Sue Charlesworth, SuDS Research at Coventry University
On-going trials at Coventry University are demonstrating that within a TarmacDry porous asphalt system microbes develop naturally in response to ongoing contamination. The microbes are able to treat and trap the contaminants and this capability is further enhanced by filtration and aeration within the construction. TarmacDry pervious pavements also limit the concentration of pollutants by immediate localised interception and long term research has demonstrated that the following are effectively removed from stormwater run off:
• Heavy metals
• Hydrocarbons
• Phosphorus
• Nitrogen
Hence TarmacDry systems can minimise the need for costly traditional petrol/oil interceptors and can be used as a primary treatment facility in accordance with best practice guidance e.g. CIRIA C697 'The SuDS Manual', usually without the need for further treatment. For more information on the SuDS manual see the CIRIA website.
"As a result of testing work carried out by Coventry University on behalf of Tarmac throughout 2007, we conclude that in comparison with other surfaces tested and using a uniform approach, the TarmacDry Pervious Paving System, including asphalt and concrete surfaces, performed as well as any of the other surfaces tested. In particular its performance in terms of hydraulic conductivity ( flow rates ) and water cleansing was comparable with block paving with no discernable difference between the two."
Dr Sue Charlesworth
SuDS Applied Research Group
Coventry University
See Coventry
University SuDS website
See the new downloads with testing results from Coventry university here - downloads
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