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Operation and maintenance of permeable pavement

Information: Information on operation and maintenance of permeable pavement has been updated. The updated information now exists on two separate pages. We recommend you utilize the information on these two pages.

Green Infrastructure: Permeable pavement can be an important tool for retention and detention of stormwater runoff. Permeable pavement may provide additional benefits, including reducing the need for de-icing chemicals, and providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing surface.

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Maintenance and maintenance agreements

Some key actions help ensure the long-term performance of permeable pavement during its operation life. The most frequently cited maintenance problem is surface clogging caused by organic matter and sediment, which can be reduced by the following measures:

  • Periodic Vacuuming – The pavement surface is the first line of defense in trapping and eliminating sediment that may otherwise enter the stone base and soil subgrade. The rate of sediment deposition should be monitored and vacuuming done at least two times per year. A typical vacuum cleaning schedule may include the end of winter (April) and after autumn leaf-fall (November). Maintenance records should be maintained by the owner. The vacuuming frequency should be adjusted according to the intensity of use and deposition rate on the permeable pavement surface. At least one pass should occur at the end of winter. Regenerative air vacuum sweepers are the suggested means for regular surface cleaning. For neglected surfaces (i.e., those with no surface cleaning over several years) true vacuum sweepers have the most efficient removal of debris and fine particulates when compared with regenerative air or mechanical sweepers. However, areas on steep slopes or near curbs may limit vacuum sweeper performance (Brown, 2013). If a true vacuum sweeper is used on PICP the removed aggregate in the joints should be replaced with the same material.
  • Ongoing – Minimizing salt use or sand for de-icing and traction in the winter, keeping the landscaping areas well maintained and preventing soil from being washed onto the pavement helps increase its life. Less salt will be needed. However, such water should not be directed to irrigation uses.
  • Maintenance Agreements - Maintenance agreements should note which conventional parking lot maintenance tasks must be avoided (e.g., sanding, re-sealing, re-surfacing, power-washing). Signs should be posted on parking lots to indicate their stormwater function and special maintenance requirements. When permeable pavements are installed on private residential or commercial property, owners must understand routine maintenance requirements. These requirements can be enforced via a deed restriction, drainage easement, maintenance agreement, performance bond, letter of credit or other mechanism enforceable by the local authority to help ensure that the permeable pavement is maintained and continues functioning. The local authority should use this MIDS guideline to establish measurable performance criteria for enforcing maintenance procedures. The mechanism should, if possible, grant authority for local agencies to enter the property for inspection or corrective action.
Chesapeake stormwater Network logo

The Chesapeake Stormwater Network has developed two videos that illustrate inspection and maintenance of LID BMP practices, including permeable pavement. NOTE: These videos provide useful tips but should not be used for compliance with Minnesota permits.

Maintenance inspection and maintenance checklists

Inspection and maintenance checklists have not been developed for the Minnesota Stormwater manual. We anticipate developing these in 2018. Below are several links to checklists developed by other organizations.

Links to additional information

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