This ongoing study of different types of permeable pavements is being conducted over a three year period by TRCA and a research team from the University of Guelph. The Kortright Centre parking lot selected for the study is divided into four plots, each with an area of 244 m². One plot is surfaced with pervious concrete, two are surfaced with different types of permeable interlocking concrete pavements (AquaPave® and Eco-Optiloc®), and the other with impervious asphalt. Click the site schematic image on the right to open a larger view. 

Subsurface drainage from each plot is conveyed separately in sealed pipes to a monitoring vault in which flow rates and volumes are measured, and samples for water quality analysis are collected. The AquaPave® plot contains a lower trench and custom drainage system specially designed for evaluating the potential for stormwater contaminants to migrate through the soils into the underlying groundwater.

The effectiveness of different maintenance practices is also being assessed at older permeable pavement sites that are starting to show signs of clogging. Multiple types of proprietary street cleaners as well as labour intensive vacuuming and pressure washing on different types of permeable pavements will be examined.

Study results will be used to develop or refine policies and guidelines on the appropriate use and design of permeable pavements for stormwater management.