Winter in Minnesota means snow and ice. Deicing roads, parking lots and sidewalks often means using chloride derived from salt. Salt levels are so high in the metro area that many creeks and lakes are considered unhealthy or impaired, including Nine Mile Creek. Along with environmental consequences, too much salt leads to costly damages. You can reduce deicing salt use and impact by:
Shoveling walkways before snow compacts to minimize ice buildup.
Sanding for traction. When temperatures fall below 15 degrees, salt doesn’t work effectively.
Scattering salt sparingly with about three inches between grains of salt. More salt does not mean more melting.
Sweeping up leftover salt and sand on dry pavement and reusing as needed.
Storing salts properly. City ordinances require stored salt and deicing materials to be covered and located on an impervious surface in an area that prevents discharge into the storm sewer or other water resources.
