Snow Removal
Each winter, many
state, county, and local transportation departments must stock their
arsenal with the tools necessary to face whatever winter storms may
bring. Every winter communities across the U.S. pour thousands of
tons of salt and other deicing materials on roads and highways. Rock
salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), is the most commonly used deicing
agent. The salt works by dissolving into precipitation on roadways
and lowering the freezing point, thereby melting ice and snow.
Eliminating the ice has enormous safety benefits, but depending on
the amount of chemicals used, the dissolved salt can have negative
effects on the surrounding environment.
LGEAN resources most
applicable to snow removal include:
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Deicing. Provides a summary of
issues covering storage, application of highway deicing chemicals
and alternatives. Provides links to best management practices.
Also covers airport/aircraft deicing.
-
Watersheds.
Provides a summary of issues relating to watershed
protection/restoration, which is accomplished through efforts at
various levels including EPA, state agencies, local agencies and
private organizations.
-
Stormwater.
Provides a summary of issues including MS4 and construction rules.
Also provides links to numerous useful websites and documents.
Additional resources
(exit LGEAN):
LGEAN City
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