As we dig out from another winter storm here in the Northeast–and road crews work to stay on top of the snow–we’re all focused on getting around safely. Whether we’re driving, cycling (yup, people still do, despite windchills and slippery ground), or navigating on foot, clearing roads and sidewalks quickly and effectively is a primary concern.

And that means we’re using all kinds of salt. Nothing does the job as well or as economically–but we’ve been going overboard without thinking about where the salt goes. We’re after the plusses, but aren’t tuned in to the negative effects.

Remember last winter’s massive storms and those images of front loaders dumping snow into the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers? That snow is loaded with the salt and sand that gives us traction on the roads. What about the snowmelt that washes into the storm drains? You guessed it: this runoff is also loaded with salt–and it may be heading straight into local creeks, rivers, and streams. Studies are showing that sodium levels in waterways all across the country have been rising–and that’s not a good thing. Plants and fish are being adversely affected; in fact, the entire aquatic ecosystem is being thrown out of whack.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Sandy Bauers wrote a good piece about the problem over the holidays. In case you missed it, you can find the article here >>

She draws from a study by the US Geological Survey that says salt deicing can turn waterways toxic to aquatic life. Check it out here >>

Thought provoking stuff. We want everyone to be safe out there, but let’s use our salt wisely. Like it or not, all of our actions have some unintended effect…

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.