Technological Review of Permeable Pavement Systems for Applications in Small Island Developing States

This paper presents a technological review of permeable pavement systems (PPS) for applications in urban areas of small island developing states (SIDS). This review includes a literature survey of PPS, challenges and opportunities of climate change and urban development in SIDS, and key aspects worth considering for widespread acceptance and use of PPS in SIDS. SIDS is comprised of several nations located across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and South China seas. They are particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change and increasing urbanization. Urban stormwater management and flooding are often serious challenges faced by authorities in most SIDS. PPS are resilient infrastructure which can assist in mitigating flooding by reducing runoff and peak flows and improving the landscape perviousness. PPS can further improve stormwater runoff quality to receiving natural waters by reducing pollutant loadings of suspended solids, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons. Unlike most territorial states, the geographical and geologically confined nature of most SIDS present unique parameters for consideration when designing permeable pavements for SIDS. This literature survey found that some of the most important parameters include traffic loads, cost, construction aggregate choice, and availability, permeability of existing soil at the intended location, depth of water table, potential for groundwater contamination, slope of the pavement, stormwater reuse option, clogging, maintenance, and support from policy makers. Continued practical research into the use of permeable pavements for urban runoff management in SIDS is on-going with the expectation of PPS being utilized in many SIDS.