Stormwater Design: Quality Control

Limit disruption and pollution of natural water flows by managing stormwater runoff, reducing 80% of total suspended solids.
Rating Systems and Code Applicable Products/Systems
LEED NC LEED S LEED CS LEED H LEED R LEED ND CHPS CALGreen
SSc6.2
1 Pt.

PC 16 **		 SSc6.2
1 Pt.

PC 16 **		 SSc6.2
1 Pt.

PC 16 **		 SSc6.2
1 Pt.		 SSc6.2
1 Pt.

PC 16 **		 SLLp3

GIBc8
1-4 Pts.		 SS3.2
1 Pt.		 A4.106.4 *

A5.106.2.2

A5.106.3
Direct support of technical goals.
  • Reduces TSS and TP
  • Filters and cools runoff

Permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) acts as a buffer between developed areas and the surrounding natural environment. PICP filters out significant portions of contaminants — including oil drippings — as well as cooling the temperature of the runoff, mitigating potential damage to sensitive flora and fauna.

Since PICP reduces runoff through infiltration, it has the ability to reduce TSS (total suspended solids) and TP (total phosphates). Several studies have demonstrated 80% reduction of TSS and at least 40% TP reduction. These studies compared reductions in pollutants from PICP to that from impervious pavements.

The ability of permeable interlocking concrete pavements to reduce these pollutants is typically greater than these percentages according to references in the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute's manual, Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements — Selection, Design, Construction, Maintenance. The ICPI manual references studies on infiltration trenches (similar to permeable pavement bases) and porous pavements with reductions in TSS as high as 95% and TP as much as 70%.

For illustrations of the basic permeable pavement designs, see Permeable Paver Systems

* CALGreen A4.106.4 Water permeable surfaces. A non-performanced-based residential voluntary measure for permeable paving in parking, walking, and patio surfaces: Tier 1, minimum 20% of total, Tier 2, minimum 30% of total. Primary driveways or walkways, and disabled access routes are excluded.

** LEED Pilot Credit 16: Rainwater Management. This pilot credit is based on SSc6.1 and SSc6.2, but it is intended to encourage natural best practices instead of structural practices. It is focused on restoring or maintaining the natural hydrology and water balance of the site by managing runoff on-site.

Green Credits & Strategies : Stormwater Design: Quantity