Consider using the environment-friendly solution of permeable paving. Permeable paving, pervious paving, and porous paving all refer to paving systems that have more pervious area than traditional asphalt and poured concrete pavement and allow for increased infiltration of rainwater. Allowing rainwater to locally infiltrate with a permeable paving system can decrease the amount of runoff leaving the site by up to 90%, facilitate pollutant removal, help to control streambed and riverbank erosion, provide for ground water recharge, and create a more aesthetically pleasing landscape.

Permeable paving systems include:

• Reinforced gravel paving
• Reinforced grass paving
• Interlocking concrete blocks or plastic cell networks filled with gravel or soil and grass
• Pervious asphalt
• Pervious concrete

All of these systems are more effective when used in conjunction with swales (shallow trenches than hold water and allow it to infiltrate) or rain gardens.

Although permeable paving can be greatly beneficial, there are some limitations to its application. It is not appropriate, for example, in soils with low permeability or high shrink-swell potential (i.e. tight clay). Also, systems such as reinforced grass paving can only be used for low traffic volume areas.

Permeable systems typically cost 2-3 times more than asphalt, which helps prevent their widespread adoption. However, permeable paving may be more cost effective in the long term because of reduced life cycle and maintenance costs and costs associated with conventional storm water management.