Underwater storage of combined sewer overflows

Two 100,000 gallon collapsible tanks were anchored under water in Lake Erie to demonstrate, on a pilot scale, the feasibility of storing combined sewer storm overflow in underwater flexible tanks. Site selection, model testing, system design, construction, and one year's operation were included in the investigation. During the year's operation, 988,000 gallons of storm overflow were contained and returned to the treatment plant for treatment. Construction, operation, and maintenance costs are discussed. It was determined that for larger installations, modular systems of 250,000 to 500,000 gallon basic unit tanks should be employed, with site characteristics determining both the overall feasibility of the system, and the optimum tank size should such a system be feasible. Life expectancy for tank materials can only be determined in full scale operation in the actual environment.