Better for the Bay: A PaveDrain Case Study

Aaron Fisher | August 27, 2023

Ernest Maier and PaveDrain are proud to announce the release of our latest case study highlighting the performance of an award-winning installation in Colmar Manor, MD that greatly exceeded the Maryland Department of Environment’s (MDE) design guidance for permeable pavement. This system delivered significant ROI, reducing stormwater compliance costs borne by the Town, without requiring maintenance in the existing public right-of-way. And while we love breathless press releases as much as the next guy, these claims are all backed up by a two year University of Maryland study (Dr. Allen Davis).

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An asphalt traffic intersection in Colmar Manor, MD was replaced with PaveDrain heavy-duty permeable pavement, along with an in-situ water level sensor for performance monitoring. This project was undertaken to address the frequent stormwater challenges in the Town of Colmar Manor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Colmar Manor is one of the Anacostia River’s Historic Port Towns. Many of these communities are low-income neighborhoods, and the implementation of this BMP represents restorative environmental justice. As a low-lying area with a high degree of impervious cover it is frequently challenged by poor drainage and pluvial flooding.

In the two years since it was installed the system is functioning as a roadway and stormwater BMP without maintenance, representing a commitment to environmental justice in this economically disadvantaged neighborhood. Furthermore, the use of sensors has documented stormwater performance well in excess of expected, suitable for crediting towards – giving extra credit towards – local stormwater compliance.

Better for the Bay- PaveDrain Case Study

Full University of Maryland Study