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Porous paving reduces runoff
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Just two of the many different varieties of porous paving
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In Santa Cruz county, CA, new and stringent rules state that runoff from new construction can’t exceed what it was before development. Also, the trend in California is towards porous paving products along with other rainwater catchment systems that allow up to 90% of rainwater to be returned to the ground. Porous paving can also reduce or eliminate the need for other drainage systems or retention basins, cutting development costs.
Runoff throughout north America is a problem because it means less water going into the ground, thus depleting aquifers. It also carries pollutants such as oil, grease and chemicals into streams, rivers, and oceans and can cause flash flooding. Pervious paving reduces those problems, since it allows water to percolate directly downwards through the paving into the soil below. Once in the soil, naturally occurring bacteria help break down pollutants.
Proposed dams in the Similkameen Valley
(Enloe Dam and Shanker's Bend Dam)
Two dams are being considered on the Similkameen River in the U.S. close to the Canadian border. A third is being considered in the Princeton area of B.C.
Follow the links below for more information:
Center for Environmental Law & Policy - giving an excellent, detailed overview of the Enloe Dam project with maps and photos.
The Province, November 2007 - 'U.S. dam threatens 'rare' B.C.'
Vancouver Sun, October 2007 - 'Dam would flood delicate ecosystem'
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