Summary Reader Response Draft 2
The article “Porous Asphalt Is King of the Road” (PaveGreen, n.d.) presents the benefits of porous asphalt surfaces and explains its utility in improving stormwater management and road safety. Rainfall naturally sinks into the soil and is filtered through it. However, in cities, rainfall or “runoff” causes flooding on roads and parking lots, along with contaminants, such as oils and minerals. It then flows straight into drains without being filtered naturally.
The article states that porous asphalt is a natural material consisting of rocks combined with asphalt cement and fewer fine aggregates as compared to conventional roads. This frees up space for water to pass through open spaces between large aggregates. Underneath, a “recharge bed” composed of spaced-out stones retains rainwater until it is filtered into the soil, hence cleaning it.
During storms, accidents are greatly reduced as there are lesser puddles on the road. During winter, it reduces the need for “deicing”, where “chlorine-laden” chemicals remove ice from roads to make them less slippery. Hence, risks of accidents are reduced in both rainstorms and winter climates.
The article points out that the stone bed underneath costs more than a conventional road, but is typically outweighed due to substantial savings in reducing stormwater pipes and inlets. These benefits cut costs and protect the environment.
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