With the recent wintry weather conditions in southeast South Dakota, the roads have been treacherous. Over the past few weeks, Interstates 90 and 29 have experienced closures, and icy roads have led to car crashes and fatalities. In trying to combat these conditions, South Dakota road workers have been hard at work, battling the elements with plows, sand, and salt. During this time of the year, it is not uncommon to be reminded of the dangers that plows and other heavy machinery presents (don’t crowd the plows!). However, Minnesota Public Radio seeks to remind its listeners that salt, too, poses a significant threat. In 2009, Heinz Stefan and his team of researchers found that the salinity of the Mississippi River was increasing. While it was assumed salt that runs off Minnesota roads would simply wash out to sea, Stefan found that 70% of the salt stays put! This poses a significant threat. Stefan states, “if groundwater becomes saline, when we use that water we may have to treat it, at significant cost.” In addition to water treatment costs, the increased salinity could also hurt aquatic life. In response to these findings, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) launched a training program that would reduce salt application. Minnesota cut the amount of salt they used by 40% and save $50,000 in one year! The initiative, while initially proactive, didn’t come too soon. A follow up survey in August 2015 found that three dozen bodies of water in Minnesota contain chloride levels that exceed state standards. By January 2016, MPR reported 80 bodies of Twin City bodies of water too salty.During the most recent snow storm, Minnesota road workers continued using their salt control strategies, working to battle poisoning their own lakes. Brooke Asleson of MPCA states that chloride can’t be removed from lakes and that “the only way for us to address this pollutant is through prevention.” Minnesota continues to actively protect its waters by adjusting its winter weather practices. A reduction in salt means a healthier freshwater ecosystem, but it also helps out vehicle owners. In a recent MPR article, Steve Wood, executive director of the Freshwater Society, jokes, “I personally lost a quarter of a 1963 Chevy Bel Air to road salt.” A little less salt means a little less rust!In short, being more conservative about road salt can have wide reaching environmental and economic benefits. If you agree, reach out to your legislators or local road crews. Let them know how important responsible road care management is to you! 

For Further Reading

Corley, Cheryl. “Road Salt Contributes to Toxic Chemical Levels in Streams.” MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. 29 Dec. 2014. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.Dunbar, Elizabeth. “State, Cities Try to Apply a Little Science to their Road-Salt Use.” MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. 4 Feb. 2016. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.Hemphill, Stephanie. “Winter Road Salt Ending Up in Lakes and Streams.” MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. 11 Feb. 2009. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.Sepic, Matt. “Too Much Road Salt Reaches Metro Lakes, Streams, Agency Says.” MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. 3 Aug. 2015. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.