News

DECEMBER 14, 2010

The Town of Bladensburg, Ernest Maier Block and Pavedrain Construct a Permeable, Zero Carbon Footprint Parking Lot

Town of Bladensburg Selects Breakthrough Pavedrain Permeable Pavement Technology to Renovate its Parking Lot outside of the Nation's Capital

Bladensburg, MD - The Town of Bladensburg selected the permeable pavement technology, Pavedrain, when it embarked upon a renovation of its North parking lot at its town hall building. Partnering with a local concrete block manufacturer, Ernest Maier Block, the Town and Pavedrain installed a parking lot that will allow "stormwater" to filter through the parking lot into the water table instead of sending it into the nearby Anacostia River.

When the Town decided that it needed to renovate its parking facility, the Mayor (Walter James), Town Administrator (John Moss) and the Town's Code Enforcement & Public Works Director (Tim McNamara) wanted to utilize permeable pavement technology to reflect its desire to "green" its community. Given its location in the Anacostia Watershed, the Town and its leadership is very sensitive to the environmental impact of stormwater runoff. Ernest Maier Block, a concrete block manufacturing business in Bladensburg since 1926, approached the Town about its innovative new product, Pavedrain.

Pavedrain is a six inch thick concrete block system with an arch at its core. Along with its arch, Pavedrain "interlocks" thereby creating a permeable surface and ample water storage. Both of these characteristics make Pavedrain the premier technology for stormwater management and filtration. Its arch technology and the strength of its concrete make it a surface for both personal and commercial vehicle traffic. The Town decided that this product fit all of their objectives for renovating its parking lot while continue its commitment to "greening" its community.

"Months ago, the Environmental Protection Agency selected the Town of Bladensburg as the starting place for its "Green Streets, Green Jobs" initiative. The EPA wants to create local jobs and green communities. As a Town in the Anacostia Watershed, we have always been committed to making Bladensburg a livable community for its businesses and residents," commented Walter James, Mayor of Bladensburg. "Coupling an innovative product like Pavedrain with a local business like Ernest Maier, the renovation of the Town's North parking lot will create jobs, keep our river clean and demonstrate that the Town is a pioneer in the green movement."

On March 17, 2010, Ernest Maier Block and The Conservation Fund announced the Building Blocks of Change program to help offset the CO2 emissions from the production of concrete building materials, restore native forests for wildlife and advance green building in the Washington, D.C., metro area. Building Blocks of Change is a program that allows homeowners, towns, developers and institutions to donate two cents ($.02) for each square foot of concrete unit pavement toward offsetting the CO2 emissions that result during the concrete manufacturing process. Ernest Maier has made a donation on behalf of this project to offset all of the embedded CO2 emissions in the Town's parking lot. The Conservation Fund's Go Zero® program will use the money to plant trees that will trap CO2 emissions as they grow.

This public-private partnership has created a green space out of a dilapidated asphalt parking lot with zero carbon impact. The partnership of the Town, Pavedrain and Ernest Maier demonstrate the positive impact that green initiatives can have on the environment and the economy.

About the Town of Bladensburg
The Town of Bladensburg is a residential suburb of Washington, D.C., on the Anacostia River. Originally called Garrison's Landing, it was renamed in honor of Thomas Bladen, governor of Md. 1742-1747. The defeat (August 24, 1814) here of American troops under Gen. W. H. Winder enabled the British under General Robert Ross to march on Washington, D.C., and burn many of the public buildings. Despite the outlawing of dueling four years before, the Town was also the scene of the historic duel in which Stephen Decatur, the naval hero, was mortally wounded in 1820 by James Barron. Bladensburg was a busy port, shipping out flour and tobacco, until the river silted up by 1800. It is the site of Bostwick (c.1747) and Indian Queen Tavern, also known as George Washington House (c.1732). The Town was home of William Wirt, anti-Masonic candidate for president in 1832. Chartered 1742, Incorporated 1854 (Chapter 137, Acts of 1854). You can find more information at www.townofbladensburg.com.

About Pavedrain
Pavedrain is the company that owns the patent-pending permeable pavement technology. You can find more information on the product at www.pavedrain.com.

About Ernest Maier Block
Ernest Maier Block is a manufacturer of concrete masonry units and distributor of other masonry and concrete products located in Bladensburg, Maryland. Ernest Maier Block has been a company "thinking globally and delivering locally" in the Washington, DC area since 1926. For more information on the company, visit www.ernestmaier.com.

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund is dedicated to advancing America's land and water legacy. With our partners, we conserve land, train leaders and invest in conservation at home. Since 1985, we have helped protect more than 6 million acres, sustaining wild havens, working lands and vibrant communities. We're a top-ranked conservation organization, effective and efficient. www.conservationfund.org.