Book excerpt: Sponsored by the Low Impact Development Committee of the Urban Water Resources Research Council of the Environmental and Water Resources Institute of ASCE Permeable Pavements is a comprehensive resource for the proper design, construction, and maintenance of permeable pavement systems that provide a transportation surface and a best management practice for stormwater and urban runoff. A cornerstone for low impact development (LID) and sustainable site design, permeable pavements are considered a green infrastructure practice. They offer many environmental benefits, from reduced stormwater runoff and improved water quality to better site design and enhanced safety of paved surfaces. Commonly used for walkways, driveways, patios, and low-volume roadways as well as recreational areas, parking lots, and plazas, permeable pavements are appropriate for many different land uses, particularly in highly urbanized locations. This volume synthesizes today's knowledge of the technology, drawing from academia, industry, and the engineering and science communities. It presents an overview of typical permeable pavement systems and reviews the design considerations. Detailed design, construction, use, and performance information is provided for porous asphalt, pervious concrete, permeable interlocking concrete pavement, and grid pavements. Fact sheets and checklists help to successfully incorporate permeable pavement systems into design projects. Additional chapters summarize emerging technologies, maintenance considerations, hydrologic design approaches, key components for specification writing, and key areas for additional research. Appendixes include a fact sheet clarifying information on common concerns, as well as data tables summarizing water quality treatment performance and costs. Permeable Pavements is an essential reference for engineers, planners, landscape architects, municipalities, transportation agencies, regulatory agencies, and property owners planning to implement this best management practice for stormwater and urban runoff.