Salt Smart This Winter
December 11, 2024
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When you hear the word "salt," you might think of its effects on your health, but have you considered the environmental risks of using rock salt to treat snow/ice? As we prepare for winter, it's time to think about the choices available to treat our driveways, sidewalks, and roads.
Did you know that just one 12-ounce cup of salt can treat 10 sidewalk squares?
That’s much less salt than the average person uses and a reminder that less is more when it comes to ice treatment.
By reducing the amount of salt we use, we can help protect our waterways and keep our community safer.
All de-icers eventually impact our waterways, but sodium chloride (rock salt) is especially harmful. As it dissolves, it enters stormwater runoff and eventually reaches lakes, rivers, and streams, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. High salt concentrations in water harm plants, animals, and fish, and can degrade water quality.
As we prepare for winter, it's time to think about the choices available to treat our driveways, sidewalks, and roads.
Choose to start this winter Salt Smart.
Treatment options
1. Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt)
- How it works: Lowers the freezing point of water, causing ice to melt.
- Effective to: Around 15°F.
- Pros: Inexpensive, widely available.
- Cons: Highly corrosive to metals and concrete. Repeated exposure can cause significant damage.
- Environmental Impact: Sodium chloride contributes to waterway pollution, harming plants, animals, and fish by increasing salinity in rivers, lakes, and streams.
2. Calcium Chloride
- How it works: Generates heat while melting ice, making it effective in even colder temperatures.
- Effective to: -25°F.
- Pros: Works faster than sodium chloride.
- Cons: More expensive.
- Environmental Impact: While less damaging than sodium chloride, calcium chloride still affects aquatic ecosystems and can cause corrosion.
3. Environmentally Friendly De-Icers
Alternative de-icers either act as salt substitutes or enhance the effect of salt, allowing for less usage. However, they tend to be more expensive. Marketed as pet, family, and environmentally friendly, these products are a safer choice for those concerned about the impact of traditional salt.
- Magnesium Chloride
- Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
- Potassium Chloride
- Potassium Acetate
- Beet Juice
Additional Considerations
- Sand While sand does not melt ice, it provides traction for pedestrians and vehicles. It's a useful alternative when you're concerned about ice but want to avoid using de-icers.
Best Practices
To reduce the environmental impact, follow these best practices when using de-icers:
- Apply a thin layer before a storm: Applying a de-icer just before a storm prevents snow and ice from bonding to surfaces, making removal easier and reducing the amount of salt required.
- Sweep up excess: After a storm, sweep up leftover de-icer to use for the next storm. This ensures that you’re using only what’s necessary.
- Use as little as possible: Whether you choose salt or an alternative de-icer, use the minimal amount required to keep surfaces safe. It’s better for the environment and for your wallet.