Flow Monitoring Structure Design for Measurement of Surface Runoff

摘要

Accurate measurement of surface runoff is essential to assess the hydrologic and ecological performance of a reclaimed area. South Hills is a reclaimed Oilsands area North of Fort McMurray, Alberta. Extensive monitoring and research is conducted at South Hills, including measurement of surface runoff at various locations throughout the area. The majority of the annual surface runoff from the area occurs during snow-melt periods. The diurnal freeze-thaw cycle during this time of year creates ice-related issues within the flow monitoring structures and results in the need for frequent maintenance to ensure accurate flow data is collected. A study was conducted to review the existing structures and their performance. Based on the study, design modifications for one of the flow monitoring structures were developed. The modifications to the structure were implemented during the fall and winter of 2010. The modified flow monitoring structure performed very well during the 2011 snow-melt period. No operational issues were associated with the modified structure; however the unmodified structures continued to require frequent maintenance due to ice-related issues. The paper presents the design and performance of the modified structure and general best-practices for design of such structures for measuring surface runoff. Similar flow monitoring structures could be installed at other locations, particularly in cold climates, to accurately measure surface runoff without the need for extensive maintenance.