Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources NR 218.05

Current through October 28, 2024

Section NR 218.05 - Methods for measuring flow

(1) For process waste and for municipal waste at a treatment works, including any bypass, methods of flow measurement shall include continuous recording devices, preferably with integrating capabilities, and shall be one of the following:

(a) A magnetic flow meter installed in a section of pipe which is full at all rates of flow,

(b) A Parshall type flume installed in accordance with accepted design practices,

(c) A venturi meter,

(d) A sharp edged horizontal crest weir, either straight or with end contractions, installed in accordance with accepted design practices,

(e) A "V" notch weir installed in accordance with accepted design practices,

(f) Any other method approved by the department for any specific case in response to a written request for approval filed after the effective date of this chapter.

(2) For municipal wastes which are overflow or bypass flows from sewerage systems other than at a treatment works, reasonable estimates of rate of flow and duration are acceptable for short term discharges such as those caused by storm water. The department may require installation of a temporary flume or weir where the discharge is continual pending elimination by corrective construction.

(3) For noncontact cooling waters:

(a) Having a daily heat content above intake equal to or greater than one billion btu, flows are to be measured by;

1. Any of the methods specified in sub. (1),

2. Intake water meter readings where the intake, or a specific portion of it, is used for cooling,

3. Readings of a water meter on the discharge, or

4. Computation from the operating period of one or more calibrated pumps handling the flow;

(b) Having a daily heat content above intake of less than one billion btu, flows are to be measured by;

1. Any of the methods specified in par. (a), or

2. Calculations from the velocity and cross section of the discharge.

(4) Cooling water flows are to be measured using any of the methods specified in sub. (3) (a).

(5) Contaminated storm water flows may be estimated from the duration and head above the crest of an installed weir. Calibration of such weirs is not necessary.

(6) Storm water flows do not require flow measurement.

Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources NR 218.05

Cr. Register, June, 1976, No. 246, eff. 7-1-76.