How we’re preparing for water monitoring
I was concerned when I learned about potential chloride monitoring in our area. However, over the last 10 years we’ve reduced salt usage without compromising service levels. I can show we’ve made a very strong effort to do our part.
Budgets didn’t allow us to do everything all at once. Therefore, ideas and programs were prioritized and put in place as we were able.
We added liquids to our winter maintenance operations, beginning with a very simple brine production system that’s grown to in-house production and blending. We pre-wet and anti-ice. All front-line equipment has pavement temperature sensors; most trucks have computer-controlled dispensing systems.
All of our progress and reductions have been documented and all staff has been certified.
Our efforts have earned us two APWA Excellence in Snow and Ice Control awards, a Salt Institute Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting Award, and McHenry County Council of Governments Environmental MP3 Award.
All agencies must start taking a similarly proactive approach to winter maintenance. The balancing act used to be budget versus service level. That’s still the case, but environmental impacts are starting to become a heavy weight on the balance beam.
Begin by improving your current practices.
Already using liquids? If possible, expand. Treated material and liquid (straight and blends) options have grown so quickly in recent years that you have many to choose from.
Want to get started but not sure how? Contact someone who has done it. Remember: Manage your operation before someone else decides to.
Matt Wittum has been public works director for the Village of Spring Grove, Ill., a community of 6,000 that borders Wisconsin, for 10 years. E-mail mwittum@springgrovevillage.com.
