Pass the Salt, Hold the Chloride Pollution
Posted by Doug Barry on Apr 24, 2017
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On April 24th, Patrick Woodbrey from the Department of Environmental Services, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, “Pass the Salt, Hold the Chloride Pollution: Addressing the New Hampshire Salt Pollution Problem”. NH was one of the first states to salt for roadway clearing. Salt is used because roads need clearing for tourism, commuting, people have needs that require road travel, they have wants and also emergency services. In recent studies, the DOT found elevated levels of chloride during highway development. Four towns with higher levels in water sources are Londonderry, Derry, Windham and Salem.
A program developed in New Hampshire requires salt application contractors to attend a one day certification program. This program would provide liability coverage so that contractors would not be held responsible if accident occurs due to snow or ice conditions. This would be an incentive for them to learn more about proper salt applications.
Mr. Woodbrey noted that salt applications are ineffective to melt snow and ice with temperatures under 15 degrees. He also mentioned that it costs $65.00 per ton of salt. The real cost is $460 per ton including purchase and effects on roadway and vehicles.
If additional information was required, visit www.des.nh.gov and search for “road salt reduction”.