Earth Gauge » Salt and Sand

Frogs and Vernal Ponds

espinoza — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:24:32 +0000

Animals like frogs and turtles are waiting out winter by submerging or freezing. As spring temperatures rise and their prey becomes active, reptiles and amphibians will make use of small pools of melt water called vernal ponds. These temporary pools are the breeding grounds and also the feeding grounds for many animals. As the spring season progresses, the water will evaporate or seep into the thawed soil. Those animals that used the vernal pond will have moved on to their adult or summer habitat.

Viewer Tip: Because these ponds fill from melt water, whatever substances were mixed with the snow and ice will enter the pond. This can have an impact on the health and development of sensitive animals like frogs. Remember that everything you put on your sidewalk, lawn or car goes somewhere. Minimize the use of salt, solvents, fertilizers and pesticides, especially during the spring thaw. And listen for the sounds of frogs singing the way into spring!

This information is provided by Great Lakes Aquarium. Learn more at www.glaquarium.org.

Smart About Salt

espinoza — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:58:43 +0000

During the winter months, salt and sand applied to our roads, driveways and sidewalks contribute to lake and stream pollution. Fifty pounds of salt – one large bag – can pollute 10,000 gallons of water. That’s equivalent to one teaspoon of salt in a five-gallon bucket of water.

Viewer Tip: Many cities and states are working to reduce salt use while still keeping streets and sidewalks safe. Using less salt at home will help protect water quality in your neighborhood – and it will save money, too!

Shovel first. Clear away as much snow and ice as possible before you use a deicer. Only use deicers on ice, not snow.
Save your salt. Read the label and use salt sparingly. Use about 30 percent less salt by wetting it with some water before applying it to icy patches.
Protect your plants. Keep salt away from salt-sensitive plants. Learn more about salt damage to plants at www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/id/id-412-w.pdf.
Know your stuff. There are many types of deicers and they perform differently at different temperature ranges. The most common deicer, sodium chloride (“rock salt”), only melts ice to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride cost more, but work in colder temperatures.

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(Sources: Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership, www.myfairlakes.com; TomScheuler. Snow, Road Salt, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Center for Watershed Protection. http://www.cwp.org/; Iowa State University, Centre for Transportation and Research Education. “Prewetting with Salt Brine.” http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/PUBS/semisesq/session1/donahey/index.htm)

The Skinny on Stormwater

espinoza — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:07:43 +0000

Did you know that a typical city block generates more than five times as much rainwater or snowmelt runoff as a forested area of the same size? This is because rooftops and pavement do not allow water to soak into the ground like forests, wetlands and grasslands do. Instead, rainwater and snowmelt runs off pavement into the nearest storm drain where it is transported to local streams and rivers. On its way to the storm drain, water picks up pollutants like oil, antifreeze, pet waste, road salts and yard care chemicals. In most places, storm water does not get treated, so all of those pollutants end up in local waters.

Viewer Tip: It is easy to prevent storm water pollution at home.

Have your vehicle checked for leaks and repair them promptly. If you change your own oil or antifreeze, recycle these materials at a local service station. Never dump them outside or in a storm drain.
Pick up after pets on walks and in your yard. Throw waste away in a trash can.
Check the local forecast – always wait for dry weather before applying yard care chemicals like fertilizer or pesticide.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff.” Available from http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatermonth.cfm)

Know Your Salt

espinoza — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:15:31 +0000

During the winter months, salt and sand applied to our roads, driveways and walkways contribute to lake and stream pollution. Fifty pounds of salt – one large bag – can pollute 10,000 gallons of water. That’s equivalent to one teaspoon of salt in a five-gallon bucket of water.

Viewer Tip: Many cities and states are working to reduce salt use while still keeping streets and sidewalks safe. Using less salt at home will help protect water quality in your neighborhood – and it will save money, too!

Shovel first. Clear away as much snow and ice as possible before you use a deicer. Only use deicers on ice, not snow.
Save your salt. Use about 30 percent less salt by wetting it with some water before applying it to icy patches.
Avoid combining salt and sand. Salt will melt the ice, but if it refreezes, sand can be frozen below the ice surface, making it useless for traction.
Know your stuff. There are many types of deicers and they perform differently at different temperature ranges. The most common deicer, sodium chloride (“rock salt”), only melts ice to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride cost more, but work in colder temperatures.

Type of Deicer	Works down to (°F)	Pros and Cons
Calcium Chloride	-25 degrees	-Can use less than rock salt -May damage concrete
Magnesium Chloride	5 degrees	-Can use less than rock salt -Less toxic than calcium chloride -Less damaging to concrete -May corrode metals over time
Sodium Chloride (“rock salt”)	15 degrees	-Less expensive -Need to use more than calcium or magnesium chloride
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)	25 degrees	-Doesn’t contain chlorides – less toxic
Potassium chloride	25 degrees	-Need to use more than rock salt -Works more slowly than calcium chloride -Safe on concrete
Sand	No melting effect	-Not a deicer – for traction only -Needs to be swept up -Do not use with salt

Season: Winter

This information is provided by the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership. Learn more at www.myfairlakes.com.

Road Salt and the Bay

espinoza — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:38:59 +0000

Wintertime in the Chesapeake Bay area means snow and ice. Unfortunately, that also means rock salt and other deicers on our streets and highways. On average, the Chesapeake region gets between 10 and 20 million pounds of road salt applied to its roadways every winter. Much of that salt finds its way into urban streams and rivers, and then into the Bay itself, where it is harmful to fish, trees, plants and other organisms vital to Bay health.

Viewer Tip: While there’s not much you can do about the salt and deicers used on our streets and highways, you can make a difference at home. Stock up on deicers before the snows hit. Consider using calcium-based deicers rather than rock salt—calcium compounds are less harmful to our watershed. Shovel early and often as the snow falls. This will reduce the amount of salt and other deicers you need to keep your sidewalks and driveway clear and safe. Finally, remember: a little salt goes a long way!

Season: Winter

This information is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Learn more at www.cbf.org.

(Source: Chesapeake Stormwater Network, http://www.chesapeakestormwater.net/)

Road Salt Use in the U.S.

espinoza — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:58:36 +0000

Earth Gauge Video is available for this tip.

Have you noticed salt left on our roads and sidewalks after a storm? A recent study shows that road salt is a major source of chloride in our waters. In some urban streams, chloride is found at levels that can harm fish and other wildlife.

In the mid-1950′s, highway spreaders applied about one million tons of salt to keep our roads ice-free. How much salt is applied now during a winter season? In 2008, more than 21 million tons of salt coated our highways – 20 times more than 50 years ago. That’s nearly two million large truckloads of salt!

Viewer Tip: You can be “salt smart” at home by shoveling away as much snow and ice as possible before applying a salt product to your driveway or walkways. Only use as much salt as you need – adding more does not speed up melting.

Season: Winter

(Sources: USGS. Mineral Commodity Summaries: 2008. http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mcs/2008/mcs2008.pdf;
USGS. “Chloride found at levels that can harm aquatic life in urban streams of the Northern U.S. – Winter deicing a major source.” September 16, 2009: http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2307;
Transportation Research Board. “Road Salt Use in the U.S.” http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/sr/sr235/017-030.pdf.US EPA. “What You Should Know About Safe Winter Roads and the Environment.” http://www.epa.gov/ne/topics/water/pdfs/winterfacts.pdf)

De-Icing the Water

espinoza — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:09:31 +0000

Each year, communities across the U.S. pour hundreds of tons of salt and other de-icing materials on roads and highways. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, is the most commonly used de-icing agent. The salt works by dissolving the precipitation on roadways and lowering the freezing point, thereby melting ice and snow. Although this is beneficial for safety, the dissolved salt can have negative effects on the surrounding environment. Melting snow and ice can carry chemicals into vegetation and soils along the roadside. According to Trout Unlimited, elevated salt levels in soils can inhibit the ability of vegetation to absorb both water and nutrients.

Viewer Tip: Try these tips during winter.

Try using an alternative to traditional de-icing compounds. Options include a salt-free melting agent like calcium magnesium, sand or sawdust, which do little harm to plants.
Protect plants from direct exposure to the spray of salty slush during snow removal by covering them with burlap cloth.
Salt-tolerant plants should also be planted near the street to block exposure for more sensitive plantings.

Season: Winter

This information is provided by Trout Unlimited. Learn more: www.tu.org.

Road Salt Smarts

administrator — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:08:32 +0000

Winter is here, and so are the snow plows. Each winter, about 20 million tons of road salt are spread over U.S. Highways to keep us safe, but all that salty meltwater can harm surface and groundwater supplies. To cut down on salt usage, road crews are pre-wetting it to enhance effectiveness. The wetting agent is generally a mix of water and salt — a salt brine. The spreading is best done before the storm, so the salty liquid is between the pavement and the falling snow. The layer of liquid brine prevents ice from sticking to the pavement.

Viewer Tip: At home, be “salt smart” by shoveling the sidewalk clear before the frigid air arrives, since salt is ineffective below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. And, be sure to shovel the salt-snow mixture away from salt-sensitive plants in your yard.

Season: Winter

(Sources: Tom Scheuler. 2005. Snow, Road Salt, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Center for Watershed Protection. http://www.cwp.org/; Iowa State University, Centre for Transportation and Research Education. “Prewetting with Salt Brine.” http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/PUBS/semisesq/session1/donahey/index.htm)

Choosing Deicers

administrator — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:37:51 +0000

Keeping sidewalks and driveways slip-free can be challenging during a storm, and itmay be hard to know which products to choose for effective deicing with minimal environmental impacts. If you decide to use adeicing productat home, experts recommend choosing calcium chloride over rock salt (sodium chloride) — calcium chloride costs more, but does not contain cyanide and can be used in smaller amounts than rock salt. Calcium chloride is also effective to about -25 degrees Fahrenheit; rock salt is effective to about 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Viewer Tip:Before you apply any product to an area, remove as much snow and iceas possible, as deicing products are most effective when they are applied to a thin layer of ice. When you apply product, follow directions carefully, and only apply as much as you need. About one handful of rock saltper squareyard will do the trick; one handful of calcium chloride will treat about three square yards. Adding extra product won’t speed up deicing.

Season: Winter

(Sources: Envirocast Weather & Watershed Newsletter. January 2003. “Put Your Sidewalk and Driveway on a Low Salt Diet.” http://www.stormcenter.com/envirocast/2003-01-01/envirocast-article4.php; US EPA. “What You Should Know About Safe Winter Roads and the Environment.” http://www.epa.gov/ne/topics/water/pdfs/winterfacts.pdf)

Smart Shoveling

administrator — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 17:52:57 +0000

Snow on roadways, sidewalks, and driveways can collect many pollutants, including salt, oil, sand, and trash. Because paved surfaces do not allow snowmelt to soak into the ground, the water runs off into storm drains. Water that passes through storm drains is not treated before it discharges into local rivers and streams!

Viewer Tip: If you remove snow from your driveway or sidewalks, try to shovel it onto your lawn or another grassy area, instead of pushing it into the street. This will allow snowmelt to soak into the ground, where it can be filtered by the soil, rather than running off into the storm drain.

Season: Winter

(Sources: US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds; The Center for Watershed Protection)

Smart Shoveling

administrator — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 17:48:20 +0000

More than 64,000 square miles of land drain into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Development in the Chesapeake Bay watershed leads to changes in the landscape – more roads, driveways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces that do not allow snowmelt to soak into the ground. Instead, melting snow runs over paved surfaces, picking up pollutants on its way to local storm drains, streams and rivers.

Viewer Tip: If you are removing snow from your sidewalks or driveway, shovel it onto your lawn or another grassy area in your yardinstead of pushing it into the street. This will allow the snowmelt to soak into the ground, rather than running off into the nearest storm drain.

Season: Winter

(Source: The Chesapeake Bay Program; DC Department of Transportation)

Salty Sidewalks

administrator — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 21:40:07 +0000

Most of the 18 million metric tons of salt used on U.S. roads each year are applied in the Midwest and Northeast, with six states – New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – using three quarters of the total! While salt makes our lives easier by keeping roads and sidewalks slip-free, it can be harmful to plants and aquatic animals if it seeps into groundwater supplies or rivers and streams.

Viewer Tip: If you salt your sidewalks, be sure to carefully follow directions and only use as much product as necessary. You may also consider switching to sand for traction, and sweeping up any leftovers after the storm for reuse.

Season: Winter

(Sources: Jackson, R.B. and E.G. Jobbagy. “From Icy Roads to Salty Streams.” October 2005. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States. Vol 102, no. 41; US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds)

Salt Supply

administrator — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 21:32:13 +0000

Did you know that Ohio has a generous rock salt supply beneath Lake Erie and eastern Ohio? Ohio is one of the top salt-producing states in the U.S., with about 400,000 tons being mined each year! While salt is an important deicer on wintry days, it is important to remember a few tips for making sure excess salt from sidewalks and roadways doesn’t end up in local waters and soils.

Viewer Tip: Remember that road salt is strong – always follow the directions on the packaging, and use as little salt as you need to get the job done. Also, on very snowy days, try to shovel some of the snow away soon after the storm. This will prevent ice buildup and reduce the amount of salt you need to use.

Season: Winter

(Sources: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, “Ohio Outdoor Notebook, February 2003.” www.ohiodnr.com; Ohio Department of Transportation)

Salt Sparingly

administrator — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 21:23:37 +0000

It is estimated that about 2.5 million tons of salt are applied to roadways in the Chesapeake Bay watershed each year — if that salt were dissolved in fresh water, it would make about 15 billion gallons of salt water! Salt dissolves easily in water, and when snow begins to melt, salt often ends up in storm drains, local streams and rivers, and the Bay. Too much salt applied to sidewalks and roadways can harm or kill sensitive tree species, and can also damage infrastructure, such as concrete bridges and metal surfaces.

Viewer Tip: If you wake up to slippery sidewalks and driveways tomorrow, remember that a little salt goes a long way. If you can, shovel the sidewalks to move away excess snow before applying any salt. About one handful of rock salt per square yard will be effective. Adding extra salt does not speed up melting.

Season: Winter

(Sources: Tom Scheuler. 2005. Snow, Raod Salt, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Center for Watershed Protection. http://www.cwp.org/)

Salt Smarts

administrator — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 21:15:07 +0000

Did you know that Ohio is one of the top salt-producing states in the U.S., with about 400,000 tons being mined each year? While salt is an important deicer on wintry days, it is important to remember a few tips for making sure excess salt from sidewalks and roadways doesn’t end up in local waters and soils.

Season: Winter

(Sources: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, “Ohio Outdoor Notebook, February 2003.” www.ohiodnr.com; Ohio Department of Transportation)

Salt or Sand?

administrator — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:35:15 +0000

Salt or sand? Too much salt on roadways and sidewalks can be carried into storm drains and local waters when snow melts, harming wildlife and damaging plants. Sand that is carried away with snowmelt or rain can cloud rivers and streams and clog storm drains and ditches. Unfortunately, both of these non-slip substances have some environmental consequences, but there are easy things you can do to reduce their environmental impact.

Viewer Tip: Remember that road salt is strong – always follow the directions on the packaging, and use as little salt as you need to get the job done. On very snowy days, try to shovel some of the snow away soon after the storm to prevent ice buildup and reduce the amount of salt you need to use. If you use sand, sweep up any extra between storms – you’ll keep if from entering the storm drain, and you can reuse it during the next storm!

Season: Winter

(Sources: Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1 — New England. “What You Should Know About Safe Winter Roads and the Environment.” Fact Sheet.)

Salt and Sand: Reduce and Reuse

administrator — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:30:43 +0000

Contamination of ground water by road salts is a concern in the Northern US. Because salt dissolves easily in water, it can seep into our underground water supply. Salt spray from roads and sidewalks can also damage plants, and when snow melts, salts can be carried into stormdrains and directly to local rivers and streams.

Viewer Tip: Is your driveway or sidewalk icy? Try to use salt sparingly. If you are using salt to de-ice, be sure to follow directions and use the recommended amount, as extra deicer won’t work any faster. Also, consider using sand instead of salt – it will provide traction, and you can sweep it up between storms for reuse!

Season: Winter

(Sources: USGS; Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO), University of Connecticut. 1999. “The Four Seasons of Water Quality Protection.”)

Mad River

administrator — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:05:02 +0000

Did you know that the Mad River – flowing through Champaign, Clark, Greene, and Montgomery counties before joining with the Great Miami near downtown Dayton – is one of only a few coldwater trout streams in Ohio? The cool water comes from underground sources all along the river, and the river rarely freezes over in winter because the groundwater that supplies the Mad River stays at a constant temperature of about 54 degrees Farenheit.

Viewer Tip: You can help protect this important wildlife habitat by using sand instead of salt to de-ice your sidewalks. When ice and snow melt, salts can be carried into storm drains, and eventually to local streams and rivers. Using sand instead will help to keep freshwater fish alive and well in local streams and rivers!

Season: Winter

(Source: Miami Conservancy District. Contact: Angela Manuszak.)

Low-Salt Diet

administrator — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:57:03 +0000

Put your sidewalk and driveway on a low-salt diet. Salt is commonly used for making our roadways and sidewalks safe for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. However, use no more salt than necessary as it pollutes our environment, including our drinking water, when snow and ice melt.

Viewer Tip: Consider using alternative deicers, which are more environmentally friendly or use a mixture of sand and salt to improve traction. If you collect and dump snow, it should be placed in an areas where trash and other pollutants will not drain into a lake, stream or wetland. A good location for snow placement is in an area that drains into a stormwater management basin where runoff is treated by allowing pollutants to settle to the bottom of the basin. Go to myfairlakes.com to learn more.

Season: Winter

(Source: Information provided by the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership. www.myfairlakes.com)

Don’t Slip!

administrator — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:33:13 +0000

Salt is a common deicer used on Ohio roadways and sidewalks during snowstorms. Using road salt in the proper amounts plays an important role in keeping our travel safe – in the car and on foot. However, too much salt can cause corrosion on cars, and can harm some plants and fish if concentrations in the environment get too high.

Viewer Tip: If you use salt on your driveway or sidewalk, be sure to follow directions and only use the recommended amount. You may also consider using sand on slippery surfaces. When snow and ice melt, you can sweep up the sand and reuse it during the next storm.

Season: Winter

(Source: Ohio Department of Transportation. “Salt and Environment.” www.dot.state.oh.us)