Salt Shortages: How and Why?

Salt Shortages: How and Why?

A repeating theme over the last few years in Ontario appears to be salt shortages resulting from sudden and unpredictable weather events. As we provide snow removal services, we have felt this pinch sharply in Cambridge, Simcoe, Port Dover and Delhi. Due to the inconsistent temperatures resulting in numerous freeze and thaw cycles, there has been a heavy call for salt to combat the potential safety risks. Since humanity is constanly on the move, it is imperative that roadways, walkway sand parking lots are kept safe by plowing snow and using salt to clear surfaces; even more so than in the past. Gone are the days a town would shut down due to a Winter storm. Here at Jody's Lawn Care we make it a priority to ensure that we always have a stockpile of salt available for our crews to use on roadways, parking lots and walkways. To do this we ensure that before the Winter season even starts we have contracts with salt suppliers to guarantee we have priority delivery - Jody may not have been a Boy Scout, but he definitely likes to adhere the to "Be Prepared" motto.

This may lead to the question of: where does salt come from anyway? Contrary to the knee jerk response of "don't we just make it?", the only time chemical processes are used to "create" salt is when chemically treated salt products are required. Common examples of treated salt products and the additives used include:

• Magnesium Chloride-treated salt: A common treatment that lowers the freezing point of the salt and makes it effective in colder temperatures (as low as 0°F to -15°F, or even -30°C/-22°F with additional modifiers).
• Calcium Chloride-treated salt: Calcium chloride releases heat as it dissolves (an exothermic reaction), which helps melt ice faster and at lower temperatures, sometimes as low as -32°C (-26°F).
• Organic-based performance enhanced (OBPE) salts: These products are treated with liquids derived from natural, biodegradable sources like sugar beets or corn carbohydrates, often blended with magnesium or calcium chloride. Brand names include Thawrox®, Ice Ban®, and Magic Salt®.
• Anti-caking agents: Additives like Yellow Prussiate of Soda (YPS) are included in many products to prevent the salt from clumping together during storage and ensuring it flows smoothly through spreaders.
• Colored/Dyed salt: Many commercial products use biodegradable colorants (often purple, blue, or green) to provide visibility during application, helping operators apply the product more efficiently and reduce overall use.
• Corrosion-inhibited treated salt: These products include additives designed to make the salt less corrosive to application equipment, vehicles, and concrete surfaces. 

Otherwise, the salt that is applied and available for bulk use is just that: salt. Pure and simple. We are rather lucky that we are located within a reasonable distance of North America's largest salt source: Compass Minerals’ Goderich salt mine. Located under Lake Huron,  this mine has been operating since 1959. The mine was discovered in 1867 as a result of attempts to locate new oil sources - there may not have been an oil well or field, but the giant bed of rock salt has been just as useful. Rock salt is a common name for "Halite", the mineral form of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and creating the most common salt type. These salt beds form due to the evaporation of prehistoric underground mineral-rich lakes or seas. Salt forms from this sea water through evaporation - the method still used today to harvest Sea salt.  The Goderich mine may not be an endless supply of salk, but thanks to the evaporation of ancient enclosed lakes or seas we have a limit source of salt that has been buried and compressed; sometimes this was a result of tectonic plate shifts and sometimes just a geological evolution. 

Once upon a time, prehistoric humans were able to learn the multiude of uses of salt by observing the routine of wild animals, who naturally visited salt sites for nutrutional intake. This was a the baseline for our dependency on salt. Through developing civilizations and cultures, affected by environmental factors and personal needs, salt has become a mainstain for humanity. Now, beyond using salt to add flavour, preserve meats, and satablize other foods through its drying properties, we have adapted to using it to promote safety for travel and day-to-day activites.

As a company that utilizes salt every Winter, and in large amounts, we have also ensured we are educated not only on how salt works, but also on the environmentla impact of salt applications. Study through the Smart About Salt program led to detailed understanding of at what conditions salt works best, when it is illogical to apply salt, and how we can manage the salt/salt runoff to ensure we are having as little effect on the environment as possible. 

Key Factors for Salt Efficiency:

• Temperature Matters: Salt works best between 0°C and -10°C; its effectiveness significantly drops below that, requiring alternatives like sand for traction.
• Timing & Preparation:
• Apply salt 2-3 hours before a storm to prevent ice from bonding.
• Shovel snow and ice away before salting to reduce the amount needed.
• Right Amount:
• Use less! A coffee mug of salt can cover a driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.
• More salt doesn't mean more melting; it leads to waste and pollution.
• Product Choice:
• Choose smaller grain salt for better coverage.
• Consider liquid salt brine for better adherence and effectiveness in colder temps.
• Post-Melt Actions:
• Sweep up and reuse any unused salt after the melt.
• Clean up excess salt to prevent it from entering drains.
• Smart Application:
• Apply only where needed (steps, high-traffic areas).
• Give it time to work before clearing.
• Storage: Keep salt covered and stored on an impervious surface to prevent it from washing away before use

Remember that winter salt is most effective when temperatures are between 0°C and -10°C. It is also important to remember that a little salt goes a long way (about one tablespoon of salt for a one-metre square area is all you need), but it does need time to work. 

Supply Chain Disruptions

Salt supply depends on mining, transportation, and storage infrastructure. Disruptions at any point can cause shortages:

• Mining delays: Ontario’s salt comes from underground mines and salt lakes. Equipment failures or labor shortages can reduce output.
• Transportation issues: Salt is bulky and heavy. Trucking delays caused by weather, driver shortages, or regulatory changes can slow deliveries.
• Storage limitations: Salt must be stored properly to avoid contamination and clumping. Limited storage capacity can restrict how much salt is available at any time.

When Should We Not Use Salt?

You should avoid using salt when:

• temperatures are below -10°C
• when rain is expected, or if you're dealing with fresh snow (shovel first)

Other Options:

Alternatively, use traction aids like sand, cat litter, wood ash (a great way to recycle oodstover or fireplace ashes), or gravel for safety, as salt becomes ineffective and harms water, plants, pets, and infrastructure. Focus on mechanical removal (shoveling), proper application (small amounts on ice only), and alternative products like Calcium or Magnesium Chloride for colder conditions (these products work at colder temperatures than rock salt).

Long Term Environmental Effects

The handling and application of salts, particularly during winter months for de-icing purposes, must be approached with careful consideration and meticulous planning to mitigate the potential negative impacts on the environment. When salt is used to melt ice on roadways, it does not simply disappear; instead, it undergoes a process where it is absorbed into the ground and can gradually leach into nearby water sources. This persistent presence of salt poses significant environmental challenges, as the chlorides that are released are notoriously difficult to remove from ecosystems once they have been introduced. The introduction of salt into the environment can have dire consequences for aquatic life, as elevated chloride levels can disrupt the osmotic balance in freshwater organisms, leading to physiological stress or even mortality in sensitive species. Additionally, terrestrial plants can suffer from salt toxicity, which can inhibit their growth and reproductive capabilities, ultimately affecting entire ecosystems.

The repercussions extend to human populations as well, as increased salinity in drinking water sources can pose health risks and necessitate costly treatment processes. Moreover, the application of salt on roadways can inadvertently attract wildlife, which may be drawn to the salty residue left behind. This attraction can lead to increased incidents of wildlife crossing roads, resulting in higher rates of car accidents and roadkill incidents. Such occurrences not only endanger animal populations but also pose significant risks to drivers and passengers, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to road safety and environmental stewardship. In addition to its ecological impacts, salt is also known for its corrosive properties, which can lead to long-term damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and other surfaces. The overuse of salt can result in costly repairs and maintenance, as the corrosive effects can weaken metal components, deteriorate concrete, and lead to structural failures. The financial burden of these damages can be substantial for municipalities, businesses, and individuals alike, making it imperative to find sustainable alternatives or strategies to reduce salt usage. Interestingly, research indicates that approximately 20% of excessive road salt usage can be attributed to individuals and small businesses, underscoring the importance of community awareness and education in addressing this issue. By fostering a greater understanding of the environmental impacts of salt, communities can work together to implement more responsible practices.

To combat the challenges posed by excessive salt usage, innovative approaches are being explored, including the use of alternative de-icing materials, improved application techniques, and community engagement initiatives. Programs that involve community scientists play a crucial role in monitoring salt levels in local water bodies and educating residents on the importance of minimizing salt application. Through collaboration and scientific inquiry, communities can develop effective strategies to protect their environments while ensuring safe travel during winter months. In conclusion, while the use of salt for de-icing is a common practice, it is essential to recognize and address the far-reaching implications of its application. By prioritizing environmental health and safety, communities can work towards sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet. For more information on how community scientists are making a difference in this ongoing battle against salt pollution, check out this insightful article:
Fighting Salt with Science: Community scientists make the difference 

The Future of the Battle Against Ice

"New technologies, such as porous pavement, are being engineered to reduce runoff from roads and have been found reduce snow and ice cover. Porous or permeable pavement allows standing water to seep through, removing water from roads that would normally go through freeze-thaw periods, thus preventing ice formation on the roads. A recent study showed that the annual median snow/ice cover on porous pavement was three times lower than that of regular pavement, and that the low amounts of ice/snow accumulating on porous pavement led to a 77% reduction in annual salt used for maintenance. Another technology gaining traction is solar roads, made up of engineered solar panels that can be walked and driven upon. This technology has the potential of converting every single road into a source of renewable energy. In addition to the added energy source, this technology could also eliminate the need for road salt by melting ice or snow through heating water in pipes embedded in the road."

- EPA. “Winter Is Coming! And with It, Tons of Salt on Our Roads.” www.epa.gov, 16 Dec. 2024, www.epa.gov/snep/winter-coming-and-it-tons-salt-our-roads.

This new discovery of materials that would neable our roads to be more self-sufficient is definitely an exciting development! We only have to wait and see if the road builders and infrastructure decsions makers catch on!

Scientists are also using historical data and more green ideas to find alternatives to salt for ice melt and Winter safety. Some compounds under examination are:

1. Grapes (a de-icing compound made of grape skin extract has been shown to be more effective than even road salt)
2. Beet Juice (combining beet juice with salt brine lowers the amount of salt needed and enhances melting efficiency)
3. Pickle Brine
4. Cheese Brine

Although salt shortages may continue to affect Norfolk County, including areas like Simcoe, Port Dover, and Delhi, in the coming years due to climate variability and supply issues, human ingenuity is known to overcome challenges. As we navigate these difficulties, we can only imagine that over time, safer alternatives will be developed.

Monitoring Developments

Here at Jody's Lawn Care, we remain committed to watching these developments closely. We like to look beyond the basics of lawn care, grass cutting, and yard maintenance in Norfolk County. Snow removal and its requirements for salt have led to many discussions and considered choices.  Our goal is to incorporate methods that become proven to be more efficient and environmentally safe. This includes staying informed about new practices and products that may emerge in the market, particularly those that could benefit our snow removal clients in Norfolk County (Simcoe, Port Dover, and Delhi Cambridge and surrounding areas.