Aeration/Mixing as a Remediation Option for Stormwater Pond Phosphorus Release

Project Summary

This project is determining the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of reducing phosphorus release from the sediments of five aeration/mixing systems installed in stormwater ponds. The goal of most aeration/mixing systems is to bring higher dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration to the sediments, which can substantially reduce phosphorus release from them. Researchers' goal is to select one of each of three technologies and add it to the two aeration/mixing systems currently funded by the Minnesota Stormwater Research Council (MSRC) to compare five overall aeration/mixing systems, and provide another technique to reduce phosphorus release from stormwater pond sediments to protect the receiving water bodies. This project will answer the following questions: How effective are aerator/mixing systems at adding oxygen to the bottom of stormwater ponds? How effective are aerator/mixing systems at reducing water quality problems in water in and released from stormwater ponds? Can the impact of aeration/mixing also consolidate the sediments to the point where dredging can be put off for a few years and save the owner substantial dredging funds? How does the cost of these aerator/mixing systems compare with other remediation techniques for various sizes of stormwater ponds?