In 2007, pervious pavement (or porous asphalt) was installed at the Horticulture Service Drive. Permeable pavement allows water to drain through it, reducing storm water runoff and pollutants. It is produced from natural resources, is able to drain water and is a very durable product, standing up to heavy vehicle traffic. This was the first installation of porous asphalt on the Purdue campus, and was a useful learning experience for the Grounds crew. The presence of river birch trees in the area shed a lot of leaves that were ground up by travelling vehicles and which then clogged the lowest points in the paving, making it extremely impossible for the water to run off. Since vacuuming the particulate matter did not clear the clogging, a storm drain was eventually installed in the parking lot. Office of University Sustainability
