Install permeable pavement.
Permeable paving refers to paving materials that promote absorption of rain and snowmelt. Permeable paving helps reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff and runoff pollutants. Paving blocks and grids are the most common types of permeable paving. These modular systems contain openings that are filled with sand and/or soil. Some can support grass or other suitable vegetation, providing a green appearance and aesthetic benefits. Rainfall is trapped in the block's depressions and infiltrates into the underlying soil. Permeable paving is especially beneficial in areas that are underlain with sandy, permeable soils. Effectiveness can be improved by designs that maximize the openings in the paving material and provide a permeable sub-layer of at least 12 inches. Vegetated pavers can also be an effective means of reducing the urban heat island effect. Installation of permeable paving can cost two to three times greater than conventional asphalt or concrete. However, permeable paving may require less frequent replacement and may reduce costs associated with stormwater engineering and infrastructure (e.g., curbs, gutters and storm sewer). Periodic vacuuming may be necessary or mowing if using vegetated paving blocks. Special attention should be given to areas that require frequent snow plowing due to the slightly uneven surface of the pavement. Permeable asphalt may melt in extremely hot climates. Therefore, airports that experience extreme cold and frequent snow or extreme heat waves should carefully consider the materials used and potential maintenance required. Additionally, fuel spills may contaminate soil more easily due to the increased permeability, so refueling and maintenance areas should not be considered for permeable pavement.
Practice Information
| Capital Cost: | Moderately Expensive (>$100,000 – $500,000 US) |
| O&M Cost: | Moderate (>$50,000 – $100,000 US) |
| Payback Period: | Immediate (0 – 2 years) |
| Staffing Requirements: | Low (10 – 50 hours per month) |
| Reportability of Metrics: | Quantitative metric with no baseline for comparison |
| Maturity of Practice: | Proven at multiple airports |
| Energy Reduction: | No effect on energy consumption |
| Environmental Benefits: | Moderate environmental benefit |
| Social Benefits: | Low social benefit |
Airport Characteristics
Categories
Case Studies
2010
Stewart International Airport (SWF), Orange County, New York
In 2010, SWF completed the installation of a 5.5-acre pervious asphalt pavement parking lot. The installation was designed to expand the capacity of the main terminal parking lot (Parking Lot A) while promoting stormwater infiltration and increased groundwater recharge. The pervious parking lot also utilizes bio-swales, infiltration trenches, a large void sub-base and rain tanks. The area neighboring the parking lot contains grass, gravel, mulch and a dry swale to remove pollutants including suspended solids and bacteria from stormwater runoff. The dry swale also reduces the peak runoff rate and further increases stormwater infiltration. Some of the stormwater runoff is collected and used for irrigation using a central cistern equipped with solar-powered irrigation pumps. The system achieved 100 percent infiltration of all stormwater with no connection to the existing storm drainage system.
Related Links
Permeable Pavement. Minnesota Stormwater Manual. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, “Stewart Airport Pervious Asphalt Pavement”
City of Chicago, Department of Water Management, “Permeable Paving”
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