Hold The Salt: Options For Keeping Your Sidewalk Ice-Free
Winter weather in Oregon can be unpredictable. With this latest cold snap, it is time to start thinking about how we combat snow/ice on our sidewalks and driveways.
The cost of so much salt
Salt is used in many parts of the country because it lowers the freezing temperature of water and therefore can help accelerate the melting process of snow and ice. However, after it’s spread on roads or sidewalks, all of that salt has to go somewhere, and most of it washes into the storm sewer and gets deposited into the nearest river.
There, it can harm freshwater fish, frogs and other wildlife that aren’t acclimated to salty water, and can reduce water circulation and oxygen levels in lakes and ponds (because salt affects water’s density). At the road level, salt can dehydrate and kill trees and plants growing next to roadways, and there’s some evidence that it could hasten invasion of non-native plant species.
Salt alternatives for consumers
One area where you can have an immediate impact is at home. Try these river-friendly alternatives to keep your sidewalks and walkways ice-free:
- Pickle brine: Similar to traditional rock salt, brine can melt ice at temperatures as low as -6F°, but it reduces the amount of chloride released into the environment by 14- to 29-percent. Pre-wetting with this substance prevents snow and ice from bonding with pavement, making the ice easier to chip off and remove.
- Alfalfa meal: This natural ice melting option is usually used as a fertilizer, so if used in excess it can add unwanted nutrients into the water system. It’s grainy so it will provide traction and is extremely effective when used in moderation. Look for it at your nearest garden center or pet store.
- Coffee grounds: Save your grounds or ask your local coffee shop for a bag to sprinkle on your icy sidewalks. They’ll provide traction and the darker colors will absorb more heat and help to melt snow and ice.
The best option is simply to shovel your walkways before the snow gets too packed down or turns to ice. If you can’t do it yourself, hire a young neighbor to help – they could probably use something to do while they’re out of school.
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John
January 17, 2020 (4:18 am)
coffee grounds are convenient to most people. They’ll even improve the drainage of clay soil and add organic material.