nmental hase II quipped h basins, without al sites. ing, and ion, and

NewSpread____:NS40436P1
11/7/08
11:21 AM
Page 1
Environmental Solutions
EPA’s Stormwater Phase II regulations are helping America keep our waterways clean. The Federal Signal Environmental
Solutions Group manufactures sweeping and vacuuming equipment that help municipalities implement their Phase II
stormwater goals:
Elgin Sweeper street sweepers remove contaminants before they can enter storm drains. Some sweepers can be equipped
with a catch basin cleaning hose for added versatility.
Vactor Manufacturing combination sewer cleaners and catch basin trucks clean sewer and storm drain lines, catch basins,
vaults and traps. Vactor’s vacuum excavators expose underground utilities or provide precise excavation work without
mounds of silt-producing raw earth.
Guzzler air movers and industrial vacuum trucks remove contaminants from stormwater retention ponds and industrial sites.
Contact Federal Signal Environmental Solutions Group today and we will show you why street sweeping, vacuum cleaning, and
vacuum excavation are the best – and most cost-effective – management practices for your construction, post-construction, and
prevention/housekeeping programs.
EPA Clean Water Act Resources
For the EPA’ s introduction to the Clean Water Act visit: http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/cwa/
For the EPA’ s regional offices visit: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/regions.htm
Introduction to EPA Stormwater Regulations
For information on the EPA’s Stormwater Program visit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6
For facts on the EPA’s Stormwater Phase II Rule visit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/swfinal.cfm
In 1977, Congress passed the Clean Water Act to preserve the environmental health of the
nation’s waterways. Originally, the law called for the Environmental Protection Agency to
regulate water pollution at the source. Later amendments regulated pollution from
stormwater runoff so that nothing but rainwater enters the nation’s rivers, lakes, and
estuaries.
EPA has issued two sets of stormwater regulations. Phase I set standards for municipal
separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) serving populations of more than 100,000
construction sites larger than 5 acres, and 10 major industries.
Phase II runoff rules issued in 2000 extended coverage to MS4s in small towns and suburbs
and building sites that disturb between 1 and 5 acres of land.
Phase II rules simplify compliance. They give operators the flexibility to choose among a
variety of best management practices (BMPs) to control stormwater runoff pollutants.
For information on the Stormwater Publication visit: www.stormh20.com
For information from the Center for Watershed Protection visit: http://www.cwp.org/#sweeping
For information from the Pacific Water Resources Inc. visit: http://www.pacificwr.com/
Elgin Sweeper Company is a leading manufacturer of street sweepers for municipal, contractor, airport and industrial sweeping.
Elgin offers mechanical/broom, vacuum, regenerative air sweepers. Sweepers include the latest technologies such as PM-10
compliance, alternative fuel driven, and waterless dust control. p.847.741.5370 www.elginsweeper.com
Vactor Manufacturing is the leading manufacturer of truck mounted combination sewer and catch basin cleaners and jetters for
sewer line maintenance, vacuum excavators for non-destructive digging and specialty products such as glycol recovery vehicles
and surface cleaners. p.815.672.3171 www.vactor.com
Guzzler Manufacturing is a world leader in vacuum solutions for heavy industrial applications. Guzzler products remove wet or
dry material accumulation from remote or inaccessible areas and can clean up and recover and offload valuable raw material
from solids and dry bulk powders to liquids, slurries and thick sludge. 815.672.3171 www.guzzler.com
©2008 Elgin Sweeper Co., Subsidiary of Federal Signal Corp.
Effective 11/08
P/N: 0705186-B
Printed in USA
NewSpread____:NS40436P1
11/7/08
11:21 AM
Page 1
Environmental Solutions
EPA’s Stormwater Phase II regulations are helping America keep our waterways clean. The Federal Signal Environmental
Solutions Group manufactures sweeping and vacuuming equipment that help municipalities implement their Phase II
stormwater goals:
Elgin Sweeper street sweepers remove contaminants before they can enter storm drains. Some sweepers can be equipped
with a catch basin cleaning hose for added versatility.
Vactor Manufacturing combination sewer cleaners and catch basin trucks clean sewer and storm drain lines, catch basins,
vaults and traps. Vactor’s vacuum excavators expose underground utilities or provide precise excavation work without
mounds of silt-producing raw earth.
Guzzler air movers and industrial vacuum trucks remove contaminants from stormwater retention ponds and industrial sites.
Contact Federal Signal Environmental Solutions Group today and we will show you why street sweeping, vacuum cleaning, and
vacuum excavation are the best – and most cost-effective – management practices for your construction, post-construction, and
prevention/housekeeping programs.
EPA Clean Water Act Resources
For the EPA’ s introduction to the Clean Water Act visit: http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/cwa/
For the EPA’ s regional offices visit: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/regions.htm
Introduction to EPA Stormwater Regulations
For information on the EPA’s Stormwater Program visit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6
For facts on the EPA’s Stormwater Phase II Rule visit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/swfinal.cfm
In 1977, Congress passed the Clean Water Act to preserve the environmental health of the
nation’s waterways. Originally, the law called for the Environmental Protection Agency to
regulate water pollution at the source. Later amendments regulated pollution from
stormwater runoff so that nothing but rainwater enters the nation’s rivers, lakes, and
estuaries.
EPA has issued two sets of stormwater regulations. Phase I set standards for municipal
separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) serving populations of more than 100,000
construction sites larger than 5 acres, and 10 major industries.
Phase II runoff rules issued in 2000 extended coverage to MS4s in small towns and suburbs
and building sites that disturb between 1 and 5 acres of land.
Phase II rules simplify compliance. They give operators the flexibility to choose among a
variety of best management practices (BMPs) to control stormwater runoff pollutants.
For information on the Stormwater Publication visit: www.stormh20.com
For information from the Center for Watershed Protection visit: http://www.cwp.org/#sweeping
For information from the Pacific Water Resources Inc. visit: http://www.pacificwr.com/
Elgin Sweeper Company is a leading manufacturer of street sweepers for municipal, contractor, airport and industrial sweeping.
Elgin offers mechanical/broom, vacuum, regenerative air sweepers. Sweepers include the latest technologies such as PM-10
compliance, alternative fuel driven, and waterless dust control. p.847.741.5370 www.elginsweeper.com
Vactor Manufacturing is the leading manufacturer of truck mounted combination sewer and catch basin cleaners and jetters for
sewer line maintenance, vacuum excavators for non-destructive digging and specialty products such as glycol recovery vehicles
and surface cleaners. p.815.672.3171 www.vactor.com
Guzzler Manufacturing is a world leader in vacuum solutions for heavy industrial applications. Guzzler products remove wet or
dry material accumulation from remote or inaccessible areas and can clean up and recover and offload valuable raw material
from solids and dry bulk powders to liquids, slurries and thick sludge. 815.672.3171 www.guzzler.com
©2008 Elgin Sweeper Co., Subsidiary of Federal Signal Corp.
Effective 11/08
P/N: 0705186-B
Printed in USA
NewSpread____:NS40436P1
11/7/08
11:22 AM
Page 2
Post-Construction Runoff Controls
Phase II regulations require permanent structures to manage stormwater runoff after
construction has been completed. These may include rain gardens, retention and detention
ponds, underground vaults, and porous structures. They may range in size from several
square yards to many acres. When properly designed, installed, and maintained, these
structures are very effective.
Pond/vault cleaning. Retention and detention ponds and underground vaults capture siltborne pollutants. They require regular cleaning to keep those pollutants from getting into
local waterways. (EPA will also fine communities that allow pollutants to accumulate.)
Elgin Sweeper, Guzzler®, and Vactor all make powerful vacuum trucks designed to clean
these structures.
Municipalities should ensure that developers build stormwater control structures with
maintenance in mind. They should locate ponds and vaults where vacuum trucks can reach
them, and make sure that vault inspection ports are large enough for vacuum hose access.
Porous structures. Porous structures — loosely packed concrete, asphalt, or interlocking
paver blocks — are used on streets, driveways, and parking lots in many communities.
They reduce runoff by letting water percolate through them and into the ground. This
eliminates the need for catch ponds and sewer systems to control runoff.
EPA Phase II Guidelines
Municipalities and contractors must file Phase II stormwater permits and implement stormwater discharge management controls known as best
management practices (BMPs). Stormwater Phase II describes six critical BMPs:
Public education. Informing the public of ways to reduce
stormwater pollution.
Construction runoff control. Preventing construction site silt
and contaminants from entering the stormwater system.
Public involvement. Involving the community in planning
and reviewing stormwater management programs.
Post-construction control. Designing structures that
minimize stormwater runoff in new construction.
Illicit discharge elimination. Finding and preventing illegal
discharges into storm drain systems.
Pollution prevention/good housekeeping. Creating programs
to minimize stormwater pollution.
Unfortunately, soil and debris eventually clog porous structures. When that happens,
rainwater runs off them. Since there are no ponds or sewers to handle the runoff, the area
quickly floods.
High-powered vacuum sweepers, such as those produced by Elgin Sweeper, loosen
clogged debris with aggressive brooming and vacuum it away. This restores porous
structures to their original function.
Runoff from disturbed soil on construction sites can overwhelm small streams and lakes, damaging aquatic habitats and making it harder to filter drinking water.
EPA requires contractors to prevent runoff from larger excavations. Many local authorities enforce similar rules for all new construction. Builders and local
inspectors have significant flexibility in meeting runoff goals. They may use techniques ranging from silt fencing to sweeping, vacuum excavation, and
final catch basin cleaning.
Worksite sweeping. Sweeping daily or after the passage of a fixed number of trucks removes soil and construction debris before rain carries it into a
drainage system. A sweeper at a typical construction site will pick up 20-25,000 pounds of debris per curb mile. Authorities rarely define the best sweeper
for the job. In most cases, an aggressive broom sweeper is the most cost-effective way to handle the site's heavy debris and tracked out mud.
Mechanical sweepers like Elgin® Sweeper’s Pelican®, Eagle® and Broom Bear® are examples of aggressive broom sweepers ideal for heavy debris.
Vacuum excavation. Vacuum excavation is a new technique for precision excavation or to safely unearth sewer, water, gas, power, telephone, and cable
lines without producing piles of raw earth that turn to silt in a rainstorm.
Excavation usually takes place late in construction to connect buildings with local utilities. Contractors typically explore and expose utility nodes manually,
then use backhoes to dig trenches to the nodes. Backhoes dump raw earth on the surface, where rain and wind can carry it into drains and waterways.
Backhoes can also damage surrounding utility lines.
Vacuum excavation uses high-pressure air or water to loosen soil and a powerful vacuum to suck it into a truck. They are much faster than shovels for
locating utility nodes, and quickly dig precise trenches. With air excavation, after completing the connection, the trench can be backfilled with the loose
soil. This method eliminates earthen piles that lead to pollution and significantly reduces the risk of damaging nearby utility lines.
Vacuum excavation equipment, such as Vactor® Manufacturing’s HXX Prodigy® and HXX HydroExcavator®, are specifically designed for
nondestructive excavation such as slot trenching, potholing, water valve box repair, and locating utility lines.
Sewer vacuuming. Contractors usually install the storm sewer and catch basin system at the start of a project. Unless the jobsite has enforced rigorous
cleaning, silt and construction debris usually plug the system by the end of the project. Municipalities should specify a complete system vacuuming and
cleaning before signing off on the project. Vactor makes several combination sewer cleaners that handle the job cost-effectively.
Mechanical Sweepers. Mechanical sweepers are America’s most popular sweepers. Their rotating brooms excel at picking up large amounts
of varied debris from a wide variety of surfaces. They require very conscientious operation, however, to remove fines and dust (which turn
to silt) as well as the other types of sweepers.
Regenerative Air Sweepers. This type of sweeper uses pressurized air to lift debris into a suction hose and then into the hopper. The unit
removes silt and small particles better than a broom sweeper on flat surfaces that provide a good air seal around the sweeping head. To
sweep the curbside, however, it uses a gutter broom like those on a mechanical sweeper. It is no more effective than a mechanical sweeper
at picking up curbside fines, which mostly reside within 6 inches of the curbside. They are the sweeper of choice for flat surfaces with
limited debris, such as airports, parking lots, and cargo transfer areas.
Pure Vacuum Sweepers. The pure vacuum sweeper uses an impeller (or fan) to create suction and airflow that draws dirt and debris into a
nozzle. The nozzle is located just above the street surface. This system works essentially the same as a home vacuum cleaner, just on a
much larger scale. Pure vacuum sweepers may be the most efficient way to remove fines before their pollutants enter the stormwater
system. Elgin’s pure vacuum sweepers all come with a standard feature that makes them ideal for stormwater pollution control. The
vacuum nozzle extends outside the tire track and follows directly behind the gutter broom. The nozzle immediately vacuums up any debris
dislodged by the gutter broom. This is much more efficient than moving silt to a central broom or pickup head for conveyance to the hopper.
Combination Sweepers. A recent innovation, combination sweepers integrate mechanical brooms with a dry filtered vacuum system that
captures and filters dust generated by the brooms. Like a mechanical sweeper, it can handle varied debris. Unlike a standard sweeper, it does
not use water to wet down curbside fines. Instead, its vacuum efficiently picks up fines as it sweeps. This may be the new standard by
which sweeping effectiveness is measured.
Sweeping targets. Reducing stormwater runoff pollution requires an active street sweeping program. To get the most bang for the buck,
municipalities should target locations that produce the most debris:
High-Density Neighborhoods. Debris accumulates rapidly in neighborhoods with high population densities. In fact, street sweepers will
pick up 10 to 20 times more debris per mile in these neighborhoods.
Places Where Traffic Stops. Litter accumulates where people congregate. This includes downtowns, universities, entertainment districts,
and individual movie theaters, bowling alleys, and restaurants.
Industrial/Warehouse Districts. Debris is often found in commercial areas where trucks and people come and go throughout the
working day.
Street sweeping, vacuum cleaning, and vacuum excavation provide cost-effective ways for communities to meet their Phase II construction,
post-construction, and prevention/housekeeping obligations.
Construction Runoff Control
Equipment/operation. Most sweepers do a good job picking up floaters and sinkers. Silt presents a greater challenge. The right
combination of equipment and operating procedures can go a long way toward removing silt from streets. Municipalities have four
major sweeping equipment options:
Construction sites. Construction sites generate massive amounts of refuse. Sweeping keeps it from entering and clogging storm drains.
Street sweeping and storm drain cleaning can play important roles in preventing stormwater runoff
pollution. In practice, however, these simple techniques are often misapplied. Communities achieve the
most cost-effective results when they chose the right combination of equipment and operating
procedures, target neighborhoods, and models.
Storm drain cleaning. In the past, most storm drain cleaning took place only after a blocked basin
flooded. Those systems have traps and vaults to contain silt. Without regular cleaning, flooding releases
those concentrated pollutants. Elgin Sweeper, Vactor, and Guzzler all manufacture a broad range of
vacuum cleaning equipment that safely remove concentrated pollutants from traps and vaults.
Street sweeping. The average street sweeper can pick up 5-50,000 pounds of debris per hour. Without
sweeping, rain would wash most of this material into the storm drain system. Street debris can be divided
into three classes, each with a different impact on the stormwater system:
Floaters. Floaters include water bottles, coffee cups, and other
nonhazardous debris. While catch basins and waterway nets capture
most floaters, they can block sewage pipes.
Sinkers. Sinkers include heavier debris, like gravel and large
particles, that sink to the bottom of catch basins. They can entrap silt
and plug up catch basins if they are not cleaned periodically.
Silt. Silt consists of fine particles that remain suspended in flowing
water. Although silt represents less than 5% of street debris by
weight, it contains most primary runoff pollutants
Previous studies of stormwater pollution concentrated on silt. Recent studies
are indicating that while silt capture is important, the larger particles (sinkers)
attract molecules of heavy metals and other components. The end result is
that ALL SWEEPING is good, and increased frequency is a key factor.
Stormwater Runoff Models. Since the early 1980s, researchers have tested the impact of sweepers on stormwater pollution. They sought to
quantify sweeper efficiency so that users could plug a single number into a mathematical model (such as WINSLAMM) and predict the overall
effectiveness of a municipal stormwater program.
Most tests measured the effect of sweeping on “end-of-pipe” pollution, and their methodologies raised as many questions as they answered.
This is because researchers could not control all the variables in sweeping miles of streets.
For example, most tests did not take into account sweeper type, operating mode, and state of repair; frequency of sweeping and proximity to
curbside; amount of debris and rainfall; and changes in test area activity. Tests often relied on sensors with significant limitations. Not
surprisingly, the statistical confidence in this type of test is low.
Many of these tests report that sweeping has little impact on stormwater pollution. On the other hand, communities that sweep regularly haul
away tons of debris that would otherwise enter their stormwater drainage systems. Some researchers believe that these pilot tests do not
measure all the sediment and other pollutants washed off the streets by storm water.
Over the past 25 years, Pacific Water Resources, Inc. (PWR), of Beaverton, Ore., has developed a model that addresses this
contradiction. Its Simplified Particulate Transport Model (SIMPTM) simulates sweeping effectiveness. The model relies
on data from sweeping performance tests that control for variables that frequently undermine other pilot tests.
SIMPTM’s unique sediment accumulation and transport methodology considers the full range of particulates
transported by runoff. As a result, it often yields very different results than models like WINSLAMM. In
fact, when SIMPTM factors in costs, it often finds that sweeping is more cost-effective at removing
pollution than traditional structural stormwater BMPs. Many communities have used SIMPTM
to develop a cost-effective, EPA approved sweeping solution for stormwater control.
Municipalities that want to measure the effectiveness of their sweeping program
should enlist the services of a sweeping professional. He or she can help identify
critical variables and develop a cost-effected program suited to your
locality’s specific needs.
NewSpread____:NS40436P1
11/7/08
11:22 AM
Page 2
Post-Construction Runoff Controls
Phase II regulations require permanent structures to manage stormwater runoff after
construction has been completed. These may include rain gardens, retention and detention
ponds, underground vaults, and porous structures. They may range in size from several
square yards to many acres. When properly designed, installed, and maintained, these
structures are very effective.
Pond/vault cleaning. Retention and detention ponds and underground vaults capture siltborne pollutants. They require regular cleaning to keep those pollutants from getting into
local waterways. (EPA will also fine communities that allow pollutants to accumulate.)
Elgin Sweeper, Guzzler®, and Vactor all make powerful vacuum trucks designed to clean
these structures.
Municipalities should ensure that developers build stormwater control structures with
maintenance in mind. They should locate ponds and vaults where vacuum trucks can reach
them, and make sure that vault inspection ports are large enough for vacuum hose access.
Porous structures. Porous structures — loosely packed concrete, asphalt, or interlocking
paver blocks — are used on streets, driveways, and parking lots in many communities.
They reduce runoff by letting water percolate through them and into the ground. This
eliminates the need for catch ponds and sewer systems to control runoff.
EPA Phase II Guidelines
Municipalities and contractors must file Phase II stormwater permits and implement stormwater discharge management controls known as best
management practices (BMPs). Stormwater Phase II describes six critical BMPs:
Public education. Informing the public of ways to reduce
stormwater pollution.
Construction runoff control. Preventing construction site silt
and contaminants from entering the stormwater system.
Public involvement. Involving the community in planning
and reviewing stormwater management programs.
Post-construction control. Designing structures that
minimize stormwater runoff in new construction.
Illicit discharge elimination. Finding and preventing illegal
discharges into storm drain systems.
Pollution prevention/good housekeeping. Creating programs
to minimize stormwater pollution.
Unfortunately, soil and debris eventually clog porous structures. When that happens,
rainwater runs off them. Since there are no ponds or sewers to handle the runoff, the area
quickly floods.
High-powered vacuum sweepers, such as those produced by Elgin Sweeper, loosen
clogged debris with aggressive brooming and vacuum it away. This restores porous
structures to their original function.
Runoff from disturbed soil on construction sites can overwhelm small streams and lakes, damaging aquatic habitats and making it harder to filter drinking water.
EPA requires contractors to prevent runoff from larger excavations. Many local authorities enforce similar rules for all new construction. Builders and local
inspectors have significant flexibility in meeting runoff goals. They may use techniques ranging from silt fencing to sweeping, vacuum excavation, and
final catch basin cleaning.
Worksite sweeping. Sweeping daily or after the passage of a fixed number of trucks removes soil and construction debris before rain carries it into a
drainage system. A sweeper at a typical construction site will pick up 20-25,000 pounds of debris per curb mile. Authorities rarely define the best sweeper
for the job. In most cases, an aggressive broom sweeper is the most cost-effective way to handle the site's heavy debris and tracked out mud.
Mechanical sweepers like Elgin® Sweeper’s Pelican®, Eagle® and Broom Bear® are examples of aggressive broom sweepers ideal for heavy debris.
Vacuum excavation. Vacuum excavation is a new technique for precision excavation or to safely unearth sewer, water, gas, power, telephone, and cable
lines without producing piles of raw earth that turn to silt in a rainstorm.
Excavation usually takes place late in construction to connect buildings with local utilities. Contractors typically explore and expose utility nodes manually,
then use backhoes to dig trenches to the nodes. Backhoes dump raw earth on the surface, where rain and wind can carry it into drains and waterways.
Backhoes can also damage surrounding utility lines.
Vacuum excavation uses high-pressure air or water to loosen soil and a powerful vacuum to suck it into a truck. They are much faster than shovels for
locating utility nodes, and quickly dig precise trenches. With air excavation, after completing the connection, the trench can be backfilled with the loose
soil. This method eliminates earthen piles that lead to pollution and significantly reduces the risk of damaging nearby utility lines.
Vacuum excavation equipment, such as Vactor® Manufacturing’s HXX Prodigy® and HXX HydroExcavator®, are specifically designed for
nondestructive excavation such as slot trenching, potholing, water valve box repair, and locating utility lines.
Sewer vacuuming. Contractors usually install the storm sewer and catch basin system at the start of a project. Unless the jobsite has enforced rigorous
cleaning, silt and construction debris usually plug the system by the end of the project. Municipalities should specify a complete system vacuuming and
cleaning before signing off on the project. Vactor makes several combination sewer cleaners that handle the job cost-effectively.
Mechanical Sweepers. Mechanical sweepers are America’s most popular sweepers. Their rotating brooms excel at picking up large amounts
of varied debris from a wide variety of surfaces. They require very conscientious operation, however, to remove fines and dust (which turn
to silt) as well as the other types of sweepers.
Regenerative Air Sweepers. This type of sweeper uses pressurized air to lift debris into a suction hose and then into the hopper. The unit
removes silt and small particles better than a broom sweeper on flat surfaces that provide a good air seal around the sweeping head. To
sweep the curbside, however, it uses a gutter broom like those on a mechanical sweeper. It is no more effective than a mechanical sweeper
at picking up curbside fines, which mostly reside within 6 inches of the curbside. They are the sweeper of choice for flat surfaces with
limited debris, such as airports, parking lots, and cargo transfer areas.
Pure Vacuum Sweepers. The pure vacuum sweeper uses an impeller (or fan) to create suction and airflow that draws dirt and debris into a
nozzle. The nozzle is located just above the street surface. This system works essentially the same as a home vacuum cleaner, just on a
much larger scale. Pure vacuum sweepers may be the most efficient way to remove fines before their pollutants enter the stormwater
system. Elgin’s pure vacuum sweepers all come with a standard feature that makes them ideal for stormwater pollution control. The
vacuum nozzle extends outside the tire track and follows directly behind the gutter broom. The nozzle immediately vacuums up any debris
dislodged by the gutter broom. This is much more efficient than moving silt to a central broom or pickup head for conveyance to the hopper.
Combination Sweepers. A recent innovation, combination sweepers integrate mechanical brooms with a dry filtered vacuum system that
captures and filters dust generated by the brooms. Like a mechanical sweeper, it can handle varied debris. Unlike a standard sweeper, it does
not use water to wet down curbside fines. Instead, its vacuum efficiently picks up fines as it sweeps. This may be the new standard by
which sweeping effectiveness is measured.
Sweeping targets. Reducing stormwater runoff pollution requires an active street sweeping program. To get the most bang for the buck,
municipalities should target locations that produce the most debris:
High-Density Neighborhoods. Debris accumulates rapidly in neighborhoods with high population densities. In fact, street sweepers will
pick up 10 to 20 times more debris per mile in these neighborhoods.
Places Where Traffic Stops. Litter accumulates where people congregate. This includes downtowns, universities, entertainment districts,
and individual movie theaters, bowling alleys, and restaurants.
Industrial/Warehouse Districts. Debris is often found in commercial areas where trucks and people come and go throughout the
working day.
Street sweeping, vacuum cleaning, and vacuum excavation provide cost-effective ways for communities to meet their Phase II construction,
post-construction, and prevention/housekeeping obligations.
Construction Runoff Control
Equipment/operation. Most sweepers do a good job picking up floaters and sinkers. Silt presents a greater challenge. The right
combination of equipment and operating procedures can go a long way toward removing silt from streets. Municipalities have four
major sweeping equipment options:
Construction sites. Construction sites generate massive amounts of refuse. Sweeping keeps it from entering and clogging storm drains.
Street sweeping and storm drain cleaning can play important roles in preventing stormwater runoff
pollution. In practice, however, these simple techniques are often misapplied. Communities achieve the
most cost-effective results when they chose the right combination of equipment and operating
procedures, target neighborhoods, and models.
Storm drain cleaning. In the past, most storm drain cleaning took place only after a blocked basin
flooded. Those systems have traps and vaults to contain silt. Without regular cleaning, flooding releases
those concentrated pollutants. Elgin Sweeper, Vactor, and Guzzler all manufacture a broad range of
vacuum cleaning equipment that safely remove concentrated pollutants from traps and vaults.
Street sweeping. The average street sweeper can pick up 5-50,000 pounds of debris per hour. Without
sweeping, rain would wash most of this material into the storm drain system. Street debris can be divided
into three classes, each with a different impact on the stormwater system:
Floaters. Floaters include water bottles, coffee cups, and other
nonhazardous debris. While catch basins and waterway nets capture
most floaters, they can block sewage pipes.
Sinkers. Sinkers include heavier debris, like gravel and large
particles, that sink to the bottom of catch basins. They can entrap silt
and plug up catch basins if they are not cleaned periodically.
Silt. Silt consists of fine particles that remain suspended in flowing
water. Although silt represents less than 5% of street debris by
weight, it contains most primary runoff pollutants
Previous studies of stormwater pollution concentrated on silt. Recent studies
are indicating that while silt capture is important, the larger particles (sinkers)
attract molecules of heavy metals and other components. The end result is
that ALL SWEEPING is good, and increased frequency is a key factor.
Stormwater Runoff Models. Since the early 1980s, researchers have tested the impact of sweepers on stormwater pollution. They sought to
quantify sweeper efficiency so that users could plug a single number into a mathematical model (such as WINSLAMM) and predict the overall
effectiveness of a municipal stormwater program.
Most tests measured the effect of sweeping on “end-of-pipe” pollution, and their methodologies raised as many questions as they answered.
This is because researchers could not control all the variables in sweeping miles of streets.
For example, most tests did not take into account sweeper type, operating mode, and state of repair; frequency of sweeping and proximity to
curbside; amount of debris and rainfall; and changes in test area activity. Tests often relied on sensors with significant limitations. Not
surprisingly, the statistical confidence in this type of test is low.
Many of these tests report that sweeping has little impact on stormwater pollution. On the other hand, communities that sweep regularly haul
away tons of debris that would otherwise enter their stormwater drainage systems. Some researchers believe that these pilot tests do not
measure all the sediment and other pollutants washed off the streets by storm water.
Over the past 25 years, Pacific Water Resources, Inc. (PWR), of Beaverton, Ore., has developed a model that addresses this
contradiction. Its Simplified Particulate Transport Model (SIMPTM) simulates sweeping effectiveness. The model relies
on data from sweeping performance tests that control for variables that frequently undermine other pilot tests.
SIMPTM’s unique sediment accumulation and transport methodology considers the full range of particulates
transported by runoff. As a result, it often yields very different results than models like WINSLAMM. In
fact, when SIMPTM factors in costs, it often finds that sweeping is more cost-effective at removing
pollution than traditional structural stormwater BMPs. Many communities have used SIMPTM
to develop a cost-effective, EPA approved sweeping solution for stormwater control.
Municipalities that want to measure the effectiveness of their sweeping program
should enlist the services of a sweeping professional. He or she can help identify
critical variables and develop a cost-effected program suited to your
locality’s specific needs.
NewSpread____:NS40436P1
11/7/08
11:22 AM
Page 2
Post-Construction Runoff Controls
Phase II regulations require permanent structures to manage stormwater runoff after
construction has been completed. These may include rain gardens, retention and detention
ponds, underground vaults, and porous structures. They may range in size from several
square yards to many acres. When properly designed, installed, and maintained, these
structures are very effective.
Pond/vault cleaning. Retention and detention ponds and underground vaults capture siltborne pollutants. They require regular cleaning to keep those pollutants from getting into
local waterways. (EPA will also fine communities that allow pollutants to accumulate.)
Elgin Sweeper, Guzzler®, and Vactor all make powerful vacuum trucks designed to clean
these structures.
Municipalities should ensure that developers build stormwater control structures with
maintenance in mind. They should locate ponds and vaults where vacuum trucks can reach
them, and make sure that vault inspection ports are large enough for vacuum hose access.
Porous structures. Porous structures — loosely packed concrete, asphalt, or interlocking
paver blocks — are used on streets, driveways, and parking lots in many communities.
They reduce runoff by letting water percolate through them and into the ground. This
eliminates the need for catch ponds and sewer systems to control runoff.
EPA Phase II Guidelines
Municipalities and contractors must file Phase II stormwater permits and implement stormwater discharge management controls known as best
management practices (BMPs). Stormwater Phase II describes six critical BMPs:
Public education. Informing the public of ways to reduce
stormwater pollution.
Construction runoff control. Preventing construction site silt
and contaminants from entering the stormwater system.
Public involvement. Involving the community in planning
and reviewing stormwater management programs.
Post-construction control. Designing structures that
minimize stormwater runoff in new construction.
Illicit discharge elimination. Finding and preventing illegal
discharges into storm drain systems.
Pollution prevention/good housekeeping. Creating programs
to minimize stormwater pollution.
Unfortunately, soil and debris eventually clog porous structures. When that happens,
rainwater runs off them. Since there are no ponds or sewers to handle the runoff, the area
quickly floods.
High-powered vacuum sweepers, such as those produced by Elgin Sweeper, loosen
clogged debris with aggressive brooming and vacuum it away. This restores porous
structures to their original function.
Runoff from disturbed soil on construction sites can overwhelm small streams and lakes, damaging aquatic habitats and making it harder to filter drinking water.
EPA requires contractors to prevent runoff from larger excavations. Many local authorities enforce similar rules for all new construction. Builders and local
inspectors have significant flexibility in meeting runoff goals. They may use techniques ranging from silt fencing to sweeping, vacuum excavation, and
final catch basin cleaning.
Worksite sweeping. Sweeping daily or after the passage of a fixed number of trucks removes soil and construction debris before rain carries it into a
drainage system. A sweeper at a typical construction site will pick up 20-25,000 pounds of debris per curb mile. Authorities rarely define the best sweeper
for the job. In most cases, an aggressive broom sweeper is the most cost-effective way to handle the site's heavy debris and tracked out mud.
Mechanical sweepers like Elgin® Sweeper’s Pelican®, Eagle® and Broom Bear® are examples of aggressive broom sweepers ideal for heavy debris.
Vacuum excavation. Vacuum excavation is a new technique for precision excavation or to safely unearth sewer, water, gas, power, telephone, and cable
lines without producing piles of raw earth that turn to silt in a rainstorm.
Excavation usually takes place late in construction to connect buildings with local utilities. Contractors typically explore and expose utility nodes manually,
then use backhoes to dig trenches to the nodes. Backhoes dump raw earth on the surface, where rain and wind can carry it into drains and waterways.
Backhoes can also damage surrounding utility lines.
Vacuum excavation uses high-pressure air or water to loosen soil and a powerful vacuum to suck it into a truck. They are much faster than shovels for
locating utility nodes, and quickly dig precise trenches. With air excavation, after completing the connection, the trench can be backfilled with the loose
soil. This method eliminates earthen piles that lead to pollution and significantly reduces the risk of damaging nearby utility lines.
Vacuum excavation equipment, such as Vactor® Manufacturing’s HXX Prodigy® and HXX HydroExcavator®, are specifically designed for
nondestructive excavation such as slot trenching, potholing, water valve box repair, and locating utility lines.
Sewer vacuuming. Contractors usually install the storm sewer and catch basin system at the start of a project. Unless the jobsite has enforced rigorous
cleaning, silt and construction debris usually plug the system by the end of the project. Municipalities should specify a complete system vacuuming and
cleaning before signing off on the project. Vactor makes several combination sewer cleaners that handle the job cost-effectively.
Mechanical Sweepers. Mechanical sweepers are America’s most popular sweepers. Their rotating brooms excel at picking up large amounts
of varied debris from a wide variety of surfaces. They require very conscientious operation, however, to remove fines and dust (which turn
to silt) as well as the other types of sweepers.
Regenerative Air Sweepers. This type of sweeper uses pressurized air to lift debris into a suction hose and then into the hopper. The unit
removes silt and small particles better than a broom sweeper on flat surfaces that provide a good air seal around the sweeping head. To
sweep the curbside, however, it uses a gutter broom like those on a mechanical sweeper. It is no more effective than a mechanical sweeper
at picking up curbside fines, which mostly reside within 6 inches of the curbside. They are the sweeper of choice for flat surfaces with
limited debris, such as airports, parking lots, and cargo transfer areas.
Pure Vacuum Sweepers. The pure vacuum sweeper uses an impeller (or fan) to create suction and airflow that draws dirt and debris into a
nozzle. The nozzle is located just above the street surface. This system works essentially the same as a home vacuum cleaner, just on a
much larger scale. Pure vacuum sweepers may be the most efficient way to remove fines before their pollutants enter the stormwater
system. Elgin’s pure vacuum sweepers all come with a standard feature that makes them ideal for stormwater pollution control. The
vacuum nozzle extends outside the tire track and follows directly behind the gutter broom. The nozzle immediately vacuums up any debris
dislodged by the gutter broom. This is much more efficient than moving silt to a central broom or pickup head for conveyance to the hopper.
Combination Sweepers. A recent innovation, combination sweepers integrate mechanical brooms with a dry filtered vacuum system that
captures and filters dust generated by the brooms. Like a mechanical sweeper, it can handle varied debris. Unlike a standard sweeper, it does
not use water to wet down curbside fines. Instead, its vacuum efficiently picks up fines as it sweeps. This may be the new standard by
which sweeping effectiveness is measured.
Sweeping targets. Reducing stormwater runoff pollution requires an active street sweeping program. To get the most bang for the buck,
municipalities should target locations that produce the most debris:
High-Density Neighborhoods. Debris accumulates rapidly in neighborhoods with high population densities. In fact, street sweepers will
pick up 10 to 20 times more debris per mile in these neighborhoods.
Places Where Traffic Stops. Litter accumulates where people congregate. This includes downtowns, universities, entertainment districts,
and individual movie theaters, bowling alleys, and restaurants.
Industrial/Warehouse Districts. Debris is often found in commercial areas where trucks and people come and go throughout the
working day.
Street sweeping, vacuum cleaning, and vacuum excavation provide cost-effective ways for communities to meet their Phase II construction,
post-construction, and prevention/housekeeping obligations.
Construction Runoff Control
Equipment/operation. Most sweepers do a good job picking up floaters and sinkers. Silt presents a greater challenge. The right
combination of equipment and operating procedures can go a long way toward removing silt from streets. Municipalities have four
major sweeping equipment options:
Construction sites. Construction sites generate massive amounts of refuse. Sweeping keeps it from entering and clogging storm drains.
Street sweeping and storm drain cleaning can play important roles in preventing stormwater runoff
pollution. In practice, however, these simple techniques are often misapplied. Communities achieve the
most cost-effective results when they chose the right combination of equipment and operating
procedures, target neighborhoods, and models.
Storm drain cleaning. In the past, most storm drain cleaning took place only after a blocked basin
flooded. Those systems have traps and vaults to contain silt. Without regular cleaning, flooding releases
those concentrated pollutants. Elgin Sweeper, Vactor, and Guzzler all manufacture a broad range of
vacuum cleaning equipment that safely remove concentrated pollutants from traps and vaults.
Street sweeping. The average street sweeper can pick up 5-50,000 pounds of debris per hour. Without
sweeping, rain would wash most of this material into the storm drain system. Street debris can be divided
into three classes, each with a different impact on the stormwater system:
Floaters. Floaters include water bottles, coffee cups, and other
nonhazardous debris. While catch basins and waterway nets capture
most floaters, they can block sewage pipes.
Sinkers. Sinkers include heavier debris, like gravel and large
particles, that sink to the bottom of catch basins. They can entrap silt
and plug up catch basins if they are not cleaned periodically.
Silt. Silt consists of fine particles that remain suspended in flowing
water. Although silt represents less than 5% of street debris by
weight, it contains most primary runoff pollutants
Previous studies of stormwater pollution concentrated on silt. Recent studies
are indicating that while silt capture is important, the larger particles (sinkers)
attract molecules of heavy metals and other components. The end result is
that ALL SWEEPING is good, and increased frequency is a key factor.
Stormwater Runoff Models. Since the early 1980s, researchers have tested the impact of sweepers on stormwater pollution. They sought to
quantify sweeper efficiency so that users could plug a single number into a mathematical model (such as WINSLAMM) and predict the overall
effectiveness of a municipal stormwater program.
Most tests measured the effect of sweeping on “end-of-pipe” pollution, and their methodologies raised as many questions as they answered.
This is because researchers could not control all the variables in sweeping miles of streets.
For example, most tests did not take into account sweeper type, operating mode, and state of repair; frequency of sweeping and proximity to
curbside; amount of debris and rainfall; and changes in test area activity. Tests often relied on sensors with significant limitations. Not
surprisingly, the statistical confidence in this type of test is low.
Many of these tests report that sweeping has little impact on stormwater pollution. On the other hand, communities that sweep regularly haul
away tons of debris that would otherwise enter their stormwater drainage systems. Some researchers believe that these pilot tests do not
measure all the sediment and other pollutants washed off the streets by storm water.
Over the past 25 years, Pacific Water Resources, Inc. (PWR), of Beaverton, Ore., has developed a model that addresses this
contradiction. Its Simplified Particulate Transport Model (SIMPTM) simulates sweeping effectiveness. The model relies
on data from sweeping performance tests that control for variables that frequently undermine other pilot tests.
SIMPTM’s unique sediment accumulation and transport methodology considers the full range of particulates
transported by runoff. As a result, it often yields very different results than models like WINSLAMM. In
fact, when SIMPTM factors in costs, it often finds that sweeping is more cost-effective at removing
pollution than traditional structural stormwater BMPs. Many communities have used SIMPTM
to develop a cost-effective, EPA approved sweeping solution for stormwater control.
Municipalities that want to measure the effectiveness of their sweeping program
should enlist the services of a sweeping professional. He or she can help identify
critical variables and develop a cost-effected program suited to your
locality’s specific needs.
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Environmental Solutions
EPA’s Stormwater Phase II regulations are helping America keep our waterways clean. The Federal Signal Environmental
Solutions Group manufactures sweeping and vacuuming equipment that help municipalities implement their Phase II
stormwater goals:
Elgin Sweeper street sweepers remove contaminants before they can enter storm drains. Some sweepers can be equipped
with a catch basin cleaning hose for added versatility.
Vactor Manufacturing combination sewer cleaners and catch basin trucks clean sewer and storm drain lines, catch basins,
vaults and traps. Vactor’s vacuum excavators expose underground utilities or provide precise excavation work without
mounds of silt-producing raw earth.
Guzzler air movers and industrial vacuum trucks remove contaminants from stormwater retention ponds and industrial sites.
Contact Federal Signal Environmental Solutions Group today and we will show you why street sweeping, vacuum cleaning, and
vacuum excavation are the best – and most cost-effective – management practices for your construction, post-construction, and
prevention/housekeeping programs.
EPA Clean Water Act Resources
For the EPA’ s introduction to the Clean Water Act visit: http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/cwa/
For the EPA’ s regional offices visit: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/regions.htm
Introduction to EPA Stormwater Regulations
For information on the EPA’s Stormwater Program visit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6
For facts on the EPA’s Stormwater Phase II Rule visit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/swfinal.cfm
In 1977, Congress passed the Clean Water Act to preserve the environmental health of the
nation’s waterways. Originally, the law called for the Environmental Protection Agency to
regulate water pollution at the source. Later amendments regulated pollution from
stormwater runoff so that nothing but rainwater enters the nation’s rivers, lakes, and
estuaries.
EPA has issued two sets of stormwater regulations. Phase I set standards for municipal
separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) serving populations of more than 100,000
construction sites larger than 5 acres, and 10 major industries.
Phase II runoff rules issued in 2000 extended coverage to MS4s in small towns and suburbs
and building sites that disturb between 1 and 5 acres of land.
Phase II rules simplify compliance. They give operators the flexibility to choose among a
variety of best management practices (BMPs) to control stormwater runoff pollutants.
For information on the Stormwater Publication visit: www.stormh20.com
For information from the Center for Watershed Protection visit: http://www.cwp.org/#sweeping
For information from the Pacific Water Resources Inc. visit: http://www.pacificwr.com/
Elgin Sweeper Company is a leading manufacturer of street sweepers for municipal, contractor, airport and industrial sweeping.
Elgin offers mechanical/broom, vacuum, regenerative air sweepers. Sweepers include the latest technologies such as PM-10
compliance, alternative fuel driven, and waterless dust control. p.847.741.5370 www.elginsweeper.com
Vactor Manufacturing is the leading manufacturer of truck mounted combination sewer and catch basin cleaners and jetters for
sewer line maintenance, vacuum excavators for non-destructive digging and specialty products such as glycol recovery vehicles
and surface cleaners. p.815.672.3171 www.vactor.com
Guzzler Manufacturing is a world leader in vacuum solutions for heavy industrial applications. Guzzler products remove wet or
dry material accumulation from remote or inaccessible areas and can clean up and recover and offload valuable raw material
from solids and dry bulk powders to liquids, slurries and thick sludge. 815.672.3171 www.guzzler.com
©2008 Elgin Sweeper Co., Subsidiary of Federal Signal Corp.
Effective 11/08
P/N: 0705186-B
Printed in USA