SALTS ON ROADS

Snow has not fallen yet this winter and it is not freezing cold. So the topic of a huge amount of salt biting into our shoes and, worse, into the soil does not exist for the moment. However, it is worth remembering that salt spread on roads and pavements in winter is harmful to the environment.

 

We get angry when winter surprises drivers, and salt spreaders are not on the roads. Salt lowers the melting point of water and effectively prevents icing. But do we consider what happens with this salt afterwards?

 

It does not evaporate but together with water infiltrates into the soil, gets into sewerage and groundwater causing trees and plants to dry up instead of getting green in the spring, among others. What should be done in order to protect them?

 

1. Remove snow immediately after it has fallen. Fresh fluff is easier to clean up and there is no need to use chemicals later to get rid of a frozen layer.
2. When you are forced to use salt, avoid the most commonly used road salt, namely sodium chloride, as it is the one that causes the most damage.
3. Remember that salt is not the only product that makes it possible to move safely on frozen sidewalks and alleys. It is possible to use sand or grit (fine aggregate) instead which can be cleaned up after winter. To eliminate ice and snow, it is possible to use calcium chloride, which is much less harmful and almost equally effective.