Pervious Pavements: New findings about their functionality and performance in cold climates

Widespread misconception exists in the industry about pervious pavement systems, specifically about their functionality in cold-weather environments. According to Jeff Gunderson, writing in the September 2008 issue of Stormwater magazine:

• “The prevalent belief is that pervious pavements are not an effective stormwater management option for cold-weather climates because of concerns related to diminished permeability during freezing and that the material is not durable enough to withstand freeze-thaw conditions.”

Cold climates are typically very hard on constructed systems; however, according to Dr. Robert Roseen, director of the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center, rainwater/stormwater management systems using infiltration and filtration mechanisms, if properly designed, can work well in cold-weather environments.

Dr. Roseen has been leading a four-year research effort focused on monitoring the year-round performance of a porous asphalt placement that was installed on the University of New Hampshire campus. To read the complete story, click here.

Acknowledgment:

Before STORMWATER, The Journal for Surface Water Quality Professionals, there was no single publication written specifically for  the professional involved with surface water quality issues, protection, projects, and programs.

Posted December 2008