Why use sodium chloride instead of sand and gravel, as was done in the past?
The decision to use sodium chloride came about after careful consideration of our winter weather needs and history, and research conducted by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Washington State University. What we found is that by using sodium chloride in granular or liquid solution, the city will be able to reduce costs and be more effective in keeping roads open and improving winter driving conditions. Here’s why: With sodium chloride, unlike sand and gravel, there’s less need to constantly reapply it to the streets during a snow or ice event. And it doesn’t require extensive cleanup afterward. With sand and gravel, a one-day snow event here can take as much as two weeks to clean off roadways. Sand and gravel also can clog storm drains and have an adverse impact on aquatic life. Q: Will the sodium chloride solution harm the environment? A: Research, such as that mentioned above, shows proper application of sodium chloride has minimal impact on the environme
