Urban Stormwater Reduction and Quality Improvement through the Use of Permeable Pavements

Construction details are given of an experimental permeable pavement, comprising four separate sub-base sections containing different stone or crushed rock. Sub--base drain effluents have been monitored for discharge volume, flow rate and water quality parameters on the four sections. Preliminary results are presented which indicate that usefu1 volume and flow rate reductions may be obtained via permeable pavements, and that water quality may be enhanced by sedimentation and other treatment processes occurring within the pavement. Effluent quality may be improved as compared with that discharged from the usua1 impermeable highway surfaces in similar residentia1 areas.