SUDS, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, is a series of methods for dealing with drainage in a sustainable manner, using technologies that minimise the environmental impact of our lifestyles, buildings, structures and surfaces.

 

Until recently planning regulations have encouraged channeling rainwater into underground pipes to a suitable stream, lake or river. This takes it away from the surrounding land and further reduces partially emptied aquifers.

 

But land which has not been developed allows rainwater to find its own path, soaking into the ground, being filtered as it travels, eventually joining other groundwater at the water table. This recharges the aquifers, the permeable rock, sand or gravel where water is cleaned and stored.

 

SUDS applications such as Ronadeck Resin Bound Surfacing and Ronadeck Tree Pit System seek to use man made surfacing to mimic what nature would otherwise have been doing. By laying the highly permeable Ronadeck Resin Bound Surfacing onto a base which is itself permeable, allows rainwater to travel into the ground, to be filtered as it passes, and to more naturally maintain natural water levels and reserves.

 

In late 2008 local authority planning regulations will require hard paving and landscaping to conform to the SuDS requirements. Ronadeck Resin Bound Surfacing laid onto a permeable base will satisfy these requirements.

 

On their web site the Environment Agency state...

 

The Environment Agency recognises the potential benefits of the SUDS approach to drainage in reducing flood risk, minimising diffuse pollution, maintaining or restoring natural flow regimes, improving water resources and enhancing amenity.