Summary Draft #2 "Porous Asphalt is King of the Road" (b)

 The article “Porous Asphalt Is King of the Road'' (Pavegreen, n.d.) introduces the features and uses of porous asphalt. It is a type of road surface used to improve safety, diminish water pollution and decrease erosion. The Environmental Protection Agency had identified it as the leading practice for stormwater management.

The article states that porous asphalt is made up of rocks glued together with asphalt cements while reducing the fine aggregates used. This allows rainwater to seep through the space between the rocks which decreases the surface runoff. Porous asphalt can be built above a stone recharge bed or a conventional road base. 

The article mentions that during winter climates porous asphalt requires less anti-icing agents. This reduces the amount of chloride from the agents which is toxic to aquatic life in the runoff. In highways the porous surface absorbs rainwater preventing splashes thus improving visibility and safety for vehicles.

The article noted that porous asphalt costs relatively the same as conventional asphalt. However, the stone recharge bed is more costly than the traditional base. This cost difference can be offset as the amount of stormwater pipes and inlets needed are reduced. 

Reference: (Pavegreen, n.d) Porous Asphalt is King of the Road. Pavegreen. http://www.pavegreen.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58:king-of-the-road&catid=35:porous-asphalt&Itemid=110