Progress Report

CICEET Progress Report for the period 1/31/03 through 8/01/03

Project Title: Development of a Decision Support System (DSS) for Compliance with the Clean Water Act Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Program
Principal Investigator(s): Thomas P. Ballestero

Accomplishments
Scheduled Tasks:

  1. Complete Technical Information Database
  2. Completion of the Decision Support System
  3. Complete the collection of visual images and descriptions for the encyclopedic portion of the Decision Support System
  4. Test and advertise the Decision Support System

Progress on Tasks

  1. Complete Technical Information Database.
    Due to the nature of new developments, manufacturers, and technology, the collection of product information was an ongoing task throughout the project. This information is the technical, descriptive, and manufacturer information for stormwater treatment systems.
  2. Completion of the Decision Support System.
    Construction of the decision support system was completed
  3. Collection of visual images and descriptions for the encyclopedic portion of the DSS.
    Images were collected and manufacturers were contacted to obtain permission to duplicate copywrite protected material.
  4. Test and advertise the Decision Support System.
    The decision support system software was put through tests by individuals from within the University as well as independent professionals. Currently the DSS has not been processed for general distribution.

Difficulties Encountered
Obtaining permission from manufacturers to duplicate their product information has been an on-going problem. Primarily due to the low priority that manufacturers place on submitting information to us, not due to lack of interest. However, the latest mailing seems to be getting a very good response. This was also followed-up by phone contacts.

Anticipated Success in Meeting Project Objectives in Scheduled Project Period
At this time there are no foreseen difficulties in meeting project deadlines.

Preliminary Data

  1. Complete Technical Information Database.
    The collection of information is ongoing throughout the project. This information is the technical, descriptive, and manufacturer information for stormwater treatment systems.
  2. Completion of the Decision Support System.
    Construction of the decision support system is completed
  3. Collection of visual images and descriptions for the encyclopedic portion of the DSS.
    Permission letters from manufacturers are still arriving from the last mailing.
  4. Test and advertise the Decision Support System.
    Minor errors in the software were found through testing and have been addressed.

Tasks and activities for the next reporting period

Tasks for the next reporting period

  1. Prepare the Decision Support System for distribution.
  2. Advertise and distribute the Decision Support System (CD and websites).
  3. Completion of the final report

Work Plan To Accomplish Tasks

  1. Prepare the Decision Support System for distribution.
    The compiled version of the software will be established with a set-up program for easy windows installation.
  2. Advertise and distribute the Decision Support System.
    The DSS will be made available via the CICEET and Storm Water Technology Evaluation (STEV) web sites (planned for November 2003) and will also be available in hard copy (CD) directly from the STEV .

Concerns or Difficulties
None at this time.

Expenditures
Expenditures are on track with those anticipated in the proposal.