Abstract: A horizontal flow water treatment method and wetland biofilter system with improved flow control via a tubular apparatus and further comprising a chamber with impermeable outer walls spaced away from permeable interior walls of a media filtration bed such that a catch basin is formed between the outer walls and the interior walls. The catch basin creates an open area around the perimeter of the interior walls for influent water to fill within the open area on all sides before penetrating the filtration media, providing a large surface area for influent water to interact with the media filtration bed. The influent water enters the catch basin in a horizontal flow path to provide for pre-settling of particulates before making contact with the filtration media. The biofilter design increases the available surface area of the media filtration bed by up to four times for a given volume of water, and thereby minimizes the loading or infiltration rate on the media filtration bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flood irrigation apparatus. The apparatus comprises a headgate in communication with a body of water. The body of water can be a pond or a reservoir, for example. The apparatus further comprises a conduit securely connected to the headgate and in fluid communication with the headgate, wherein the flow of water within the conduit is regulated by the operation of the headgate. The apparatus further comprises an exit chamber securely connected to the conduit and in fluid communication with the conduit. The exit chamber comprises a plurality of vertical bricks disposed on the floor of the exit chamber. The vertical bricks facilitate the trapping of the silt and debris on the floor of the exit chamber in order to provide substantially silt-free water for irrigation.

Abstract: A channel drain for use in a fabricated surface having an exposed appearance. The channel drain includes a first body having a plurality of support surfaces, with each support surface extending from a respective body sidewall in spaced relation to a body lower wall. A plurality of inserts are insertable into the first body. Each insert includes an insert cavity sized and structured to receive a selected material having an appearance substantially identical to the exposed appearance of the fabricated surface. Each insert is supported by certain ones of the plurality of support surfaces when inserted into the first body and is sized and structured to define a gap between the pair of body sidewalls when inserted into the first body, with the gap allowing for fluid to flow therethrough toward the body lower wall.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an inlet of an underground reservoir having a multiple-stage structure includes: a flow portion, wherein water flowing in the flow portions; a drop portion transporting the water to a underground reservoir from the flow portion; and an inlet portion having a multiple-stage structure to generate a vortex in the water to be transported to the drop portion.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an inlet of an underground reservoir having a multiple-stage structure includes: a flow portion, wherein water flowing in the flow portions; a drop portion transporting the water to a underground reservoir from the flow portion; and an inlet portion having a multiple-stage structure to generate a vortex in the water to be transported to the drop portion.

Abstract: An articulated baffle assembly is disclosed and claimed. The battle assembly includes a support and vanes connected to the support. The support holds the vanes in the flow of a liquid in order to promote sedimentation when the baffle assembly is in an operational configuration. The support includes an articulation that allows the baffle assembly to be reversibly converted to a retracted configuration that facilitates access to and removal of sediment.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a septic system such as an aerobic wastewater treatment plant connected to a drip irrigation system for dispensing wastewater from the septic system. The apparatus includes a pump having a pump outlet for a pumping treated wastewater from the septic system, a filter connected to the pump outlet, the filter having a first output for directing filtered water to the drip irrigation system and a second outlet for disposal of backwash water used to clean the filter. There is an accumulator or canister having a predetermined volume for receiving water from at least one of the drip irrigation systems and the second output of the filter. The accumulator has an outlet connected to a pressure actuated normally open flush valve, which closes in response to pressure from water in the accumulator and which moves to the normally open position when the pump is deactivated.

Abstract: Restrictor plates and systems for a catch basin hood are provided. The hood can include a front external surface, a front internal surface and an inlet extending therebetween. The hood inlet can defined by a plurality of surfaces, such as a top surface and a bottom surface oriented so that a height-wise cross-section of a flow channel defined by the hood inlet can be substantially trapezoidal, narrowing from an upstream side towards a downstream side. The restrictor plate can include a curbed inlet defined by a plurality of walls, including a top wall and a bottom wall oriented so that a height-wise cross-section of a curbed flow channel defined by the curbed inlet is substantially trapezoidal, whereby the top and bottom walls of the curbed inlet are disposed against respective top and bottom surfaces of the hood inlet without contacting the hood front external surface when secured thereto.

Abstract: A vertical drain for consolidating soil, the drain comprising an elongate surrounding filter jacket having a proximal end and a distal end; and a suction tube having at least one suction aperture located within the jacket, wherein, in use, a suction pump connected to the suction tube is operable to pump flowable material through the suction tube.

Abstract: A yard storm drain emitter includes a male fitting having a fitting interior, a flange carried by the male fitting and having a drain opening communicating with the fitting interior, a lid attachment member carried by the flange and a lid pivotally carried by the lid attachment member and having a lid rear surface with a planar portion and a convex portion extending from the planar portion. The convex portion of the lid rear surface contacts the lid attachment member as the lid is pivoted from a closed position to an open position and the planar portion of the lid rear surface contacts the lid attachment member at the open position of the lid.

Abstract: A stormwater detention system includes a containment row for removing and collecting solids from stormwater. The containment row may be surrounded by a water-impermeable membrane, and designed to receive incoming water before other rows of the detention system. The containment row collects solids from the stormwater before the water is redirected into one or more additional rows, which are water permeable and buried in water permeable media. Filter structure may be associated with a flow system that delivers water from the containment row to the additional rows.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an area suitable for equestrian use. The area comprises an upper, equestrian surface layer, and a sub-surface support layer which includes a plurality of laterally arranged load bearing structural modules. Each module comprises a top wall and a bottom wall spaced therefrom by one or more supporting elements so as to define an interior volume between the top and bottom walls, and is provided with at least one aperture to permit the flow of water into and out of the volume. There is means for retaining water within at least some modules in the sub-surface support layer. A water permeable layer that is impermeable to solid particles of the upper, equestrian surface layer is provided between the structural modules and the equestrian surface layer. Wicking means are in fluid communication with the interior volumes of at least some of the modules and have portions extending upwardly to transfer water to the upper, equestrian surface layer from the sub-surface support layer.

Abstract: An underground stormwater management system includes a receiving tank connected to a source of non-first flush runoff and a storage chamber that accumulates stormwater runoff for discharge to a storm drain. The storage chamber includes a first inlet connected to a source of first flush runoff, a second inlet connected to receive overflow from the receiving tank, a first discharge and a second discharge above the first discharge. First flush is discharged from the first discharge and is filtered before reaching the storm drain. The receiving tank assists in delaying the receipt of non-first flush runoff into the storage chamber during a major rain event. During major rain events runoff is also discharged from the storage chamber directly to the surrounding media.

Abstract: Drainage device having an inlet having at least three substantially straight sides with rounded corners linking the at least three substantially straight sides. The sides and corners taper to form a circular outlet. The rounded corners are upper edges of channels of the device, and the channels are depressions in the sides.

Abstract: Disclosed are an even-irrigation apparatus for an underground root zone and an even-irrigation method using the same for evenly supplying water into the root zone of a variety of crops. The even-irrigation apparatus includes a plurality of irrigators buried in the entire underground root zone, to directly and evenly supply water into the root zone. Once water is introduced into a pressure-reduction valve after passing through a main pipe, limb pipe and capillary pipe connected in sequence, the water is supplied to the irrigators by way of a plurality of diverged-capillary pipes. With this even-irrigation of water, unnecessary consumption of water due to adsorption of the water into the surrounding soil except for the root zone is minimized, enabling effective irrigation of water and even growth of roots of crops. Further, even nutrition throughout the roots enables balanced growth of crops.

Abstract: An apparatus for a variable volume drain field for onsite wastewater renovation. The system includes at least one module having a weir-type inlet and a one-way flow control device. The modules displace and store wastewater, and allow for differential release of the stored wastewater. The inlet is positioned adjacent the top of the module and the one-way flow control device is adjacent the bottom. In one embodiment, the module includes a pipe with caps having the inlet and one-way flow control device. In another embodiment, the module includes a container and a lid. The container includes the inlet and a one-way flow control device is connected adjacent the bottom of the container. In one embodiment, the one-way flow control device is a flexible hose with a float attached to the free end of the hose. The other end of the hose is in fluid communication with the container.

Abstract: An irrigation emitter is provided for delivering irrigation water from a water supply conduit, such as an irrigation supply tube, pipe, or other water supply apparatus, at a low volume or drip-like flow rate. The emitter operates generally through the use of a relatively long flow channel that causes a pressure reduction between the water supply conduit and an emitter outlet. The emitter includes an inlet component for tapping a portion of the water flow from the water supply conduit and, when the water pressure is above a predetermined minimum level, directing the flow to and through the flow channel for subsequent discharge to a desired location. The emitter also may regulate to accommodate for changes in supply pressure. The emitter also may include automatic flushing to dislodge debris trapped within the emitter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a soil inflow prevention apparatus in which an angular-rotation opening/closing plate is adapted to be inclined within a predetermined angle by virtue of opening stoppers to prevent a rear portion of the opening/closing plate from being excessively lowered in the beginning that an inflow amount of sewage increases due to rainfall, thereby preventing soil from entering an intercepting sewer in the beginning of an inflow of sewage.

Abstract: A feature of the present invention is it is adaptable to any pre-existing storm catch basin system. Another feature of the present invention is that it permits empirical analysis and verification of the draw down rate. Another feature is the present invention can be adjusted or modified to increase or decrease the rate of draw down after it has been installed to insure regulatory conditions are precisely met without difficulty. Changes in future regulatory draw down rates can be easily implemented. A flow restriction device has an orifice plate, the orifice plate having a frontal surface area A and at least one opening for the passage of fluid of an area Oa, wherein Oa is less than A. The flow restriction device may also employ a screen debris plate, the screen debris plate having a plurality of spaced openings for the passage of fluid; the sum area of the openings being ? Osp wherein ? Osp is greater than Oa.

Abstract: A drain system for draining water to a ground surface includes an extension pipe and a drain outlet. The extension pipe is capable of being disposed underground below a grade of the ground surface. The drain outlet is communicably coupled to the pipe. The drain outlet has a base and a cover section. The base has a drainage surface, a drainage end and an inlet section. The drainage end forms at least one effluent drainage hole therein. The inlet section is adapted to be coupled to an outlet of the extension pipe. The drainage surface is disposed for guiding effluent from the inlet section to the drainage end. The cover section is coupled to and covers the base. The base is configured for founding the drain outlet to the ground, when the drain outlet is coupled to the pipe disposed underground. The at least one drainage hole is located substantially at or above the grade allowing substantially unimpeded affluent discharge from the inlet section through the at least one drainage hole to the ground surface.

Abstract: A cleanout with adjustable subsurface drainage capabilities which includes a first body and a second body. The first body has a first sidewall and a top access opening. The first sidewall has a plurality of circumferentially spaced and axially oriented first slots. A removable liquid impervious closure closes the top access opening. The second body has a second sidewall and a bottom access opening. The second sidewall has a plurality of circumferentially spaced and axially oriented second slots. The first body and the second body are rotatably engaged with the first sidewall and the second sidewall overlapping. A slot open flow area is provided where the first slots and the second slots overlap. Relative rotation of the first body and the second body alters the relative circumferential spacing of the first slots and the second slots placing them either out of register, partially in register or fully in register and thereby altering the width of the slot open flow area.

Abstract: The present invention is an irrigation method and system for providing a user-defined flow rate to a field using variable sized orifices. The irrigation method and system includes providing a source of irrigation water. A first discrete area to be irrigated is defined and the volume of irrigation water to be disbursed to the first discrete area is determined based on the type of crop. A length of continuous irrigation conduit is provided so that the irrigation conduit is in fluid communication between the source of irrigation water and the first discrete area. The required diameter of each orifice is calculated based on the user-defined flow rate. Each orifice is made in the irrigation conduit as the conduit is installed in the field so that the irrigation water is disbursed to the first discrete area in an amount approximate to the user defined flow rate.

Abstract: An arch shape cross section molded plastic stormwater chamber, which has a multiplicity of corrugations, can be nested within another like chamber for shipment. The width and included angle between the opposing sides of each corrugation both decrease with elevation from the base of the chamber.

Abstract: A detachable end cap for a molded plastic storm water chamber has an integrally welded pipe stub. The stub cantilevers outwardly from the exterior surface of the end cap, which is preferably dome shaped, to enable connection to a line which carries water to or from the chamber. A polyethylene cap with stub and is used in combination with a polypropylene chamber.

Abstract: A storm drain filter including a frame holding a filter assembly to filter incoming drainage water and thereby prevent sediment from entering the storm drain's inlet. The frame can be easily removed and replaced to allow street sweeping. In one embodiment, an erosion control apparatus comprises one or more broom filters each including a plurality of adjacent bristles, and a frame that holds the broom filter(s) so that the bristles extend downwardly to the road surface. In one embodiment, the beam of the broom filter is pivotally connected to the frame, and the bristles have substantially greater than a 90° vertical angle, to allow the weight and flexibility of the bristles to conform to variations in the road surface. A filtration bag to filter hydrocarbons may be attached downstream of the broom filter. The frame can be designed for a wide variety of implementations, and can be re-usable.

Abstract: A storm drain system is provided to prevent rising water from flowing substantially vertically out of a storm drain inlet. The storm drain system comprises a seat generally horizontally mounted within a chamber and a moveable buoyant door assembly responsive to rising water in the chamber to float upwardly to engage the seat to thereby prevent water flowing upwardly out of the storm drain inlet. A support frame may be mounted along a flow passageway leading to the storm drain gating such that the seat and the buoyant door assembly is mounted to or integral with the support frame. In an embodiment, one or more pivot or hinge mountings secure the buoyant door assembly pivotally with respect to the drain support.

Abstract: An erosion control basin is a molded open topped receptacle that has support flanges that will support the basin on the interior of a storm drain grate frame. A filter is formed around an upright perforated drain pipe that is on the interior of the basin and which opens to an outlet. The basin catches debris and silt but permits water to drain out. The top of the drainpipe is left open for overflow purposes.

Abstract: An even-flow tee arrangement for use with a septic system consists of a tee connector having top and bottom section cemented together. The bottom section includes a splitter plate extending from the tee-shaped exit end to two pairs of directional vanes proximate the entrance end of the tee connector.

Abstract: The bag valve comprises an open-ended sleeve of pliant impermeable material, one end of which is removably clamped around the down-stream open end of a conduit for fluids. The other end of the sleeve, the downstream end, can be gathered into a fully or partially closed configuration by a drawstring around the downstream sleeve end. A resilient stopper may be attached inside the downstream end of the conduit, against which the drawstring is biased when fully tightened, in order to minimize leakage from the sleeve. A cleat may be attached to the outside of the conduit for more easily securing the drawstring ends when the valve is partially or totally closed.

Abstract: A valve containment assembly for an irrigation system may have a first side wall unit, a grate, a second side wall unit, and a lid. The first side wall unit may be disposed on the floor of a hole. The grate may be positioned in the first side wall unit to support a manifold. The second side wall unit rests on the first side wall unit to cover the manifold and the lid may be disposed on top of the side wall unit. The first side wall unit and the grate elevate the manifold above the floor of the hole to reduce interference of soil and water with the manifold. Additional side wall units may be used to provide additional height. Any of the side wall units may have frangible portions that break away to permit passage of conduits into the valve containment assembly.

Abstract: A cover for a drainage device, in particular a drainage channel with a channel body such that the cover can be set on an upper edge of the channel body, which comprises detent ridges that extend into the channel body and which has at least one fixing element to attach the cover to the channel body or to a frame disposed on the channel body to reinforce its upper edge, such that in a locked state the fixing element engages a recess in the channel body or frame. In order to achieve durable fixation of the cover on the channel body, while enabling the fixing element to be simple to manufacture and install, and the channel cross-section to remain free, the detent ridges comprise at least one aperture to guide the fixing element, which projects out of that aperture.

Abstract: A water quality apparatus and system utilized in permanent extended dry detention basins having an outlet control structure vertically mounted within a basin and a semi-round pipe (typically including gravel) attached to the forward edge. Typically, in this type of structure, debris flows over the top of the pipe and clogs the semi-round pipe and its outlet into the outlet control structure. The water quality apparatus is typically a pipe fixture having an outlet end that fits into the control structure and an inlet end comprising several perforated pipes (forming a series of holes) that protrude into the semi-round pipe. The holes allow the water to flow into the piping system and discourage any debris from flowing into the piping system and clogging it. As water flows through the gravel and into the perforated pipe, water can drain into the water quality apparatus and through the outlet control structure.

Abstract: A catch basin for draining water into an underground drainage conduit through a riser includes a receptacle having an open top and a base portion; an integral outflow conduit extending upwardly from an outlet opening in the base portion and having an inlet opening within the receptacle; and a trough in the receptacle that extends along a side of the base and below the level of the inlet opening to provide a trap for debris contained in water flowing into the receptacle. The receptacle tapers inwardly from top to bottom, so that a first receptacle can be nestably stacked in a second receptacle.

Abstract: In a fluid system such as irrigation system, fluid conduit attachment is facilitated through the use of a coupling. The coupling may have a body with a first end attached to a component such as an irrigation component, and a second end designed to receive an end of a conduit. The first end may be integrally formed with the component or separately attached thereto. The second end has a bore into which the end of the conduit is inserted. A gripping mechanism is seated in the bore to grip the end of the conduit. A release mechanism slides to release the conduit. The coupling may have a bend and/or branches extending to extra ends. A second coupling may be added to form a rotatable swing joint. An indicator such as a blue color may be used to indicate compatibility of the coupling with the conduit.

Abstract: A barrier to exclude trash and debris from storm drains wich includes a pivoted gate moved by a vane-type rotor. The rotor is actuated to open an entry to the storm drain by flow of water at a rate above and agreeable minimum, and to maintain it closed at no or low flow rates.

Abstract: An aquifer recharge valve assembly comprises a valve movable along the interior of a pipe section to open and close aquifer recharge openings through the pipe section. The position of the valve controls the extent to which the recharge openings are available for delivery of recharge water into the aquifer. The valve may be a seamless resilient cylinder which expands due to well head pressure to assist in sealing the recharge openings when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a manhole structure in which a manhole and a pipe are joined together by using a waterproof flexible joint. The joint includes a rigid cylindrical portion and a cylindrical flexible portion that has a covering portion to be fixed around an outer periphery of said pipe, a fixing portion fixed to an outer periphery of said rigid cylindrical portion and to be fixed to the manhole and a connecting portion connecting the covering portion to the fixing portion and made of an elastic material being capable of absorbing a displacement between the manhole and the pipe. The waterproof flexible joint is located around the outer periphery of the pipe, and the covering portion is fixed around the outer periphery of the pipe. Then, a filler for the manhole is poured around an outer periphery of the fixing portion.

Abstract: A barrier to exclude trash and debris from storm drains which includes a pivoted gate moved by a vane-type rotor. The rotor is actuated to open an entry to the storm drain by flow of water at a rate above and agreeable minimum, and to maintain it closed at no or low flow rates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover for a drainage device, in particular a drainage channel with a channel body such that the cover can be set on an upper edge of the channel body, which comprises detent ridges that extend into the channel body and which has at least one fixing element to attach the cover to the channel body or to a frame disposed on the channel body to reinforce its upper edge, such that in a locked state the fixing element engages a recess in the channel body or frame. In order to achieve durable fixation of the cover on the channel body, while enabling the fixing element to be simple to manufacture and install, and the channel cross-section to remain free, the detent ridges comprise at least one aperture to guide the fixing element, which projects out of that aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system for use in filtering a variety of environmental substances, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for filtering such substances as soil, sediment, and debris from such things as water runoff that may be entering storm drains or catch basins for example. The filter may be comprised of a base and a readily visible top portion. A storm sewer grate may then be inserted within the filter and placed in an opening of the inlet. Water may then be filtered, through either or both the top portion and/or through the base, before entering the inlet. The top portion functions as a visual aid, thereby allowing workers, inspectors and equipment operators to easily locate the storm sewer grate.

Abstract: A sewage drain receptacle for underground sewage systems for campgrounds or RV parks that includes a hose resting seat coupled to the top orifice of a drain line and a sewage cap for closing the top orifice. The hose resting seat extends along a portion of the length of the drain line and serves to cradle a bottom of a sewage hose so that it is prevented from being lodged into the sewage system.

Abstract: A roadway surface drain provided with a grating to detain trash but pass water, a hinged closure plate beneath the grating to close the opening in which the grating is fitted, and linkage to tilt the closure plate to open said opening when the rate of water flow is sufficient, while permitting flow of water and detaining trash when the rate of flow is acceptably slow.

Abstract: A roadway surface drain provided with a grating to detain trash but pass water, a hinged closure plate beneath said grating to close the opening in which said grating is fitted, and linkage to tilt said closure plate to open said opening when the rate of water flow is sufficient, while permitting flow of water and detaining trash when the rate of flow is acceptably slow.

Abstract: A flume for diurnally storing and releasing municipal sewage in its conveyance network of sewers and interceptor piping to reduce peak flow rates in a sewer system and the downstream wastewater treatment plant. The disclosed invention reduces peak flow rates without affecting flow rates below a selected threshold, maintaining minimum flow rates while storing wastewater in sewers and providing features that protect against sewer backups during high flows.

Abstract: A drain cover and pipe combination comprises a drain cover including a substantially elliptical frame portion defining a space, the space having an axis substantially normal to the frame, and at least one cross piece located in the space so as to define a plurality of openings in the drain cover. The pipe comprises a substantially tubular member having a longitudinal axis, with the pipe having a substantially elliptical shaped rim at one end thereof with a rim axis which is other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Securing means are provided for securing the drain cover over the rim of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover piece (1), for a drainage channel (2) for installation in the ground and for the drainage of a surface, comprising an essentially planar section (3). Said piece is formed for covering an upper opening of the drainage channel (2) and comprises a projection (5) extending upwards beyond the planar section (3) and defines an inlet opening (7), through which water from the surface to be drained may run into the drainage channel. The planar section (3) has additional openings (9) to accept the infiltrated water falling on the deeper level thereof.

Abstract: A system is provided for preventing erosion of a bluff or hillside having a face extending between a toe at a bottom thereof and a crest at a top surface thereof, and a failure shear plane. The bluff or hillside is subject to excess water accumulation contributing to land mass degradation. The invention is improved by at least one horizontal wick drain positioned behind the failure shear plane in a water saturated zone substantially parallel to the crest of the bluff or hillside for the purpose of controlling drainage of the excess water accumulation. The horizontal wick drain is installed from the top surface of the bluff or hillside so as not to impair the structural integrity and cause land mass degradation of the face thereof.

Abstract: An erosion control basin is a molded open topped receptacle that has support flanges that will support the basin on the interior of a storm drain grate frame. A filter is formed around an upright perforated drain pipe that is on the interior of the basin and which opens to an outlet. The basin catches debris and silt but permits water to drain out. The top of the drainpipe is left open for overflow purposes.

Abstract: An attachment to a drainage hose for use on a stockpiling barge that includes: a fluid pervious bag formed of a flexible fabric material, the fluid pervious bag having an open end and a closed end, a ballast material attached to or retained within the closed end of the fluid pervious bag, and means for securing the open end of the fluid pervious bag about a hose. Also disclosed are the attachment in combination with a drainage hose and a stockpiling barge, a method of filtering runoff water from a stockpiling barge through the use of the attachments, and a method of preventing non-dissolved organic or inorganic contaminants from flowing from a stockpiling barge into a body of water through the use of the attachments.

Abstract: A water quality management system and method that controls the exchange of water between two bodies of water (e.g., estuary and ocean) separated by at least one land barrier. The system consists of a series of water exchange units that are disposed in the estuary and knowledge-linked into a water quality management system that is remotely controlled from a central location. Each water exchange unit may comprise a conduit extending through the land barrier having a terminal end on the ocean side and a terminal end on the estuary side. The exchange of water between the ocean and estuary through the conduit may be effected using reversible pumps connected to the terminal end of the conduit on the estuary side. The pumps are preferably controlled from a remote location based on feed back data received from sensors located both in the estuary and ocean.