Pavement that Detains and Infiltrates Runoff

Like infiltration trenches, permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICPs) are highly effective in providing infiltration, detention and treatment of storm water pollution. The base can be designed to filter, treat and slowly release water into a storm sewer or water course while providing a walking and driving surface. PICPs limit the amount of impervious cover flowing into storm drains working at capacity, or when sites have limited space for detention ponds.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several state agencies consider PICPs an infiltration Best Management Practice (BMP). An increasing number of cities, counties and states are incorporating them into land development and runoff standards, low-impact development guidelines and design manuals on stormwater control. With proper design, material selection, construction and routine maintenance, PICP is a sustainable low-impact BMP used by landscape architects, architects, engineers, developers and public agencies.

PICPs have been widely used across Europe, especially Germany since the early 1990s. The projects demonstrate runoff reduction and improved water quality in a range of climates, soils, hydrological and regulatory environments.