n t i a l in the development of an e f f e c t i v e sedi-
ment c o n t r o l plan. A f t e r the operator has an understanding of the factors
t h a t must be considered in s e l e c t i n g a sedimentation pond l o c a t i o n , several
p r e l i m i n a r y sedimentation poncl l o c a t i o n s can be selected using the most r e c e n t
topographic maps of t h e mine area. A f i e l d i n v e s t i g a t i o n should t h e n be con-
ducted t o v e r i f y information from topographic maps, survey t h e p h y s i c a l
f e a t u r e s of each s i t e , and i d e n t i f y any problems which may be encountered a t
each s i t e .
There are several s u r f a c e f e a t u r e s t h a t should be noted a t each p o t e n t i a l
sedimentation pond l o c a t i o n . These f e a t u r e s i n c l u d e s o i l type, v e g e t a t i v e
cover, p r e f i l e and s i d e slopes of t h e drainageway, channel shape, channel pro-
t e c t i o n , and t h e c a p a b i l i t y of each s i t e to provide the design s t o r a g e volume.
The p r e v i o u s l y mentioned f e a t u r e s are a l l interrelated in i n f l u e n c i n g t h e
e r o s i o n a l p o t e n t i a l of t h e s i t e and t h e s u i t a b i l i t y of t h e s i t e as a sedimen-
t a t i o n pond location. A n overview of each s i t e should be conducted n o t i n g any
 3.7

problems r e l a t i n g t o unstable s o i l s o r erosion. These features w i l l be evi-

denced by small l a n d s l i d e s , bank sloughing, and gully o r till erosion.
The s o i l type and vegetative cover a t the s i t e should be i n v e s t i g a t e d and
noted. Vegetation reduces t h e erosion p o t e n t i a l and tends t o s t a b i l i z e t h e
soil. I f a l a r g e area w i l l be cleared f o r mining operations and t h e construc-
t i o n of t h e sedimentation pond, p r o t e c t i v e measures may be required to p r o t e c t
the barren soil. Where s o m e type of excavation might be required, it is not
d e s i r a b l e t o d i s t u r b s o i l s which would become unstable. This w i l l happen f o r
d

s o i l s which have l i t t l e cohesion and t h e problem is increased i f t h e sedimen-

t a t i o n pond is constructed in s t e e p sloped t e r r a i n . Once unstable s o i l s are
d i s t u r b e d , a continous sloughing of t h e banks w i l l occur which w i l l reduce the
sediment removal e f f i c i e n c y of t h e pond as w e l l as t h r e a t e n t h e s t a b i l i t y of
t h e embankment. However, sedimentation ponds located in s o i l s which have a
high c l a y content may pose a problem in achieving e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s . Due
t o turbulence within the pond and wave a c t i o n on t h e banks, high con-
c e n t r a t i o n s of c o l l o i d a l particles could r e s u l t and w i l l require t h e a d d i t i o n
i
of coagulants or f l o c c u l a n t s under base flow conditions.
I n s t e e p sloped areas where sedimentation ponds are o f t e n constructed on
drainageways, the drainageway channel shape and p r o t e c t i o n should be i n v e s t i -
\
gated. The drainageway channel p r o t e c t i o n should be noted s i n c e the channel
w i l l have to be r e s t o r i d after t h e removal of t h e embankment. The channel may
have developed an armoring Layer of a c e r t a i n s i z e particle o r it may be pro-
tected only by vegetation. It can be expected t h a t scouring w i l l occur
downstream of the sedimentation pond and t h e magnitude of scouring W i l l be
greater f o r t h e vegetation-lined drainageway than f o r the drainageway which
h a s already developed an armoring layer.
Once i n the f i e l d , t h e designer should v e r i f y the information on t h e
topographic maps and survey the physical f e a t u r e s a t each site. After the
f i e l d i n v e s t i g a t i o n , a review and comparison of the advantages and disadvan-
t a g e s of each s i t e can be evaluated to select the best sedimentation pond
location.
 3.8

3.2 Data Requirements

Information t h a t i s required t o design a Sedimentation pond c a n be broken
i n t o t h r e e categroies: hydrology, sediment data, and inflow suspended s o l i d s
concentration. The following s e c t i o n s describe what s p e c i f i c information i s
r e q u i r e d f o r sedimentation pond design.

3 2 1 Hydrology
Hydrologic information required t o design a sedimentation pond includes
t h e peak inflow rate and t h e runoff volume f o r t h e design storm event. In
a d d i t i o n , where ponds receive t h e inflow from t h e mining p i t , pumping, or are
l o c a t e d on a perennial stream, t h e inflow rate f o r base flow conditions must
be determined.
For t h e design storm event, an inflow hydrograph must be developed from
which t h e peak inflow r a t e and runoff volume can be determined. There are
s e v e r a l references a v a i l a b l e which describe inflow hydrograph development
(OSM, 1982; Bureau of Reclamation, 1977; B a r f i e l d , 1981; S o i l Conservation
I .
Service, 1975 1.
For sedimentation ponds which receive inflow by pumping, t h e designer
! w i l l have t o determine t h e inflow r a t e f o r base flow conditions. For ponds
\
which a r e located on perennial streams, t h e designer c a n use h i s t o r i c a l data
i f available. However, t h i s type of information may be very limited.
Therefore, t h e inflow rate for base flow conditions or from pumping w i l l
g e n e r a l l y have to be measured a f t e r t h e pond has been constructed.

3.2.2 Sediment Data

The sediment data required f o r pond design are t h e p a r t i c l e s i z e distri-
bution and total sediment yield during a runoff event. The design of a pond
occurs during t h e planning s t a g e s before a c t u a l mining s t a r t s . Therefore,
Information on t h e particle s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n of t h e sediment runoff from t h e
disturbed a r e a i s not generally a v a i l a b l e f o r t h e s p e c i f i c s i t e . The
following s e c t i o n s discuss t h e methods of o b t a i n i n g sediment s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n
and sediment y i e l d .
 3.9

3.2.2.1 Influent Sediment Size Distribution

The most important sediment data required to design a sedimentation pond
to meet effluent limitations is the particle size distribution of the sediment
influent. The particle size distribution should represent the worst condition
during the life of the mine. From past and present experience, the worst con-
dition occurs during the reclamation phase. Two conditions during the recla-
mation phase must be considered.
The first condition to be considered is before the topsoil or "A" horizon
has been replaced. The soil which is eroded, and hence the influent particle
size distributi
condition to be
replaced.
-17 1 be represented by the graded overburden.

L l G -Pondition,
-
- onsider d is after the topsoil or "A" horizon has been
The second

the particle size distribution of the eroded

8'

- the txpsd-1. Whichever condition results in a

soil will be represented- by
c-

particle size distribution with the highest percentage of particle sizes in

the silt range (0.001 to 0.074 m) will be selected for the design influent
\
particle size distribution. The best way to estimate the particle size
distribution is to obtain size distribution Information from previous anh
'
nearby mining operations. When mining operations within the same area or
t areas with the same soil texture exist, determination of particle size distri-
\

butions of sediment runoff from existing analysis can be used. Before a par-
ticle size distribution from a nearby site is used, several considerations and
comparisons must be made so the information does represent the site under
consideration.

1. Soil characteristics at both sites should be very similar including

soil types below the surface which are disturbed during mining.

2. Slopes, drainage, and sediment transport characteristics of both

sites should be evaluated and compared.

3. The type of mining and amount of area disturbed at both sites should
be evaluated.

4. Data from as many samples and sites should be collected and eva-
luated to provide a good estimate.

5. The magnitude of the runoff event during which the sample was
collected should be considered.
 When these data do not e x i s t , but nearby sites do exist, sampling and labora-
t o r y a n a l y s i s should be conducted whenever possible.
Another method f o r developing particle s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n information is
based on t h e site s p e c i f i c soil textural class and physical p r o p e r t i e s .
Generally, s o i l p h y s i c a l p r o p e r t i e s occurring a t a s p e c i f i c s i t e can be iden-
t i f i e d using information given in s t a n d a r d Soil Conservation Service (SCS)
s o i l surveys. These i n v e s t i g a t i o n s c o n s i s t of c l a s s i f y i n g physical, chemical,
and b i o l o g i c a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of s o i l s extending t o depths of up t o s i x feet.
The U . S . Department of Agriculture (USDA) publishes r e p o r t s and maps of their
soil surveys, u s u a l l y on a county basis.
A procedure f o r determining particle s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n based on s o i l
textural class is presented f o r use w i t h t h i s manual. A textural class is
simply a name given each s o i l which designates t h e ranges of sand, silt, and
c l a y s i z e s it contains. This class can be obtained from SCS s o i l series
d e s c r i p t i o n s , o t h e r soil survey data i n t h e v i c i n i t y , s o i l data from t h e mine
p l a n , f i e l d estimation by a soil s c i e n t i s t , o r laboratory a n a l y s i s . After
I

determining t h e textural c l a s s i f i c a t i o n , t h e corresponding particle s i z e

groups are then determined from Table 3.1.
r Where t h e mining area has s e v e r a l s o i l textural c l a s s i f i c a t i o n s within
\
the drainage bowdary, a composite s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n can be developed. For
each p a r t i c u l a r soil t e x t u r a l c l a s s i f i c a t i o n , t h e sediment s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n
given in Table 3.1 W i l l be m u l t i p l i e d times t h e f r a c t i o n of the disturbed area
t h a t each s o i l textural class covers. The values f o r each soil textural class
are then aUded together t o form a representative composite s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n .
An example of developing a r e p r e s e n t a t i v e composite s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n is given
i n t h e design example i n Chapter VI.
The sediment s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n based on t e x t u r a l class is not recommended
f o r use i f amre detailed soil data are a v a i l a b l e a t the mine site. Also, it
is i m p o r t a n t t h a t t h e s o i l data describing t h e material b e l o w the surface
(exposed during mining) be considered during development of t h e particle s i z e
distribution. The designer should r e a l i z e that t h e design can be no better
t h a n t h e information on which it is based. To help eliminate s i g n i f i c a n t
changes and modifications t o the pond after construction, t h e particle size
d i s t r i b u t i o n u t i l i z e d should be a conservative estimate.
 3.11

s1 0
N
0
*)
m
(Y I I 0
c -
0
I

F A

n
Y)
a
m 0 0 m m m
n w hl N c 5: 0
c

-m 0
N
0
hl
0
c
m m 0
c
0
c
0
c

0 m m 0 0 m 0 0
c c N n W N w (Y

N m m -
0 0
N
m m
N
0
R
m
W
V
Y

n
-a
n
E
0

-a
0
3
L
u
C
a
E
-*a
Ea v) -I 0
I- U
C
a
it
0
6
C
a
%
0
c
.
I
In a v) v)
 .. .. . .. .

3.12

The s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n f o r base flow conditions can be s i g n i f i c a n t l y d i f -

f e r e n t from the s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n based upon the surface and overburden s o i l s .
Generally, t h e s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n f o r base flow conditions w i l l be composed of
smaller particle s i z e s . Sampling of t h e base flow s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n i s recom-
mended to a c c u r a t e l y design f o r base flow e f f l u e n t Limitations.
For sedimentation ponds which receive inflow by pumping, t h e sediment
s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n is very d i f f i c u l t to predict. A n i n i t i a l estimate of the
s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n c a n be developed from t h e overburden s o i l . Once the pond is
o p e r a t i o n a l , the e f f l u e n t w i l l have to be t e s t e d and pond modifications may be
required.

3.2.2.2 Sediment Yield

Sediment y i e l d of t h e mining area i s required to determine t h e sediment
s t o r a g e volume of the pond and c a l c u l a t e t h e average e f f l u e n t concentration
f o r t h e design storm event. The required sediment storage volume is dependent
upon t h e annual sediment y i e l d and the frequency of sediment removal. It i s
i l e f t t o t h e designer to decide how o f t e n t h e sediment w i l l be removed from t h e
pond. The annual sediment y i e l d can be determined using t h e Universal Soil
t Loss Equation (USLE). There are s e v e r a l references which are a v a i l a b l e which
\

describe the use of the'USLE (OSM, 1982; Barfield, 1981).

Sediment y i e l d f o r t h e design stonn event must be determined 80 the
average e f f l u e n t concentration can be calculated. The Modified Universal Soil
Loss Equation (MUSLE) can be used to c a l c u l a t e t h e sediment y i e l d from t h e
design storm event. The previously mentioned references also describe t h e use
of MUSLE.

3.2.3 Inflow Suspended .Solids Concentration

The inflow suspended s o l i d s concentration is required f o r both base flow
c o n d i t i o n s and the design runoff event. For base flow conditions, t h e
i n f l u e n t suspended solids concentration w i l l have to be measured s i n c e it i s
very d i f f i c u l t to predict.
For the design runoff event, t h e average i n f l u e n t suspended s o l i d s con-
c e n t r a t i o n c a n be computed knowing t h e storm runoff volume and sediment y i e l d .
The average i n f l u e n t suspended s o l i d s concentration is computed as:

6
 3.13

where, CI = average i n f l u e n t suspended solids c o n c e n t r a t i o n (mg/l),

Y = storm sediment y i e l d (lbs),

y = u n i t weight of water (62.4 1 b / f t 3 ) , and

It should he recognized t h a t t h i s c o n c e n t r a t i o n is t h e average suspended

S o l i d s c o n c e n t r a t i o n during t h e storm and h i g h e r suspended s o l i d s con-
c e n t r a t i o n s would be expected when t h e peak inflow rate occurs.

3.3 E f f l u e n t Limitations ,-> I .

/

Design procedures f o r sedFmentation ponds developed in this manual are-

based on meeting S o l i d s e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s . The o p e r a t o r should be aware
L r
t h a t t h e r e are o t h e r e f f l u e n t q u a l i t y limitations on i r o n , manganese, and pH.
It assumed that t h e manual w i l l be used for design of sedimentation ponds
i n t h e p l a n n i n g s t a g e s of mining and that t h e mining o p e r a t i o n is c o n t r o l l e d

'1 by New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). The NSPS solids e f f l u e n t q u a l i t y

l i m i t a t i o n s are based on flow c o n d i t i o n and t h e s t a t e of mining o p e r a t i o n .

!
\ 3.3.1 Suspended Solids L i m i t a t i o n
Solids e f f l u e n t q u a l i t y l i m i t a t i o n d u r i n g base f l o w for a c t i v e s u r f a c e
mining, underground mining, and coal p r e p a r a t i o n areas is 35 mg/l t o t a l
suspended solids (TSS) for the average of d a i l y v a l u e s for 30 c o n s e c u t i v e days
and a maximum of 70 mg/l TSS f o r any one day. Por post-mining c o n a i t i o n s , ' t h e
d i s c h a r g e f r o m underground mine drainage is a l s o subject t o these suspended
solids l i m i t a t i o n s .
3.3.2 S e t t l e a b l e Solids Lfmitation
During any d i s c h a r g e or w e r f l o w r e s u l t i n g from a p r e c i p i t a t i o n e v e n t
less t h a n or equal t o t h e 10-year, 24-hour p r e c i p i t a t i o n event, t h e d i s c h a r g e
i s subject to s o l i d s e f f l u e n t q u a l i t y l i m i t a t i o n s of 0.5 m l / l settleable
solids (SS). During any d i s c h a r g e or werflow r e s u l t i n g from a p r e c i p i t a t i o n
e v e n t greater t h a n t h e 10-year, 24-hour p r e c i p i t a t i o n event the d i s c h a r g e is
I
 3.14

not s u b j e c t t o a s o l i d s e f f l u e n t q u a l i t y l i m i t a t i o n . These a l t e r n a t e limita-

t i o n s d u r i n g p r e c i p i t a t i o n e v e n t s only apply i f :

1. The t r e a t m e n t f a c i l i t y is designed, c o n s t r u c t e d , operated, and main-

t a i n e d to c o n t a i n a t a minimum t h e volume of water which would d r a i n
i n t o t h e t r e a t m e n t f a c i l i t y from a c t i v e ' n l n i n g areas and reclamation
areas during t h e 10-year, 24-hour p r e c i p i t a t i o n e v e n t (or snowmelt
of e q u i v a l e n t v0lume)t

2. The t r e a t m e n t f a c i l l t y is designed, c o n s t r u c t e d , o p e r a t e d , and main-

t a i n e d t o c o n s i s t e n t l y achieve t h e e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s set by the
r e g u l a t o r y agencies f o r a l l e f f l u e n t q u a l i t y l i m i t a t i o n s ;

The volume of settleable solids i n the e f f l u e n t from a sedimentation pond

is determined by a simple procedure known as t h e Imhoff cone test (see Figure
3.1). The Imhoff cones are f i l l e d to t h e o n e - l i t e r mark with a thoroughly
mixed sample. S e t t l i n g is allowed to occur for 45 minutes, t h e s i d e s of the
cone are g e n t l y s t i r r e d with a rod to f r e e any particles which may be c l i n g i n g
t o t h e s i d e s of t h e cone, and s e t t l i n g is allowed to occur f o r an a d d i t i o n a l
15 minutes. The volume of settleable s o l i d s i n t h e cone is t h e n recorded as
' milliliters per l i t e r (from %tandard Methods f o r Examination of Water and
Wastewater,' 15th e d i t i o n ) . The test is normally performed a t room texn-
:
\
perature 25OC, 77.F) or t h e r e s u l t s are a d j u s t e d to room temperature. It
should be p o i n t e d o u t that s o m e d i f f i c u l t y exists in r e a d i n g the Imhoff cones.
When d e a l i n g w i t h f i n e particles such as s i l t , it requires practice in
d e f i n i n g t h e volume of settleable solids. It is recommended t h a t t h e s e
r e a d i n g s be t a k e n in t h e presence of persons who have experience in performing
the Imhoff cone test.
P a r t i c l e s i z e s smaller than one micron (0.001 mu) are assumed non-
settleable under gravitational f o r c e s alone. Therefore, particle sizes
smaller t h a n one
- micron are not considered settleable s o l i d s i n this manual.
A well-designed sedimentation pond w i l l remove p r a c t i c a l l y a l l of the

sand-sized particles. Therefore, t h e settled volume in t h e b o t t o m of t h e

Imhoff cone w i l l be composed p r i m a r i l y of silt.
The s m a l l e s t particle which w i l l s e t t l e through the e n t i r e h e i g h t of t h e
Imhoff cone during t h e t e s t can be computed. Based upon S t o k e ' s Law8 test
c o n d i t i o n s , and assuming a s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y of t h e particle to be 2.65, this
particle size is computed as 0.011 rmn (GI. Stokes's f a w is based upon i d e a l
s e t t l i n g and t h e r e are a e v e r a l r e f e r e n c e s a v a i l a b l e which d i s c u s s S t o k e ' s L a w
 ... _r... - . .. .

3.15

FIGURE 3.1 IMHOFF CONE TEST APPARATUS (SAWYER, 1978)

 3.16

( B a r f i e l d , 1981; Shames, 1962). A l l particles larger than 0.011 nm~ would

s e t t l e during t h e test. only a percentage of the p a r t i c l e s smaller than 0.011
mm would be expected to settle depending upon t h e concentration of each par-
t i c l e s i z e within t h e sample. The o b j e c t i v e of *is design manual is t o
select a particle s i z e of a p a r t i c u l a r s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n t h a t must he removed
so that t h e s e t t l e a b l e s o l i d s concentration meets e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s when
t h e sample is placed i n t h e Imhoff cone.

3.4 Trapping Efficiency '

To m e e t e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s , sedimentation pond design must be based on

sediment s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n and TSS concentration of t h e base flow or design
storm runoff e n t e r i n g t h e pond. Based on p r e s e n t state of the a r t , the most
common method f o r developing t h e pond design c r i t e r i a to meet a s p e c i f i e d
e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n is by determining t h e percent of sediment removal
required. The percent of sediment removal i s c a l l e d the t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y
(E) and is equal to t h e weight of sediment flowing i n t o t h e pond minus the
L

weight of sediment leaving the pond divided by the weight of sediment flowing
i n t o t h e pond and then m u l t i p l i e d by 100 to o b t a i n e f f i c i e n c y In percent.
: Thus, the trapping e f f i c i e n c y i s given by:
\

E =
wI - wo x 100
wI '

where, wI - weight of sediment flowing i n t o the pond,

Wo = weight of sediment flowing o u t of the pond,

During base flow, t h e sedimentation pond w i l l be i n a steady-state

condition where the water inflow volume equals the water outflow volume. The
w a t e r volume can be changed to a weight of w a t e r . Dividing the weight of
sediment by t h e weight of water w i l l y i e l d a concentration of TSS. Therefore,
t h e t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y becomes

E =
cI - co x 100 (3.3)
 .. . ... . . .. .. . .

3.17

where, CI = average sediment concentration i n t o the pond,

Co = average sediment concentration o u t of t h e pond.

For base f l o w , e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s are stated as a concentration of TSS.

Therefore, a r e l a t i o n s h i p between the i n f l u e n t TSS Concentration and t h e
t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y can be developed i f t h e e f f l u e n t TSS concentration is
known. Once t h e i n f l u e n t TSS concentration has been measured, t h e required
t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y can be determined i f the e f f l u e n t TSS concentration is
known. Figure 3.2 p r e s e n t s t h i s r e l a t i o n s h i p f o r a range of e f f l u e n t con-
centration limitations. Knowing t h e i n f l u e n t TSS concentration, the required
t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y to limft the e f f l u e n t concentration to a s t a n d a r d can be
determined from Figure 3.2.
During t h e design p r e c i p i t a t i o n runoff event, t h e development of pond
design c r i t e r i a is more d i f f i c u l t . The condition during a storm runoff i s
.dynamic i n that the inflow t o t h e pond is represented by a runoff hydrograph;
t h e outflow is based on t h e water surface e l e v a t i o n in t h e pond and t h e
discharge c a p a c i t y of t h e outflow device. I n addition, effluent limitations
for the design p r e c i p i t a t i o n runoff event are stated as a c o n c e n t r a t i o n of
!
b settleable sediment.
To design f o r t h e design runoff event requires that a practical approach
be taken. The method used to r o u t e the inflow hydrograph through the sedimen-
t a t i o n pond is based upon the inflow volume being equal to the outflow volume.
(Water r o u t i n g i s discussed in Section 3.6.) Therefore, the t r a p p i n g e f f i -
c i e n c y for the design runoff went can also be computed using Equation 3.3.
However, for t h e design runoff event, t h e suspended solids c o n c e n t r a t i o n and
t h e t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y are both unknown. -
By d e f i n i t i o n , t h e t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y is t h e weight of sediment removed
i n the pond. The i n f l u e n t sediment is represented by the sediment con-
c e n t r a t i o n and s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n . I n a d d i t i o n , it is assumed t h a t the
i n f l u e n t sediment is evenly d i s t r i b u t e d in t h e water inflow. Therefore, when
a sedimentation pond is designed t o remove a c e r t a i n particle size ( a i l , t h e
p e r c e n t of sediment removal or t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y is equal to t h e p e r c e n t of
I t h e s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n t h a t is l a r g e r than di. Figure 3.3 p r e s e n t s t h e d e f i -
n i t i o n of t h e t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y f o r various particle s i z e s . This estimate
of t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y i s conservative s i n c e it assumes none of the particles
 - . ... ....... ....

3.113

100

90

80
n

a?
Y

*
0
w' 70
-
3 :
LL
>LL
w
a
z
a 60
a
0:
t-

50

40

.I I
10 100 lob0

INFLUENT SUSPENDED SOLIDS CONCENTRATION (mQ./L.)

FIGURE 3.2 REQUIRED TRAPPING EFFICIENCY TO MEET

VARIOUS EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS
 . . .. . . .
. .. . . .. , . .. , ._.. __ ...._
...~-,. , . ._. . .. -

3.20

smaller than the selected particle s i z e ( d i ) w i l l s e t t l e i n the pond.

Actually, a percentage of the particles smaller than di w i l l settle.
Therefore, f o r each particle s i z e , a trapping e f f i c i e n c y can be determined
from t h e i n f l u e n t s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n , and t h e suspended s o l i d s concentration
can be c a l c u l a t e d by rearranging Equation 3.3.

co = (1 --1E0 0 ) cI (3.4)

To determine whether t h e e f f l u e n t requirements a r e s a t i s f i e d , a rela-

t i o n s h i p between t h e suspended s o l i d s concentration and t h e settleable solids
concentration is required. This r e l a t i o n s h i p is presented in t h e following
section.

3.5 S e t t l e a b l e Solids Concentration

E f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s during runoff events and post-mining reclamation are
stated in terms of a volume of s e t t l e a b l e s o l i d s per one l i t e r of sample.
relate t h e settleable solids J i d t a t i o n -+ -the- *sign
- .of -
- . sedimentation ponds,
-
To

c -.__c_
-

a r e l a t i o n s h i p between settleable solids and t o t a l suspended solids m u s t be

--
considered. S e t t l e a b l e solids are defined as the volume of particles t h a t
._
s e t t l e in the bottom of an Imhoff cone i n one hour of quiescent s e t t l i n g .
Knowing the i n f l u e n t sediment s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n , a particle s i z e t o be
settled in t h e pond is selected and t h e s e t t l e a b l e s o l i d s concentration is
determined. If t h e settleable s o l i d s concentration is l a r g e r than e f f l u e n t
l i m i t a t i o n s , a smaller particle s i z e is selected and a new settleable s o l i d s
concentration is computed. L i k e w i s e , if the settleable s o l i d s concentration
is Qnaller than t h e e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s , a l a r g e r particle s i z e is s e l e c t e d

e
I

and the ettleable s o l i d s concentration is computed. Therefore, an

interatii process is required t o determine t h e particle s i z e that t h e s e a - /
e n t a t i o n pond must remove so t h e pond e f f l u e n t satisfies t h e settleable
s o l i d s limitation.
The first s t e p in computing the s e t t l e a b l e s o l i d s concentration is t o
a d j u s t the i n f l u e n t sediment s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n by s u b t r a c t i n g o u t the non-
s e t t l e a b l e s i z e s ( < 0.001 man). Given t h e s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n in Figure 3.4, it
can be seen that t e n percent of the sediment is smaller #an 0.001 CPILI.

Therefore, the 90 p e r c e n t of the s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n which is settleable m u s t be

. . .__
- - , . - . _ _.

3.21

E
E
Y

w
w
J
.tn
2
I-
a
a
a

6
0
0
6
8
0
0 0 0 0
9
0 0
QD (0 0 cu
tl3NId l N 3 3 U 3 d
 3.22

redistributed 60 that it makes up 100 p e r c e n t of the s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n . Table

3.2 shows how t o develop a s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n i n which a l l particle s i z e s are
settleable. The settleable s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n is presented i n Figure 3.5.
A r e l a t i o n s h i p between the e f f l u e n t suspended solids concentration, t h e
s e t t l e a b l e particle s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n , and the settleable s o l i d s concentration
is required. B a r f i e l d ( 1 9 8 1 ) developed an equation f o r t h e conversion of
suspended s o l i d s concentration t o s e t t l e a b l e s o l i d s based on d i s c r e t e particle
s e t t l i n g and t h e geometry of the Imhoff cone. The volume of settleable s o l i d s
is given by

ss = -
C*
W [(l - X0 + c
i=1
di6
(TI Axil
0
(3.5)

where, SS = settleable s o l i d s concentration (mg/l),

C* - average e f f l u e n t suspended s o l i d s concentration f o r t h e

settleable s i z e s (mg/l),

W = dry bulk density of t h e settled s o l i d s (mg/ml),

Xo = f r a c t i o n of particles in t h e e f f l u e n t d i s t r i b u t i o n smaller than

= 0.011 nun,

d, = smallest particle which w i l l s e t t l e through the e n t i r e height of

an Imhoff cone (0.011

di = mean particle s i z e of the i n t e r v a l (m)8 and

A X i = f r a c t i o n of e f f l u e n t sediment s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n which has a mean

particle s i z e of d i .

The average e f f l u e n t suspended s o l i d s concentration f o r t h e settleable s i z e s

is given as

where, E, y v# Y are 88 defined previously, and

k = f r a c t i o n of the p a r t i c l e s in t h e i n f l u e n t s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n which
are s e t t l e a b l e .

I n the previous example, k would equal 0.90 s i n c e 9 0 percent of the i n f l u e n t

s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n is s e t t l e a b l e .
 3.23

Table 3.2. Development of Settleable Solids Size Distribution.

Settleable Solids
Influent Size Distribution
Particle Size Distribution column 3 x (100/90)
(mm)
(1)
( 0 finer)
(2)
column 2
(3)
- 10 ( 0 finer)
(4)

0.001 10 0 0.0

0 0042 16 6 6.7

0.01 26 16 17.8

. . 0.04 50 40 44.4

0.10 72 62 68.9

0.20 90 80 88.9

0.66 100 90 100.0

 3 -24

PARTICLE SIZE (mm)

FIGURE 3.5 SETTLEABLE SOLIDS SIZE DISTRIBUTION

 3.25

The dry bulk d e n s i t y of the settled solids (W) should be r e p r e s e n t a t i v e

of s e t t l e d s i l t s i n c e t h i s is the s i z e range t h a t w i l l s e t t l e during t h e
Imhoff cone test. A r e p r e s e n t a t i v e value of W for s e t t l e d s i l t is 7 0
l b / f t 3 or approximately 1120 mg/l.
The f r a c t i o n of the particles in t h e e f f l u e n t size d i s t r i b u t i o n which are
smaller than a, (0.011 mm) is denoted as .
,
X When a particle s i z e t o be
removed i n a pond is equal to or smaller than 0.011 nun, w i l l always be
1.0 and a l l of the particle s i z e s i n t h e e f f l u e n t are equal to or s m a l l e r than
0.Ollmm. A l l of the particle s i z e s which have a diameter of 0.011 x n or
l a r g e r w i l l s e t t l e i n an Imhoff cone test. The second term i n Equation 3.5
determines what p e r c e n t of the particle sizes smaller than 0.011 w i l l s e t t l e
during t h e test.
When a particle s i z e to be removed i n t h e pond is l a r g e r t h a n 0.011 nun,
x, is equal t o t h e percent of the e f f l u e n t size d i s t r i b u t i o n which is smaller
t h a n 0.011 mm. For this condition, the e f f l u e n t w i l l c o n t a i n particle sizes
greater than 0.011 mu. A l l particle s i z e s greater t h a n 0.011 rmm w i l l s e t t l e
in the Imhoff cone during the test. The first term in Equation 3.5 describes
the p e r c e n t of the e f f l u e n t s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n which is l a r g e r than 0.011 rmn
and t h e r e f o r e , w i l l s e t t l e during the Imhoff cone test. For t h i s c o n d i t i o n ,
2b can be completed as

x = % of settleable s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n s m a l l e r than 0.011 nrm

o % of settleable size d i s t r i b u t i o n smaller than s i z e to
be removed i n sedimentation pond

The design of a sedimentation pond t o meet e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s requires

t h a t a particle s i z e t o be removed be s e l e c t e d . A good s t a r t i n g p i n t is t o
select a particle size of 0.011 mn. This makes x, i n Equation 3.5 equal t o
1.0. Therefore, the e f f l u e n t size d i s t r i b u t i o n is made up of particles
smaller than 0.011 ran. To e v a l u a t e the second term in Equation 3.5, the par-
t i c l e sizes smaller t h a n 0.011 w must be r e d i s t r i b u t e d i n t o a s i z e d i s t r i b u -
t i o n i n which the particle s i z e s smaller t h a n 0.011 rn comprise the e n t i r e
s i z e distribution. Using the settleable size d i s t r i b u t i o n presented i n Figure
3.5, it c a n be s e e n that 19.5 p e r c e n t of the settleable size d i s t r i b u t i o n is
smaller t h a n 0.011 nm. This percentage of the settleable s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n is
t h e n r e d i s t r i b u t e d t o be 100 percent.
 ___ . . . - . . . . .

3.26

This procedure starts by breaking up the settleable s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n

smaller than 0.011 mm i n t o s e v e r a l percentage i n t e r v a l s . This is shown i n
Figure 3.6. The s i z e range f o r each increment is then t a b u l a t e d and the mean
s i z e ( d i ) is determined. This procedure is shown i n Table 3.3. I n this
example, percentage increments of 0.04 were chosen. There is no set value for
t h e p e r c e n t increments. However, smaller s i z e d increments w i l l y i e l d a better
result. The particle s i z e range f o r each increment is then t a b u l a t e d (column
1, Table 3.3). The particle s i z e ( d i ) i n the middle of each increment is then
t a b u l a t e d in column 2 of Table 3.3 as mean s i z e . The f i n a l s t e p is t o
r e d i s t r i b u t e t h e s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n smaller than 0.011 m. This is
accomplished by d i v i d i n g each p e r c e n t increment (column 3) by the sum of
column 3. For this example, the first four e n t r i e s in column 4 are found by
d i v i d i n g 0.04 by 0.195. Column 4 is the AXi v a l u e used in Equation 3.5
corresponding t o the di v a l u e (column 2 ) . Knowing this information, the
'settleable s o l i d s concentration in the e f f l u e n t can be determined from
Equation 3.5.
I f the settleable s o l i d s e f f l u e n t limitations are not s a t i s f i e d , a par-
t i c l e s i z e smaller than 0.011 nm is chosen to be removed. The v a l u e of &,
i n Equation 3.5 w i l l s t i l l be equal to 1.0. However, the particle s i z e range
i n column 1, Table 3.3 w i l l change. The particle s i z e range w i l l now have the
upper l i m i t of the selected particle size instead of 0.011 mu. Therefore, the
t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y , e f f l e u n t c o n c e n t r a t i o n , particle size range, increment
size, and AXi w i l l have new values and the new settleable solids con-
c e n t r a t i o n can be computed.
When the computed settleable s o l i d s concentration is less than the
e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s , larger s i z e d particles w i l l be allowed in the e f f l u e n t .
Therefore, a particle s i z e l a r g e r than 0.011 nun is selected to be removed i n
the pond. I n Equation 3.5, the second term w i l l r e s a i n the same as t h a t which
w a s computed f o r a particle s i z e of 0.011 m b u t w i l l be reduced by a factor
of %. This is one of the main reasons f o r s e l e c t i n g 0.011 nun as a s t a r t i n g
point. The v a l u e of w i l l no longer be equal t o 1.0. For this condition,
rr, can be computed as defined previously. W i t h the new t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y ,
e f f l u e n t concentration, and value of G, the settleable solids c o n c e n t r a t i o n
can be computed using Equation 3.5. The settleable solids concentration w i l l
i n c r e a s e r a p i d l y as the particle s i z e t o be removed i n the pond is i n c r e a s e d
 . ... ~ .,.. .

3.28

Table 3.3. Size Distribution for Particles

Smaller than 0.011 nun.

(3)
Percent in Size
Range of
(1) (2) Settleable Size
Particle Mean Size Distribution
Size Range

0.001 - 0.0023 0.0015 0.04 0.205

, 0.0023 0.0046 0.0035 0.04 0.205

I
0.0046 - 0.0064 .
0 0054 0.04 0 205

0.0064 - 0.0088 0 0075 0.04 -

0 205

0.0088 - 0.011 0.0100 -0.035 -

0.180

c 0.195 1.0
 3.29

s i n c e a l l particles l a r g e r than 0.01 1 mn w i l l s e t t l e i n an m o f f cone.

Therefore, when a new p a r t i c l e s i z e is selected, a particle s i z e i n t h e range
of 0.015 mm t o 0.02 xmn should be t r i e d so t h e designer can understand how f a s t
t h e s e t t l e a b l e s o l i d s concentration increases. .
When t h e designer has c a l c u l a t e d t h e particle s i z e which must be removed
in t h e sedimentation pond to meet e f f l u e n t Limitations, criteria or t h e sedi-
mentation pond design can be determined. The determination of the design par-
t i c l e s i z e to meet e f f l u e n t .limitations may seem confusing. Following through
t h e example given i n Chapter V I w i l l help t h e operator understand how t o
design a sedimentation pond to s a t i s f y s e t t l e a b l e s o l i d s e f f l u e n t lLmitations.

3.6 Storage Volume Requirement

I n t h e design process, t h e r e is an i t e r a t i o n procedure t h a t is required
between t h e information presented in Sections 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8. Knowing t h e
particle s i z e t o be removed (Section 3.5)# a depth is assumed and t h e
corresponding required detention time is determined (Section 3.8). The
a v a i l a b l e s t o r a g e volume f o r t h e s e l e c t e d depth i s determined (Section 3.7).
The required storage volume is then determined (Section 3.6) and compared t o
: t h e a v a i l a b l e storage volume. I f t h e a v a i l a b l e s t o r a g e volume is less than
\

t h e required s t o r a g e voiume, t h e depth is Increased and t h e I n t e r a t i o n is

repeated. When the a v a i l a b l e s t o r a g e volume is greater t h a n t h e r e q u i r e d
s t o r a g e volume, t h e depth, detention time, s t o r a g e volume, and outflow rate
are established. The pond s u r f a c e area, length, and Width are then checked to
ensure t h a t t h e s e l e c t e d particle size is s e t t l e d in t h e pond.
Flow r o u t i n g through a sedimentation pond is determined by t h e rate of
inflow, s t o r a g e capacity of t h e pond, and outflow capacity or given r e s e r v o i r
levels. Numerous methods of r e s e r v o i r r o u t i n g have been developed which
include t h e b d l f i e d Puls Method, Rippl Mass Curve, and s e v e r a l o t h e r s .
Descriptions of t h e s e methods can be found i n hydrology texts and manuals.
A s i m p l i f i e d method is used in this manual. The s i m p l i f i e d r o u t i n g
method is used to determine the required s t o r a g e volume and s i z e t h e p r i n c i p a l
spillway t o produce t h e required detention time so t h a t e f f l u e n t requirements
are m e t . The s i m p l i f i e d r o u t i n g procedure r e q u i r e s t h a t the peak inflow rate
and runoff volume are known. The peak Inflow r a t e and runoff volume can be
determined from t h e inflow hydrograph. This method implies two assumptions,
\
 3.30

t h e shape of t h e inflow and outflow hydrographs are t r i a n g u l a r and t h e i n i t i a l

water surface e l e v a t i o n is a t t h e e l e v a t i o n of t h e p r i n c i p a l spillway c r e s t .
Therefore, t h e areas under t h e inflow and outflow hydrographs are equal.
Water r o u t i n g through sedimentation ponds can be solved using Figures 3.7
and 3.8. Figure 3.7 is a graph showing t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p between t h e time base
of t h e inflow hydrograph (a)
and t h e r a t i o of t h e required storage volume (S)
t o t h e runoff volume (V) f o r a range of detention t i m e s . Figure 3.8 p r e s e n t s
t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p between Tb and the r a t i o of t h e peak outflow rate (Qo) t o
t h e peak inflow rate (QI) f o r a range of detention times. The time base of
t h e inflow hydrograph is determined as:

V
Tb =. (3.7)
1800 Qx

where, = time base of. inflow hydrograph ( h o u r s ) ,

V = water runoff volume ( f t3 ),

I
Q~ = peak inflow rate ( c f s ) .

The time base can be computed based on t h e information from t h e inflow

t hydrograph. Knowing t h e t i m e base of t h e inflow hydrograph and t h e required
b
d e t e n t i o n time f o r a s e l e c t e d particle size to be s e t t l e d (Section 3.8.11,
t h e required s t o r a g e volume and peak outflow rate can be determined using
Figures 3.7 and 3.8.

3.7 Available Storage Volume

The sedimentation pond s t o r a g e volume should provide an adequate sediment
s t o r a g e volume and an adequate detention s t o r a g e volume so e f f l u e n t limita-
tions are satisfied. A t each sedimentation pond site, a r e l a t i o n s h i p between
t h e depth and t h e s t o r a g e volume i s required s i n c e t h e trapping e f f i c i e n c y
depends on depth and s t o r a g e volume of t h e pond.
The method u t i l i z e d to develop t h e depth and s t o r a g e volume r e l a t i o n s h i p
r e q u i r e s a topographic map of t h e location of t h e pool area and embankment of
t h e sedimentation pond. An incremental value of s t o r a g e volume between t w o
pool e l e v a t i o n s can be determined using a planimeter and t h e scaled topography
map. For example, i n Figure 3.9 t h e incremental s t o r a g e volume between a pool
a t e l e v a t i o n E2 and a pool a t e l e v a t i o n E3 i s d e t e d n e d by measuring (with a
 3.33

FIGURE 3.9 DEFINITION SKETCH TO DETERMINE

INCREMENTAL STORAGE VOLUME
 3.34

planimeter) the pool surface area a t e l e v a t i o n s E2 and E3- The incremental

s t o r a g e volume is then c a l c u l a t e d as the increase i n e l e v a t i o n (E3 - E2) t i m e s
t h e average surface area of t h e pool [(AE
2 + AE~)/~].Thus, a t a b l e r e l a t i n g
s t o r a g e t o stage can be developed (see Table 3.4). A graph of t h e s t a g e ver-
s u s s t o r a g e volume is then p l o t t e d .
It is l e f t ' t o the designer to decide how o f t e n sediment w i l l be removed
from the pond. The sediment y i e l d during the time period between sediment
removal can be computed using procedures described in Section 3.2.2.2. The
sediment y i e l d is converted to a storage volume by dividing the y i e l d by t h e
u n i t weight of t h e deposited sediment. Lara and Pemberton (1963) developed an
equation to c a l c u l a t e t h e u n l t weight of the settled sediment based upon sedi-
ment s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n and type of r e s e r v o i r operation. This equation appears
i n s e v e r a l references ( B a r f i e l d , 1981; Bureau of Reclamation, 1977) and the
designer may c o n s u l t t h e s e to compute the u n i t weight of t h e settled sediment.
A u n i t weight of 7 0 lbs/ft3 is suggested t o simplify t h e design. Using this
value of u n i t weight, the required sediment s t o r a g e volume can be computed.
The corresponding depth of t h e sediment i n the pond can be found from the
stage-storage curve.
:
\
The characteristics of sediment deposition are such that the large s i z e d
particles w i l l settle near t h e i n l e t of the pond r e s u l t i n g i n the formation of
a delta. Delta formation is described in Section 3.8.2.2. Because the l a r g e r
s i z e d particles settle near t h e i n l e t , the sediment s t o r a g e volume should be
provided near t h e i n l e t of the pond. If t h e sediment s t o r a g e volume is n o t
provided a t this location, accumulated sediment a t the inlet w i l l r e q u i r e f r e -
quent remova 1e
The d e t e n t i o n storage volume is the s t o r a g e volume required to produce
t h e required detention t i m e . This is the volume that is used in the w a t e r
r o u t i n g procedure presented i n Section 3.6. The detention s t o r a g e volume is
determined from the stage-storage curve and is measured as the a v a i l a b l e
s t o r a g e volume above the e l e v a t i o n of the p r i n c i p a l spillway crest. The ele-
v a t i o n of the p r i n c i p a l spillway crest is usually chosen as the maximum depth
of the sediment s t o r a g e volume unless a permanent pool is provided. When a
permanent pool is provided, the permanent pool e l e v a t i o n w i l l be a t the eleva-
t i o n of the p r i n c i p a l spillway crest.
 . ..

3.35

Table 3.4. Stage-Storage Relatlonshlp Developent.

Stage Storage
(feet) (feet31

E2

E3

E4
 3.36

3.8 Sedimentation Pond Configuration

The design of the sedimentation pond c o n f i g u r a t i o n is based upon ideal
s e t t l i n g conditions. I n actual f i e l d s i t u a t i o n s , ideal s e t t l i n g conditions
are o f t e n d i f f i c u l t to reproduce. This n e c e s s i t a t e s the need to i n c o r p o r a t e
f a c t o r s h t o the design which account f o r nonideal s e t t l i n g conditions. The
following s e c t i o n s d i s c u s s the design of the pond c o n f i g u r a t i o n based upon
ideal s e t t l i n g , f a c t o r s which produce nonideal s e t t l i n g , and what f a c t o r s are
used to compensate for nonideal s e t t l i n g conditions.

3.8.1 Ideal S e t t l i n g
Based upon i d e a l s e t t l i n g conditions, t h e r e is a direct r e l a t i o n s h i p
between t h e d e t e n t i o n s t o r a g e depth of the pond and t h e detention t i m e . This
r e l a t i o n s h i p can be expressed as

= D
3600 TD

I where, Vs = particle s e t t l i n g v e l o c i t y ( f p s ) ,

D = d e t e n t i o n storage depth ( f t ) , and

TD = d e t e n t i o n time (hours).
The particle s e t t l i n g v e l o c i t y is defined by Stoke's L a w and is dependent
upon temperature of the water, particle size, and specific g r a v i t y of t h e par-
ticle. To determine t h e design particle s i z e as presented in Section 3-58 the
temperature of the water was assumed 7 7 0 F, s i n c e this is part of the Imhoff
cone t e s t and sets t h e criteria which must be s a t i s f i e d . I n t h e field, t h e
temperature of the water runoff w i l l be closer t o 500 F. For the same par-
'
t i c l e size, s e t t l i n g w i l l t a k e longer in the water which is 50 F t h a n i n t h e
water which is 77O F. Therefore, design of the sedimentation pond i s based
upon the water being 50. F. A s s d n g a water temperature of SO0 F and the
s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y of t h e particle t o be 2.65, Stoke's L a w may be w r i t t e n as

Vs = 2.254 d2 (3.9)

where, Vs 5 particle s e t t l i n g v e l o c i t y (fps) and

d = particle diameter (m).

 3.37

The r e s u l t of combining Equations 3.0 and 3.9 is

D
2.254 d2 = (3.10)
3600 TD

Figure 3.10 p r e s e n t s t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p between t h e particle diameter and deten-

t i o n time f o r various depths using Equation 3.10. To s e t t l e any size par-
t i c l e , t h e r e q u i r e d detention time f o r various depths c a n be found from Figure
3.10 o r computed by Equation 3.10.
There is a l s o a direct r e l a t i o n s h i p between t h e flow length of t h e pond
and t h e d e t e n t i o n time. This r e l a t i o n s h i p is represented as

u L (3.11)
'I 3600 TD

where, V, = h o r i z o n t a l flow v e l o c i t y through t h e pond ( f p s ) ,

L = f l o w length of t h e pond ( f t ) ,and

T~ = detention time (hours).

The h o r i z o n t a l flow v e l o c i t y through t h e pond c a n be computed as

VH = -QO
(3.12)
wD1 ,

where, Qo = peak outflow rate ( c f s ) ,

W = average width of t h e pond ( f t ) ,and

D1 = total depth of the pond (ft).

Combining Equations 3.11 and .3.12 r e s u l t s i n

3600 T Q
DlO
L = (3.13)
wDl

where, TI), G8 W are as defined i n Equation 3.11 and

D1 = sediment s t o r a g e depth p l u s detention s t o r a g e depth, and

TD, = detention time f o r depth D1 from Equation 3.10.

Equation 3.13 gives t h e required flow length of t h e pond t o settle t h e design

particle size. This equation is used as a check a f t e r the pond s t o r a g e volume
 3.39

and outflow rate have been established. The t o t a l depth is used i n Equation
3.13 s i n c e t h e p a r t i c l e w i l l be required t o s e t t l e this depth j u s t a f t e r t h e
pond c o n s t r u c t i o n is completed. I f t h e required flow length cannot be
achieved, .measures described in Section 4.2 can be taken to i n c r e a s e t h e flow
l e n g t h of the pond.

3.8.2 Nonideal S e t t l i n g
As presented so f a r , t h e design of sedimentation ponds have been based on
ideal s e t t l i n g conditions. However, i n t h e f i e l d it is d i f f i c u l t and o f t e n
Impossible t o provide i d e a l s e t t l i n g conditions. Variations from ideal
s e t t l i n g are caused by s e v e r a l f a c t o r s . These f a c t o r s are not independent
conditions; they are a l l i n t e r r e l a t e d and cause deviations from i d e a l s e t t l i n g
reducing t h e e f f i c i e n c y of the sedimentation pond. The conditions causing
v a r i a t i o n form ideal s e t t l i n g are:
- Flow c u r r e n t s within t h e pond
- Reservoir deposition
- Short c i r c u i t i n g and turbulence
- Scour and resuspension

3.8.2.1 Flow Currents

V a r i o u s types of flow c u r r e n t s can exist within sedimentation ponds. The
most common being those caused by wind blowing Over the surface of the pond.
Convection c u r r e n t s can a l s o exist due t o s i g n i f i c a n t d i f f e r e n c e s of
temperature within t h e pond.
Often during storm runoff events, the inflow to t h e pond is t y p i c a l l y
more dense due t o high suspended s o l i d s concentrations. This r e s u l t s i n a
d e n s i t y c u r r e n t t h a t flows along the bottom of t h e pond. This l o c a l i z e d
i n c r e a s e i n flow can cause scour and resuspension of settled solids and signi-
f i c a n t l y reduce the t r a p e f f i c i e n c y i f t h e o u t l e t t o the pond is located near
the bottom.
A l l types of c u r r e n t s t r a n s p o r t suspended material throughout the pond
both v e r t i c a l l y and h o r i z o n t a l l y and d i s t o r t t h e flow p a t t e r n from t h a t
assumed under ideal s e t t l i n g . The r e s u l t is a reduction in the performance of
t h e pond.
 3.40

3.8.2.2 Delta Formation

As t h e sediment-laden inflow passes from t h e i n l e t channel t o t h e sedi-
mentation pond, t h e forward v e l c o t i y of t h e flow i s reduced due t o i n c r e a s e i n
f l o w width and flow depth. This r e s u l t s in t h e l a r g e r s i z e d particles being
deposited almost immediately as flow e n t e r s t h e sedimentation pond.
Deposition of the l a r g e r s i z e d particles near t h e inlet of t h e pond w i l l
r e s u l t i n t h e formation of a d e l t a . Figure 3.11 shows a d e l t a formation near
t h e i n l e t of t h e pond. The & l t a will continue t o grow l a r g e r and w i l l gra-
d u a l l y migrate downstream within t h e pond. The consequence of a delta for-
mation is reduced detention time. Therefore, small p a r t i c l e s i z e s are not
given enough t h e t o settle to t h e bottom of t h e pond.

3.8.2.3 Short C i r c u i t i n g and Turbulence

Short c i r c u i t i n g is t h e flow of water through a Sedimentation pond
d i r e c t l y from t h e i n l e t to the o u t l e t r e s u l t i n g in dead s t o r a g e areas and
reduced detention t i m e s . Figure 3.12 presents some typical sedimentation pond

!
shapes which have s h o r t c i r c u i t i n g . Short c i r c u i t i n g and turbulence are
caused by flow c u r r e n t s (as previously (Uscussed), high i n l e t wlOCitie6, high
o u t l e t flow rates, sedimentation pond geometry, and improper l o c a t i o n of
i n l e t s and outlets. When s h o r t c i r c u i t i n g 0ccum8 the e f f e c t i v e width of t h e
f l o w area through the pond is reduced and t h e l l o w v e l o c i t y through t h e pond
is greater. This e f f e c t reduces the s e t t l i n g c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s and i n c r e a s e s
p o t e n t i a l f o r scour and resuspension of s e t t l e d sediments.

3.8.2.4 Scour and Resuspension

Scour and resuspension is caused.by density c u r r e n t s and high flow rates
through t h e sedimentation pond. The scour v e l o c i t y is defined as t h a t velo-
c i t y of flow required t o i n i t i a t e motion of a discrete p a r t i c l e . Resuspension
of t h e design p a r t i c l e s i z e u i l l r e s u l t i n e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s not being
satisfied.
r

3.8.3 Control of Nonideal S e t t l i n g

The s i g n i f i c a n t f a c t o r s which a f f e c t ideal s e t t l i n g are s h o r t c i r c u i t i n g ,
turbulence, and scouring of the s e t t l i n g sediment. I n t h e following s e c t i o n s
c r i t e r i a areset t o minimize these e f f e c t s . These c r i t e r i a are length-to-width
 3.4:.

POUD .

FIGURE 3. .I1 SCHEMATIC OF DELTA FORMATION

(AFTER GRAF, 1974)
 FLOW PATHS
Dt RISER (OUTLET)

NORMAL POOL
. DEAD STORAGE

. .

;
. DEAD STORAG

. . FLOW PATHS

ISER (OUTLET)
DEAD STORAGE
DEAD STORAGE

NORMAL POOL
FLOW PATHS
INFLOW

FIGURE 3.12 SEDIMENTATION PONDS WITH DEAD STORAGE

SPACES (AFTER HAAN & BARFIELD, 1978 )
 3.43

r a t i o , s h o r t - c i r c u i t i n g f a c t o r , permissible inlet v e l o c i t y , and permissible

flow-through v e l o c i t y . The sedimentation pond must meet t h e s e c r i t e r i a t o
ensure t h a t the desired sediment removal is a t t a i n e d .

3.8.3.1 Short-Circuiting F a c t o r
Research by Camp (1946) on various types of s e t t l i n g basins has r e s u l t e d
in the development of a s h o r t - c i r c u i t i n g compensation f a c t o r based on the
shape of the b a s i n geometry. It has been recommended t h a t the s u r f a c e area of
a s e t t l i n g b a s i n be increased t o account for nonideal s e t t l i n g c o n d i t i o n s
according t o

(3.14)

where, A = s u r f a c e area of the pond a t the e l e v a t i o n of t h e p r i n c i p a l

s p i l l w a y crest ( f t 2 ) ,

FSC = s h o r t - c i r c u i t i n g f a c t o r ,

QO = outflow rate ' ( c f s ) , and

: vs = s e t t l i n g v e l o c i t y of the design particle size (fps).

\
The v a l u e of FSC is g e n e r a l l y 1.2. Equation 3.14 w i l l y i e l d the required
surface area that is needed in the pond a t the e l e v a t i o n of the p r i n c i p a l
s p i l l w a y crest. There are three measures that can be taken if the pond sur-
face area does n o t meet the requirement of Equation 3.14. The pond side
slopes can he excavated, the e l e v a t i o n of the p r i n c i p a l s p i l l w a y crest can be
raised, or a p p l i c a t i o n of multiple ponds.

3.8.3.2 Lenqth-to-Width Ratio

The r a t i o between the f l o w length and the e f f e c t i v e width of the sedimen-
t a t i o n pond is used as a design a i d to minimize short c i r c u i t i n g . Specifying
a length-to-width ratio allows f o r u t i l i z a t i o n of the f u l l s u r f a c e area of the
sedimentation pond and helps maintain a c o n s t a n t h o r i z o n t a l v e l o c i t y through
the sedimentation pond. The length that is used is the shortest d i s t a n c e t h a t
t h e water m u s t flow from the inlet to the o u t l e t of the pond. The width used
i n the computation is the e f f e c t i v e width of the sedimentation pond. This is
i
determined by d i v i d i n g the s u r f a c e area by the length from the i n l e t t o t h e
 3.44

outlet. The s u r f a c e area of the pond is measured a t the elevation of the

p r i n c i p a l spillway crest.
It is general practice to specify a minimum length-to-width r a t i o of
2:l. Larger length-to-width r a t i o s w i l l promote improved performance and
values of up t o 5 : l have been recommended. The length-to-width r a t i o is
determined after t h e pond s t o r a g e volume and outflow rate have been
established. I f t h i s r a t i o cannot be s a t i s f i e d , the flow length can be
increased. Section 4.2 describes t h e measures t h a t can be t a k e n to i n c r e a e
t h e flow length.
Both t h e s h o r t - c i r c u i t i n g f a c t o r and t h e length-to-width r a t i o compensate
f o r nonideal s e t t l i n g conditions. The s h o r t - c i r c u i t i n g f a c t o r determines only
t h e required s u r f a c e area, whereas t h e l e n g t h - W i d t h r a t i o defines the shape
of t h e s u r f a c e area.

3.8.3.3 Permissible I n l e t Velocity

-- . For a sedimentation pond to be e f f e c t i v e in sediment removal, the velo-

I \ c i t y of the flow i n t o the pond m u s t be small enough t o prevent s h o r t cir-
cuiting. The criteria is used t o l i m i t the Roude number in the i n l e t channel
t t o 1.0. The Froude number is defined as
\

Fr = V - (3.15)
4
z
where, Fr = Froude number,

v P v e l o c i t y in the inlet channel (fps)8

g = g r a v i t a t i o n a l a c c e l e r a t i o n (32.2 ft/sec2) 0 and

D = depth of flow in the inlet channel ( f t ) .

I f the Froude number in the i n l e t channel is greater t h a n 1.0, inlet c o n t r o l
measures w i l l be required. These measures are discussed in Section 4.2.

3.8- 3.4 Permissible Plow-Through Velocity

The h o r i z o n t a l flow v e l o c i t y through t h e pond must be less than the scour
v e l o c i t y of the design particle s i z e to avoid resuspension of the s e t t l e d
sediment. The scour v e l o c i t y f o r a specific particle s i z e is determined by
 3.45

(3.16)

where, Vsc - scour velocity,

B = Shields' c r t i c i a l shear stress parametr (0.047 for uniform

sand),

g = gravitational acceleration ( 32.2 f t/sec 2 ) ,

6, = specific gravity of particle (usually 2.6 t o 2 - 8 1 ,

d = diameter of spherical particle ( f t ) 8

F = Darcy-Weisbach friction factor (usually 0.02 t o 0.03).

Assuming t h a t Shields' c r i t i c a l shear stress parameter is equal t o 0.05, the

. specific gravity of the particle is 2.65, and the Darcy-Weisbach f r i c t i o n fac-
t o r is 0.025, Equation 3.16 can be reduced to

V '= 1.67 d1/2 (3.17)

SC

I where, Vsc - scour velocity (fps) and

d = particle diameter (mm).

t
\
The horizontal velocity through the pond is

va = -
QO
WD
(3.18)

where, vx = horizontal flow velocity ( f p s ) ,

QO = outflow rate ( c f s ) ,

w - average width of sediment pond ( f t ) , and

D = detention storage depth ( f t ) .

I f the horizontal velocity through the pond is greater than the scour velocity
f o r the p a r t i c l e that must be settled, the depth can be increased to reduce
the horizontal velocity which will also increase the width and decrease the
outflow rate.
 3.46

3.9 Sedimentation Pond Outlet Control Measures

Sedimentation ponds must provide a p r i n c i p a l spillway and an emergency
spillway. P r i n c i p a l spillways are designed t o provide s u f f i c i e n t detention
time during the design p r e c i p i t a t i o n event t o meet the e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s
and dewater the pond. Rnergency spillways are designed to work in conjunction
with the p r i n c i p a l spillway and pond storage to s a f e l y discharge the peak
runoff r e s u l t i n g from the design s t o m . The design procedure presented i n
Chapter V I develops the design discharge f o r s i z i n g t h e p r i n c i p a l spillway and
t h e e l e v a t i o n above the b o t t o m of the pond. Actual design of the o u t l e t is
n o t covered in this section. Several references provide design procedures f o r
s i z i n g standpipe and culvert-type spillways (U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1965; B a r f i e l d 19811 Bureau of Reclamation, 1974; S o i l
Conservation Semice, 1969). The following discussion presents important
design considerations f o r p r i n c i p a l and emergency spillways, various types and
configurations, and effectiveness.

\
! 3.9.1 P r i n c i p a l Spillways
The p r i n c i p a l spillway i s s i z e d to provide a discharge rate as determined
: through design of t h e sedimentation pond. A c t u a l design should include eval-
\

u a t i o n of local drainage .conBitions, water r i g h t s , economics, land-use

c o n s t r a i n t s , and requirements of local, state and f e d e r a l regulations. Design
of the p r i n c i p a l spillway should not be independent of the design of the e a r t h
embankment and emergency spillway.
The types of p r i n c i p a l spillways commonly used can be c l a s s i f i e d into
three categories: open channel, drop inlet and pipe culverts. The type of
spillway used is based on local site-specific conditions.

3.9.1.1 Open Channel Spillways

open channel spillways should only be used when a l l other a l t e r n a t i v e s
have been shown to be i n f e a s i b l e . This type of spillway provides no means of
dewatering the pond. Typically open channel spillways are located on small
drainage basins. Design of open channel spillways to meet e f f l u e n t standards
during base f l o w and design storm conditions is very d i f f i c u l t . When an open
channel is used or t h e p r i n c i p a l spillway it o f t e n is designed f o r the
emergency capacity, or the emergency spillway is a l s o an open channel. Open
 3.47

channel spillways do not provide as much c o n t r o l of discharge or f l e x i b i l i t y

t o modification as drop i n l e t s or pipe c u l v e r t s . Further discussion of open
channel spillways is covered in Section 3.9.4 on emergency spillways.

3.9.1.2 Drop I n l e t Spillways

Drop i n l e t spillways are one of t h e most common types of p r i n c i p a l
spillways used for sedimentation ponds. A drop inlet spillway is quite
f l e x i b l e i n design, o f f e r s good c o n t r o l of d b c h a r g e , and is w e l l adapted t o
sedimentation ponds. A recommended minimum s i z e f o r drop inlets is 12 inches
i n diameter. This m i m i m u size provides a c c e s s i b i l i t y f o r maintenance and
cleaning. When t h e design discharge f o r meeting e f f l u e n t requirements r e s u l t s
I n a spillway s i z e smaller than 12 inches in diameter, a 12-inch p i p e is used
with an o r i f i c e of the required s i z e opening a f f i x e d to the inflow end of t h e
drop inlet.
Configuration of a typical drop inlet is shown I n Figure 3.13. A drop
i n l e t has two main f e a t u r e s , t h e barrel and riser. The riser and barrel can
\ be of concrete, reinforced concrete polyvinyl c h l o r i d e (PVC)8 corrugated or
smooth m e t a l pipe. The s e l e c t i o n of the type of material used should consiUer
! s i t e conditions and economics.
\

I n designing drop inlets an i m p o r t a n t consideration is anchoring of the

riser and barrel on t h e bottom of t h e pond, and seepage along t h e barrel.
F a i l u r e of t h e riser t o s t a y anchored is a k o n problem. Anchoring of
rit3erS should consider t h e s i z e of t h e riser, local soil type, type of pond,
and weather condltions. I f t h e pond is a permanent pool it is susceptible to
f r e e z i n g , and t h e f o r c e s created by the forming Ice should be considered.
Seepage along the barrel is o f t e n the cause of dam embankment failure.
The problem generally occurs due t o t h e lack of compaction around t h e barrel .
during construction of the embankment.

3.9.1.3 Pipe Culvert Spillways

Another type of p r i n c i p a l spillway commonly used is t h e pipe c u l v e r t ,
also r e f e r r e d t o as a t r i c k l e tube. Itc o n s i s t s of a pipe l a i d in t h e earth
i n such a manner that the entrance e l e v a t i o n of the pipe ( a t the upstream end)
establishes the normal pool e l e v a t i o n in t h e pond. Figure 3.14 shows a typ-
i c a l pipe c u l v e r t arrangement. Pipe c u l v e r t spillways r e q u i r e t h e same con-
 3.48

/
FOQTIN G
AHTI -SEEP 2d
COLLARS RIP RAP
PROTECT8QN

FIGURE 3.13 TYPICAL DROP INLET SPILLWAY

 3.49.

COLLARS
PROTECTION

FIGURE 3.14 T Y P I C A L PIPE CULVERT SPILLWAY

 3.50

s i d e r a t i o n as drop i n l e t spillways do for seepage, minimum s i z e and type of

material.

3.9.1.4 E f f i c i e n c y of P r i n c i p a l Spillways
I n t h i s s e c t i o n the e f f i c i e n c y of p r i n c i p a l spillways 3s q s c u s s e d . l n
general. I n Section 3.9.3 various modifications to p r i n c i p a l spillways and
t h e i r e f f e c t on discharge q u a l i t y are presented. The s i z e of the p r i n c i p a l
spillway is designed t o convey t h e discharge required to achieve removal of
sediment. The design discharge is determined during design of the sediment
pond. Once t h e design discharge is properly determined, the e f f e c t of prin-
c i p a l spillways on discharge q u a l i t y is based on l o c a t i o n , i n r e l a t i o n t o the
geometry of t h e pond, and flow c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a t the i n l e t end of t h e
Spi 11-y
The primary concerns i n l o c a t i o n of t h e p r i n c i p a l spillway are an e f f e c -
?ive s u r f a c e area and s h o r t c i r c u i t i n g . As discussed in Sections 3.8.2 and
!S. 3, t h e length-to-width r a t i o should be a minimum of 2: I, and a r a t i o of
5 : l i s recommended. As the d i s t a n c e between t h e spillway and t h e pond i n l e t
!
\decreases, t h e e f f e c t i v e s u r f a c e area decreases. As the e f f e c t i v e s u r f a c e
area decreases, the occurrence of short c i r c u i t i n g and turbulence is more
l i k e l y , and the overall e f f i c i e n c y of t h e pond is reduced. The reduction i n
pond e f f i c i e n c y is variable and based on site-specific conditions. Bowever,
a n e s t i m a t e of the reduced e f f i c i e n c y can be based on the reduction i n effec-
t i v e -face area of t h e pond.
The level a t which the inlet of t+e p r i n c i p a l spillway e.xists w i t h i n the
pond a f f e c t s the e f f i c i e n c y of the pond. Because the sediment settles to the
bottom of the pond, it is clear t h a t there w i l l be less sediment a t the sur-
face than near t h e bottom of the pond. Thus discharging from near t h e sur-
face of the pond can improve t h e e f f i c i e n c y . This characteristic has been
shown through use of f l o a t i n g weir devices and is fXschssed f u r t h e r in Section
3.9.3.2.
Due to the t u r b u l e n t nature a t the p r i n c i p a l spillway inlet, scour and
' resuspension of s e t t l e d sediment i s l i k e l y . The amount of scour and resuspen-
s i o n around a spillway is related tn the elevation of the s e t t l e d sediment.
As the l e v e l of settled sediment approaches the e l e v a t i o n of the i n l e t of the
s p i l l w a y , scour and resuspension increase. Scour and resuspension are o f t e n
 3.51

a s s o c i a t e d w i t h dewatering. When dewatering is required it is impossible to

avoid some resuspension and scour a t a l l t i m e s . Comparison of various dewa-
t e r i n g methods i s presented in t h e following section.

3.9.2 Dewatering Devices

Dewatering i s usually required to d r a i n the sediment pond between runoff
storms so adequate storage volrnae within the pond i s maintained. Dewatering
devices a r e not necessary when draining below t h e p r i n c i p a l spillway i s not
required. Several methods of dewatering a r e used, including p e r f o r a t e d
risers, subsurface drainage, a s i n g l e p e r f o r a t i o n with associated use of a
skimmer b a f f l e or a type of gate valve, siphon arrangement attached t o the
riser and/or pumping.
The use of perforated s t a n d p i p e or riser for dewatering i s required by
some states. However, sediment is carried o u t of t h e pond through t h e per-
d o r a t i o n s because of resuspension of settled s o l i d s due to turbulence near the
p e r f o r a t i o n s or because sediment i s allowed to accumulate too high along t h e
\
riser barrel. U s e of a perforated riser is not recommended.
I n the subsurface d r a i n arrangement, a (four-inch) perforated plastic
t pipe network is l a i d in a trench in the bottom of the pond and covered with a
\
f a b r i c f i l t e r and sand as shown in Figure 3.15. The pipe is connected to t h e
riser and t h e pond is dewatered through t h e sand f i l t e r / p e r f o r a t e d pipe
arrangement by gravity.
There are two advantages of a subsurface d r a i n arrangement: ( 1 ) complete
dewatering of t h e s e t t l e d sediment I s p o s s i b l e to a i d in removal and disposal,
and ( 2 ) no turbulence or resuspension of settled sediment is a s s o c i a t e d w i t h
t h i s method. However, major disadvantages are clogging of the sand f i l t e r and
f i l t e r fabric due to t h e nature of t h e settled sediment, the permeability of
t h e settled sediment could r e s u l t in exceedingly long dewatering t i m e , and t h e
added expense of i n s t a l l i n g t h i s type of pipe arrangement.
A single perforation a t t h e sediment cleanout l e v e l w i t h a skimmer-baffle
i s shown in Figure 3.16. The s i n g l e p e r f o r a t i o n method is easy to c o n s t r u c t
and is capable of completely draining t h e pool to t h e sediment clean-out
level. With a skimmer, t h e p e r f o r a t i o n is non-clogging, f a i r l y easy t o
c o n s t r u c t , and an e f f i c i e n t skimmer of surface debris. S o m e type of valve c a n
a l s o be used to gate t h e p e r f o r a t i o n which allows c o n t r o l over the desired
 3.52

PERFORATED PIPE
INTRENCH
EDGE OF POOL
NT

A
L

P L A N
NOTE : S = 15' TO 25' -
*
EMBANKMENT
1
I,

J-
0.5% MINIMUM GRADE
1

PERFORATED PIPE
IN TRENCH

SECTION A-A

FIGURE 3.15 SUBSURFACE DRAIN (EPA, 1977)

 3.53

RISER

i I
I
,
v

1
I '
I
I
4" MAX. DIA. HOLE

MAXIMUM SEDIMENT
STORAGE 1"'"
.L v L L

SEDIMENT CLEANOUT
LEVEL
(60% OF MAXIMUM SEDIMENT
, STORAGE LEVEL)
.

SINGLE PERFORATION
CROSS SECTION

MAXIMUM SEDIMENT
STORAGE LEVEL

CUT IN HALF
LENGTHWISE

L S I N G L E PERFORATION WITH SKIMMER

E LEVATI 0 N

FIGURE 3.16 SINGLE PERFORATION O F

RISER B A R R E L ( E P A , 1977)
 3.54

d e t e n t i o n t i m e before dewatering the pond. With t h e p e r f o r a t i o n , gated

dewatering can be done a f t e r t h e runoff event is Over and t h e required removal
of sediment has Occurred, t h u s reducing t h e amount of sediment discharged
during dewatering.
With the siphon methods of dewatering, a ( f o u r h c h ) pipe siphon can be
s u b s t i t u t e d f o r t h e s i n g l e p e r f o r a t i o n as described previously (Figure 3.17).
The length of siphon depends on the dewatering t i m e desired. I n each case,
t h e i n l e t t o t h e siphon is placed a t the e l e v a t i o n of the sediment clean-out
l e v e l t o f a c i l i t a t e drainage without removing sediment. The siphon is a l s o an
e f f i c i e n t skimmer of s u r f a c e debris, w i l l always d r a i n the pond to the sedi-
ment clean-out l e v e l , and has a higher discharge c a p a c i t y than the s i n g l e per-
f o r a t i o n method with t h e same s i z e of opening.
For excavated ponds without a permanent pool, risers may not be prac-
tical. Therefore, a self-priming or portable pump can be used to dewater t h e
pond.
The e f f e c t of dewatering devices on t h e discharge q u a l i t y depends g r e a t l y
on the l e v e l of sediment in the pond. When sediment is allowed to accumulate
up t o t h e dewatering o u t l e t , the amount of scour and resuspension of settled
!\ sediment i n c r e a s e s , decreasing the discharge q u a l i t y . Therefore proper main-
tenance and s e d h e n t removal can decrease t h e e f f e c t s of dewatering. It is
recommended t h a t the sediment be cleaned o u t when it reaches 6 0 p e r c e n t of t h e
design sediment storage. For properly designed and constructed dewatering
devices, the a b i l i t y t o maintain t h e discharge q u a l i t y can be r e l a t e d to the
level of c o n t r o l a t the dewatering device. Perforated risers and s i n g l e per-
forations provide less c o n t r o l than a s i n g l e p e r f o r a t i o n with a b a f f l e skimmer
or a siphon type arrangement. A gate on t h e dewatering opening provides t h e
most c o n t r o l by enabling the operator to vary the detention t i m e and physi-
c a l l y v e r i f y t h a t t h e sediment has settled before dewatering t h e pond.

3.9.3 P r i n c i p a l Spillway Modifications

The purpose of modifications to atop i n l e t o r pipe c u l v e r t s p i l l w a y s is
t o reduce s h o r t c i r c u i t i n g , e l i m i n a t e turbulence, and t h u s i n c r e a s e t r a p p i n g
e f f i c i e n c y of t h e pond. After proper s i z i n g , t h e e f f e c t i v e n e s s of a p r i n c i p a l
s p i l l w a y is related t o l o c a t i o n within t h e pond, discharge p o i n t from w i t h i n
t h e pond, and t u r b u l e n t flow conditions a t t h e o u t l e t . As discussed i n
- . .. . . .. . . . . . - - . - ......
--. . .

3.55

4" PIPE

RISER
I- SEDIMENT CLEANOUT LEVEL
!/: HOLE .AT SEDIMENT
2" CLEANOUT LEVEL AND
I I" FROM END OF PIPE

II

FLOW
4

. .
A. SHORT SIPHON CROSS SECTION -

u 41' PIPE

RISER - I/i1HOLE AT SEDIMENT

CLEANOUT LEVEL AND
I" FROM 'END OF PIPE
__

FLOW
.+--

B. LONG SIPHON CROSS-SECTION

FIGURE 3.17 SIPHON DEWATERING METHODS (PA, 19801 '

 .. .. .. . - .__ . . . . .. . ... . . ..

3.56

Section 3.8.2.3, s h o r t c i r c u i t i n g and turbulence can reduce the trapping

e f f i c i e n c y of the sedimentation pond. Studies of e x i s t i n g ponds have shown
poor pond performance as a r e s u l t of s h o r t c i r c u i t i n g and turbulence a t the
o u t l e t of the pond (reference EPA, 1980; EPA, 1979; EPA, 1976). Several stu-
dies have made recommendations as t o what spillway modifications can h e l p
improve the sediment removal e f f i c i e n c y of a p a r t i c u l a r pond. The following
discussion presents some of the more commonly used modifications and t h e i r
effects on discharge q u a l i t y .

3.9.3.1 Weir Troughs

Drop inlets and c u l v e r t spillways are s i n g l e point o u t l e t s t h a t usually
c r e a t e s h o r t c i r c u i t i n g and resuspension. One modification t h a t elfminates
t h e point discharge is a w e i r trough connected t o t h e o u t l e t . A w e i r trough
.discharges along the length of t h e w e i r and creates less turbulence than a
s i n g l e discharge point. By discharging from more than a s i n g l e point t h e
flow-through area and e f f e c t i v e surface area are a l s o increased. Thus, by
I
reducing turbulence and increasing t h e e f f e c t i v e surface area, a weir trough
o u t l e t can provide improved discharge q u a l i t y over that of a s i n g l e p o i n t
: discharge o u t l e t . Figure 3.18 shows a typical w e i r trough arrangement. In.
\
a p p l i c a t i o n of a weir trough, s t r u c t u r a l i n t e g r i t y and maintenance are
required f o r e f f e c t i v e operation and performance. Weir troughs are suscep-
t i b l e t o the same s t r u c t u r a l problems as baffles (see Section 4.2.2.2).

3.9.3.2 F l o a t i n g Discharge
Typical p r i n c i p a l spillways are generally fixed and discharge from the
same p o i n t elevation. As the water surface elevation in the pond rises above
t h e spillway elevation, t h e concentration of sediment increases due t o the
s e t t l i n g of particles from the surface down. om this it is easy t o see t h a t
the ndnFmum concentration within the pond w i l l be near or a t the water surface
elevation. Therefore, the discharge q u a l i t y can be improved by discharging
from t h e surface of the pond. A variable elevation discharge o r i f i c e has been

f i e l d tested by OSM. Three tests were conducted using d i f f e r e n t o u t l e t s i z e s .

The r e s u l t s of the t e s t showed settleable s o l i d s concentration in the
discharge to be c o n s i s t e n t l y less f o r t h e p i v o t a l e l b o w type o u t l e t as com-
pared t o a typical perforated riser o u t l e t . This device w a s adapted from
 3.57

PLAN

rTROUGH
NORM
EMERGENCY
SPILLWAY

PROTECTION
RAP

ELE VAT ION

FIGURE 3.18 WEIR TROUGH

 3.58

f l o a t i n g w e i r spillways o r i g i n a l l y suggested f o r management of f i s h ponds.

Figure 3.19 shows t h e device t e s t e d by OSM. The f l o a t i n g weir ( o r i n c l i n e d
am) allows removal of surface water regardless of s u r f a c e elevation. The
f l o a t i n g w e i r c o n s i s t s of a riser pipe connected to t h e d r a i n v i a a p i v o t a l
90 e l b o w designed and constructed to enable q u a r t e r r o t a t i o n about t h e axis
of t h e drain. Buoyancy and submerged depth of t h e o r i f i c e are adjusted by
weights and f l o t a t i o n jugs t o maintain t h e o r i f i c e t o t w o to four inches below
t h e water s u r f a c e (OSM, d r a f t r e p o r t ) . Discharge is c o n t r o l l e d by varying t h e
o r i f i c e size. Another advantage t o this device i s t h a t it can a l s o provide
dewatering of t h e pond.

3.9.3.3 Filtering
As i n municipal water treatment, f i l t e r i n g of t h e discharge can g r e a t l y
improve t h e q u a l i t y by removing f i n e r sediments t h a t do not s e t t l e o u t in t h e
pond. Riser pipe f i l t e r s have been used t o improve trapping e f f i c i e n c y .
riiser pipe f i l t e r s include c l o t h or f i b e r g l a s s wraps and gravel cones placed
: around t h e f i l t e r s . The f i l t e r wraps have been found to be f a i r l y e f f e c t i v e
i n trapping f i n e particles. lowever, t h e f i l t e r wraps become clogged very
! r a p i d l y (Oscaryan, 1975). This clogging may cause the water l e v e l in t h e pond
\
to rise above the riser crest, thus negating t h e f i l t e r e f f e c t .
Another inexpensive f i l t e r i n g mechanism is t h e use of s t r a w bales around
an o u t l e t . This method is nrost applicable to pipe c u l v e r t s . Straw bales,
l i k e f i l t e r wraps, are e f f e c t i v e in t r a p p i n g f i n e particlest however, they
r e q u i r e frequent maintenance.

3.9.3.4 Gated Spillways

A gated spillway gives the operator complete c o n t r o l of t h e discharge
from t h e pond. With t h e gate closed t h e pond is allowed to f i l l and com-
p l e t e l y s t o r e the runoff from a r a i n f a l l event. After an adequate time period
f o r s e t t l i n g of t h e sediment, t h e gate valve is opened and t h e pond allowed to
drain.
Gated spillways a r e applicable only t o ponds t h a t do not have a constant
base flow o r ponds on ephemeral drainages. The pond should be designed to
s t o r e t h e e n t i r e runoff volume from t h e design r a i . n f a l l event. Often times
ponds with gated spillways are designed to s t o r e t w i c e t h e design runoff

,
 3.59

OR1F ICE
, .
-\
/-

PIVOTAL ELBOW

(FIGURE 3.19 FLOATING WEIR

 3.60

volume due t o the nature of one or more r a i n f a l l events to occur within a

s h o r t t i m e period.
S l i d e gates or b u t t e r f l y valves a r e usually used for c o n t r o l at the
downstream end of the o u t l e t conduit. Gates can a l s o be used a t the upstream
end (within the pond) of the spillway, however, access must be provided when
t h e pond is full. Again, proper maintenance is necessary to keep the valves
i n good working condition.
Gated spillways have an i n d i r e c t e f f e c t on discharge water q u a l i t y . As
s t a t e d previously, a gated spillway enables the operator to increase the
detention time within the pond. Thus, t h e longer the operator is able t o
store the runoff i n the pond, the amre s e t t l i n g can take place, and thus
improve the discharge vater quality.

3.9.3.5 Anti-Vortex Devices

An anti-vortex device is used t o reduce turbulence a t the o u t l e t and to
I reduce t h e range of headwater depth where slug-flow a c t i o n p r e v a i l s and t o
a l l o w f u l l pipe flow to occur a t a lower headwater depth. Slug-flow a c t i o n
f r e s u l t s from the induction of air into the conduit by entrance drawdown and
b
v o r t i c e s immediately upsteam of the i n l e t . I f no anti-vortex device is used,
discharge e f f i c i e n c y values may be reduced *by up t o 50 percent (scs8 1975).
Anti-vortex devices include grills, racks, vertical plates, of f i x e d
s o l i d hoods placed t o break up the v o r t i c e s or t o prevent their formation
where they could feed air i n t o the conduit (Figure 3.201. I n order t o be
e f f e c t i v e , M e hood or grill must be placed immediately above the entrance and
the area between the i n s i d e of the anti-vortex device and the outside of the
riser must be equal t o or greater than the mea i n s i d e t h e riser.
Another anti-vortex device is a t h i n , vertical plate normal to the cen-
t e r l i n e of t h e dam and firmly attached to the top of the riser. Length of the
p l a t e must equal the diameter of the riser plus 12 inches and height must
equal t h e diameter of the barrel.

3.9.4 Emergency Spillways

Emergency spillways are used t o convey l a r g e flood events s a f e l y o u t of
the pond without overtopping or breaching the dam. For dams less than 20 f e e t
i n height or 20 acre-feet i n a c t i v e storage, OSM requirements c a l l for design-
 3.G!.

w
-
0
>
W
- !
0
X
a w
!
\ -
LL-
W
-
z
a
m . I-
a
t 0
I K
>
I
F:
a z
a
I
U
f,. o
u w 2
-
F I-
0
w
v)

I I
 3.62

i n g the combination of the p r i n c i p a l and the emergency s p i l l w a y t o s a f e l y con-

vey the runoff r e s u l t i n g from t h e 25-year, 24-hour p r e c i p i t a t i o n event. For
l a r g e r dams, t h e spillways must s a f e l y dicharge t h e runoff r e s u l t i n g from t h e
100-year, 24-hour p r e c i p i t a t i o n event or a larger event as required by the
r e g u l a t o r y agency. The design of the emergency spillway should take i n t o
account t h e design Uscharge of the p r i n c i p a l spillways. I n general,
emergency spillways c o n s i s t of a crest section, a conveyance s e c t i o n , and a
discharge s e c t i o n . mere a r e two types of emergency spillways, overflow
spillway and channel spillway.
S e l e c t i o n of t h e type of emergency spillway is dependent on the s o i l s and
climate of the site. Vegetated emergency spillways have higher p r o t e c t i o n
from damaging erosion than earth spillways. They are applicable t o sites
where a vigorous grass growth can be s u s t a i n e d by normal maintenance without
Irrigation.
Earth spillways are used in those areas where vegetative growth cannot be
I maintained. They are s i m i l a r t o vegetated spillways but a r e designed f o r
later permissible v e l o c i t i e s and less frequent use. Normally, they w i l l
require more maintenance a f t e r a flow event.
!
h
Rock emergency spillways are a p p l i c a b l e on undisturbed l a n d where p a r e n t
bedrock material is present. Allowable frequency of use and permissible ve-
locities must be a s c e r t a i n e d for t h e s p e c i f i c s i t e based on a knowledge of
hardness, condition, d u r a b i l i t y , weathering c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s , and s t r u c t u r e of
t h e rock formation.
Excavated open channel spillways are t o have cut-and-fill slopes in earth
and rock which are stable a g a i n s t s l i d i n g . If t h e dam is to be permanent, c u t
s l o p e s t a b i l i t y is t o be evaluated for t h e long-term n a t u r a l moisture con-
ditions. Side slopes s h a l l be s t a b l e f o r the material i n which the spillway
is constructed and s h a l l not be steeper t h a n 3 h o r i z o n t a l t o 1 v e r t i c a l i n
e a r t h and 1 h o r i z o n t a l t o 1 vertical in rock.
The exit channel should be s t r a i g h t whenever possible. Slope of the
constructed exit channel should f a l l within t h e range e s t a b l i s h e d by discharge
requirements and permissible v e l o c i t i e s based on spillway m a t e r i a l (Tables
3.5 and 3.6). Riprap may be used t o stabilize t h e spillway f o r higher design
velocities. Spillway discharge should be a t a p o i n t hwnstream from any part
 _..... .. ... .

3.63

Table 3.5. Permissilbe V e l o c i t i e s for Vegetated Spillways

( S o i l Conservation Service, 1981).

Permissible Velocity in fps

Erosion Ftesistant Soils2 Easily Erodible Soils2

Slope of Exit Slope of E x i t

Channel i n percent Channel i n percent

Vegetation 0 to 5 5 t o 10 otos 5 t o 10

Bermudagrass a 7 6 5
\ Bahiagrass

Buffalograss
5 Kentucky bluegrass
Smooth bromegrass 7 . 6 5 4
T a l l fescue
Reed Canarygrass

Sod-f orming
grass legume 5 4' 4 3
mixtures

Lespedeza sericea
Weeping lovegrass
Y e l l o w bluestem 3.5 N/A3 2.5 N/A
Native grass mixtures
Annuals

SCS-TP-61

As defined i n TR-52

Use on slopes steeper than 5 percent i s not recommended.

 .- -. . . .. .

...

3.64

Table 3.6. Permissible Spillway Velocities a f t e r Aging l .

Original Material Excavated Feet per second

Fine sand, non-colloidal

Sandy loam, non-colloidal

S i l t loam, non-colloidal 3.00

Alluvial silts, non-colloidal 3.50
Ordinary firm loam 3.50
Volcanic ash 3.50

_. ., Fine gravel 5.00

' S t i f f clay, very c o l l o i d a l 5.00
Graded, loam to cobbles 8 non-colloidal 5.00
!\ Alluvial silt68 C O l l O i d a l 5.00
Graded, Silt to cobbles, COUOi&l 5.50
Cobbles and shingles 5.50

Coarse gravel, non-colloidal 6.00

Shales and hardpans 6.00

Recommended i n 1926 by Special Committee on I r r i g a t i o n Research, American

Society of C i v i l mglneers.

Values shown apply to water transporting c o l l o i d a l silts.

 3.65

of the e a r t h embankment. If this is not p r a c t i c a l , a wing d i k e should be

constructed t o prevent flows from encroaching on the downstream toe of t h e
dam.
Elevation of the crest of the emergency spillway is dependent upon the
type of s p i l l w a y t o be used. I n a l l cases, the design depth of water over the
spillway must be a minimum of one f o o t below the e l e v a t i o n of the settled
h e i g h t of t h e &am. The c u r r e n t OSM regulations allow discharge through the
emergency spillway for events less than t h e lO-year, 24-hour p r e c i p i t a t i o n
e v e n t as long as e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s are achieved. Therefore, t h e e l e v a t i o n
d i f f e r e n c e between the p r i n c i p a l spillway and the emergency spillway is s i t e
dependent. Lucal state requirements may specify f u l l containment of t h e
design storm.

3.9.5 Erosion Control Below Spillways

3.9.5.1 General
During operation, the o u t l e t discharge from t h e p r i n c i p a l spillway of a
sedimentation pond is a highly concentrated, fast-moving jet (with its asso-
! c i a t e d turbulence) t h a t has considerable p o t e n t i a l f o r causing damage
\
downstream. If p r o t e c t i v e measures are n o t taken, pond discharge can cause
e r o s i o n downstream of t h e s t r u c t u r e ; undenuine the o u t l e t ; form a wide, deep
acour hole i n the o u t l e t area; and possibly endanger t h e a a f e t y of the dam
embankment. P r o t e c t i o n is necessary to prevent the j e t and i t s a s s o c i a t e d
turbulence from causing erosion u n t i l the j e t flow has d i s s i p a t e d t o a d l d e r ,
non-scouring flow. The m6t conanon method of p r o t e c t i n g the channel from ero-

sive f o r c e s caused by high v e l o c i t i e s and t u r b u l e n t flow is to l i n e the chan-

nel w i t h riprap. I n this manner, the channel is protected from erosion u n t i l
the outflow j e t has dissipated to a milder flow condition of decreased ve-
l o c i t y and turbulence.
Where the pond w i l l discharge onto a n area which had not previously been
exposed to flow, t h e r e is t h e likelihood of severe erosion from the flow over
loose s o i l s . On t h e other hand, if the pond discharges i n t o a well-armored
n a t u r a l channel, the downstream erosion a f f e c t s w i l l be minimal. Alignment of
the o u t l e t and t h e channel at the o u t l e t should be straight so Uischarge does
n o t impinge on any of the channel banks a s h o r t d i s t a n c e Bownstream. By pro-
p e r l y choosing an o u t l e t location and geometry, t h e amount of downstream ero-
 3.66

s i o n is minimized. The a p p l i c a t i o n and design of r i p r a p f o r erosion c o n t r o l

below p r i n c i p a l spillways are discussed in t h e following s e c t i o n s .

3.9.5.2 Riprap
Riprap c o n s i s t s of a layer of d i s c r e t e fragments of durable rock
possessing s u f f i c i e n t s i z e t o withstand t h e dynamic, e r o s i v e f o r c e s generated
by t h e flow of water. Riprap should be hard, dense, and durable t o withstand
long exposure t o weathering. I n surface mining operations, r i p r a p is t h e m o s t
common and economical means of preventing erosion of channel bed and banks
upstream and p a r t i c u l a r l y downstream of sedimentation ponds where t h e r e is a
high e r o s i v e p o t e n t i a l due to contraction of flow, flow alignment, changes i n
slope, and e t c . When t h e material is of s u f f i c i e n t s i z e , shape, gradation,
and hardness, r i p r a p is e x c e l l e n t erosion protection.
The important f a c t o r s to be considered i n designing rock r i p r a p protec-
t i o n are: rock d u r a b i l i t y , density, s i z e , weight, shape, and a n g u l a r i t y ;
direction and maganitude of t h e v e l o c i t y of flow near t h e rockt bed or bank
slope; and angle of repose of t h e rock. I n addition, t h e desired l e v e l of
. p r o t e c t i o n may not be provided by the r i p r a p i f design criteria concerning
! rock gradation, placement, r i p r a p thickness, and f i l t e r design are not
\
considered .
There a r e many means and methods by which r i p r a p p r o t e c t i o n c a n be
constructed and placed. Following is a c a t e g o r i z a t i o n of r i p r a p materials and
methods of placement:
- Dumped riprap
- Hand-placed r i p r a p
- Wire-enclosed r i p r a p (gabion)
- Grouted r i p r a p
When a v a i l a b l e i n s u f f i c i e n t s i z e , dumped rock riprap is u s u a l l y t h e most
economical material f o r bank protection. Dumped rock r i p r a p has many advan-
t a g e s over o t h e r types of protection, including i t s f l e x i b i l i t y and t h e ease
of local damage r e p a i r . Construction must be accomplished in a prescribed
manner b u t is not complicated. I f r i p r a p is placed during c o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e
embankment, rocks can be dumped d i r e c t l y from t r u c k s from t h e t o p of t h e
embankment. To prevent segregation of s i z e s , rock should never be placed by
dropping down t h e s l o p e in a chute or pushed downhill with a bulldozer.
 3.67

Dumped r i p r a p c a n be placed with a minimum of expensive hand work. The

appearance of dumped r i p r a p is n a t u r a l , and after a time, vegetation w i l l grow
between t h e rocks: F i n a l l y , i n temporary channels when usefulness of the pro-
t e c t i o n is f i n i s h e d , t h e rock is salvageable.
m p e d r i p r a p is extensively used on surface mine sites due to t h e
a v a i l a b i l i t y of rock and t h e ease of placement. Sizing of r i p r a p is I m p o r t a n t
f o r the proper s t a b i l i t y and erosion control. Several references f o r s i z i n g
r i p r a p a r e a v a i l a b l e (Simons, Li ti Associates, fnc., 1982; ~ a r f i e l d , 19818
Bureau of Reclamation, 1977).

3.10 Summary
Sedimentation pond design is based upon meeting e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s f o r
t h e design storm runoff event. A particle s i z e t h a t must be removed in the
pond is determined such t h a t e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s are s a t i s f i e d . The pond
configuration i s then determined t o provide the required s e t t l i n g conditions.
\
.'This requires an i n t e r a t i v e process. Once the pond configuration is estab-
lished, the principal spillway is sized to produce t h e required detention time
! and t h e emergency spillway is then s h e d so t h a t the combination of p r i n c i p a l
\
and emergency spillways are adequate. The f i n a l step in t h e design process is
to check t h e e f f l u e n t f o r base flow conditions a f t e r t h e pond is operational.
The design example i n Chapter VI p r e s e n t s h o w t h e previous s e c t i o n s are
i n t e r r e l a t e d in t h e design process.
 4.7

81 ~ORIGINAL STREAM BANK

A
A
L -1

s..J
PLAN VIEW
,

SECTiON B-B

FIGURE 4. '3 LOOSE ROCK CHECK DAM

~
-""~~
~
(II ~ ~(,\~~~T ~~~VI~~ 'Q7~'
 4.20

.
\

10

POINTS A SHOULD BE HIGHER THAN POINT B

FIGURE 4.10 PROPER PLACEMENT OF STRAW BALE BARRIER

IN DRAINAGEWAY (OSM, 1981
 ....... . . .

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER V

Page

V. MAINTENANCE FOR WATER QUALITY CONTROL

5.1 Pond Maintenance .................... 5.1

5.1.1 Accessibility .................. 5.2

5.1.2

5.1.3
Monitoring/Maintaining

Bank Stability and

. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Sediment Storage Volume
Maintenance
5.2
5.3

5.1.3.1
5.1.3.2
5.1.3.3
. .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Vegetation Stabilization
Riprap Stabilization
Rill and Gully Control
5.3
5.4
5.4

5.1.4 Maintenance of Inlet and Outlet Structures .... 5.4

 V. MAINTENANCE FOR WATER QUALITY CONTROL
5. I Pond Maintenance
The useful life of a pond is partially a function of the maintenance of
the pond and the embankment. Tie primary purposes of maintenance are to pre-
serve the structural integrity of the dam to ensure that essential design
features of the outlets are maintained, and to ensure adequate storage and
capacity for the pond. Hinor problems should be repaired before they become
major problems. It is usually less costly to implement aregular maintenance
program than it is to make repairs after an extended period of negligence.
Written instructions for maintenance and operation of the structure (and
any r e w r e d monitoring equipment) should be prepared as part of the design.
These instructions should establish the frequency, and describe the nature of,
inspections. Instructions should also be provided for routine maintenance of
inlet and outlet structures. If a spillway is controlled by manually operated
gates, specific instructions should be given regarding the operation of the
gates
1 A record of all inspections and any maintenance performed. on the pond
should be kept. The date, last major rainfall, sediment storage level, and
t any problems should be noted. If maintenance has been performed, the date and
\

type of repair should be noted. These two records w i l l aid the operator in
determining if chronic problem areas exist in the pond design.
After an area has been stabilized and successfully revegetated, sedimen-
tation ponds may be removed. The decision for removal or retention of a
Sedimentation pond is usually addressed in the d n h g and reclamation plan
submittal. The options available to the operator will be discussed later in
this chapter.
Repairs of embankments and emergency spillways are extremely important
for the proper functioning of the sedimentation pond system. In humid
regions, embankments are usually stabilized by mulching and then by
establishing a good vegetation cover. Where conditions do not allow the
establishment of a vegetative cover, riprap or mulching may be used. The use
of either a vegetative cover or riprap is not specifically required by OSM.
However, both of these measures will aid in stabilizing the embankment or
spillway and will usually reduce the required maintenance. The design
 - ._. . - . . .
_-. . .. ... ._

5.2

engineer should check w i t h the regulatory a u t h o r i t y t o determine r e g i o n a l l y

accepted methods t o s t a b i l i z e t h e embankment and spillway.
Studies i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e performance of e x i s t i n g sediment ponds f o r the
c o n t r o l of erosion from surface mining operations .have shown- t h a t once the
pond has been constructed and operated maintenance of sediment l e v e l , i n l e t s
and o u t l e t s is one of t h e main causes of poor pond performance (EPA 1980, E P A
1979).

5-1.1 Accessibility
Location of t h e pond i s of prime importance. The pond should be
accessible f o r construction, k n i t o r i n g , and maintenance. A c c e s s i b i l i t y for
maintenance should be considered during t h e planning of t h e pond. The design
engineer should consider t h e type of equipment used f o r construction and main-
tenance and t h e r o o m required f o r this equipment t o function e f f i c i e n t l y . In
a ' w e l l designed pond, the heavier sediment w i l l *posit near the i n l e t of the
-. pond. Therefore, access t o t h e i n l e t end of the pond is e s s e n t i a l . A well
'
i
constructed and r e g u l a r l y maintained road is very h e l p f u l for providing proper
maintenance, including sediment removal, r i p r a p repair, or embankment repair.
:
\
Adequate a c c e s s i b i l i t y is v i t a l if chemical f l o c c u l a t i o n is being used.

5.1.2 Monitoring/Maintaining Sediment s t o r a g e Volume

Most sedimentation ponds are designed with s u f f i c i e n t annual sediment
s t o r a g e volume for a number of years. ow ever, designing for excess s t o r a g e
volume aOes not guarantee that this s t o r a g e volume w i l l not be exceeded by a
l a r g e storm event.
I n order to ensure adequate storage volume, t h e a v a i l a b l e sediment
s t o r a g e volume i n a pond must be monitored. Pre-defining the clean-out l e v e l
is h e l p f u l f o r monitoring. One of t h e simplest means of pre-defining t h e
clean-out l e v e l is t o i n s t a l l a s t a f f gage i n the pond and to determine t h e
sediment accumulation l e v e l t h a t requires clean out. Most design manuals
( V i r g i n i a Soil and Water Conservation COmmission, 1980) recommend c l e a n o u t
when t h e accumulated sediment reaches 60 percent of t h e design sediment
s t o r a g e volume. An acceptable schedule should be e s t a b l i s h e d by the design
engineer, o p e r a t o r , and regulatory agency. It is the r e s p o n s i b i l i t y of t h e
o p e r a t o r t o ensure t h a t the schedule is followed.
 5.3

Clean o u t of sediment is usually handled by a small dragline, clamshell

bucket, or a backhoe f o r w e t ponds and by a front-end loader f o r dry ponds.
If a front-end loader is used, the ponds should be s u f f i c i e n t l y d r i e d i n order
t o support t h e weight of equipment. For l a r g e ponds which cannot be cleaned
by d r a g l i n e s operating from the banks, cleaning is =re d i f f i c u l t . I n such
cases dredging may be necessary. Dredging w i l l o f t e n require the service of
professionals experienced i n this procedure.
Sediment removed from a pond is usually incorporated i n t o t h e s p o i l
material. I f the removed sediment I s found to contain acid- or toxic-forming
materials, the sediment w i l l have to be disposed of in a more c o n t r o l l e d
manner. Sediment removed from a pond may be used as a s u b s t i t u t e for t o p s o i l .
U s e of t h i s material as a t o p s o i l s u b s t i t u t e may be very u s e f u l f o r
underground coal mining a c t i v i t i e s where t h e amount of a v a i l a b l e t o p s o i l is
limited. I f chemical f l o c c u l a t i o n is used to improve the e f f i c i e n c y of t h e
pond, use of t h e accumulated sediment w i l l probably not be s u i t a b l e as a top-
soil s u b s t i t u t e because of the possible t o x i c e f f e c t s of the chemicals.
1
Chemical and physical analyses are needed before any material can be used as a
s u b s t i t u t e f o r topsoil.

5.1- 3 Bank S t a b i l i t y and Maintenance

Depending on the pond surface area, location, and local climate, main-
tenance of s i d e slopes is important. Wave action, excavation, and removal of
vegetation w i l l promote the erosion of side elopesand subsequent i n c r e a s e i n
s o l i d s concentration of the pond. Several methods and maintenance procedures
are d b c u s s e d .

.
5.1 3.1 Vegetation S t a b i l i z a t i o n
Maintenance of vegetative measures should occur on a regular basis, con-
s i s t e n t with favorable p l a n t growth, s o i l , and climatic conditions. This
involves regular seasonal work for f e r t i l i z i n g , liming ( i f a p p l i c a b l e ) ,
pruning, f i r e c o n t r o l s , reseeding, and weed and pest control. open channel
spillways are s u b j e c t t o rapid i n f e s t a t i o n of w e e d s and woody p l a n t s . These
, should be eradicated or c u t back since they o f t e n reduce drainageway e f f i -
ciency. Well-maintained vegetation w i l l provide a comfortable margin of ero-
s i o n control .
 5.4

5.1.3.2 Riprap S t a b i l i z a t i o n
Large storms may displace the r i p r a p and allow erosion of the underlying
material. Displacement and damage to t h e r i p r a p w i l l u s u a l l y occur where flow
v e l o c i t i e s are highest. Typically, discharge s t r u c t u r e s and spillway areas
experience the m o s t damage. I f displacement of the r i p r a p has occurred, t h e
r i p r a p f i l t e r blanket should be checked f o r damages. Repairs should be made
as soon as p r a c t i c a l . These areas should be checked f o r erosion or s i l t i n g of
t h e channel i n order to assess the impact of the c a r r y i n g c a p a c i t y of t h e
channel.
Riprap is commonly used to c o n t r o l t h e upstream embankment of the dam
from damages due to wave action. I f r i p r a p is damaged, t h e s i z e of the r i p r a p
may have to be increased. The r i p r a p f i l t e r blanket should be checked f o r
damages wherever t h e r i p r a p is displaced.

5.1.3.3 Rill and Gully Control

Concentrated water flow w i l l cause rills and g u l l i e s on the embankment
slope. Vegetation and r i p r a p will o f t e n s t o p their development; however, a
: c e r t a i n amount of erosion is expected on any earth embankment. The s i z e and
\
d e n s i t y a t which rills and g u l l i e s become u n c o n t r o l l a b l e is d i f f i c u l t to
d e f i n e and is dependent on the s o i l s , climate, and land use of the local area.
OSM r e q u i r e s rills o r g u l l i e s deeper than nine inches in reclaimed areas to be
f i l l e d , graded, or otherwise s t a b i l i z e d (i-e.., s t r a w mulch) (30 CFR 816.106).
U s e of this r u l e as a guideline for embankment s t a b i l i z a t i o n is suggested and
w i l l preclude t h e formation of l a r g e g u l l i e s . S t a t e agencies may r e q u i r e a
more s t r i n g e n t maintenance program.

5.1.4 Maintenance of I n l e t and Oultet S t r u c t u r e s

Maintenance of i n l e t and o u t l e t s t r u c t u r e s is M extremely important
requirement i n achieving e f f e c t i v e sediment control. A l l water-handling
s t r u c t u r e s should be inspected after every major storm. Erosion damages
r e q u i r e prompt repair t o prevent f u r t h e r damage and to h e l p prevent similar
damage i n t h e f u t u r e .
Sediment buildup i n t h e i n l e t s e c t i o n and behind check dams and f i l t e r
barriers should be checked. S e d i m e n t and o t h e r debris removed from these
 5.5

areas should be disposed of in a manner t h a t w i l l prevent sediment from being

carried back i n t o t h e waterways a t t h e mine. Possible use of t h i s material as
a s u b s t i t u t e s o i l medium should be considered. Straw bales and sandbag
barriers should be replaced before they become clogged o r overtopped.
When vegetation is used t o s t a b i l i z e t h e area or as a v e g e t a t i v e f i l t e r ,
t o p d r e s s i n g with f e r t i l i z e r is usually required. F e r t i l i z e r w i l l h e l p keep a
dense s t a n d and provide growth of desirable p l a n t s . Areas where f a i l u r e s have
b e e n experienced i n t h e establishment of vegetative p r o t e c t i o n m u s t be
promptly treated. Timely maintenance w i l l reduce c o s t s in t h e long run. If
t h e area continues t o exhibit vegetation f a i l u r e due to e i t h e r high or pro-
longed w a t e r flow, mote extensive s t a b i l i z i n g measures such as r i p r a p may be
needed.
Pipe c u l v e r t spillways should be examined f o r s t r u c t u r a l s t a b i l i t y both
a t t h e i n l e t and a t t h e discharge point. Trash racks should be cleaned of
debris. I f gates or valves are wed, they should be t e s t e d t o s e e t h a t they
- \ work f r e e l y .
I
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER VI

Page
. .
Vf. DESIGN PROCEDURES AND MAMPLE

6.1
6.2
Design Procedure
DesignBcample . ........................................ 6.1
6.4
 ......... -

LIST OF TABLES
CHAPTER VI

Page

Table 6.1 Development of Influent Size Distribution ....... 6.6

Table 6.2 Summary of Sedimentation Pond Design .......... 6.20

LIST OF FIGURES
CXAPTER V I

Page

F i g u r e 6.1 Sedimentation pond s i t e ................ 6.5

F i g u r e 6.2 Sediment s i z e distribution .............. 6.7

F i g u r e 6.3
...............
Stage-storage area and stage-storage
curves of Pond S i t e N o . 1 6.11

Figure 6.4 Sedimentation Pond S i t e No. 2 ............. 6.15

:
F i g u r e 6.5 Stage-storage area and stage-storage
\

curves of Pond S i t e No. 2 ............... 6.17

 VI. DESIGN PROCEDURES AND MAMPLE
6.1 Design Procedure

Step 1. S i t e selection (Section 3.1)

The sedimentation pond l o c t i o n is selected considering the f a c t o r s

p r e s e n t e d i n Section 3.1.

The peak inflow r a t e and runoff volume f o r the design storm event
are determined.

Step 3. I n f l u e n t sediment size d i s t r i b u t i o n (Section 3.2.2.1)

The s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n of t h e inflowing sediment is required. Where

e x i s t i n g information from t h e mine s i t e or nearby mine sites is
a v a i l a b l e , it should be used. When there is no e x i s t i n g data, a
s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n can be developed using information from s o i l
. surveys.

! Step 4. Sediment y i e l d (Section 3.2.2.2)

\
Determine the annual sediment y i e l d and the storm sediment y i e l d .

Step 5. Inflow suspended s o l i d s concentration (Section 3.2.3)

Using t h e storm sediment y i e l d and the storm runoff volume, deter-

mine the average i n f l u e n t suspended solids concentration.

Step 6 . Settleable solids concentration (Section 3.5)

Develop t h e settleable sediment s i z e d i s t t i b u t i o n (particles > 0.001

mm) f r o m the i n f l u e n t sediment size d i s t r i b u t i o n . Select a particle
size t o be removed i n t h e pond. Determine t h e t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y
from the settleable sediment size d i s t r i b u t i o n . Determine the
average e f f l u e n t suspended s o l i d s concentration using t h e t r a p p i n g
e f f i c i e n c y , sediment y i e l d , and runoff volume (Equation 3.6).
C a l c u l a t e the settleable solids concentration (SS) from Equation
3.5. I f SS > 0 . 5 m l / l , select a smaller s i z e particle and repeat
procedure. I f SS E 0.5 d/l, go t o Step 7 and design pond to
remove selected particle s i z e . If SS < 0.5 m l / l , select a l a r g e r
s i z e particle and repeat procedure.
 6.2

Step 7 . Available storage volume (Section 3.7)

Develop stage-storage curve f o r sedimentation pond location.

Determine the required sediment s t o r a g e volume and the corresponding
depth. Determine t h e a v a i l a b l e detention storage depth by

I) = embankment height - (embankment settlement + required

freeboard + emergency spillway depth..+ sediment

s t o r a g e depth)

Determine the a v a i l a b l e detention s t o r a g e volume above t h e sediment

s t o r a g e depth from t h e stage-storage curve.

Step 8 . Required storage volume (Section 3.6)

.
A s s u m e a detention storage depth and determine t h e required deten-
t i o n t i m e f o r the design particle s i z e from Figure 3.10. Calculate
t h e t i m e base of the inflow hydrograph. Determine t h e required
s t o r a g e volume from Figure 3.7. Determine t h e required outflow rate
from Figure 3.8. Compare t h e required s t o r a g e volume t o t h e
a v a i l a b l e storage volume. If t h e a v a i l a b l e storage volume is less
than t h e required storage volume, e i t h e r

( a ) Increase t h e embankment h e i g h t and determine t h e new

a v a i l a b l e s t o r a g e volume. Repeat Step 8 .

(b) Excavate ehe pond side slopes and a develop new stage-
storage curve. R e p e a t Step 8.

( c ) Construct a pond downstream and r e t u r n t o Step 1.

I f t h e a v a i l a b l e storage volume is l a r g e r than t h e required s t o r a g e

volume, check the required s u r f a c e area (Section 3.8.3.1). If t h e
measured surface area is less than t h e required s u r f a c e area, (1)
excavate pond side slopes o r ( 2 ) r a i s e p r i n c i p a l spillway crest. I f
t h e measured surface area is greater than the required s u r f a c e area,
check length-width r a t i o (Section 3.8.2.2) and c a l c u l a t e required
length t o settle design particle size (Section 3.8.1). I f the
length is not l a r g e enough, i n c r e a s e the flow length (Section 4.2).
If the length criteria is m e t , check scouring (Section 3.8.3.4). If
t h e scouring v e l o c i t y is smaller t h a n t h e h o r i z o n t a l v e l o c i t y ,
i n c r e a s e the depth and r e t u r n t o Step 7 . I f t h e scouring v e l o c i t y
is greater t h a n t h e h o r i z o n t a l v e l o c i t y , go t o Step 9.

Step 9. Principal spillways (Section 3.9.1)

S e l e c t p r i n c i p a l spillway type and design f o r t h e peak outflow rate

and the corresponding head.
 6.3

Step 10. Emergency spillway (Section 3.9.4)

Select emergency spillway type and design the spillway system to

pass the peak discharge from the 25-year, 24-hour runoff event.

Step 11. Erosion control b e l o w the spillways (Section 3.9.5)

S i z e the riprap b e l o w the principal spillway.

Step 12. Check base f l o w conditions after pond is operational.

 6.4

6.2 Design Example

The design example is to i l l u s t r a t e t h e procedures of s i z i n g a d e t e n t i o n
pond t o meet t h e e f f l u e n t Standard. Design of p r i n c i p a l spillway ( S t e p 9 ) ,
emergency spillway (Step 101, erosion c o n t r o l below the spillway (Step 111,
and base f l o w condition (Step 12) are not Included because methodologies c a n
be found in various texts and references.

Step 1. Considerations f o r sedimentation pond s e l e c t i o n have been p r e s e n t e d

i n Section 3.1. I n this design example, a s i t e i s p r e s e l e c t e d and
presented i n Figure 6.1.

Step 2. Hydrology

Design Event Q I (cfs) V (acre-feet)

10-year, 24-hour 77 2.31

25-year, 24-hour 91.5 3.35

' S t e p 3. Sediment s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n

For t h e purpose of i l l u s t r a t i n g t h e meghodology, develop i n f l u e n t

s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n from Soil 'Surveys ( T a b l e 6.1).

55 percent of area is sand

4 0 p e r c e n t of area is sandy c l a y
5 p e r c e n t of area is s i l t y c l a y

Figure 6.2 p r e s e n t s the i n f l u e n t s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n . The d i s t r i b u -

t i o n i s extended with a s t r a i g h t l i n e to a particle s i z e of
0.001 mm.

Step 4. Sediment y i e l d ( u s e USLE f o r annual sediment y i e l d and MUSLE f o r

storm sediment y i e l d )

Annual sediment y i e l d = 115 tons

Storm sediment y i e l d = SO t o n s (looyear, 24-hour stom)
 ... .

6.5

FIGURE 6. I SEDIMENTATION POND SITE

'
 6.6

A
%
x
I 0 , L

1
m
N 0
c

. -. -
w m
0
m
0 -
1
m
N

I
?
(Y I

m
0 I
c;-

! 0
c:
N
.
0

c 1

m m
m N

c
c. 2
(Y

cc.

.(Y Q)
*\

I--

*
hl

x
0 c
9
c
.
8
N
8 Ke4
0'
V -.
...... .

6.7

n
E
E
Y

W
-I
52
c

6 J
cd

.06 --
w
K
J
c3

1J3NId lN33C13d
 6.8

Step 5. Average inflow suspended s o l i d s concentration

= 50 t o n s x 2000 lb/ton x l o 6
15,926 mg/l
cI 2
2.31 ac-ft x 43,560 f t /ac x 62.4 Ib/ft
3

Step 6. Settleable s o l i d s concentration

From Figure 6-28. 21 percent of the i n f l u e n t s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n is

non-settleable ( < 0.001 mm). The r e d i s t r i b u t e d s e t t l e a b l e s i z e
d i s t r i b u t i o n is a l s o presented i n Figure 6.2.

S t a r t with d = 0.011 m.

From Figure 6.2, trapping e f f i c i e n c y E = 0.82 and f r a c t i o n of

settleable solids K = 0.798 using Equation 3.6.

c* = (1.0 - 0.82) x 0.79 x 50 tons x 2000 lb/ton

0 2 3
2.31 a c - f t x 43,560 f t /ac x 62.4 l b / f t

x lo6 = 2265 mg/l

The s e t t l e a b l e s o l i d s concentration is determined as follows:

t Particle Influent Effluent (di/O- 01 1 l6

b
S i z e Range Mean Size 4 4. x Axi
(ail

0.001 -0.002 0.0014 0.05 0.28 1.19 x 10'6 ,

0.002 -0.0038 0.0028 0.05 0.28 7.62 x 10-5

0.0038-0.0072 0.0052 0.05 0.28 3.12 10-3

0.0072-0.011 .
0 0089 -
0.03 -
0.16 4.49sx 10-2

0.18 1.0 0.048

From Equation 3-58 settleble solids concentration can be c a l c u l a t e d

as

ss = l120 mi,d
2265 m /1
[(1.0 - l = O ) + 0.0481 0.10 ml/l < 0.5 m l / l
 6.9

Try with a larger size of settleable s o l i d s , d = 0.020 nnn.

% of settleable s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n smaller than 0.011 m

xo = % of settleable size d i s t r i b u t i o n smaller t h a n 0.020 rmn

= -0.18 = 0.818
0.22

From Figure 6.2, E = 0.78 and K = 0.79

c = (1.0 - 0.78) x 50 t o n s x 2000 -/ton

x 0.79
2.31 a c - f t x 43,560 f t 2/ac x 62.4 l b / f t 3

x lo6 = 2768 mg/l

ss = 2768 mg/l
1120 m g / m l
[(loo - 0.818) +(0.818 x 0.048)l

= 0.55 ml/l > 0.5 m l f l

T r y w i t h a s m a l l e r s i z e of settleable solids, d = 0.018 mn.

E
% of settleable s i z e d i s t r i b u t i o n smaller than 0 . 0 1 1 nun
0 % of s e t t l e a b l e size d i s t r i b u t i o n s m a l l e r than 0.018 nnu

= -
0.18
0.215
= 0.837

From Figixre 6.2, E - 0.785 and K - 0.79

C =
(1.0 - 0.785) x 0.79 x 50 t o n s x 2000 &/ton
2 3
2.31 a c - f t x 43,560 f t /ac x 62.4 l b / f t

x lo6 = 2705 mg/l

ss = 2705 mg/ml [(loo

1 120 mg/l - 0.837) + (0.837 x 0.048)J

= 0.49 ml/l E 0.5 ml/l

I n order t o m e e t the 0.5 m l / l standard, the pond is designed to

remove a l l particles equal to and larger than 0.018 ma.

Step 7. Available s t o r a g e volume

Based on the selected s i t e (Figure 6.l), the stage-storage curve is

o b t a i n e d u s i n g the rnethodology described in Section 3 . 7 and i s pre-
s e n t e d i n F i g u r e 6.3. The sediment s t o r a g e volume should provide
f o r three t i m e s the annual sediment y i e l d
 6.10

P
3 yr x 115 ton/yr x 2000 %/ton p: o.23 ac-ft
vs 3 2
70 l b / f t x 43,560 f t /ac

From Figure 6.3, depth of sediment = 4.2 f t

T o t a l maximum embankment h e i g h t (assumed) = 16 f t

Allow 5 percent settlement (0.5 x 16) = 0.80 f t

Required freeboard = 1.0 f t

Allow 2.5 f t for emergency spillway 2.5 f t

Haximum depth of sediment s t o r a g e = 4.2 f t

Available detention s t o r a g e depth (Di)

16 -
( 0 . 8 0 + 1.0 + 2.5 + 4.2) = 7.5 f t

Stage a t maximum detention s t o r a g e depth

7.5 + 4.2 = 11.7 f t

The a v a i l a b l e storage volume i s described by t a k i n g t h e d i f f e r e n c e

between t h e s t o r a g e volume a t the s t a g e of t h e maximurn d e t e n t i o n
s t o r a g e depth and the s t o r a g e volume a t t h e e l e v a t i o n of t h e prin-
cipal spillway.

I
Pram Figure 6.3,
a v a i l a b l e detention s t o r a g e volume
1.71 - 0.23 = 1.48 ac-ft
t
\
Step 8. Required s t o r a g e volume

The t o t a l depth (+I of t h e pond is used i n the following com-

p u t a t i o n s and is equal t o t h e sum of t h e sediment s t o r a g e depth,
d e t e n t i o n storage depth, and t h e permanent pool depth ( i f used).

T h e base of inflow hydrograph

2V 2 x 2.31 a c - f t x 43,560 f t 2/ac o.73 hours

Tba-= 3
*I 77 f t /sec x 3600 secfhx

For d = 0.018 mm and D = 11.70 f t ,

T

TD = 4.50 hours (From Figure 3.10)

 6.11

SURFACE AREA ( F T ~ )

15

10 '

0 1.0 2.0

STORAGE VOLUME (ACRE - FEET)

FIGURE 6.3 -
STAGE SURFACE AREA AND STAGE - STORAGE
CURVES OF POND SITE N 0 . I
 6.12

For Tb = 0.73 hours and TD = 4.50 hours,

- r 0.950 ( P r o m Figure 3.7)

V

- = 0.05
QO
(From Figure 3.8)
QI

S = 0.950 x 2.31 ac-ft = 2.19 ac-ft > 1.48 ac-ft

Since t h e pond l o c a t i o n w i t h an assumed 16 ft embankment h e i g h t can-

n o t provide t h e required storage volume, t h e designer has three
alternatives.

(a) Increase t h e detention s t o r a g e depth and r e t u r n t o Step 7

and determine t h e new a v a i l a b l e storage.

(b) Excavate t h e pond s i d e slopes no steeper t h a n 2 h o r i z o n t a l

t o 1 vertical and r e t u r n t o Step 7 and develop new stage-
s t o r a g e curve.

( c ) Construct another pond downstream.

i For purposes of i l l u s t r a t i n g multiple pond design, alternative ( c )

is chosen.

t Step 8c. Determine the sediment removal i n t h e upstream pond

\

S
-Ic
1 - 4 8 U-ft o.64
V 2.31 ac-ft

For -VS = 0.64 and Tb = 0.73 hours,

TD = 0.4 hours (Figure 3.7)

-
Qo L: 0.360 (Figure 3-81
QI

L
 6.13

For TD = 0.4 hours and DT = 11.70 f t ,

DT
2.254 d2 = 3600 TD (Equation 3-10)

d=j7- 2.254 X 3600 TD = 11.7 f t

2.254 x 0.4 hrs x 3600 aecfhr

e 0.060

Therefore, only particles l a r g e r than 0.060 m can be removed i n t h e

first pond based upon i d e a l s e t t l i n g .

Check s u r f a c e area

A (measured a t depth - 4.2 f t ) = 3490 f t 2

Qo = 0.360 x 77 CfS = 27.7 CfS

From Equation 3.14, r e q u i r e d s u r f a c e area

..
1
A 1.2 X 27'7 ft3/sec = 4096 ft2 > 3490 f t 2
rep 2.254 x (0.06012

Due t o nonideal s e t t l i n g conditions, the s m a l l e s t particle which

w i l l be removed using the a v a i l a b l e s u r f a c e area i s

8..
2.254 x A
/--
2.254 X 3490
I 0.065 ZUU

Check length-to-width ratio

L (measured a t depth = 4.2 f t ) * 130 f t

-L = 130 = 4.9 > 2.0

W 26.8 f t
 .. .

6.14

Check Scouring

V t i = -*O
= 27*7 ft3/sec * 0.14 f p s (Equation 3.18)
WD 26.8 f t x 7.5 f t

V = 1.67 dli2 = 1.67 x (0.065)'/2'= 0.43 f p s (Equation 3.17)

sc

The s m a l l e s t particle which w i l l be removed i n t h e f i r s t pond is

0 . 0 6 5 mn which corresponds t o a removal e f f i c i e n c y of 69.5 percent
( F i g u r e 6.2).

Design of Downstream Pond (repeat Steps 1 through 8 )

Step 1. S i t e selection (Figure 6.4). S e l e c t a second pond j u s t downstream of

t h e f i r s t pond.

step 2. Eydrology (10-year, 24-hour design e v e n t )

10-year, 24-hour
design event Q (cfs) V (acre-feet)

F i r s t pond (%I 27 i 7 2.31

Additional c o n t r i b u t i n g area (Qr) 22.0 0.39

Design parameter (QI Second pond) 49.7 2.70

25=year, 24-hour
design event V (acre-f eet 1

First pond (h) 3.35

Additional c o n t r i b u t i n g area (Qs) 26.1 0.56

Design parameter 117.6 3.91

Notes: 1. The design inflow peak flow for second pond should be deter-
mined by reservoir r o u t i n g and added to t h e hydrograph of the
a d d i t i o n a l c o n t r i b u t i n g area. For i l l u s t r a t i o n of eedimen-
t a t i o n pond design, the peak outflow from the f i r s t pond is
added d i r e c t l y t o the peak f l o w of t h e a d d i t i o n a l c o n t r i b u t i n g
area.
 .* _. . . . . ..-.

I
G .15

FIGURE 6.4 SEDIMENTATION POND SITE N0.2

 6.16

2. I f t h e r e is any permanent pool s t o r a g e i n the f i r s t pond, the

stored volume should be s u b t r a c t e d from the t o t a l volume f o r
designing t h e second pond.

Step 3. Sediment size d i s t r i b u t i o n

U s e the same sediment size &.istribution.as the f i r s t pond.

Step 40 Sediment y i e l d (use USLE f o r annual sediment y i e l d and MUSLE for

storm sediment y i e l d )

From a d d i t i o n a l c o n t r i b u t i n g drainage area (10 acres)

S t o m sediment y i e l d -
Annual sediment y i e l d = 19 t o n s
8.3 t o n s

Step 5. Inflow suspended s o l i d s c o n c e n t r a t i o n

Since the design is t o remove a l l particles l a r g e r t h a n 0.018 m,

c a l c u l a t i o n of t h e inflow suspended solids c o n c e n t r a t i o n is not
required.

.A

I Step 6. Settleable solids c o n c e n t r a t i o n

Must remove a l l particles Larger than 0.018 mn.

t
\

Step 7. Available storage volume

The stage-storage curve is p r e s e n t e d i n Figure 6.5. Since t h e first

pond has a t r a p p i n g e f f i c i e n c y of 69.5 p e r c e n t , the sediment storage
volume required & t h e second pond is equal t o 30.5 p e r c e n t of the
upstream sediment y i e l d plus the sediment y i e l d from the a d d i t i o n a l
c o n t r i b u t i n g drainage area.

v8 = (115
I ton/yr x 0.305) + 19 ton/yr] x 3 yr x 2000 lb/ton
70 l b / f t 3 X 43,560 ft2/aC

= 0.11 ac-ft

From Piguke 6.5, depth of sediment = 1.3 f t

I

Using the same embankment s e t t l e m e n t , required freeboard, and

emergency spillway depth as the first pond, t h e a v a i l a b l e d e t e n t i o n
s t o r a g e depth is

D1 = 16 (0.80 + 1.0 + 2.5 + 1.3) = 10.4 f t

 .. . . . - - . , . - .. ..

6.17

10

\
\
II

0 I.o 2.0 . 3.0 4.0 5.0

STORAGE VOLUME ( A C R E - FEET)

FIGURE 6.5 -
STAGE SURFACE AREA AND STAGE -STORAGE
CURVES OF S I T E NO. 2
 . __-_ .....

6.18

Stage a t maximum detention stage depth

10.4 + 1.3 11.7

From Figure 6.5. available storage volume is

3.75 - 0.11 = 3.64 ac-ft

S t e p 8. Required storage volume

Time base of inflow hydrograph

2
2V 2 x 2.70 ac-ft x 43.560 f t /ac
l.31 hours
Tb=-= 3
1' 49.7 f t /sec x 3600 sec/hr

For d = 0.018 x n and DT = 11.7 f t 8

For Tb = 1.31 hours and TD = 4.5 hours8

-VS = 0.930. S = 0.930 x 2.70 ac-ft = 2.51 ac-ft < 3.64 ac-ft

- = 0.0708
QO
Qo e 0.070 x 49.7 P 3-48 C f S
QI

Since the required storage volume is less than the available storage
volume, decrease the depth and repeat Step 8 .

Assume ~1 - 8.5 f t

From Figure 6 . S 8 Stage a t maximum detention depth

8.5 + 1-3 a= 9.8 f t

Available storage = 2.80 - 0.11 = 2.69 ac-ft

For d = 0.018 and DT P 9.8 ft

TD = 3.9 hours

For Tb = 1.31 hours and TD = 3.9 hours

-Vs = 0.910. S = 0.910 x 2.70 = 2.46 ac-it < 2.69 ac-ft

 6.19

-
QO
= 0.09,
Qo
= 0.09 x 49.7 = 4.47 c f s
*I

Check s u r f a c e area

A (measured a t depth = 1.3 f t ) = 5300 f t 2

A P 1.2 X
4.47
-2 = 6120 f t 2 > 5300 f t 2
rep 2.254 x (0.018)

The pond must be excavated t o meet t h e s u r f a c e area requirement or

raise the p r i n c i p a l spillway crest t o e l e v a t i o n 2.0 f t . - This w i l l
provide more sediment s t o r a g e than is required. A permanent pool
w i l l exist i f a dewatering device is not provided.

A (measured a t depth - 2.0 f t ) = 6500 f t 2

Check a v a i l a b l e s t o r a g e volume

Available s t o r a g e = 3.20 - 0.25 = 2.95 ac-ft > 2.46 a c - f t

Check length-to-width r a t i o

L (measured a t depth = 2.0) - 250 f t

L
.-
W
-
250 = 9.6
26
> 2.0

Check scourinq

Qo 4.47 ft3/eec e: o.02 fps

v,=-- WD1 26 f t x 8.5 ft

= 1.67 d1l2 = 1.67 x (0.018)/2 = 0.22 fps

vS

vH < s
A summary of t h e &sign i s presented in Table 6.2.
I
 6.20

Table 6 . 2 . Summary of Sedimentation Pond Design.

Description Pond N o . 1 PondNo. 2

1. =Sign inflow (PI), CfS 77 49.7

2. Design runoff volume (v), ac-ft 2.31 2.7

3. Annual sediment y i e l d , t o n s 115 54

Storm sediment y i e l d , t o n s
4.
(10-year, 24-hour storm) 50 --
Inflow suspended solids
5.
concentration, mg/l 15,926 ---
6. Minimum s i z e of particle s e t t l e d , m 0 065 0.018

'7. Detention t i m e , hours 0.4 4.5

8. Principal s p i l l a y elevation, f t 4.2 2.0

1
9. Sediment s t o r a g e required, a c - f t 0.23 0.11

10. Sediment s t o r a g e provided, ac-ft 0.23 0.25

!
\
11. -off d e t e n t i o n depth provided, f t 7.5 8.5

12. Runoff detention volume provided, a c - f t 1-48 2.95

13. Surface area required, f t2 3490 6120

14 Surface area provided, f t2 3490 6500

15. Length-to-width ratio 4.9 9.6

16. Scour v e l o c i t y (Vsc), fps 0.43 0.22

17. Flow-through Velocity (v,) 8 fpS 0.14 0.02

18. 10-year, 24-hour design outflow, cfs 27.7 4.47

19. 25-year8 24-hour design outflow, c f s 63.8 113.13

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) hen, m a r n g - ~ i n g , 1975, "Design of Sediment Retention asi ins," National

Symposium on Urban Hydrology and Sediment Control, University of Kentucky,
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t
\

Curtis8 D. C. and R. H. McCuen, 19778 "Design E f f i c i e n c y of Stormwater

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Environmental Protection Agency, 1979, "Removal of Trace Elements from A c i d

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 -. __.. .- _. .. . . . .

7.2

Environmental P r o t e c t i o n Agency, 1976, "Erosion and Sediment Control: S u r f a c e

Mining in t h e Eastern United States, Vol. 1 Planning and Vol. 2 Design," EPA
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Mine Sedimentation," EPA 600/2-76-108.

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Environmental P r o t e c t i o n Agency, 1972, "Guidelines f o r Erosion and Sediment

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 .. . . ..-. ._- - -. -. _._., .. . , , . - .. . . .. .. ..

7.3

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