Salt is essential for keeping our streets and sidewalks safe during winter. But, many of us tend to use too much of it, and it lingers longer than we might think.
When salt washes off, it ends up in our waterways. Shannon Haydin, a stormwater manager for the Wisconsin DNR, emphasizes that while salt is effective for ice management, its environmental impact can be serious. Once it enters the ecosystem, it’s tough and costly to remove.
We need to find a balance. On one hand, salt helps prevent accidents for drivers and pedestrians. On the other, too much salt can harm local wildlife and ecosystems. Although waterways in Northeast Wisconsin aren’t critically affected yet, salt levels are rising, which is a concern.
Organizations like the Wisconsin DNR and Wisconsin Salt Wise are taking steps to address the issue now.
In recent years, cities like Green Bay have significantly reduced their salt usage. Steve Grenier, the city’s director of public works, reports that their new methods—like pre-wetting and brining—have cut salt use by 30%. This means less environmental impact while still keeping roads safe. They’re operating more efficiently despite having fewer staff.
There are also things you can do at home to use less salt. One simple tip is to clear snow and ice with shovels or brooms before applying salt. You can save salt by being strategic about when and how much to use.
Just one 12-ounce cup of salt can treat ten squares of sidewalk or 20 feet of driveway. If you find you’ve used too much, remember that you can sweep up the excess. Reusing it not only helps the environment but saves you money too. It’s a win-win!
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Salt,Winter,Environment,Wisconsin,DNR,Salinity,Ice,Ecosystems
