Smart Salting

Salt, often used to de-ice our paved surfaces, is commonly over-applied, sending too much chloride into our waterways, harming fish and other wildlife. Residents of West St. Paul can do their part this winter with a “less is better” strategy for salting surfaces and by using other tools to get the job done.

It only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. That’s right, once the chloride is in our water it’s there for good. Chloride used for de-icing is one of the largest contributors to a growing salty water problem in Minnesota.

West St. Paul residents can take action this winter with these smart salting tips:

• SHOVEL AND SCRAPE - The more snow and ice you remove, theless salt is needed to be effective.
• USE THE RIGHT AMOUNT - That crunch from sidewalk salt under your feet does not signify safety. People often think more salt equals more snow and ice melt. Around 12 ounces, roughly a coffee mug full, effectively treats a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares (about 1,000 square feet).
• 15 DEGREES AND BELOW IS TOO COLD FOR SALT - Most salts stop working at this temperature. Use sand instead for traction but remember that sand does not melt ice.
• SWEEP UP VISIBLE SALT ON DRY SURFACES -  It is no longer doing any work and will be washed away into local waters. You can keep it to use later.
• TAKE INVENTORY - If you have common icy spots each winter, keep track of them and fix what you can this spring to avoid creating icy conditions next winter.
• DON'T EXPECT PERFECT CONDITIONS - Slow down and drive carefully. Always give plow drivers plenty of space to do their work. Consider purchasing winter tires.
• WEAR PROPER FOOTWEAR - Wear shoes or boots with good traction and pay attention to where you are walking, avoid icy spots, if possible. Take it slow and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going.