Impact To Infrastructure
In 2015 the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted salt corrosion as the cause of thousands of vehicle brake damage and failure. Sodium chloride can damage vehicles so bad they can have issues with steering, rust, and damage to any exposed metal, while technology is improving cars, the impacts from road salt can still be found. Estimates on vehicle depreciation due to de-icing salts is staggering, approximately $854 per car, per year in cold climates according to Transport Canada. Estimated at 11.7 Billion dollars per year nationwide.
Our regions bridges, highways and infrastructure are heavily damaged by sodium chloride. It causes concrete to break and spread apart meaning costly fixes. In some areas this had led to the decreased lifespan of bridges and buildings impacting town and state maintenance budgets.
Sodium chloride contaminates drinking water, damaging wells and pipes. In Flint, Mich. Road salt was a contributing factor to the lead poisoning as it corroded pipes allowing toxins to enter the drinking water.
Within our homes and businesses, sodium chloride damages floors, baseboards and can be harmful to our pets and yards. With all the known impacts, and still a need for safe driving conditions, what can we do? A key strategy for addressing impacts from road salt to our soil and water health is the monitoring of sodium chloride levels within waterways and groundwater. In addition to the implementation of best management practices (BMP’s) to reduce the application rates while maintaining a level of service expected.
