Why Pave Green?

With the increase in urban development, also comes an increase in pollution to our environment. Standard paving materials (such as concrete and asphalt) are highly impervious and produce high rates of stormwater runoff. And as rainfall flows off these surfaces, it picks up accumulated contaminants and drains it directly to roadways, gutters and storm drains — and from there into ponds, rivers and lakes. But because permeable paving systems allow water to rapidly pass through wider joints and filter through a deeper base of aggregate, contaminants are contained and excess water is absorbed into the subgrade below the surface. Taking with it harmful pollutants such as chemicals, fertilizers, sediments and oils, and naturally filtering it as it runs into the ground.

Federal regulations have been put in place under the Clean Water Act targeted toward reducing these non-point sources of pollution that can potentially damage local water quality and harm aquatic life in streams that flow through urban areas. Typically, compliance means using retention ponds and other methods of stormwater management that are costly and take up valuable land space. The advantages of permeable paving make it a superior solution not only for the environment, but for business growth as well.

ECO-FRIENDLY PAVING HAS ITS ADVANTAGES

Just like conventional paving systems, permeable pavers create a strong, durable surface capable of carrying heavy loads. But, they also allow water to pass through the surface and leach into the underlying aggregate below … allowing them to do so much more.

  • Reduce stormwater runoff (to near 100%)
  • Increase groundwater infiltration
  • Reduce erosion problems caused by flooding
  • Protect and recharge groundwater
  • Reduce pollution and improve water quality through natural filtration
  • Increase the quantity of quality water
  • Preserve quality of local surface waterways
  • Provide a valuable cooling effect

Plus, permeable paving systems reduce the need for traditional stormwater infrastructure; therefore reducing overall project costs associated with installation and maintenance of typical stormwater drainage systems. In turn, creating a surface that is superior to other types of pavement, with a lower life-cycle cost.