Purdue University
OP-T2-22: Snow and Ice Removal

The Purdue Buildings & Grounds Department is responsible for snow and ice removal on over 20 miles of streets, 80 miles of sidewalks, 10,000 parking spots, and hundreds of curbs, ramps, and steps leading to buildings. Staging and preparedness are two critical factors early in the snow and ice removal process. The Buildings & Grounds Department constantly monitors the weather conditions utilizing local media, government websites, and close communication with the Purdue Airport. The preparedness phase integrates communication and announcement of snow fleet mobilization with the Purdue Police Department, Purdue Fire Department, and the Purdue Airport. Once the 2”-3” snow accumulation threshold is anticipated or has been met, the snow fleet mobilizes. Rather than using harsh or corroding chemicals, the product used as a deicing agent is a brine and beet juice solution. In 2011, Buildings & Grounds Department was awarded with the “Effective and Innovative Practices Award” from the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) for the design and application of a brine and beet juice deicing solution. When class is not in session, a discretionary reduction in snow removal areas is implemented while maintaining critical areas for the 15,000 employees remaining on campus after the 40,000 students have gone home for Winter Break.