Hydraulic evolution and total suspended solids capture of an infiltration trench

Stormwater best management practice (BMP) design must incorporate the expected long‐term performance from both a water quantity and water quality perspective to sustainably mitigate hydrologic and water quality impacts of development. Infiltration trench structures are one of many infiltration BMPs that reduce runoff volume and capture pollutants. Research on the longevity of these structures is sparse, leading to concerns about their long‐term value and impeding implementation. In the present study, an infiltration trench was monitored from its inception to determine its hydrologic performance over time and total suspended solids (TSS) capture efficiency. The infiltration trench was intentionally undersized to accelerate longevity‐related processes. The infiltration trench provided a 36% TSS removal rate and displayed a distinct decrease in its ability to infiltrate stormwater runoff over the first three years of operation. Results indicate that infiltration through the bottom of the BMP became negligible, while infiltration through the sides of the BMP remained active over the 3‐year study period. The results lead to recommendations for BMP design. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.