PETOSKEY - While most northern states have traditionally employed road salt as a primary chemical de-icer and sand as an abrasive for better traction, all de-icing agents are not created equal. Although sodium chloride is an inexpensive and effective choice, concerns are frequently raised about its potential negative impacts, particularly from chloride, on human health, the environment, highway infrastructure and vehicles.

As part of its comprehensive monitoring program, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council monitors chloride concentrations as well as a number of other factors affecting water quality in the region. Almost all of the lakes monitored by the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council for more than 10 years show increased chloride concentrations, with a particularly large increase between 2001 and 2004. While concentrations of the monitored bodies of water are currently below the toxic threshold, increased concentrations can stress aquatic ecosystems particularly in smaller streams and lakes where concentrations can be higher.

A major source of chlorides are road de-icers, the most prevalent being sodium chloride (NaCl). Many of them also contain nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, as well as minerals and heavy metals that can also have negative impacts on surface and ground water. Phosphorous, for example, is a significant pollutant in northern Michigan and can encourage excessive aquatic plant growth that is not only a nuisance for recreation, but can also deplete oxygen when it decomposes.

De-icers have a different combination of performance, cost and impacts, suggesting that different de-icers may be appropriate for different climatic regimes in the country. While there are potentially many more “environmentally-friendly” products available, experts recommend using calcium chloride and calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which are more costly than sodium chloride but may be less environmentally harmful to sensitive ecosystems.

“Take note of the label of contents and keep current on the de-icing products on the market,” suggests Jennifer Gelb, Restoration Ecologist at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. “New and improved alternatives are continually being introduced. Look for a different de-icer that will perform as well or better than your current product, but without the negative impacts.”

Gelb stresses the importance of avoiding over-application and encourages strictly following application guidelines.

“Where appropriate, apply sand or other abrasive along with a de-icing agent to help traction and reduce the amount of de-icer necessary. Additionally, keep de-icers, and other loose materials from inadvertently entering surface waters by using vegetation buffers. Also, clean up or redistribute piles of accumulated de-icers, sand and kitty litters.”

“Safer de-icing chemicals cost more than salt or sand, but instead of dwelling on spending more money, focus on what you're saving.”

For more information, please contact Jennifer Gelb at 231-347-1181, ext. 112.

The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is a coalition of citizens, lake associations, businesses, and resorters.

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