Where does all this salt go?

[CathyA]

I'm hearing about the mega tons of salt being put on roads across the nation this winter. Just wondering what impact that might have on soil and water?

[Gregg]

We used to have a daily commute that involved about 6 miles of road through a narrow canyon. No sun hit the road all winter so it could get very icy. The DOT was pretty liberal with their use of mag chloride (no salt in CO). Almost all of the trees (including many 100 year old Ponderosa pines) along the downhill side of that road were dead. Just below the line of dead trees is a river. A beautiful stretch of gold medal trout stream. For now.

[ToomuchStuff]

They still use the term salt, but as above, it isn't actually salt in a lot of cases.

[CathyA]

Yeah.........whatever it is........I wonder what effects it has in such huge quantities around all the roads.

[rodeosweetheart]

That is a really good question, Cathy. Up here in Michigan, they never seem to salt where we are--much less than they did in Illinois, for instance. I guess the environmental impact is a good thing. The roads are horrible, however. Not that I am wishing they would salt more, just wishing I hadn't moved here, lol.

[CathyA]

How is that transition going rodeosweetheart? I hope you're finding a few things to like. I'm sure you'll feel different when (if) spring comes. :)

[rodeosweetheart]

How is that transition going rodeosweetheart? I hope you're finding a few things to like. I'm sure you'll feel different when (if) spring comes. :)

Meh. Or however you make that sound-- kind of despairing apathy.
I have at least become accustomed to never, ever leaving the house.
That's an exaggeration, probably get out once or twice a week.
I never realized how much I like to get out every day. We do get out in the yard, of course. It's too cold for my lungs, unfortunately. I thought I would be better, but it's really painful and drives my oxygen levels down.
Oh well. Spring will be beautiful here, no doubt about it.

[CathyA]

Sorry to hear that Rodeo........but hang in there. Spring will be so much better!

[goldensmom]

We skip spring. Country living and country roads....winter.....mud....summer.