With more and more construction on the beaches the less and less space we have for the water to go when it rains. Seems like an odd problem to have on an island made of sand. However, the way it rains so very heavy over such a short period of time that water can cause big problems for home owners and their neighbors. Many communities frown on you dumping your runoff on to the adjacent property. So, they limit the amount of impervious surfaces on your property. With limits on driveways and sidewalks, an alternative had to be developed.
Pervious paving services have become very popular in our area as an alternative to a concrete drive or even a traditional paver surface. Pervious paving is constructed on a wash stone base allowing water to pass between the pavers and into the pore space around the rocks. A pervious paving system acts like an underground retention pond allowing the surface water a place to go and seep into the sub-soil (sand) at it own pace.
This project had issues for almost 10 years. The grade, post construction drained from the dunes back toward the house and would also drain off the street back at and under the house on its way to the adjecent property.
The home owner needed help and a design for the town of Wrightsville Beach as well as CAMA to approve repairs to the property. It was decided that the grade would be redirected to the dune side of the property and all water would be kept on the property. Pervious pavers would be installed as a driveway from the home to the edge of the property. The two sides of the property would be regraded cutting almost 4 feet out of a portion of the dune side of the property.
The paver drive is made of Aqua Bric from Belgard pavers and the dune side was replanted with over 3000 american beach grass.
