Chattanooga Pulse

Here is one of the more interesting agenda items set to be discussed at the August 4 meeting of the Chattanooga City Council.

7. Resolutions:

a) A resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for and, if approved, accept a Climate Showcase Communities Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in an amount up to and including $500,000.00 for the Warm Mix Asphalt Project, which grant requires a local match from the City in an amount up to and including $250,000.00.

European countries are using technologies that appear to allow a reduction in the temperatures at which asphalt mixes are produced and placed. These technologies have been labeled Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA).

The immediate benefit to producing WMA is the reduction in energy consumption required by burning fuels to heat traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA) to temperatures in excess of 300° F at the production plant. These high production temperatures are needed to allow the asphalt binder to become viscous enough to completely coat the aggregate in the HMA, have good workability during laying and compaction, and durability during traffic exposure.

With the decreased production temperature comes the additional benefit of reduced emissions from burning fuels, fumes, and odors generated at the plant and the paving site.

This technology could have a significant impact on transportation construction projects in and around non-attainment areas that have air-quality restrictions.

The Chattanooga City Council meets each Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the City Council Building at 1000 Lindsay St. For more information on the agendas, visit www.Chattanooga.gov/City_Council/110_Agenda.asp