The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is reminding Minnesotans to keep their salt use on roads and even on sidewalks in check this winter.
It's estimated that nearly 400,000 tons of salt is used on roads in the Twin Cities each year. Mixed in with that salt is chloride which has built up in toxic amounts in Minnesota's waterways.
Chloride reduction coordinator Brooke Aslesom says if you can, try not to use salt at all. That includes salts labeled environmentally safe.
"There's no labeling law in Minnesota that says that they have to provide all of that information, or that the information they put on those packaged bags of salt is actually accurate," explains Aslesom. "So, there could be bags of salt that say it's environmentally safe and that may not be true."
Salt is commonly over-applied, sending too much chloride into waterways and wreaking havoc for fish and other wildlife. The MPCA says that Minnesotans can stay safe while doing their part this winter by minimizing salt use and using other tools to get the job done.
In fact, some waterways have so much chloride, they have been added to the state’s impaired waters list.
"One of our biggest challenges with this pollutant is that it is a permanent pollutant," Aslesom says. "Once we've added that chloride into our water, there's no way to remove it."
She says things like not using salt at extremely low temperatures and sweeping up leftover salt can minimize it's impact on the environment.
Shovel and scrape: The more snow and ice you remove, the less salt is needed to be effective. Watch this video about tools, techniques, and products that you can use to keep your driveways and sidewalks safe while protecting our waters.
15°F and below is too cold for salt: Most salts stop working at this temperature. Use sand instead for traction but remember that sand does not melt ice.
Use the right amount: That crunch from sidewalk salt under your feet does not signify safety. People often think using more salt means more melting and safer conditions, but this is not true. Around 12 ounces — roughly a coffee mug full — effectively treats a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares (about 1,000 square feet). Aim to apply salt evenly (e.g., with a spreader), and use only in critical areas. Using more than the recommended is simply a waste, costing you money.
Sweep up visible salt on dry surfaces: Leftover salt is no longer doing any work and will just be washed away into local waters. You can keep it to reuse later. Next time, try cutting back on the amount you use. When the correct of salt amount is used, there should not be any visible salt left behind.
Wear proper footwear: Wear shoes or boots with good traction and pay attention to where you are walking, avoiding icy spots, if possible. Take it slow and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going.