Nature in all of it's majestic natural beauty sometimes needs a little help to co-exist with the progressive world that we live in. An incomparable eco-system of forests, wetlands and undulating terrains work together to provide a natural rainwater infiltration back into the earth for migrating runoff and retention of stormwater. As economic growth continues to push further and further into undeveloped areas, the challenge increases to maintain a balance in the all important eco-system. Failure to do so can pose flooding and erosion control threats to the environment, placing property investments and even life at risk.

Governing agencies are responsible for developing guidelines and policies to control the change impact to the environment. Public works, engineering and conservation professionals seek alternative development practices to eliminate or reduce risks. Working in support of these efforts, manufacturers continue to develop products designed to reduce the impact of land development on the environment. Structurally sound engineering combined with aesthetically pleasing features, the following products have been designed to create a critical balance in eco-friendly land development.

Permeable Pave Stones

Traditional paving methods such as asphalt and poured-in-place concrete surfaces were designed to be virtually impermeable. Stormwater runoff is managed through drainage or retention systems. However, with the rapid expansions in communities, the increased paved areas (building foundations, streets, walkways, parking lots, etc.) increase flooding and sediment control problems. These problems threaten the environment, property and life. The utilization of permeable or porous pave stones can reduce or eliminate runoff. The permeable pave stones allow the direct replenishment benefits of rainwater naturally into the ground as the logical way of handling stormwater. According to the Uni-Group-USA, patent holder of one of the nation's more popular such product (UNI Eco-Stone®), permeable paving stones contribute to groundwater recharge, provide normal basal flow to surrounding streams and improve the water quality.

Permeable pave stones such as the Eco-Stone® shown here facilitates rainwater infiltration and reduces or eliminates stormwater runoff. This cost-effective paving method allows more efficient use of available land otherwise limited for economic development.

According to Jeff Cooper of Pavestone Company, the benefits of permeable pave stones are:

• The patented design of the Eco-stone pave stones feature

a funnel-like opening in the pavement surface. This

opening facilitates rainwater infiltration and reduces or

eliminates stormwater runoff.

• The pollution impact on surrounding surface waters is

mitigated.

• Downstream flooding, stream bed and erosion control is

lessened or eliminated.

• With a minimum compressive strength of 8000 psi, the

paving stones provide a highly durable surface capable of

supporting vehicular loads.

• Offsets project costs by reducing or eliminating drainage

and retention systems; reduces costs of compliance with

many stormwater regulatory requirements

• A more cost-effective paving method allowing more

efficient use of available land that was otherwise

limited for economic development.

"Another popular permeable paving stone is the Uni-Green®, a multi-functional paving unit. Its uses include streambank erosion control, soil stabilization, overflow parking and emergency/maintenance routes" Cooper explained. "The pave stone is also commonly referred to as a turfstone since the open voids allow vegetative growth. With a patented interlock design, Uni-Green reinforces grassy areas subjected to wheeled traffic. With an average compressive strength of 4000 psi (no individual unit is less than 3000 psi), it is a great solution for paved areas requiring the aesthetics of nature. Ideal uses include overflow parking facilities for parks, historical sites, institutions and universities. Additionally, it is suitable for emergency and maintenance routes which, because of landscaping considerations or mandates, must remain greenspace."

Erosion Control

Another challenge of rapid economic development has been building in locales once considered undesirable due to slopes, hills and areas subject to flooding. Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) and articulating concrete blocks (ACBs) increase the ease and cost-effectiveness of such developments.

"The natural, rock-like texture of segmental retaining walls like Anchor Diamond Pro and Anchor Landmark complement any landscape environment," Richard Bodie, of Pavestone Company, explained. "The design flexibility and engineered performance make these products popular SRW systems for large-scale shoreline, interstate, commercial and residential landscaping projects."

ACBs such as the Conlock® II articulate and are effective in conforming to varying grade contours. Providing a dynamic interactive layer of interlocking block that attenuates with sub soil expansion and contraction as well as freeze-thaw heaving. Unit to unit articulation results in a minimum maintenance and an extended product service life.  The ecologically-friendly structural revetment system exhibits vegetative growth and habitat for animal life. Success of the bio-stabilization effort is centered on practicing common sense approaches to block selection, site geology, plant species and hydrology.

As economic development continues to blur the lines between city life and the great outdoors, a systems approach--where all components are considered--assures that the finished project provides habitat and is environmentally friendly. The availability of permeable pave stones, segmental retaining walls and articulating concrete blocks provide the solution for eco-balanced landscape development.

Jeff Cooper may be reached at Pavestone Las Vegas, NV (702) 221-2700 andRichard Bodie, Pavestone Dallas, TX at (817) 481-5802. For more information on permeable pave stones, SRWs, and ACBs, go to: www.pavestone.com.