MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Tracy Jones, the Stormwater Division Manager for Georgetown County joined News13 NOW at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to talk about the benefits of porous pavement. The segment, which is sponsored as part of Clemson Extension’s Carolina Clear initiative, covered how porous pavement can help reduce water pollution from stormwater runoff.
Watch the interview for more details. The following are some of the questions and answers covered during the interview:
What is stormwater and how does it get polluted?
Stormwater, like the name implies, is water that comes from storms (rain). As this water flows across the landscape, it picks up pollutants left on the ground such as heavy metals, fertilizers, pathogens, automotive fluids….and carries them to storm drains which lead directly to waterways without receiving any kind of treatment.
How does development impact stormwater?
As development increases, the amount of stormwater also increases because there is less surface available for water to soak into the ground.
What is porous pavement?
An engineered hardscape that allows water to flow through which differs from traditional pavements which are impermeable and convert most rainfall to runoff. Types: porous asphalt, pervious concrete, permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP).
What are the benefits of porous pavement?
- Volume reduction & flood control
- Water quality
- Road safety and durability
- Heat island effect mitigation
