Limit/Eliminate Salt Use

M2Limit/Eliminate Salt Use

1 point possible

Why this matters to the lake?

Chloride concentrations in Lake George, from winter road salt application have nearly tripled over the past 30 years. Introduction of road salt to our environment impacts soil biology by harming beneficial bacteria and microorganisms and soil chemical structure. An increase in chlorides also poses risks to aquatic life in the lake, threatening the phytoplankton community at the base for the food web, and altering water circulation patterns. Increasing salt application also damages public and private infrastructure at great financial cost. Continued road salt application at current rates will eventually limit the ability of people on salt restricted diets to use the lake for drinking water. 

Intent

  • Maintain and improve groundwater and surface water quality by reducing salt use
  • Maintain and improve watershed and lake ecosystem health by reducing salt use

Recommended Methods

Amend salt application rates by developing policies incorporating improved snow and ice management practices and equipment designed to improve efficiency and reduce salt use.  Establish reduced salt application zones in critical environmental areas (along streams and shorelines). Refrain from using any de-icing compound to keep culverts free of ice or snow. 

Requirements

One point is awarded for a site that meets the following requirements:

  • Employ winter maintenance procedures that minimize the use of salt and other de-icing compounds for keeping paved surfaces free of ice and snow.
  • Establish reduced application zones in critical environmental areas.
  • Maintain salt application records including volumes, rates (pounds/lane mile), per event.

One Point will be awarded for selection of a site without this site constraint.

Submittals

Include the following information with application:

✓ As part of the Proposed Site Plan, submit winter maintenance and de-icing management plan including materials, application rates, and locations of reduced salt application zones.
 

Existing Regulatory Guidance/Requirements

Lake George Specific Regulations

  • The Town of Lake George (N.Y.). (1970). The Town of Lake George Zoning Ordinance. Lake George, N.Y: The Town.