By: Sophia Anderson, MN GreenCorps Member, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District
Minnesotans know that de-icing salts are an effective tool to increase accessibility and safety during the wintertime. De-icing salts include a variety of salts that are meant to help clear ice that has formed on walkways and roadways. Rock salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), is the most used de-icing salt in the Twin Cities. Unfortunately, de-icing salts are often used improperly which has led to a host of consequences.
Recent research has shown that improper or overuse of de-icing salts like sodium chloride negatively impacts the environment, property and our health. An estimated 403,600 tons of road salt is applied every Minnesota winter and 70% or more of that salt mixes with stormwater and ultimately ends up in various bodies of water and our groundwater. High levels of salt in freshwater bodies of water are extremely harmful to the lake ecosystem, creating toxic environments for freshwater amphibians and fish, especially walleye. Just 1 teaspoon of salt pollutes 5 gallons of freshwater forever. Additionally, applying too much salt near trees or plants can cause dehydration and death. There are also numerous consequences for property. Salt is corrosive and speeds up rusting on various surfaces, which leads to an increase in damage above normal wear and tear. Finally, there is a danger presented to pets. While some de-icing products are labeled pet-friendly or pet-safe, there is still a risk that your pet may ingest the salt or experience irritation on their paws and skin from direct contact from the salted ground. Visit the Minnesota Stormwater Manual to learn more about the consequences of oversalting.
How do we balance the need for safety and reduce our environmental impact? The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has been spearheading the conversation and education with their Smart Salting program to help train winter maintenance professionals in techniques used to reduce salt use. Some residents downtown live in areas where they might be responsible for their own winter maintenance. Follow the steps below to reduce salt usage if you oversee winter maintenance at your residence.
1) Maintain walks, driveways, by shoveling or sweeping snow often.
2) Scatter salt properly only if ice is present. One 12oz mug is enough for 10 sidewalk squares or a 20 ft driveway. Wear winter gloves to prevent direct skin contact with the salt. Spread salt evenly, leaving about 3 inches between salt grains to avoid piles. More salt does not mean more melting!
* Don’t use salt if the temperature is below 15 degrees as the salt doesn’t melt ice at cold temperatures. Consider applying sand for traction and follow the same principles. Minneapolis residents receive free sand for use on their property.
4) Sweep up excess salt and use it again next time.
5) Store salt correctly in a bucket with a lid near your broom or shovel. Consider adding a label to tell people about your Smart Salting techniques.
6) Document repair is needed to prevent ice from forming in the first place, such as a leaky gutter or a downspout that flows directly onto the sidewalk.
7) Stay safe without salt by wearing proper shoes and moving slowly on roadways and walkways.
Many downtown residents are not in charge of the winter maintenance at their residence – regardless, they can still make a big impact. Hennepin County surveyed over 100 winter maintenance professionals about what prevents them from using Smart Salting techniques. One of the biggest barriers is negative client perception of low salt standards. Therefore, the first action residents can take is learning more about Smart Salting. Educational opportunities include the City of Minneapolis Salt-Mini course and Winter Salt Week 2025. During this week, non-governmental and governmental organizations nationwide host webinars about salt pollution and reduction solutions. Recordings are available through the website. Finally, residents can ask their property managers and local businesses if they have taken the free Smart Salting training for Property Managers course.
If there is a push from the community & clients, then winter maintenance professionals are more likely to put these practices to work. Reducing salt pollution takes the collective effort from private and government organizations; and one step every person can take is learning how to use Smart Salting techniques and to advocate for their use in their own neighborhoods.