How does salt affect our rivers? Eco alternatives for winter ice
By Stacey Malstrom, Water Communications & Outreach Director
Parts of Oregon are celebrating and others are cursing the unusual onslaught of snow across the state this winter. The deeper snow pack could mean more water in our streams for fish and irrigators, but it has also caused major challenges for underprepared cities like Portland, and it has the state testing new deicing strategies – specifically salt.
What’s the big deal about 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.
Coffee grounds provide traction.
Historically, Oregon has opted for more environmentally friendly and less corrosive options on snow-covered roads, but ODOT announced in December that it would begin using salt more widely in specific problem areas across the state, and last week PBOT tested salt on several roadways.
The debate about salt is sure to continue through the winter months and as climate change brings more frequent severe weather systems, but 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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Gregg Coodley M.D.
January 17, 2017 (9:41 pm)
I strongly disagree with the over estimate of the damage from salt. Portland has been paralyzed for days by being unable to cope with the ice and snow. Shovelling is not an alternative for older people. The ice and snow has caused many people to become injured. I think judicious use of salt in the few times we need it would be a necessary item.
Amy Lewin
January 17, 2017 (10:37 pm)
Thanks for your comment! We hear your concern, and very judicious use of salt may be warranted in some cases. However, salt does have real impacts on our environment and water quality, and it’s important for Oregonians and our policymakers to understand those impacts when they make choices about deicer.
Christine Carlson
January 18, 2017 (2:25 am)
Please check out the Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon on the effects on poor families of not being able to get to work. In Extreme situations there needs to be some balancing.
Leslie in Oregon
January 18, 2017 (8:53 am)
Thank you for suggesting these ecologically-sound alternatives to salt for dealing with icy sidewalks, decks, driveways, etc. We certainly will use them rather than salt on the surfaces for which we are responsible. And for traffic, DOT has found, after testing the use of salt during this last snowstorm, that it was no more effective than what DOT usually uses on such occasions.
J. Morris
February 12, 2019 (4:55 am)
Salt might be fine for individual homeowners, but DOT has literally TONS of it to use on Portland streets. That much has GOT TO have an impact. And, since our “blizzard” has dissipated, now what becomes of the leftovers. At some point we have to incorporate the environment into our lives. I wonder when.