Eco-Friendly Pavement Put to the Test
A small but potentially game-changing experiment is underway at UN Plaza that could help bolster Public Work ’ s quest to become more environmentally friendly .
We are testing use of a recycled material , known as Flexi-Pave , at two tree basins .
Unlike decomposed granite and metal grates typically used on tree basins to protect trees and reduce tripping hazards , Flexi-Pave is made from recycled tires and gravel , which allows groundwater to permeate into the basin , giving nutrients to the tree , controlling erosion and putting less strain on the storm-water system .
For every 10 square feet of material used , Flexi-Pave recycles three used tires . In addition , 30,000 gallons of water can pour through the permeable material every hour , keeping it out of the storm drain and off the street .
March 2017 - San Francisco Public Works Newsletter