With a growing awareness world-wide of the need to take environmental protection measures seriously, eco-friendly solutions are being utilized now more than ever. The green benefits of recycled, porous, and smooth asphalt pavements are worth exploring as asphalt pavement leaves a small carbon footprint and saves potentially billions of gallons of fuel every year.
Asphalt Liners Keep Our Water Safe
Today, asphalt liners are being used to ensure that millions across the United States receive fresh, clean drinking water that is safe for consumption. Asphalt liners are found in California’s reservoirs and products derived from asphalt binders are used to line many of our water pipes throughout the country.
Asphalt Protects Fish in Rearing Ponds
In the state of Oregon and Washington, fish and wildlife agencies have been happily using asphalt pavement to line their fish rearing ponds for over two decades. The asphalt liners help ensure fish hatcheries stay free of any contamination to best support the delicate stages of incubation and growth for numerous species.
Asphalt Pavement Prevents Hazardous Waste from Leaching into Our Groundwater
Asphalt pavement is used in industrial retention ponds to keep liquid waste from gradually seeping into the soil. It is also used to line hazardous waste areas to keep rain from percolating through the toxic chemicals and then leaching those chemicals into our groundwater.
Some Asphalt Pavements Can Improve Storm Runoff
Open-graded asphalt surfaces called OGFC’s or PFC’s have been specially engineered to drain water off our roads. University studies have shown that open-graded surfaces can improve the quality of runoff from pavements by reducing the amount of pollutants washed off the pavement during storms. A recent study conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation showed up to a 90% reduction in pollutants compared to conventional pavements, and Washington state has found equivalent results as well.
Full-Depth Porous Pavement Is a Recognized Solution for Storm Water Management
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognizes full-depth porous pavements as a best practice solution for storm water management. While mitigating the effects of pollutants such as oil drippings, this pavement can even eliminate the need for other storm water management structures such as retention ponds.
Start on a High-Quality, Environmentally-Friendly Paving Project Today
At Michigan Paving & Materials, we have been pioneering the way for eco-friendly asphalt solutions in Michigan since 1959. Our highly-skilled staff utilize only the latest state-of-the-art equipment in the field to create paving solutions that both last a long time and support the environment. We take seriously the need to leave our communities a little better off than before we arrived to ensure a better tomorrow. To learn more about our recycled asphalt and eco-friendly solutions, contact us today, and get started on your next commercial or industrial paving project.
