Overview and schedule of general maintenance activities for permeable pavement practices

Link to this table

First Year of Operation
Activity Frequency Time Period Level of Effort O&M Benefita
Check pretreatment for proper flow/filtration. If applicable, assess the health of plantings and replant as necessary. At least twice after storm events > 0.5 inches within 30 minutes of the event, then biannually Within the first 6 months then during Spring / Fall 2 hours 1
Check that there is no ponding At least twice after storm events > 0.5 inches within 30 minutes of the event Within the first 6 months 2 hours 1
Check permeable parts of drainage area to make sure they are clean of debris and evidence of erosion Biannually All year long 1,5
Check for accumulation of sediment and organic debris on the permeable pavement surface. Biannually All year long 1,5
Check for damaged pavement Biannually All year long, especially after winter season 1,5
Replace any joint fill material, if applicable Annually As needed 1,5
Practice surface cleaning (vacuuming) Biannually Spring / Fall 1
Perform surface infiltration test Biannually After practice cleaning 1
Replace any joint fill material, if applicable Annually As needed 1,5
Clean underdrain Biannually Spring / Fall 1
After First Year of Operation
Activity Frequency Time Period Level of Effort per Visit O&M Benefita
Check pretreatment for proper flow/filtration. If applicable, assess the health of plantings and replant as necessary. Biannually Spring / Fall 2 hours 1
Check that there is no ponding Biannually All year long 2 hours 1
Check permeable parts of drainage area to make sure they are clean of debris and evidence of erosion Biannually All year long 1,5
Check for accumulation of sediment and organic debris on the permeable pavement surface. Biannually All year long 1,5
Check for damaged pavement Biannually All year long, especially after winter season 1,5
Replace any joint fill material, if applicable Annually As needed 1,5
Practice surface cleaning (vacuuming) Biannually Spring / Fall 1
Perform surface infiltration test Biannually After practice cleaning 1
Perform surface infiltration test Biannually After practice cleaning 1
Clean underdrain Biannually Spring / Fall 1
After 5+ Years of Operation (non-routine maintenance)
Activity Frequency Time Period Level of Effort per Visit O&M Benefita
After long term operation of the practice, some occasional and infrequent maintenance activities might be required, such as bigger repairs, partial rehabilitation, or redesign of key elements of the practice. As needed As needed Could be significant depending on the activity 1,5

aKey to Maintenance Benefits:

  1. Proper stormwater flow and infiltration
  2. Creation and maintenance of wildlife habitat
  3. Creation and maintenance of pollinator habitat
  4. Nutrient cycling and storage
  5. Aesthetics and public enjoyment
  6. Carbon sequestration

b. Note that many practitioners are minimizing the use of mulch or using alternatives to mulch to control weeds. Using mulch can cause clogging of inlet, outlet, and bypass pipes, and can introduce invasive species such as jump worms. Alternatives to mulch include ground vegetation such as clover or sedges, or arranging plantings in more dense configurations so as to minimize use of mulch.