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.
What are permeable pavers?
Permeable pavers mimic the natural process that occurs on the ground’s surface. The role of a segmental permeable pavement system is to allow water to pass through the paving stones joints and seep into the ground naturally, or to be retained in the base/subbase structure rather than turning into runoff headed directly into the sewer system. It also filters out suspended solids and pollutants such as contaminants from vehicles, de-icing salt and chemical products, keeping them from polluting the water stream.
Permeable pavement has many applications, for instance:
- Residential roads and driveways
- Sidewalks
- Parking lots
- Low-water bridges
- Patios
- Walls (including load- bearing walls)
- Swimming pool decks
Permeability Simplified
Designed with larger joint space to allow storm water to percolate through.
Filters out contaminants & debris from the rainwater.
Transition layer that further filters out pollutants.
Reservoir layer for rainwater harvesting & the evacuation of excess water through a drain pipe.
Designed with larger joint space to allow storm water to percolate through.
Filters out contaminants & debris from the rainwater.
Transition layer that further filters out pollutants.
Reservoir layer for rainwater harvesting & the evacuation of excess water through a drain pipe.
In addition, permeable paving provides the following benefits to homeowners and the community:
Environmental benefits
- Reduction of surface runoff.
- Trapping of suspended solids, which filters pollutants from stormwater.
- Recharge of the groundwater table.
- Reduction of erosion and flooding risks associated with high runoff volumes.
- Absorption of less heat than asphalt in the summer because of its lighter colors, thus cooling and humidifying the ambient air.Financial benefits
- Reduces wastewater treatment costs.
- Reduces the construction of infrastructure to collect and manage stormwater, such as retention basins.
- Simplified and accelerated installation by the use of clean stone, which does not require compaction.
- No movement of the paving stones even during a change of season, if the installation is done correctly.
- Increases the value of a home.
- Lasts longer than asphalt.
- Less ice formation and puddling since the water does not accumulate on the surface.With permeable pavement, you can forget about flooding, puddles and other problems that can arise from surface water accumulation. You’ll also reduce the chance of slipping and its associated injuries, as well as the amount of de-icing salt required throughout the winter. Added bonus: Our permeable pavers are as elegant as they are eco-friendly, and you’ll be sure to comply with your local legislation! Isn't peace of mind wonderful?
Permeable pavement:
The future of urban planning
Permeable Pavers Toolbox
In order for landscape supply centers to address homeowners’ growing concerns and changing by-laws, we’ve created our permeable paver toolbox for you to consult. It will help you be aware of permeable pavement options and learn more about their installation.
Permeable pavement is recognized worldwide as a solution and best management practice for stormwater management. Learn why it works and how Techo-Bloc can help.
A compilation of our videos on the topic of permeable pavement construction.
Construction details for segmental permeable pavement construction.
Options
