Road salt and de-icers keep our roads and sidewalks safe in the winter, but too much can cause problems. Using salt to melt ice corrodes our bridges and roadways, poses dangers for pets and wildlife, damages surrounding plants, and harms local streams and rivers. And because salt is not removed at water treatment plants, it can even contaminate our drinking water. Salt is known as a “forever pollutant” because once it’s in the environment, it sticks around. That’s why it’s so important that we Salt Smart and limit the amount we use. Learn what CA is doing to lessen our impact, and what you can do at home.

CA’s Actions

This fall, 15 members of the CA team completed the Maryland Department of the Environment’s “Smart Salting” training. This course focuses on manual removal versus chemical use, and applying the right amount when necessary. It also provides hands-on training for properly calibrating equipment. This should allow us to keep our pathways, parking lots, and driving lanes safe for travel while minimizing chemical use.

We’re also talking to residents this winter, encouraging everyone to Salt Smart at home on sidewalks and driveways. Check on the CA Calendar to for events to learn how to Salt Smart.

Do Your Part, Columbia!

How can you help? Follow the 4 S’s:

Salt and de-icers are NEVER a substitute for manual removal of snow and ice. Get out there early and often! As much as possible, physically remove what has accumulated before applying any type of product.

If you do need to break-up ice, apply a sparse amount of salt or de-icer. Pellets should be 2-3” apart for optimal melting. In this case, more is not better! Save money and reduce contamination by using only what you need.

After the storm, sweep up any remaining product. Save it and reuse it for the next event or throw it away in the trash. Don’t leave it in place, just to have it wash down the storm drain and into local streams.

In extremely cold temperatures, many products are not effective and will not melt ice. If you need traction, switch to a grit such as sand, kitty litter or even coffee grounds. Remember that these materials will also be washed into storm drains, adding excess sediment to our streams, so please use sparingly!

If you see piles of salt on roadways, paths or in parking lots, please let someone know! We want to make sure we get things right, so we appreciate when our residents provide feedback. Here is some helpful information for getting to the right folks: