Are there eco-friendly solutions to paving?

perm-paverOver the last decade, more and more attention has been focused on surface run-off water, pollution and erosion problems.  The EPA and many municipalities are putting together new restrictions for water management.  The restrictions are especially prevalent in Coastal towns (like our friends on the Chesapeake Bay) that have to control their water run-off.

One solution to decreasing the impenetrable surface area of a driveway is to use permeable pavers.  They offer an environmentally friendly alternative to asphalt paving and concrete.  Permeable pavers present a solid surface, but still allow storm water and pollutants (car oil, antifreeze, pesticides) to drain through a natural, ecological process.  The permeable pavers come in a variety of designs and colors for all types of applications (driveways, patios, walkways).   

How does the system work?      

Water percolates through the holes in the pavers and flows into the gravel base.  The base consists of a layer of small open gravel, which is set upon a deeper base of larger stone gravel about 8-12 inches thick.  Through the natural cleaning process, water moves through the base, filtering out the pollutants and keeping them in the base and soil.  Then the ground water is released back into the main watershed. 

Permeable pavers offer an aesthetically pleasing and natural way to control your water run-off.

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4 Responses to Are there eco-friendly solutions to paving?

  1. Jane Goody says:

    My friend on Facebook shared this link with me and I’m not dissapointed at all that I came here.

  2. [...] a natural, ecological process.  Used for patios, walkways and driveways.  See our earlier blog on Permeable Pavers. [...]

  3. [...] of Permeable Pavers – This is another subject that I have blogged about in the past, the use of permeable pavers in landscaping.  Permeable pavers present a solid surface, but still allow storm water and pollutants (car oil, [...]

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