Estimate of urban stormwater pollutant loading from satellite imagery

Many drainage basins adjacent to Sweetwater Reservoir in Southern California are rapidly urbanizing, which causes significant stormwater runoff pollution to the receiving water. Current efforts focusing on urban runoff are being made using a diversion system to prevent the first flush from contaminating the reservoir. In order to design an effective diversion system, estimates of stormwater pollutant loading are essential. In this research, we used satellite imagery to estimate stormwater pollutant loading based on our new classification system customized for stormwater pollution. In this classification system, selected stormwater quality parameters (TSS, COD, BOD5, TKN, and TP) were classified into low, medium and high loads. The main goals of this study were to identify and visualize high pollutant loading areas and to assess the impact of each loading class. Our results would be useful for designing the diversion system and to develop best management practices for urban stormwater pollution.