ESTRUS - Enhanced and SUstainable TReatment for URban Stormwater

The project aimed to demonstrate the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of existing Distributed Treatment Solutions (DTSs) systems for storm water runoff in harbour infrastructures and industrial sites. In these areas, traditional treatment solutions, such as first flush detention tanks, are too costly or unfeasible due to lack of space. The innovative component of the ESTRUS project consisted of a full-scale treatment solution (hydraulic and chemical/physical) using an approach that had been tested within a laboratory situation.

The project research focused on, and compared findings from two methodologies. One approach first analysed the storm water in a drainage system without DTS devices to provide a baseline. A DTS device was then introduced into the drainage systems to assess the difference in pollutant capacity of the water runoff (“time shifted monitoring campaign”). Another approach analysed the storm water in two different branches of a large drainage system, only one of which was equipped with DTS filters.

Results of the tests showed that the DTS hydrocarbons removal efficiency is significant in field conditions, but lower than in laboratory tests. The beneficiary concluded that the new technology can be regarded as a valid alternative to the end-of-pipe treatment and could be applied in situations where an end-of-pipe treatment plant cannot be constructed. However, the current DTS systems need to be adapted to suit European drainage systems. Improvements could be gained by providing a preliminary sedimentation of storm waters prior to filtration treatment, in order to avoid re-suspension problems. The feasibility of European DTS systems will also depend on the availability of systems that are built to fit the dimensions of European storm drains. Current commercial systems are designed for American drainage systems.