WHEN DOES MaineDOT USE OTHER LIQUID CHLORIDES?
The effectiveness of rock salt and salt brine decreases as the temperature drops. Therefore, as storms become colder (low 20s and below), snow fighters must use chemicals that work at lower temperatures to supplement the rock salt. Liquid calcium or magnesium chlorides are the most common options and are applied directly to the rock salt during the storm in the same manner as the salt brine is in warmer storms. Presently, MaineDOT uses a magnesium chloride blend known as Ice-B-Gone for this purpose.
