Urban stormwater management presents unique challenges, especially in highly developed areas where space for traditional biofiltration systems is limited. Convergent Water Technologies sought to address this problem with their FocalPoint High Performance Modular Biofiltration System (HPMBS), a scalable solution designed to deliver robust sediment removal in a compact footprint. To verify the effectiveness of this innovative system, Verdantas (formerly Alden Research Laboratory) conducted comprehensive certification testing in accordance with the rigorous New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Laboratory Protocol to Assess Total Suspended Solids Removal by a Filtration Manufactured Treatment Device (2013).

The testing process involved assembling the HPMBS in Verdantas’s state-of-the-art Stormwater Testing Facility, simulating real-world installation conditions. The system was challenged with controlled flows and silica-based sediment, precisely blended to match NJDEP’s particle size distribution requirements. Over the course of 25 test runs at a normalized treatment flow of 1.6 gpm/ft², the HPMBS consistently demonstrated exceptional performance. The cumulative sediment removal efficiency reached 95.0%, well above the protocol’s minimum threshold, with a total of 75.87 lbs of sediment introduced and 72.02 lbs captured. Notably, the system maintained high removal rates even as mass loading increased, and the modular design allowed for easy adaptation to various site constraints.

Verdantas’ testing also evaluated maintenance needs and filter blinding, confirming that the HPMBS could operate effectively over extended periods without significant loss of efficiency or risk of occlusion. The robust instrumentation and data acquisition protocols ensured accurate measurement of flow, sediment concentration, and system hydraulics, providing reliable results for regulatory review and client confidence.

This project highlights the successful collaboration between Convergent Water Technologies and Verdantas, leveraging advanced engineering and laboratory expertise to deliver a verified, high-performance stormwater treatment solution for urban environments. The results not only meet but exceed regulatory standards, offering municipalities, developers, and engineers a proven option for sustainable stormwater management where space and reliability are paramount.