Village of Westmont
Date Issued: Sept. 25, 2015
“This project demonstrates our community’s commitment to addressing stormwater management concerns while maintaining an environmental-friendly approach,” says Westmont Mayor Ron Gunter. “It’s exciting that Westmont is the first municipality in the State of Illinois to construct a pervious concrete street.” The South Cumnor Road reconstruction project is located on the southwest side of the community between 59th Street and 61st Street.
Pervious concrete has been used for numerous alleys, driveways, parking lanes along roadways, and parking lot projects, but this is the first time it’s been used in the region for a municipal roadway. “Other towns will be watching this project in Westmont with a lot of interest,” says Brian Lutey, Vice President of Sustainability and Compliance with Ozinga Ready Mix Concrete, Inc. “This is the first project of this type in a five-state area.”
Pervious concrete is considered a “green” stormwater management strategy as all rainwater that hits the surface will be filtered through the material rather than being immediately directed to a storm sewer. Rainwater that hits the pervious concrete will filter through to a layer of stone below the roadway where it will be stored for 3 to 5 days before being released. This process will maximize the amount of water that is infiltrated into the ground rather than being diverted to storm sewers, and ultimately water treatment plants.
Pervious concrete has additional environmental benefits. First, typical asphalt pavement releases pollutants which ultimately enter the water; pervious concrete does not have these pollutants. Additionally, the pervious concrete is actually designed to capture pollutants, such as fertilizers from lawns, heavy metals, grease and oils from vehicles, and as the water filters through, microbes within the product will dissolve these pollutants. This product will also absorb CO2 out of the atmosphere. Because of its porous nature, there will be no need to use salt on it during the winter to prevent ice buildup.
Pervious concrete has additional safety benefits as well. Because water is absorbed through the material, there won’t be any puddles or pooling of water on the surface. During the winter, this will prevent sheets of ice from developing.
This product will require unique maintenance to ensure its durability and longevity. Snow plows will use rubber blades instead of steel. During dry months, the street will need to be vacuumed so to maintain the pervious nature of the material.
“Our residents were the first in the State of Illinois to approve a referendum supporting a Stormwater-Infrastructure Sales Tax,” says Village Manager Stephen May. “With a new revenue source dedicated to stormwater management, Westmont will be aggressively addressing concerns that are facing Westmont and municipalities throughout the greater Chicagoland area.”
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Communications Director
630-417-0280, lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
