Posted on 02/11/25
| News Source: WBAL
Baltimore, MD - Feb. 11, 2025 - Marylanders might notice there isn’t as much salt on the roads as in the past.
This is part of the Maryland Department of the Environment’s efforts to reduce the use of road salt in favor of salt brine, which contains about 22% salt.
MDE is taking steps to reduce salt in rivers, streams and groundwater to control salt use and improve water quality.
According to MDE, sodium chloride, or salt, is effective, relatively inexpensive, readily available and easily stored, but it can destroy a soil’s structure and cause erosion, can damage and kill vegetation and can contribute to the corrosion of metal bridges and motor vehicles.
It can also seep into groundwater and run off into surface waters, contaminating wildlife habitat and potentially affecting drinking water.
Some Maryland streams are identified as being polluted by chlorides, which affects freshwater aquatic life. MDE has increased monitoring for chlorides to gain information that can be used in developing restoration plans.
MDE said that once salt has entered the environment, there is no effective way to remove it. The best solution is a widespread, decreased use of road salt.
MDE offered the following tips to reduce or eliminate the use of excessive de-icers at home.
– Clear walkways and other areas before the snow turns to ice to avoid the need for chemical deicers.
– Track the weather and only apply de-icers when a storm is imminent. If a winter storm does not occur, sweep any unused material and store it for later use.
– Only use deicers in areas where they are critically needed and apply the least amount necessary to get the job done.
– Store de-icing materials in a dry, covered area to prevent runoff.
– Reduce salt use by adding sand for traction, but take care to avoid clogging storm drains. Natural clay cat litter also works well.
– If your source of drinking water is your own private well, avoid applying salt near the well head.
– Don’t use urea-based fertilizers as melting agents. Runoff can increase nutrient pollution.