Deicing and Winter Maintenance

Salt and sand are two traditional materials used in winter maintenance to combat snow and ice. Salt is used to melt snow and ice while sand is applied to provide traction for cars and pedestrians. When snow and ice melt, the water becomes storm water runoff. As the runoff moves over paved surfaces, it collects sand, salt, and other materials and deposits them into surface waters causing adverse effects on the environment. On campus, this run off ends up in the Rouge River, untreated. 

Impacts of Salt and Sand

Salt and sand have traditionally been perceived as the cheapest and most effective materials for deicing surfaces such as roads, walkways, and parking lots. However, many people do not realize that they have hidden impacts that can detract form their overall effectiveness. Even when applied in relatively small quantities, salt can:

• Deplete the oxygen supply need by aquatic animals and plants.
• Leach into the ground and change the soil composition, making it difficult for plants to survive.
• Leach into the groundwater, which sometimes flows to surface water; both are sources of drinking water.
• Deteriorate paves surfaces, buildings, infrastructures, and the environment.

Similarly, sand can:

• Bury the aquatic floor life, fill in habitats, and cloud the water.
• Erode the stream banks and other landscapes.
• Contribute to plugged storm drains, which can cause flooding.

Snow and Ice Removal at the University of Michigan - Dearborn

Considering the adverse affects salt and sand have on the environment, the Grounds Department in conjunction with EHSEM, practice several best management practices (BMPs). These include the use of alternative deicing products, anti-icing techniques, and innovative application equipment.