Evaluation of an Infiltration Best Management Practice Utilizing Pervious Concrete¹

Abstract

A pervious concrete infiltration basin was installed on the campus of Villanova University in August 2002. A study was undertaken to determine what contaminants, if any, were introduced to the soils underlying the site as a result of this best management practice (BMP). The average infiltration rate at the site is approximately 10 )4 cm ⁄ s. The drainage area (5,208 m 2 ) consists of grassy surfaces (36%), standard concrete ⁄ asphalt (30%), and roof surfaces (30%) that directly connect to the infiltration beds via downspouts and storm sewers. Composite samples of infiltrated stormwater were collected from the vadose zone using soil moisture suction devices. Discrete samples were collected from a port within an infiltration bed and a downspout from a roof surface. Samples from 17 storms were analyzed for pH, conductivity, and concentrations of suspended solids, dissolved solids, chloride, copper, and total nitrogen. Copper and chloride were the two constituents of concern at this site. Copper was introduced to the system from the roof, while chloride was introduced from deicing practices. Copper was not found in porewater beneath 0.3 m and the chloride was not significant enough to impact the ground water. This research indicates that with proper siting, an infiltration BMP will not adversely impact the ground water.

Low Impact Development Practices: A Review of Current Research and Recommendations for Future Directions

“…The site takes runoff from adjacent standard concrete areas, several rooftops, and grassed areas. To date, the site has successfully captured and infiltrated runoff from all storms 5 cm or less in size (Kwiatkowski et al 2007). Water quality measurements were also taken at the site; chloride concentrations were found to be highest during winter months, as deicers were applied to pedestrian areas.…”

“…Water quality measurements were also taken at the site; chloride concentrations were found to be highest during winter months, as deicers were applied to pedestrian areas. In addition, concentrations of copper in roof runoff were fairly high (Kwiatkowski et al 2007). However, neither copper nor chloride concentrations in groundwater below the pervious concrete were high enough to be of concern.…”

“…However, neither copper nor chloride concentrations in groundwater below the pervious concrete were high enough to be of concern. The authors concluded that with proper siting, an infiltration BMP such as the pervious concrete would not adversely impact the groundwater (Kwiatkowski et al 2007). …”

Low Impact Development Practices: A Review of Current Research and Recommendations for Future Directions

“…Water quality measurements were also taken at the site and concentrations of chloride were found to be higher during winter months, as deicers were applied to pedestrian areas at that site. In addition, concentrations of copper in roof runoff were fairly high [103]. However, the interesting fact is that neither chloride nor copper concentrations in groundwater below the pervious concrete were high enough to be of concern.…”

“…The site takes runoff from adjacent standard concrete areas, several rooftops, and grassed areas. The site has successfully captured and infiltrated runoff from different areas of all storms with 5 cm or less in size [103]. Water quality measurements were also taken at the site and concentrations of chloride were found to be higher during winter months, as deicers were applied to pedestrian areas at that site.…”