Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Developers
This page is dedicated to Site Developers and Program Managers that are trying to choose the "Best Management Practice" (BMP) in stormwater management for their project. (The Developer may first want to review the EPA - Green Infrastructure - "Statement of Intent", and the NIBS - Federal Green Construction Guide.) Developers should also review the EPA web site on Porous Pavement.
This page also contains Sections on: Choice of Systems, Pervious Concrete, Selecting the Right Design-Build Team and Minority Participation. (Click on your "back-button" to return to this list.)
There are many choices in selecting the right stormwater management system for each project development. This web site demonstrates the use of the Dual-Use System, or (Park in the Pond system) and why it is a better choice than most other systems. The dual-use system also offers the Developer a chance to accumulate multiple-points toward LEED Certification.
This picture was taken of a parking lot that was designed to also serve as the on-site stormwater detention/treatment area. The design called for the Developer to include a stormwater detention and treatment system on site. Instead of having a separate pond area, that would also take up valuable land space, the Developer chose to incorporate the pavement area inside the detention-pond. This was accomplished by having a layer of clean gravel placed directly below the permeable (pervious) concrete pavement. The gravel layer holds all of the stormwater generated on-site. This system resulted in a considerable savings for the Developer. As an added bonus, the Developer can get LEED credits by using this system. For more information on this system see the section on Dual-Use Systems.
Pervious concrete can be used in pavement applications such as the project shown above, or as a pavement without an application to stormwater design - such as, parking areas under trees. In this case the tree roots receive minimal disturbance, and water and air can pass freely through the pavement. For a more in-depth view of how to design a project to incorporate the use of pervious concrete see the section on Engineers and Details and Specifications. If the Developer is looking for more general information on pervious concrete, then the General Information page of this site is the place to start. A section on "Price Comparisons" can also be found on the Engineers Page.
Site Development costs, using the Dual-Use System, are generally reduced to less than half of the costs of asphalt pavements and associated stormwater infrastructures and retention-pond (land costs) for commercial developments.
Selecting the right Design-Build team is important to any Owner/Developer. It becomes even more critical with pervious concrete systems. Even though pervious concrete pavements have dramatically increased in popularity over the last few years, it is still not understood by many design professionals and stormwater managers. It is highly important that a Developer select at least one person in a potential "team" that has a good understanding of the material, construction fundamentals and standards of using pervious concrete. (See the Section on Testing on the Details and Specifications Page.) It is also in the best interest of the Developer to choose the right team for LEED Certification and application.
It may be in the best interest of the Owner/Developer to select a Sole Source Contractor to help in the design and development, as well as the construction of the project. (See the Sole Source Justification page.)
Important: Because of the lack of standardized test for quality control and acceptance of Pervious Concrete, it is critical that whoever is making the decisions for acceptance of both the fresh concrete, and the finished pavement, that they are qualified to do so. The decision-maker must have adequate knowledge and experience to recognize the essential properties of Pervious Concrete, and know how to make field-adjustments. (Note: Both the NRMCA, and the National Institute of Building Sciences, recognize that only NRMCA Certified "Craftsmen" have the 1500-3000 hours of experience necessary as a basis of qualification.)
The Developer may want to request Magruder Construction to assist in a design-build application. Contact Don Wade, Program Manager and NRMCA Certified Craftsman.
If you are a Government Developer looking for Minority participation (8-A) on projects involving the use of Pervious Concrete you may want to contact Keith Contracting.