A persistent freeze grips southwestern Ontario as municipalities grapple with a shortage of road salt, prompting a shift towards alternative road ice melting methods. Researchers at Western University initiated a study in 2022 to explore different substances’ efficacy in melting road ice under various conditions. The study, led by Associate Professor Christopher Power, aims to unveil its findings later this summer.
Traditionally, sodium chloride, commonly known as rock salt, has been the preferred de-icer for Ontario municipalities due to its cost-effectiveness. However, the environmental drawbacks of rock salt, including its corrosive nature and impact on freshwater ecosystems, have raised concerns. Power highlighted that rock salt’s effectiveness diminishes significantly at temperatures below -10°C.
The study at Western University involved testing nine alternative ice-melting substances, such as sodium acetate and beet juice, to evaluate their melting efficiency and corrosiveness levels. While there is no definitive winner among the alternatives yet, Power emphasized that economic factors might hinder the complete phasing out of rock salt. Nonetheless, he suggested supplementing sodium chloride with less corrosive substances, especially in sensitive areas like bridges and water bodies.
Municipalities like the City of London are already adapting their winter road maintenance strategies in response to the salt shortage. Joel Gillard, London’s division manager of road operations, mentioned plans to increase plowing frequency and reduce salt usage by incorporating a sand-salt mix during extreme cold spells. This shift aims to address the limitations of salt in melting ice at extremely low temperatures.
As the research progresses and data analysis continues, the quest for effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to rock salt remains a key focus for improving winter road maintenance practices.
