How much do these systems cost? By percentage, how much higher is this method than a typical urban street cross section?
The cost for a permeable unit paver system is site specific and would need to be compared with an urban street cross section that performs all the functions that a permeable system provides. In the Midwest, street applications with curb, base aggregates, paving and stormwater costs are typically budgeted at $225-$300/lf for a 30’ wide street. We can furnish and install a BASS product with the same capitalization pricing. Parking lots and other applications could see this comparison at a 10%-20% higher capitalization for a permeable pavement system, but the real competitive asset for BASS is in the durability and maintenance costs. Lifecycle costs need to be considered when selecting a stormwater management system, as the owner will realize a savings within a 30-year period, as illustrated at the Morton Arboretum project where a 22-year breakeven cost has been forecast.
