Environmental Problems From Road Salt

Sodium chloride, more commonly known as salt, de-ices roads and makes them safer for driving. Environmental concerns have come up regarding the affects of road salt on the water supply, wildlife habitats and vegetation.

Water

• New York State alone uses between 37 to 298 tons of road salt a year and some enters the state's water supply through ground water and surface water. Ground water contamination is considered more detrimental. Over the years road salt has turned up in drinking water, nearly doubling the amount of sodium. Alternatives like calcium chloride, sugar and the commercial additive Magic Ice provide the same snow-melting benefits with fewer negative effects on the water supply.

Soil

• Sodium contamination of soil leads to increased erosion. Salt and dirt mixed runs into surface water killing underwater plants and wildlife by blocking natural sunlight. Road salt also increases soil acidity, decreasing its capacity to transfer water and nutrients to vegetation. This damages and slows crop growth.

Wildlife

• Animals, drawn to the salt's taste and drinking run-off water or licking salt from the road, fall prey to auto-collisions. Some species leave their natural habit because of the decrease in available plants and food sources. Animals get sodium toxicity and some birds die from as little as two granules of road salt.