Stormwater Projects

Permeable Pavements at Town Hall

You may have observed the distinct appearance of the southwest section of our Town Hall parking lot, and although it may not immediately stand out, it serves a crucial purpose. Traditional paved surfaces are impermeable, preventing water from naturally percolating through the soil. Instead, rainwater runs off, collecting pollutant along the way.

In contrast, the gray bricks you see in the photo below are strategically spaced apart, allowing water to flow through the gaps into a layer of gravel beneath. This gravel layer carefully manages the gradual release of water into the Town of Clayton's stormwater system and facilitates its infiltration into the underlying soil. This process ensures biogeochemical filtration, contributing to improved water quality and sustainability. 

Varied Forms of Permeable Pavements: Sustainable Stormwater Solutions

Permeable pavements appear in various forms, some of which can be virtually indistinguishable from traditional pavements under dry conditions. Yet, regardless of their appearance, their shared purpose remains constant: to combat runoff by enabling water to naturally flow through the surface and into the underlying soil through the force of gravity.

Bioretention Cell at Municipal Park

One of the notable features of Municipal Park is the strategically designed bioretention cell, carefully implemented to address the challenges posed by stormwater. This purposeful bioretention pond serves as a key element in managing the substantial influx of stormwater in this vicinity.

During rainfall events, the pond efficiently collects water through surface runoff and inlet pipes linked to the underground stormwater system. The pond is designed to temporarily hold water up to a predetermined volume, maintaining it as a controlled pool.  To prevent flooding, an outlet riser allows excess water to spill over should the water level surpass this threshold. Over time, the accumulated water naturally percolates through the soil, leveraging its natural filtration properties to remove pollutants.

Key Benefits of these Systems:

• Erosion Prevention: Minimizes soil erosion.
• Ecosystem Preservation: Supports the health of ecosystems and wildlife.
• Flood Control: Helps manage and mitigate flood risks.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: Enhances visual appeal.
• Property Protection: Safeguards properties from water-related damage.
• Biogeochemical Transformation: Facilitates soil-based processes that convert pollutants into less harmful substances.