Salt Creek Pollution: Solutions For Cleaner Waters

Salt Creek, which runs through eastern DuPage County and parts of Cook County, has been the subject of pollution concerns for several years. The creek's water quality has been impacted by urban development, wastewater discharge, and salt pollution. In 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducted experiments to assess the creek's ecological conditions and develop strategies to reduce pollution. More recently, organizations like Friends of the Mississippi River have advocated for chloride reduction legislation and smart salting strategies to mitigate the effects of salt pollution on aquatic life and drinking water sources. Local communities and governments have also implemented watershed management plans and adopted sustainable practices to restore and protect Salt Creek and its tributaries. These collective efforts aim to improve water quality, preserve habitats, and ensure safe recreational use of the creek.

Smart salting strategies

Shovel or Snow-blow First

Manual removal of snow and ice is an effective way to reduce salt usage. By shovelling or using a snow blower, you can minimize the amount of salt needed to melt the remaining ice or snow. This not only reduces salt pollution but also makes the salt more effective, as it is applied directly where it is needed.

Collaboration within the Community

Working together with neighbours, local businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations can help reduce salt use in a community. By sharing ideas and best practices, communities can find innovative ways to decrease salt usage while still maintaining safe winter conditions.

Know the Right Temperature for Salting

Understanding the limitations of salt is crucial. Sodium chloride (rock salt) becomes ineffective at temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Using sand or gravel for traction in such conditions is a better alternative, as it provides traction without the environmental impact of salt.

Slow Down and Be Patient

When driving on icy or snowy roads, it's important to slow down and give plow drivers the space they need to work effectively. Remember that salt takes time to work, and over-application does not lead to faster or better results. Patience and cautious driving help ensure safer roads and less salt usage.

Apply Less Salt

More salt does not mean faster or more effective melting. It is recommended to use less than 4 pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet. Leaving a 3-inch space between granules ensures even distribution and prevents excessive use. A handheld spreader can help achieve a consistent application.

Sweep Up Extra Salt

If you see salt or sand on dry pavement, it is no longer serving its purpose and will be washed away by rainwater, contributing to salt pollution. Sweeping up this excess salt and using it elsewhere or disposing of it properly helps reduce salt runoff into water bodies.

Use Certified Smart Salting Contractors

Hiring contractors who are certified in smart salting practices ensures that they have received specialized training and are committed to using environmentally friendly methods. These individuals are knowledgeable about reducing salt impacts on the environment while still maintaining safe conditions.

Explore Salt Alternatives

While salt is commonly used for de-icing, there are alternatives that are safer for the environment. Brine or saltwater, for example, can significantly reduce the amount of salt used and decrease expenses. Other natural alternatives like alfalfa meal and wood ash provide traction and also act as fertilizers, making them safer for plants and aquatic life.

By adopting these smart salting strategies, communities can play a crucial role in reducing salt pollution in their local creeks, rivers, and other water sources, thereby protecting aquatic ecosystems and safeguarding their drinking water supplies.

Sweep up excess salt

If salt is visible on a dry pavement, it is no longer effective and will be washed away. This excess salt will eventually end up in local water sources, contributing to salt pollution. To prevent this, it is important to sweep up any excess salt and either use it elsewhere or throw it away. This simple action can help to reduce the amount of salt pollution in our waterways.

One way to reduce the amount of salt that needs to be applied in the first place is to manually remove snow and ice before it freezes over. Shovelling or using a snow blower can help to reduce the reliance on salt and increase its effectiveness when it is used. The more snow and ice that is removed manually, the less salt will be needed.

It is also important to use the correct amount of salt. More salt does not mean more melting. In fact, applying too much salt can lead to excess salt ending up in our waterways. It is recommended to use less than 4 pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet. Leaving a 3-inch space between granules can help ensure that the salt is applied evenly and effectively.

In addition to manual removal, alternative de-icing methods can be used. Brine or saltwater can be applied to roads, which can dramatically decrease the amount of salt used and reduce the amount that ends up in streams. Sand and gravel can also be spread over icy areas to provide traction without the need for salt.

By implementing these strategies, we can reduce the amount of salt pollution in our waterways and protect our local lakes, streams, and groundwater. It is important for residents, businesses, and organizations to work together to find ways to reduce salt use and minimize its impact on the environment.

Reduce paved areas

One way to reduce salt pollution in Salt Creek is to decrease the amount of paved surfaces in the surrounding area. This can be done by individuals, businesses, and local governments. For example, instead of paving a new parking lot, a business might opt for a gravel lot or a smaller paved lot with more vegetated areas. Local governments can also work to reduce paved surfaces in public spaces, such as parks and median strips.

By reducing the amount of paved surfaces, you also reduce the amount of water that runs off into Salt Creek, carrying pollutants with it. This is because paved surfaces do not allow water to soak into the ground as easily as unpaved or vegetated surfaces.

In addition to reducing paved areas, individuals can also play a role in reducing salt pollution by using less salt on their own properties. For example, they can shovel snow and ice manually or use sand for traction instead of salt.

It is also important to properly dispose of any salt that is used. Sweep up any extra salt that is visible on dry pavement and throw it away or use it somewhere else. Do not allow salt to be washed into storm drains, as this can contribute to salt pollution in waterways.

Local governments can also play a role in reducing salt pollution by adopting smart salting (S2) strategies and providing training for private and public salt applicators. These strategies can reduce salt application by 30-70% without compromising public safety.

Compost leaves and clippings

Composting leaves and clippings is an effective way to reduce pollution in Salt Creek. Composting is a form of recycling that helps organic matter decompose through aerobic decomposition. This process is much better for the environment compared to anaerobic decomposition, which occurs in landfills and produces methane emissions. By composting, individuals can help to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills and decrease emissions.

Leaves and grass clippings are excellent carbon-nitrogen sources for compost. The carbon-nitrogen ratio is essential for the survival of the microbes that break down compost. The ideal C/N ratio is 30:1, meaning 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen.

When creating a compost pile, it is important to layer the materials properly. Start with a layer of coarse plant material such as twigs and branches. Then, add 6-10 inches of fine plant material, including dry leaves, fresh grass clippings, and kitchen scraps. Put 1 inch of soil or manure on top. Repeat the second and third layers until the compost pile is about 5 feet tall. As you add layers, lightly sprinkle water to help jumpstart decomposition.

It is important to note that grass clippings treated with herbicides or pesticides should not be added to the compost pile. These chemicals can have long-lasting negative effects on the soil. Additionally, avoid adding dairy products, grease, meat trimmings, or eggs, as they will attract pests and create an unpleasant odour.

Composting leaves and grass clippings is a simple and effective way to reduce pollution in Salt Creek. By recycling these organic materials, individuals can improve the health of the soil, reduce waste, and lower their carbon footprint.

Monitor water quality

Water quality monitoring is a critical aspect of managing and improving the health of Salt Creek. Several measures are being implemented to achieve this:

• Dye Testing: The U.S. Geological Survey and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted dye tests by injecting a neon-red, vegetable-based dye into Salt Creek. This allowed scientists to study the creek's chemical and ecological conditions, including the speed of the stream and the oxygen levels present. By tracking the movement of the dye, researchers can understand how pollutants move through the water and how external factors like wastewater affect the creek's chemical balance.
• Water Sampling: Teams from the Illinois EPA and other organizations collect water samples from Salt Creek and its tributaries for analysis. These samples are studied to determine the concentrations of various substances, such as propane and oxygen, which are indicators of the creek's health.
• Computer-Generated Modelling: The data collected from dye tests and water sampling will be used to develop a computer-generated model. This model will enable scientists to simulate different conditions and predict how they will affect the level and concentration of pollutants in the creek. This predictive capability will inform decisions about restrictions on wastewater discharge.
• Repeat Testing: To gain a comprehensive understanding of the creek's water quality, the dye tests and water sampling are repeated at different times of the year and at various locations along Salt Creek and its tributaries. This allows for the capture of seasonal variations and the identification of specific areas of concern.
• Community Engagement: Local residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to play their part in preventing salt pollution. This includes adopting smart salting (S2) strategies when de-icing roads and pavements, as well as responsible lawn care and yard waste management practices to minimize the use of chemicals that can contaminate stormwater runoff.
• Watershed Management Plans: Organizations like the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and Save the Dunes Conservation Fund (SDCF) have developed Watershed Management Plans (WMPs) to address nonpoint source pollution in Salt Creek. These plans involve the community and consider the concerns of local citizens, experts, and stakeholders. They make recommendations for improving water quality and identify implementation activities, partners, and potential funding sources.

Frequently asked questions