Driveways go green
In dry and mild climates, a grass driveway may work perfectly well, particularly if two wide gravel or impermeable paved strips are included. More homeowners and communities are opting for permeable paving options that lessen runoff. When runoff overwhelms water-treatment facilities, it can pollute waterways.
actually let water soak through. This allows for pavement-style parking and driving surfaces where local regulations might not permit alternatives.
Environmentalists say that porous surfaces like these can play a big role in reducing the amount of rainwater that runs down hard surfaces and fills rivers, ponds and municipal water systems, picking up debris along the way. That rush of water can pollute local waterways because water-treatment facilities can’t handle it all.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, permeable pavements
can also help reduce flooding of building foundations and ponding of water on driveways, sidewalks and patios.
And while permeable options can be a little pricier than nonpermeable paving, that isn’t always the case, and proponents say their benefits are worth it.
Permeable pavements have been used successfully in many parts of the United States and Canada, including in cold climates, says EPA spokeswoman Enesta Jones.
When selecting a permeable surface, she says, consider adjacent land uses and the prevalence of soils,
mulch, leaf litter or other fine particles that might create clogs. In such cases, take care to design the driveway or walkway to avoid the loss of permeability. If permeable, interlocking concrete pavers are selected, you might want to buy some spares in case the pavement is damaged or pavers are lost.
Many communities across the country offer incentives, like rebates or reduced stormwater utility fees, to those who opt for permeable paving, so check with your community office before launching a permeable paving project.