Road salt is a hot topic for cold climates
In March 2005, the Freshwater Society (a nonprofit organization), Fortin Consulting Inc. (an environmental consulting firm), and Minnesota LTAP sponsored the fourth annual Road Salt Symposium. Professionals from the transportation arena and environmental organizations gathered in St. Cloud to learn more about how to protect freshwater resources and improve snow and ice programs.
The symposium presented and encouraged use of techniques to mitigate the effects of deicing materials on the environment without compromising safety.
This year's speakers were recruited from across the nation. Proceedings of the symposium will be available at www.freshwater.org.
- John Mullaney from the U.S. Geological Survey in Connecticut reported on the results of a Northern U.S. "rust belt" groundwater study looking at chloride contamination and other issues.
- Ty Fuller from the Suffolk County Water Authority in Long Island, New York, reported on ground water contamination from road salt, how to distinguish this from sea salt contamination, and ways to deal with the contamination.
- Rico Baroga from Washington State DOT reported on its snow and ice program and the importance of liquids.
- Timothy Larson from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reported on what to expect if your waters become polluted with chlorides.
- Kathleen Schaefer from CTAP and Wendy Frederickson from Mn/DOT introduced the new Minnesota Snow and Ice Control Field Handbook (the next Exchange will have more about this new resource).
- Robert Stowe from Asset Insight Technologies reported on the role attitudes play in modernizing your snow and ice program.
- Wilfrid Nixon from the University of Iowa reported on the many ways to turn down application rates and still have safe roads.
Environmental Leadership awards were given at the end of the symposium to organizations nominated by their peers and selected by the awards committee that have taken steps toward reducing the environmental impacts of winter road maintenance. The 2005 winners were: Mn/DOT District Six, Washington County, Big Stone County, City of Grand Rapids, City of Eagan, City of Lakeville, and the Duluth Streams Project.
To nominate an organization for a 2006 environmental leadership award or to suggest a speaker for the 2006 symposium, contact Fortin Consulting at 763-478-3606 or connie@fortinconsulting.com.
—Fortin Consulting