BALTIMORE (January 14, 20,22) Maryland continues to work with the federal government to reduce the use and impact of ice-melting sugars, which can be harmful to public health.
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), is working to reduce salt levels in streams, rivers, and groundwater. This will protect aquatic life and water sources, while ensuring roads are safe for winter travel. MDE has been working closely with state agencies and local jurisdictions for many years to develop best practices for salt applications. These include improved weather forecasting, using salt in the right amount, targeting roads most in need of treatment and using brine as a way to reduce salt usage. Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration uses a variety of strategies to reduce salt usage while maintaining road safety. In fact, the agency has seen a significant reduction in salt usage over the past five year.
The Maryland Department of the Environment thanks and congratulates the Maryland Department of Transportation, which has shown leadership in reducing road salts that could threaten public health and the environment. Ben Grumbles, Maryland Environment Secretary, said that. We urge Marylanders to make informed decisions about the use of deicing chemicals this winter to protect waterways and wildlife, without compromising mobility or public safety.
MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith stated that MDOT SHA follows best practices to use less salt and maintain safe roads for customers. MDOT SHA works with contractors to reduce salt use and keep safety as our highest priority.
Clearing roads and highways from ice and snow helps to ensure safe transportation and timely delivery of goods and services in Maryland. Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is cost-effective, easily available, and can be stored. Salt can cause soil damage and erosion, as well as the death and destruction of vegetation. It can also contribute to corrosion of metal bridges, motor vehicles, and other metal structures. Salt can also seep into groundwater, and then runoff into surface water, contaminating wildlife habitats as well as potentially affecting drinking waters.
Some streams in Maryland have been identified as being polluted with chlorides. This affects freshwater aquatic life. MDE has increased monitoring of chlorides to gather information that can be used for developing restoration plans.
High blood pressure sufferers who are on sodium-restricted diets may be concerned about salt in their water. Chloride can also cause corrosion of pipes and water taste. Road deicing can lead to an increase in the sodium and chloride levels in drinking water reservoirs and rivers, as well as private and public water system wells.
There is no effective way for salt to be removed once it has reached the environment. A decrease in road salt usage is the best solution.
MDOT SHA is using proactive strategies to reduce road-salt use. Salt brine is a liquid solution of 22 percent salt and 78% water that is used by MDOT SHA to treat roads during, after, and following winter weather events. Salt brine is used to prevent snow or ice from bonding, allowing road crews to mobilize. Two tow plows are now available at the agency. They can be pulled behind a salt/plow truck in order to clear additional travel lanes. This increases snow clearing efficiency. More plowing means less salting.
MDOT SHA also has designated routes where salt brine is used for direct liquid application during storms. This is a reduction in salt usage overall compared to routes that use rock salt. To reduce salt solids ricocheting off of the highway, the agency pre-wets salt salt with salt brine. MDOT SHA also works closely with weather forecasters in order to develop a treatment program. The agency employs more than 100 mobile, infrared sensors at key points to determine conditions, target its storm deployment, and greatly contributes to salt reduction efforts.
MDE monitors streams, reservoirs, and works with jurisdictions in order to control salt consumption and improve water quality. This is done through the agency’s Nonpoint Source Program. It also has a statewide designation under federal Clean Water Act, which indicates that waters are not being used or are at risk from salt. This designation requires that all jurisdictions adopt practices to reduce salt usage.
MDE also issued large-scale municipal stormwater permits for large localities that included requirements for programs to reduce winter icing materials. Recently issued permits to Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Montgomery counties require countries to follow the MDOT SHA guidance, to use better equipment and methods, and track and report salt consumption. Similar requirements will be included in other municipal stormwater permits.
MDE recognizes that private entities such as property managers who hire winter maintenance contractors or facility managers who maintain parking lots and other surfaces, salt use should be reduced. MDE recently developed a curriculum to provide training online and in person for salt users. MDE is also involved in partnerships at the federal level, through a program that was led by the State of Minnesota, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys region office for the upper Midwest, and locally with WSSC Water and the Metropolitan Council of Governments.
Salt is used by many Maryland residents in order to reduce ice accumulation on driveways, walkways, and steps. De-icers can be dangerous for pets and children, as well as having adverse effects on water quality and vegetation. Here are some tips to reduce or eliminate excessive use of de-icers at your home.
- Clear walkways and other areas of the area before the snow turns into ice to reduce the need to use chemical deicers.
- Keep an eye on the weather and only apply deicers if a storm is approaching. If a winter storm doesn’t occur, sweep any material that is not used and store it for later.
- Only use deicers where they are absolutely necessary and only apply as much as is necessary to complete the job.
- To prevent runoff, store de-icing materials in a dry, covered place.
- Salt consumption can be decreased by adding sand for traction. However storm drains must not be blocked. Natural clay cat litter works well too.
- Salt should not be used near your source of water if you have your own private well.