Permeable pavements gain interest in North America

North Americans are more aware than ever of the crucial need to review our traditional ways of handling stormwater. We need to better protect the environment, our infrastructures and our own properties. Techo-Bloc has been a pioneer and strong advocate of permeable pavements for over 10 years, and we are proud to see that segmental permeable pavements (using pavers and slabs) are now becoming part of legislation.

For example, many states and cities such as California, Connecticut and Minnesota encourage sustainable water management and have already begun enforcing by-laws that require segmental permeable pavements. Additionally, Ellicott City in Maryland had flooding and pollution issues, which they solved by implementing rain gardens, permeable pavers and bio-retention cells. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, an individual will receive a discount on their stormwater fee by installing a stormwater management system.

In Canada, provinces such as Ontario and Prince Edward Island give federal funding dollars to sustainable projects. For example, Prince Edward Island will receive $366 million over the next decade for green infrastructure implementation. More recently, Ottawa has approved a plan to implement a new rainwater management program for its residents. The pilot program, Rain Ready Ottawa, will offer to eligible residents a customized home assessment, as well as rebates of up to $5,000 for the implementation of proven rainwater management practices. Landscaping companies will also benefit from training so they can in turn provide advice and expertise on rainwater management issues to all residents.

Many others are moving quickly to follow these new urban planning practices, which could also result in billions of dollars in cost savings. This has and will continue to affect by-laws for public and residential landscapes in the very near future.