Salt Pollution: Reducing Its Impact On Our Environment

Salt pollution is a growing concern for freshwater ecosystems, with road de-icing salts, agricultural fertilizers, mining operations, and climate change all contributing to the problem. The salinity of freshwater ecosystems is increasing globally, and current water quality guidelines are not adequately addressing the issue. While salt is a popular and effective de-icing tool, it can cause major environmental damage when it washes into groundwater, lakes, and rivers, where it is toxic to aquatic life. To reduce salt pollution, individuals, communities, and governments can take a multi-part approach, including smart salting techniques, seeking eco-friendly alternatives, and advancing chloride reduction legislation.

Shovel snow and ice manually before applying salt

Shovelling snow and ice manually before applying salt is an effective way to reduce salt pollution. This method, also known as postsalting, is done after the snow has been removed to maintain the safety of the surface. When salt is applied to the surface after snow removal, it helps melt any remaining ice or snow, preventing it from refreezing and forming black ice.

To effectively shovel snow and ice manually, it is recommended to use a good snow shovel with a wide, curved blade for efficient snow removal. Some shovels have ergonomic handles to reduce back strain. It is also important to dress warmly in layers, including waterproof boots with good traction, insulated gloves, and a hat or scarf for protection from the cold.

When shovelling, it is advisable to start from the centre of the walkway and work your way outward toward the edges. This prevents snow buildup that could become difficult to move and ensures the walkway is fully cleared for safe passage. Whenever possible, push the snow to the sides instead of lifting it to reduce strain and increase efficiency. If lifting is necessary, bend your knees and use your legs to avoid back injuries.

In the case of heavy snowfall, shovelling in layers is recommended. Remove the top layer of snow first, then go back for the layer underneath. This reduces the weight you're moving and makes the task more manageable. Taking breaks as needed and pacing yourself, especially during heavy snowfall, is essential to avoid overexertion.

After shovelling, you can apply salt sparingly to any remaining icy patches. Use a spreader to ensure even distribution and give the salt time to start melting the ice. Remember to use only the amount recommended on the product label, as overuse can damage surfaces and harm the environment.

Use less salt through efficient smart salting (S2) strategies

Smart Salting (S2) strategies are an effective way to reduce salt pollution and its harmful effects on the environment. Here are some ways to use less salt while still maintaining safety:

Manual Removal

Before resorting to salt, manually remove as much snow and ice as possible using shovels, snow blowers, or snowplows. The more that can be removed manually, the less salt will be needed, and the more effective it will be. This simple step can significantly reduce the amount of salt used.

Smart Application Techniques

When applying salt, use less than 4 pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet. Leave about a 3-inch space between granules, and consider using a handheld spreader to ensure an even and consistent application. Additionally, be mindful of the temperature, as salt stops working at 15 degrees Fahrenheit. At such low temperatures, consider using sand for traction, but remember to sweep it up later to prevent it from washing into waterways.

Brine Solutions

Instead of using rock salt, opt for salt brine, a mixture of rock salt and water. Brine solutions are better at melting snow and ice, reduce waste, and are easy to use. They also stick to the pavement better and don't scatter or bounce off the roads.

Liquid Application

Invest in modern spreading equipment that can adjust slurry mixes and application rates. This equipment can be mounted on plow trucks, allowing for real-time adjustments to optimize salt usage.

Training and Certifications

Encourage snowplow drivers and private contractors to undergo Smart Salting training and obtain certifications. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) Smart Salting program offers training on best practices to reduce salt use while maintaining safety. This training has been shown to reduce salt usage by 30% to 70%.

Community Collaboration

Work together with neighbors, local businesses, schools, and community organizations to find ways to reduce salt use collectively. This can include sharing knowledge, resources, and successful strategies for smart salting.

By implementing these efficient smart salting strategies, we can significantly reduce salt pollution and minimize the negative impact of salt on our environment.

Sweep up excess salt or sand from dry pavement

Sweeping up excess salt or sand from dry pavement is an important step in reducing salt pollution. When salt is visible on dry pavement, it is no longer effective in melting ice and will be washed away, contributing to salt pollution in the environment. Here are some reasons and ways to address this issue:

Firstly, it is essential to understand that salt pollution has significant environmental impacts. As salt dissolves, it splits into sodium and chloride ions, which can contaminate surface water bodies like streams, lakes, and rivers, as well as groundwater. Chloride, being more mobile than sodium, poses a greater threat, and high levels of it can be toxic to aquatic life. It interferes with the regulation of salt uptake in animals and reduces biodiversity by favouring salt-tolerant organisms.

To prevent this, it is crucial to sweep up any excess salt or sand from dry pavement. This simple act ensures that the salt or sand is not washed away into water bodies, reducing the amount of salt pollution they receive. It is also important to note that sand does not melt ice, so it is primarily used for traction. Therefore, sweeping up excess sand can also reduce its potential negative impact on the environment.

Additionally, sweeping up excess salt or sand can help reduce the cost of purchasing more de-icing materials. The salt or sand collected can be stored and reused in other areas where it is needed, such as on icy patches or for traction. This practice promotes a more efficient use of resources and can help save money for residents, businesses, and organizations.

Finally, by regularly sweeping up excess salt or sand, individuals and communities can play a vital role in protecting their local water sources and the surrounding ecosystem. It is a small but significant step towards ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the environment. This proactive approach can also encourage further exploration of alternative de-icing methods that are safer for the environment.

Use sand for traction when temperatures are below 15°F

When temperatures are below 15°F, sodium-chloride salt stops working. It is important to know that sand does not melt ice, but it can be used instead of salt for traction. Sand has been used as a winter maintenance material for a long time. Its rough texture provides grip on icy surfaces.

Sand is an attractive option for operation managers because of its low initial cost. However, it requires extensive clean-up, which means more work for maintenance crews. Sand is also dry, so it is easily blown off the road, requiring more application. To reduce this, sand can be pre-wetted, which also increases driver safety by reducing the likelihood of debris flying up and damaging windshields.

Sand can also have a negative environmental impact. It contributes to PM10 levels, as tiny particles form when sand is crushed by traffic and remain suspended in the air, which could be a threat to air quality. It can also run off into nearby streams and waterways, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems.

Overall, sand is a helpful tool for winter maintenance when the temperature is below 15°F, but it is important to consider its limitations and potential environmental impacts.

Use snow tires and drive according to the conditions

While there are no practical alternatives to applying salt to roads, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots to remove ice, there are ways to reduce salt pollution. One way is to use snow tires and drive according to the conditions.

Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are designed to deliver optimal snow and ice performance. They provide better grip and easier vehicle control during winter drives. When snow and ice blanket the roadway, all-season tires may not be sufficient. It is important to find the right snow tires for your vehicle to ensure safety and better vehicle control.

When driving in winter weather, it is crucial to adjust your driving speed and style to the conditions. Here are some tips to drive according to the conditions:

• Slow down and drive at a speed suitable for the winter conditions.
• Give plow drivers plenty of space to do their work.
• Be patient as salt takes time to work and is not always visible on the road.
• Be prepared for difficult driving conditions after a snowstorm and don't expect roads to be completely free of snow and ice.
• Consider putting on cleats over your shoes or boots to avoid slips and falls when walking on icy surfaces.

By using snow tires and driving according to the conditions, you can help reduce the amount of salt needed on roads, which in turn helps to reduce salt pollution and its negative impact on the environment.

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