The politics of
SALT
Will environmental advocacy regarding salt reduction push communities and ultimately commercial contractors to adopt sectional technology? By Maura Keller and Catherine LeClerc
T
his was one of the questions that was debated recently at the Snow Industry Management
Association’s (SIMA) 2020 Symposium held virtually on August 26-28, 2020. It is not a stretch to say that there are times when government officials at the local or regional levels push through
decisions that may catch individuals or businesses by surprise. Thus, when participants at SIMA got involved in a discussion about salt use and its environmental impact on wetlands and aquifers, the question about possible governmental action opened the subject to consider how that might play out realistically and in practical terms.
The issue was framed as followed: • For years, the inherent environmental concern regarding the use of granular salt has garnered the attention of scientists and environmental activists, with the need to find ways to control its use. • Research indicates that salt is a potential hazard to lakes, streams,
Under the right conditions, the use of liquid brine can save significantly on the amount of salt applied to road surfaces.
wetlands, underground aquifers, vegetation, and wildlife. • Salt is currently the product of choice to keep road and parking lot surfaces safe for vehicles and pedestrians. • Roads and parking lots must stay open for use. • T herefore, commercial contractors need to think proactively to develop practical solutions to best reduce salt use, especially in those areas with the greatest risk of environmental harm, while keeping roads and parking lots open and safe.
SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca
13
