Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

douglas9

(4,358 posts)
Sat Jan 8, 2022, 10:01 AM Jan 2022

Road Salt Works. But It's Also Bad for the Environment.

As snowstorms sweep the East Coast of the United States this week, transportation officials have deployed a go-to solution for keeping winter roads clear: salt.

But while pouring tons of salt on roads makes winter driving safer, it also has damaging environmental and health consequences, according to a growing body of research.

As snow and ice melt on roads, the salt washes into soil, lakes and streams, in some cases contaminating drinking water reservoirs and wells. It has killed or endangered wildlife in freshwater ecosystems, with high chloride levels toxic to fish, bugs and amphibians, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/07/climate/road-salt-water-supply.html

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Road Salt Works. But It's Also Bad for the Environment. (Original Post) douglas9 Jan 2022 OP
I guess waiting for it to melt naturally is best for the environment jimfields33 Jan 2022 #1
Yes salt is very tough on equipment and the environment but nothing "cracks ice" like rock salt. Botany Jan 2022 #2

jimfields33

(15,462 posts)
1. I guess waiting for it to melt naturally is best for the environment
Sat Jan 8, 2022, 10:07 AM
Jan 2022

Only problem is it could take days to weeks in some cases.

Botany

(70,291 posts)
2. Yes salt is very tough on equipment and the environment but nothing "cracks ice" like rock salt.
Sat Jan 8, 2022, 10:16 AM
Jan 2022

We have some products that are safer for concrete, plants, the soil, and water but it is a trade off
clean non pitted concrete or slipping on ice and then falling and cracking your head?

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Environment & Energy»Road Salt Works. But It's...