Porous pavement, also known as permeable pavement, has grown in client interest over the past couple of years to serve as a Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP), as well as both a structural vehicular and pedestrian surface. This innovative pavement allows stormwater to infiltrate through its porous surface, preventing runoff and reducing the burden on traditional drainage systems like infiltration basins, rain gardens, stone infiltration beds, etc. Porous pavement also cost-effectively benefits our clients, diminishing the need for expensive stormwater infrastructure such as drains, gutters, piping, outlet structures, and retention ponds. Porous pavement can mitigate the risk of flooding and erosion, which can cause costly repairs to roads and surrounding structures. Between the filter course, reservoir course, and non-woven filter fabric, this BMP can filter pollutants, improve water quality, and recharge groundwater for environmental sustainability.

In the wintertime, impermeable surfaces, such as a typical asphalt driveway, tend to form black ice when temperatures drop below freezing. Due to the porosity of porous pavement, it has been proven that snow and ice melt at a faster rate on porous surfaces, preventing the formation of black ice and the use of salt for winter maintenance. The reduction of ice build-up improves driving safety and transportation resilience after snowstorms, along with lessening the environmental impacts of excess salt application. Investing in a porous pavement infiltration system is emerging as a wise financial decision while also enhancing stormwater management practices and surrounding watersheds. If you think porous pavement will be a possible addition to your property to serve not only as a driveway or walkway but also as your stormwater management BMP, please reach out to us at Howell Engineering!