HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR Permeable Pavement Anne Arundel County, Maryland Department of Public Works Watershed Protection and Restoration What is a permeable pavement? Permeable pavement Permeable pavement resembles asphalt, concrete, or pavers on the surface. But, unlike requires regular, but simple, typical pavement, it slows and fi lters rainwater by allowing water to infi ltrate through maintenance. pores or open joints into a subsurface drainage system. Rainwater falling on typical pavement collects pollutants and runs off these hard surfaces. We are legally required to • Trash & debris removal clean this “stormwater runoff ” before it reaches our streams and rivers. Th e good news is that polluted water naturally becomes cleaner when it fl ows through permeable pavement. Who is responsible Permeable pavements are made up of several components (see image on back of page). for this maintenance? Th e surface layer may consist of various types of permeable pavement. Below the As a property owner, you are surface, subsurface layers of gravel and sand fi lter the water and allow it to fl ow into the responsible for maintaining the surrounding soil or to be conveyed through underdrains. When the subsurface fi lter layers are saturated, overfl ow runoff may be drained through an underdrain closer to permeable pavement. the surface. Th ese drain pipes fl ow to another type of treatment facility or directly to the receiving drainage system. Overfl ow that builds up above the surface may fl ow Can I remove or alter through inlets or curb cuts into landscape areas. the permeable pavement? Routine maintenance As a registered participant in the County’s Stormwater Credit Permeable pavement requires routine maintenance. Th e most important thing you can do to make sure your permeable pavement keeps working is to inspect it regularly and Program, you may not remove or repair or replace components as necessary. change the permeable pavement without losing your stormwater MONTHLY credit. Additionally, if the permeable ✓ Inspect the permeable pavement surface for any clogging/covering pavement was installed as part or surface damage. of the subdivision’s required ✓ Check for any obstruction or blockage of fl ow along infl ow areas or pipes in and out, including trash, debris or sediment. stormwater management, the ✓ Remove weeds and plants that do not belong. homeowner may not remove ✓ Check the area a few days aft er rainfall to make sure the water does not pond or alter the area without prior on the surface. consultation with the County. ✓ Some types of permeable pavement may require periodic vacuuming or low impact power washing with special equipment based on material and manufaturer’s recommendation. AS NEEDED ✓ Remove leaf accumulation in the fall to ensure fl ow of rainwater is not blocked. ✓ Inspect and maintain or replace components. 2014/How to Maintain Your Permeable Pavement www.aacounty.org/DPW/Stormwater/WPRF.cfm Page 1 of 2 DRAFT TYPICAL PERMEABLE PAVEMENT Why maintain these areas? CROSS SECTION If you do not maintain your permeable pavement, the following things may happen: • Th e cleansing of polluted rainwater will be impaired. • More frequent and expensive repair will be required if simple maintenance is neglected. • Water ponding longer than 3 days on a clogged area may allow insects to breed. By maintaining your stormwater best management area, you are doing your part to help the environment and protect your local streams and the Chesapeake Bay. PRETREATMENT PLAN VIEW Recommended schedule for routine maintenance TASK JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC Remove sediment, leaves & debris Remove trash Weeding Repair damaged areas as needed Vacuum/pressure wash (if needed per the manufacturer’s recommendations) Troubleshooting WHAT IF I NEED HELP? SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION For further assistance contact: Standing water Clogging due to sediment, leaf litter, Remove sediment, leaf litter, Anne Arundel County or debris accumulation and other debris Watershed Protection and Restoration Program Department of Public Works 2662 Riva Road Annapolis, MD 21401 410.222.4240 2014/How to Maintain Your Permeable Pavement www.aacounty.org/DPW/Stormwater/WPRF.cfm Page 2 of 2 DRAFT.