International Conference on Concrete Block Paving Supports LID Strategies.

WASHINGTON -- Now working their way into local development regulations, low impact development (LID) approaches are spreading quickly across the U.S. Their adoption represents a shift away from stormwater detention/retention to working with natural processes in land development that decrease pollution and related public costs. An increasing number of cities embrace LID as they no longer can continue to bear rising costs of managing stormwater runoff and energy-related urban heat island costs from an ever-expanding area of impervious cover--roofs, parking lots and streets. On-site infiltration is a LID pillar that helps restore groundwater recharge for thirsty cities, reduce property loss from downstream erosion and flooding, and create cooler, more energy-efficient, livable cities. Site-scale LID infiltration technologies that mimic natural process present some of the most cost-effective approaches.

A growing LID technology is permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP). Experts on PICP from 17 countries will present papers and case studies on the latest research and experiences at the 8th International Conference on Concrete Block Paving - "Sustainable Paving for Our Future," November 6-8, 2006, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Hosted by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) Foundation for Education & Research, the conference will focus on PICP and LID benefits through reduced runoff and water pollution, cleaner air through pollutant-absorbing surface treatments, reduced urban heat island and electricity consumption through high reflectivity surfaces and evaporation.

Besides LID approaches, recent national and state legislation mandates the reduction of stormwater runoff and water pollution through best management practices (BMPs). Such practices can include street sweeping, detention ponds, green roofs, bioswales and permeable surfaces like PICP. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated PICP as a BMP and an increasing number of states have adopted this technology into their design manuals used by localities as guidance for compliance with the Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations. An increasing number of cities restrict impervious cover and PICP is moving to the front as a means to satisfy local regulations. Older cities are looking at PICP as a way to reduce combined sewer overflows, i.e., storm and sanitary sewer discharges into rivers and lakes when rainstorms exceed waste treatment plant capacities.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Platinum sponsors include ACM Chemistries, Inc., Basalite Concrete Products, Besser Company, Cambridge Pavers, Inc., Columbia Machine, Inc., CTI, Inc., Hess Machinery Ltd., Oldcastle Architectural, Inc., Pathfinder Systems/Tiger USA, Pavers by Ideal, Pavestone Company, Rekers (NA), Inc., St. Marys Cement, Inc., Techni-Seal, Inc., Unilock Ltd., Uni-Group and Zenith Equipment, Inc.

For further information on the conference visit www.icpiconferences.org.

ICPI is a trade association whose mission is to increase the use of segmental concrete pavement systems in North America. Applications for concrete pavers include driveways, patios, walkways, roofs, airports, streets, ports, and stadiums. ICPI members include producers, contractors, design professionals and consultants. ICPI promotes the highest product standards through ICPI product certification and installation guidelines through ICPI contractor certification. ICPI publishes the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Magazine, with marketing and technical resources for design professionals, contractors and homeowners.

The ICPI Foundation for Education and Research supports, develops and conducts educational programs, seminars, courses and research, and disseminates information relating to interlocking concrete pavement. These publications and programs are intended to improve knowledge, understanding and professional abilities of those working with interlocking concrete pavement and related products.