MDOT taking steps to reduce use of road salts to protect environment and public health

SALISBURY, Md. – As winter weather impacts the state, Maryland is working to reduce the use of road salts that can threaten public health and the environment  including the water that we drink.  According to the Maryland Department of Environment, officials are taking steps to reduce salt in rivers, streams and groundwater to protect aquatic life and drinking water sources while roads are made safe for winter travel.  Officials say sodium chloride, also known as salt,  is effective and relatively inexpensive, yet it can destroy a soil’s structure and cause erosion, kill vegetation and can contribute to the corrosion of metal bridges and motor vehicles.

“Because of that the Maryland Department of Transportation, State Highway Authority, has been looking at innovating and modernizing our strategies for winter storm to help us reduce that salt usage,” said Office of Communications Deputy Director, Lora Rakowski.

Officials also add that this winter, they’re *also* urging all Marylanders to not use of de-icing chemicals unless they absolutely have to.