Silt and debris filtering system for storm drains

Abstract

An apparatus for removing debris from water passing through a storm drain comprises a frame adapted to be positioned underneath a storm grate for receiving the water, the frame having a bottom side and major and minor sidewalls, the major sidewalls having openings therein for allowing water to pass; and a filter removably insertable along at least a portion of the major sidewalls for filtering debris from the water.

1 . An apparatus for removing debris from water passing through a storm drain, comprising: 
 a frame adapted to be positioned underneath a storm grate for receiving said water, the frame having a bottom side and major and minor sidewalls, the major sidewalls having openings therein for allowing water to pass; and    a filter removably insertable along at least a portion of the major sidewalls for filtering debris from said water.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said bottom side is solid and includes a central ridge along the longitudinal axis of the frame such that the bottom side is pitched downwardly from the central ridge toward the major sidewalls.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising channels along said major sidewalls for retaining said filter within said frame.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said frame has a rectangular shape.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said filter comprises a mesh screen.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said filter comprises a filter for collecting petroleum hydrocarbons.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said filter comprises a mesh screen in combination with a filter unit for collecting petroleum hydrocarbons.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a support structure for coupling a portion of the frame to a wall of the storm drain.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the minor sidewalls are solid.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the major sidewalls have grated openings.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the grated openings of said major sidewalls vary in size and shape.