Protect Our Lake: Responsible Use of Road Salt and Abrasives
Did you know that the salt and abrasives used in your driveways and parking lots can affect the health of our waterways and lake? When the snow or rain melts, these substances are washed into bodies of water, contributing to pollution and settling.
Here are some simple tips to minimize this impact while keeping your surfaces safe this winter:
1- Favour alternative traction methods
Salt is not designed to increase traction. If you use more and more salt without waiting for it to dissolve, you’re using it incorrectly. Prefer alternatives such as sand, gravel, ash, cat litter or eco-traction to prevent slipping. Don’t forget to collect these materials at the end of winter to prevent them from ending up in the lake.
2- Adapt salt use to the temperature
Below -10 °C, salt becomes ineffective. Use it only when conditions are right for it to work effectively.
3- Moderate the quantity
A small amount of salt is sufficient to de-ice. One cup of salt for a standard driveway is generally sufficient. A simple rule of thumb: if you can step on more than seven grains of salt in one stride, you’ve used too much!
4- Shovel regularly
Shovel regularly to prevent ice build-up. Place snow away from watercourses and lakes to avoid contaminating runoff water in the spring.
5- Protect shorelines
A vegetated riparian buffer strip acts as a natural filter. Make sure it complies with municipal regulations to maintain its effectiveness. Avoid overloading it with contaminants, as this can damage plant health.
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