City of Blaine issued the following announcement on Dec. 16.
As snow season draws near, consider this, sodium chloride is the most common form of salt used for de-icing roads and walkways. It is used so much that it has become a water pollutant. Here are ways to reduce chloride pollution, have safer walking areas, and maybe save some money.
- Remove snow during a snowstorm instead of waiting until the end. Start with the very first snow and keep up the rest of the winter, especially in shaded walkways.
- Think anti-icing. The goal is to break the bond between ice and pavement just where you need it so it can be shoveled or plowed.
- Treat before a storm to help prevent ice buildup so less de-icer is needed.
- Use products containing liquid magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, or potassium acetate.
- Do not apply if ice has already formed, in rainy, sleety, blowing conditions, or if snowfall is more than one inch per hour.
- Concrete may require specialized use or product. Salt, chlorides, and urea-based or pet friendly options can cause pitting or spalling of concrete surface. Check product label before concrete use.
- After storms use as little de-icer as possible.
- The closest salt substitute is potassium acetate, but is hard to find, ask for it to create consumer demand.
- Use sand it is safe for pets and children, sweep up any excess as needed.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Blaine
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