FAA Approves Polypropylene Pipe For Civilian Airport Water Collection And Disposal

Expands Available Cost-Effective Solutions for Important Airport Infrastructure Upgrades

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.(“ADS”), a leading global manufacturer of water management products and solutions for commercial, residential, infrastructure and agricultural applications, applauds the recent decision by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve polypropylene pipe for subsurface water collection and disposal at civilian airports. The decision to recognize polypropylene pipe as an equal alternative to other materials enables design engineers and contractors to leverage the benefits of the lightweight, cost-effective and durable solution for water collection and removal under airfield pavements.

This updated standard follows the recent approval of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe for under pavement use in all airport areas including deicing pads, runways and taxiways.

"The nearly 400 commercial airports and 3,000 general aviation facilities in the United States require infrastructure upgrades and expansion to meet the demand of continual increases in air travel,” said Greg Bohn, Director of National Engineering and Product Development for ADS. “This update to the FAA policy is in line with a growing number of Departments of Transportation (DOT) across the country who have approved polypropylene and HDPE pipe for critical infrastructure needs. These are easy to install, lightweight and cost-effective solutions with a high degree of stiffness and strength which enable developers to maximize a project's budget and provide substantial alternatives that meet AASHTO and ASTM standards.”

ADS solutions are used extensively for water management at airports everywhere, including the busiest airport in the world, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The company manufacturers both polypropylene and HDPE pipe in diameters up to 60 inches.

About Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.:
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., (ADS) is the world’s largest producer of corrugated HDPE pipe. Founded in 1966, it serves the storm and waste water industry through a global network of 58 domestic and international manufacturing plants and 29 distribution centers. In addition to its flagship N-12 pipe, and HP Sanitary and Storm pipe, the company offers a complete line of fittings and other accessories including StormTech storm water chambers, Nyloplast drainage structures, INSERTA TEE, storm water treatment units and various geotextiles. For more information, visit www.ads-pipe.com.