Roadway Salt - A Stormwater Concern
Green Energy

Roadway Salt - A Stormwater Concern



Roadway Salt Causes Stormwater Pollution

Winter, Road Salt and the Ohio River . . .


The Winter season officially starts on December 21st this year . . . .

However, the early season's 'arctic clippers' have already produced freezing rain, ice and snow on our roads throughout the Ohio Valley.  This of course means the 'Salt Trucks' are out and so is 'Stormwater Pollution.'

Stormwater drains show 'road salt' draining into watershed area.
Prior to the 1970's, sand, cinders and other abrasives were applied to the roadways to attack the snow and ice conditions.

Since the 1970's there has been increased traffic and highway DOT's have been using road salt and other chemicals that harm the stormwater 'watersheds' of our region and will cause issues to aquatic life in the Ohio River basins.

While the Salt Trucks and 'road salting' practices keep our society moving in the winter, to date there are no 'cost-effective' ways to remove the snow and ice from our roadways without harming our watersheds throughout the Ohio Valley.

Recently DOT's have been experimenting by using a 'brine-solution' practice which causes a layer to form between the pavement and the precipitation before the precipitation begins.  This practices does help to help cut down on the use of 'road salt.'

The 'brine-solution' practice appears to be effective in preventing snow and ice.  Still the cost of the solution dispersing equipment and 'brine solution' still has to be studied concerning its effect on our 'watersheds.'

In the meantime, lets encourage our commissioners, DOT's, Stormwater professionals and environmental managers to consider using methods of snow and ice removal that are less harmful to our watersheds.

Let's keep our watersheds safe.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

GEI LLC / December 2014








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