Local news- Press Release
Carver County Minnesota - Safe sidewalks and clean lakes 17 January 2024 ( news )
Carver County , state Minnesota ( By Press Release office)
Jan 17,2024
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Wintertime brings a surge of chloride pollution into our lakes and rivers . When we use de - icing salt on our sidewalks , driveways , and roads , much of that salt ends up in bodies of water where it dissolves into chloride .
High chloride levels are toxic to fish , aquatic insects , and amphibians , and harms the aquatic ecosystem . It doesn’t take much – just one teaspoon of salt contains enough chloride to permanently pollute five gallons of water! So far , the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has identified 54 lakes and streams in Minnesota with chloride levels high enough to harm fish and other aquatic life , and 75 more water bodies are approaching unsafe levels .
Salt is also corrosive , damaging parking lots , walkways , bridges , and buildings . According to the Environmental Protection Agency , maintenance and repair of salt damage to roads , bridges , and automobiles in the U . S . costs around $5 billion each year . In the landscape , chloride kills plants , trees , and lawns , and changes the soil chemistry so future plant growth is difficult . It can also harm our pets who may lick it off their paws or drink salty snowmelt .
Chloride is a permanent pollutant . Once in a lake or river , it’s impossible to remove it safely and cost - effectively . The only way to reduce chloride levels in water is to use less salt .
Using the right practices keeps us safe from slips and falls and reduces negative impacts from salt . Follow these steps to prevent ice and use salt properly .
Shovel that snow
The best way to prevent ice is to shovel . Shovel early and shovel often . Remove the snow and there is less there to get compacted and turn to ice , thus reducing the need for salt .
Water your Scatter
When applying salt , watch your scatter . Scatter the salt widely , leaving space between grains of salt . A coffee mug of salt is enough for 60 - 70 feet of sidewalk , or two parking spots . A hand or push spreader helps get the right scatter .
Water the temperature
Rock salt ( NaCl ) is NOT useful when the temperatures are below 15°F . Even at 15°F it can take an hour to melt ice . Shovel and use a little sand for traction if needed during cold temperatures .
Sweep up leftovers
Salt only works once it is dissolved . If you can see salt on your driveway hours after it has been applied , it isn’t doing any work . Sweep it up and use it again next time . Otherwise , it will just blow away or wash into storm drains with the next melt .
Thank you for helping protect our waters .
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