Rainstorm Simulation to Demonstrate Effectiveness of Permeable Pavers

Words: Ken O'neill, Darryl Sapp, Joe Swanson, Dr. Brown/Public/News/20110413110000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Belgard Environmental permeable pavers can virtually eliminate runoff." />
Belgard Environmental permeable pavers can virtually eliminate runoff.
In partnership with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and The Gateway Village lifestyle center of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Belgard Hardscapes will co-sponsor a demonstration of the environmental impact of their permeable paver system using a rainstorm simulation conducted by the local fire department at The Gateway Village from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 15, 2011.

"When you see thousands of gallons of water dumped on a parking lot as would happen in a rainstorm, and you watch how the stormwater stays on site and is environmentally managed, you can't help but be impressed with this system," says Darryl Sapp of Belgard.

Sapp, center developer Joe Swanson, Jr., and Dr. Heather Brown of MTSU will be in attendance to speak about the environmental, design, and cost benefits of Belgard's permeable paver system.

"Upfront, a permeable paver system can cost more than a standard concrete or asphalt parking application, but the lifespan of the system more than makes up for the additional costs," states Swanson. "And it provides a tremendous benefit to our environment by relieving the impact on stormwater drainage."

In a recent study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, permeable paver systems were identified as one of the preferred methods for reducing stormwater runoff volume, rate, and pollutants-and one of the few stormwater management systems strong enough to handle heavy vehicular loads.

"Our students are getting a great lesson in environmental technology by participating in this project," says Dr. Brown, Director and Associate Professor of MTSU's Concrete Industry Management Program. "We will track the water quality and quantity data so that we can develop strategies for our program and the industry at large."

Belgard Environmental Collection permeable pavers are installed over a gradient bed of gravel, which acts as a temporary reservoir and filters impurities and pollutants before percolating down and back into the community water aquifer.

"Most people don't realize the significant amount of pollution carried by stormwater runoff," states Ken O'Neill, Vice President of Marketing for Oldcastle Masonry and Hardscapes, manufacturers of Belgard Hardscapes. "Not only do our permeable pavers filter out pollutants, they reduce the amount of runoff to the point of eliminating the need for retention pounds in large developments, both decreasing the environmental impact and increasing the amount of usable space."

The Belgard Environmental stormwater management permeable paver system demonstration will be held at the newly constructed mixed-use lifestyle center, The Gateway Village, located at 804 N. Thompson Lane on Friday, April 15, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tours of the development will follow the demonstration.

The Belgard Environmental Collection of permeable pavers meets all ADA guidelines and is available in a variety of patterns, textures, and colors-combining sustainable practices with the beauty of hardscapes. Belgard permeable pavers can reduce rainwater runoff from the common rainstorm by as much as 100% and can contribute to LEED credits.

For more information, please visit www.belgard.biz/environmental-pavers.htm.
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