Parts of Minnesota are poised to receive around 20 inches of snow over the next couple of days, and while there is a clear need to keep roads and sidewalks safe, environmental groups said protecting natural resources from ice-melt products should also be a consideration.
Sue Nissen, water steward with the group Stop Over Salting, said there are broader efforts and debates over how state and local governments should curb road salt use in clearing roadways, but property owners have the power to take action themselves when it comes to sidewalks and driveways.
She explained you can prevent ice from forming in the first place by shoveling early and often.
“Go out before people are walking over it, and before it accumulates too much,” Nissen suggested. “Get your shovel out, get down to bare surfaces.”
She noted products like rock salt do not work when temperatures fall below 15 degrees. Your best bet is to put sand over it, which will keep traction in place until the sun melts the icy spot. The group emphasized a single teaspoon of salt is enough to contaminate five gallons of water.
Nissen acknowledged there are situations where de-icer is needed to protect the public, but she stressed a careful approach is needed.
“If you have a spot where there’s ice, two to three inches between the granules is sufficient,” Nissen advised.
In other words, try to spread it around with some space in between instead of clumping it together on the pavement. Hardware stores do sell hand spreaders. And Nissen emphasized you should never put salt out on a dry surface, noting it needs moisture to do its melting job.
Mike Moen writes for the Minnesota News Connection.
