Standardization News

While there are many commercially available stormwater treatment products currently on the market, there is no universal testing standard that would allow the performance of these products to be accurately compared. A proposed new ASTM International standard will fill this need, providing a test method for stormwater treatment products that use filtration as a primary treatment process.

WK36628, Test Method for Measuring Effectiveness of Filtration Products for Stormwater Treatment, is currently being developed by Subcommittee C27.70 on Precast Concrete Products for Stormwater Management, part of ASTM International Committee C27 on Precast Concrete Products.

According to Peter Weiss, Ph.D., associate professor, Valparaiso University, and a C27.70 member, WK36628 will specifically consider how to determine the hydraulic characteristics of a filtration system by experimentally determining the hydraulic conductivity of the filter within the unit.

"The proposed standard will allow users to determine the hydraulic capacity of the filter system within the unit," says Weiss. "Users will be able to estimate how a stormwater treatment product that uses filtration as a primary means of treatment will perform in the field."

In addition to manufacturers of stormwater treatment products that utilize filtration to treat stormwater, the proposed standard will be used by experimental laboratories that are hired by manufacturers to perform independent tests on their products.

All interested parties are invited to participate in the standards developing activities of Subcommittee C27.70.

CONTACT Technical Information: Peter T. Weiss, Ph.D., P.E., Valparaiso University • Valparaiso, Ind. • Phone: 219-464-5220 | ASTM Staff: Joseph Hugo • Phone: 610-832-9740 | Upcoming Meeting: Dec. 4-5 • December Committee Week • Atlanta, Ga.