Greta Jimenez
Road salt is a common and effective method for preventing ice formation on roads, especially in areas with cold winters. However, the overuse of road salt has led to various environmental concerns, including water contamination, harm to wildlife and plants, and corrosion of infrastructure. As road salt washes into water bodies, it increases salinity levels, posing risks to aquatic life and drinking water sources. Additionally, salt accumulation in the environment can have long-term impacts on ecosystems and human health. To address these issues, it is essential to explore alternative deicing methods, reduce salt usage, and implement innovative solutions such as porous pavement to minimize the environmental footprint of road salt pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of road salt | Use only the minimum amount of salt necessary |
| Alternatives | Magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, liquid brine, sand, porous pavement |
| Water treatment | Salt is not removed during treatment but is diluted |
| Infrastructure | Chlorides corrode metal and concrete, reducing the lifespan of infrastructure |
| Plants and wildlife | Chlorides are toxic to plants, fish, bugs, birds, and amphibians |
| Human health | High sodium levels in drinking water can be harmful to people with high blood pressure |
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What You'll Learn
Use less road salt
One of the most effective ways to prevent road salt pollution is to reduce the amount of salt used on roads, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. Salt is cheap and effective at deicing, but it has detrimental effects on the environment, including water sources, plants, wildlife, and property.
The use of road salt has increased exponentially over the past 70 years, with about 20 million tons of salt now being scattered on US roads annually, approximately 123 pounds for every American. This has caused various problems, especially in highly urbanized areas with higher chloride levels due to impermeable land cover.
To minimize the environmental impact, it is recommended to use the minimum amount of salt necessary. This can be achieved through targeted and careful application, only when and where it is needed, such as on priority streets. One way to reduce the amount of salt dropped is to use application regulators on plow vehicles, which can limit excess salt and lower environmental hazards.
In addition, switching to liquid salt brine can reduce salt usage by up to 70%. Brine can be spread more evenly and efficiently and works immediately. However, it is less effective at lower temperatures than traditional road salt. Overall, by using less road salt and exploring alternative options, we can significantly reduce the negative impact of salt pollution on the environment.
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Explore alternative de-icers
While there is no "silver bullet" de-icer that can replace road salt, there are several alternative de-icers that can be used to prevent road salt pollution.
One alternative is to use a blend of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) and rock salt. CMA is made from dolomitic lime and acetic acid and is often applied in pellet form. It has little to no toxic effects on aquatic species, is biodegradable, and is non-corrosive. However, CMA must be stored in temperatures above -7 degrees Celsius and is more expensive than rock salt, requiring twice as much to be effective.
Another option is to use magnesium chloride (MgCl2), which is considered safer than sodium chloride (NaCl) or rock salt. However, it requires twice the amount of rock salt to cover the same area, making it more expensive. Additionally, magnesium chloride can be difficult to remove from windshields and headlights, and it corrodes copper wiring.
Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is another alternative that is safer for the environment, but it is three times more expensive than NaCl and is typically reserved for use in vulnerable areas.
Some states have also experimented with potassium acetate as an alternative to road salt.
Innovative solutions that limit the amount of rock salt needed are also being explored, such as porous pavement. Porous or permeable pavement allows standing water to seep through, preventing ice formation on the roads.
In terms of liquid de-icers, a brine solution (a salt-water solution) can be used before a snowfall to prevent the formation of frost on pavement. This practice, known as anti-icing, has been increasing across New England. A 50/50 salt and sand mixture can also be used, although the remaining sand after snowmelt can wash away into water bodies, clouding the water and impacting aquatic plants.
Other alternatives include adding biodegradable substances like beet juice, pickle juice, cheese brine, or molasses to the salt solution to enhance performance. These additives lower the freezing point of water, aid in traction, and make the solution stickier so less salt is wasted.
While these alternatives may be effective, it is important to note that some still require the addition of salt to truly work, and there can still be an environmental impact when the organic material washes into lakes or streams.
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Minimise salt runoff
Another way to minimise salt runoff are innovative solutions that limit the amount of salt needed, such as porous pavement. Porous or permeable pavement allows standing water to seep through, removing water from roads that would normally go through freeze-thaw periods, thus preventing ice formation on the roads. A recent study showed that the annual median snow/ice cover on porous pavement was three times lower than that of regular pavement, and that the low amounts of ice/snow accumulating on porous pavement led to a 77% reduction in annual salt used for maintenance.
Anti-icing practices can also be used to prevent the formation of frost on pavement. Rhode Island, for example, has been applying a brine solution (23.3% salt-water solution) to the roads before a forecasted snow event. This practice has been increasing across New England. Another alternative is the use of a 50/50 salt and sand mixture. The sand doesn't help to melt the snow or ice but increases traction, reducing the amount of road salt required.
Finally, some local municipalities are applying Salt Smart practices to their snow and ice protocols for clearing roads. For example, the Village of Carol Stream has been recognised for its environmentally-conscious approach to deicing operations, focusing on liquid applications to reduce salt and speed up snow clean-up.
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Protect local wildlife
To protect local wildlife from road salt pollution, it is important to understand the impact of road salt on the environment and take preventive measures. Here are some ways to protect local wildlife:
Understand the Impact of Road Salt on Wildlife
Road salt, primarily sodium chloride (NaCl) or rock salt, is commonly used to deice roads during winter. While it is essential for safety in many regions, excessive use can have detrimental effects on the environment, including local wildlife. Chloride ions from salt can contaminate water bodies, endangering aquatic life such as fish, frogs, insects, and amphibians. The chloride ions can also be toxic to birds, who may mistake salt crystals for seeds. Additionally, salt accumulation on roadsides can kill plants and harm animals that ingest the salt.
Reduce and Optimise Salt Use
The first step is to minimise the use of road salt. Spread salt sparingly only on high-traffic and icy areas. Shovel and sweep excess salt from bare pavements and roads to prevent it from washing into water bodies. Rhode Island has implemented a brine solution (a 23.3% salt-water solution) applied before snowfall, which reduces the amount of salt needed. Another option is to use a 50/50 salt and sand mixture, which increases traction and reduces salt usage. However, ensure that the remaining sand is properly managed to avoid sediment buildup in water bodies, impacting aquatic plants.
Explore Alternative Deicing Methods
Safer alternatives to pure chloride salts exist, such as sand or gravel. While these alternatives can also impact stream health, they are generally less harmful. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists safer snowmelt and deicing products on its website. Additionally, new technologies like porous pavement reduce the need for salt by minimising ice formation. Solar roads are another innovative solution that can melt ice or snow through embedded heating pipes.
Community Initiatives and Education
Educating the community about the impact of road salt and promoting initiatives like the Winter Chloride Watchers program can help raise awareness and encourage responsible salt usage. The Salt Smart Collaborative, coordinated by The Conservation Foundation, is an example of a community-driven effort to address road salt pollution.
Advocate for Environmental Protection
On a broader scale, advocate for policies and regulations that prioritise the protection of water supplies and the environment. Support initiatives that aim to reduce the negative impact of anthropogenic pollution, linking ecohydrological processes with system solutions. Ensure that local and state governments are taking preventive measures and implementing alternatives to road salt to protect water quality and wildlife.
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Reduce salt buildup
While rock salt is an effective deicer, it can also cause salt buildup in the environment. This buildup can have harmful effects on plants, wildlife, water quality, and property. Here are some ways to reduce salt buildup:
Reduce Salt Usage
The first step to reducing salt buildup is to minimize salt usage. This can be achieved by using only the minimum amount of salt necessary on sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas. It is important to remember that while rock salt is necessary for safety during winters, overusing it can have negative consequences.
Explore Alternatives
Using less harmful alternatives to pure chloride salts is recommended. For instance, magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is considered safer than sodium chloride (NaCl), although it requires twice the amount to cover the same area, making it more expensive. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is another option that is safer for the environment but is typically reserved for vulnerable areas due to its higher cost.
Anti-Icing Techniques
Anti-icing techniques involve applying a brine solution (a mixture of salt and water) to roads before snowfall to prevent the formation of frost on the pavement. This method has gained popularity in New England, with Rhode Island successfully implementing it since 2012. Anti-icing reduces the amount of salt needed and prevents ice from forming in the first place.
Porous Pavement
Innovative solutions like porous pavement are also effective in reducing salt runoff. This type of pavement allows standing water to seep through, preventing water from undergoing freeze-thaw cycles and reducing ice formation. A recent study found that porous pavement led to a 77% reduction in the annual salt used for maintenance.
Salt Smart Practices
Some municipalities have adopted Salt Smart practices, focusing on environmentally conscious deicing operations. This includes exploring liquid applications, such as brine solutions, to reduce salt usage and speed up snow cleanup. Implementing such practices can help minimize salt buildup and its associated environmental impacts.
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Frequently asked questions
Road salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), is a common deicing chemical used to prevent or eliminate ice on roads and surfaces. While it is effective at keeping roads safe, it has damaging consequences for the environment.
When ice and snow melt, the salt washes into soil, lakes, and streams, contaminating drinking water reservoirs and wells. It has been found to kill or endanger wildlife, including fish, birds, bugs, and amphibians. It also damages plants and harms soil quality.
One way is to use less harmful alternatives, such as magnesium chloride (MgCl2) or calcium chloride (CaCl2). These alternatives are safer for the environment but may be more expensive. Another method is to use a brine solution, which can reduce salt usage by up to 70%.
Porous pavement is an emerging technology that reduces runoff and prevents ice formation on roads, leading to a significant reduction in salt usage. Other methods include anti-icing techniques and using salt and sand mixtures to increase traction and reduce the amount of salt needed.
Individuals can minimize the use of salt on sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas, opting for more environmentally friendly alternatives. They can also support initiatives that promote environmentally conscious snow and ice removal practices in their communities.
