How Cambridge Pavers Offer Smart Solutions for Nassau County’s Complex Stormwater Management Challenges

Nassau County property owners and municipal officials face an increasingly complex challenge: managing stormwater runoff while maintaining attractive, functional outdoor spaces. The Nassau County Storm Water Management Program (NCSWMP) is a comprehensive program to reduce the levels of contaminants in Nassau County’s storm water runoff, working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to manage storm water and reduce the toxic runoff that affects our lakes, streams, and coastal waterways. For municipalities seeking to meet these stringent requirements, Cambridge Pavers offers innovative permeable paving solutions that address both compliance and aesthetic needs.

Understanding Nassau County’s Stormwater Management Requirements

Storm water systems are the responsibility of the County and its 67 Towns, Villages, and Cities. The challenge is significant: stormwater is collected in almost 1,000 groundwater recharge basins or directed to the south shore bays or Long Island Sound through 3,720 storm water outfalls, meaning that contaminants that are picked up by storm water after it falls on our county’s roads, parks, homes, and parking lots flow directly into the groundwater system that we use for our drinking water.

Every Village in Nassau County is responsible for complying with an NYSDEC Stormwater Discharge Permit (MS4). This creates a pressing need for effective Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can help municipalities reduce runoff while maintaining functional infrastructure.

Cambridge Pavers: EPA-Approved Stormwater Solutions

Cambridge Pavers has developed permeable paving systems specifically designed to address municipal stormwater compliance challenges. This system has been approved by the Federal EPA as a post-structural BMP (Best Management Practices) for compliance with NPDES Phase II rule. These systems go beyond traditional paving by actively managing stormwater at its source.

This stormwater management system is designed to trap first-flush pollutants and reduce impervious areas. The system is built on an open graded series of stone bases, which offer infiltration and partial treatment of stormwater pollutants. As a result, permeable pavement systems can be categorized as structural BMP (Best Management Practices).

How Cambridge Permeable Systems Work

The engineering behind Cambridge’s permeable systems is sophisticated yet practical. Pavingstones are laid out in a variety of patterns with gravel between them. The system is built on an open graded series of stone bases, which offer infiltration and partial treatment of stormwater pollutants. Below the pavers typically sites a 12-inch to 24-inch sub-base of 2 1/2-inch to 3-inch fractured rock, a 4-inch deep base of 1/2 -inch to 1-inch of clean gravel, and a 2-inch bedding sand of 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch stone.

Specially designed permeable pavements with small, stone-filled joints between the pavers, allow water to flow into highly porous, open-graded bedding into the base material below where it is filtered. This process effectively removes pollutants while allowing natural groundwater recharge.

Municipal Applications and Benefits

For Nassau County municipalities, Cambridge permeable pavers offer multiple advantages for compliance and functionality. In commercial and municipal applications, they are used for parking lots, sidewalks, and streets to manage stormwater efficiently. According to Cambridge, this permeable paving system reduces storm water runoff as much as 100-percent, and it is strong enough for both pedestrian and heavy vehicular traffic.

By reducing the need for complex drainage systems, these pavers can help lower overall project costs. This economic benefit is particularly valuable for municipal projects where budget constraints often limit infrastructure options.

Environmental Impact and Compliance Benefits

Like infiltration trenches, permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICPs) are highly effective in providing infiltration, detention and treatment of stormwater pollution. In America, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and several state agencies consider PICPs an infiltration BMP.

By promoting on-site infiltration, permeable pavers play a crucial role in stormwater management. They reduce the volume and velocity of runoff, minimizing the risk of flooding and erosion. These pavers reduce the heat island effect, improve water quality by filtering pollutants, and promote the natural absorption of rainwater into the ground.

Valley Supply: Your Partner for Cambridge Pavers Solutions

When municipalities and contractors need reliable access to Cambridge permeable paving systems, Valley Supply provides comprehensive support. Valley Supply Corp. is located in Elmont, NY, United States and is part of the Building Material Dealers Industry. This Long Island location makes them ideally positioned to serve Nassau County’s municipal and commercial needs.

Valley Supply’s commitment to quality aligns with the demanding requirements of municipal stormwater projects. Their expertise in building materials, combined with Cambridge Pavers’ proven technology, creates a reliable partnership for achieving compliance goals.

Looking Forward: Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions

In 2022 the Nassau County Soil & Water Conservation District finished the project with the installation of permeable pavement at the Bayville Community Center. Helping increase infiltration and reduce stormwater runoff pollutants and excess nutrients in the area. This successful implementation demonstrates the practical viability of permeable paving solutions for municipal applications.

For Nassau County municipalities seeking to balance regulatory compliance with functional infrastructure needs, Cambridge Pavers Nassau County NY installations through Valley Supply offer a proven pathway to success. These systems provide the dual benefits of meeting NYSDEC requirements while creating durable, attractive surfaces that serve communities for decades.

As stormwater management requirements continue to evolve, Cambridge Pavers’ permeable systems represent a forward-thinking investment in sustainable infrastructure that protects Nassau County’s precious water resources while meeting the practical needs of modern development.