Environmental Leaders Launch ‘Low Salt, No Salt’ Campaign
In the warmer months, Minnesota’s lakes and rivers are a major source of recreation and relaxation.
But experts say that the things we’re doing in the winter to remove snow and ice have a big impact on our bodies of water.
“Yeah so it only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute just five gallons of water,” said Laura Jester, an administrator with the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission.
Salt can produce chloride pollution, which can harm aquatic species and impact the quality of drinking water.
Experts say any salt left on the ground should be swept up and used for the next major snowfall.
Jester is now on a mission to help protect Minnesota’s bodies of water through a campaign called, “Low Salt, No Salt.” The Minnesota campaign was developed with Clean Water Funds from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.
“More salt does not mean more safety,” Jester said. “We can all reduce our salt use and still have a lot of safety, and actually save money and help the environment at the same time.”
Jester is part of a coalition of 11 cities and watershed districts in Hennepin County who are trying to get the word out this winter to property managers — and pretty much anyone who will listen — about how to clean sidewalks, driveways and parking lots without using too much salt.
“We would love folks to contact us if they’re interested in learning more about the program,” Jester said, while holding an ice scraping tool. “You know, we’re giving away these great scrapers because this is a great mechanical way to reduce the amount of ice on your property.”
In Golden Valley, public works staff have tools like ice melt containers with holes, and salt spreaders with an adjustable dial, to make sure they don’t over-apply chemicals when they’re clearing city parking lots.
Golden Valley uses salt spreaders like this to help limit the amount of salt they use on sidewalks.
“Don’t need a lot,” said Golden Valley Public Works Director Tim Kieffer, referring to the salt needed to clear a sidewalk of ice. “And if you do have residual leftover, sweep that up, use it for next time.”
Of course, homeowners and businesses can always sweep and shovel right after a winter snowstorm to prevent ice build-up in the first place.
For Jester, a little effort can go a long way to protecting our natural resources.
“It’s an extremely corrosive material in all kinds of ways,” she said.
Also See: Study Begins to Improve Portion of Bassett Creek in Golden Valley
Brooklyn Center | Brooklyn Park | Champlin | Corcoran | Crystal | Golden Valley | Maple Grove | New Hope | Osseo | Plymouth | Robbinsdale | Rogers | Twin Cities | Wayzata
