During the winter, salt is a major contaminant of water bodies in New Hampshire. Overuse and improper application lead to salt running off roads and driveways and into nearby water sources. This poses a risk to lake health, wildlife, and drinking water supplies, with negative environmental and economic consequences.
A recent article by Molly Rains in The New Hampshire Bulletin examines the state’s past and current attempts to reduce salt pollution. Rains provides an overview of the risks and issues resulting from high levels of salt in the environment, then digs into the specific programs and initiatives that New Hampshire has instated to attempt to reduce salt use, like the Green Snow Pro certification program that trains commercial and municipal applicators on how to safely reduce salt usage.
With input from experts at NHDES and NH LAKES, Rains discusses the potential next steps in tackling excess salt. From additional incentives in voluntary salt-reduction programs to introducing legislation to regulate salt storage practices, there are many different ideas on the best path forward. There seems to be an overarching agreement, however, that something will need to change. Salt is becoming an increasingly pertinent issue as ongoing development leads to more roadways and parking lots that require winter maintenance, and warmer winters lead to increased salt use due to the more rapid freeze-thaw cycles.
For further details, read the New Hampshire Bulletin Article here, “As fresh water gets saltier, New Hampshire looks for new ways to address the cause“.
For additional guidance and information on responsible use and reduction of salt, visit WWA’s salt resource page.