Resources for Homeowners Associations to Advance Sustainable Practices — De-Icers
Definition
Although necessary for safety, many popular methods of ice removal, such as the use of rock salt, can have harmful effects on the environment when they make their way into the soil and nearby streams through runoff from snowmelt. Salt accumulation in soil can impede plants and trees' ability to uptake water and nutrients in their roots, leading to die-offs. Additionally, salt in waterways is harmful or even fatal to aquatic life. Consider using a more sustainable, non-salt-based deicer on your property or in your neighborhood this winter.
Calculators
Salt Wise product application calculator
Partner Organizations
Education
- Watershed-friendly De-icing
- PennDOT Winter Operations
- PSU Research: Salt on the Earth: When ice and snow melt away into streams and groundwater, road salt goes with it
- The University of Rhode Island College of the Environment and Life Sciences fact sheet on Chlorides in Fresh Water
- Penn DOT Winter Guide 2022 includes ideas for residents.
- Izaak Walton League of America has operated for over 100 years as a defender of the nation's soil, air, woods & wildlife. Their initiative, Salt Watch, asks participants to request a kit from IWLA and then collect samples from local waterways and upload findings onto the national database (Pennsylvania is on pages 16-17).
- Minnesota Stormwater Manual provides an in-depth look at the harms of using certain deicers or using too much deicer.