US Patent 7160444 System for removing contaminants from storm water

A system for treating storm water in situ within a storm water drainage system includes a process chamber and treatment material that is contained within the process chamber. Preferably, the treatment material is a material that is effective in removing heavy metals from storm water, such as zeolite. A first passageway is provided for admitting storm water from the storm water drainage system into the process chamber. A second passageway is provided for returning storm water from the process chamber back to the storm water drainage system. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting conventional storm water drainage systems so as to render them capable of effectively removing heavy metals from storm water passing therethrough.