Development of improved road salt management methods for enhanced water source protection

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The overarching goal of this research program is to better protect sustainable and safe drinking water sources and freshwater aquatic ecosystems in urban watersheds from the emerging threat of the 5 million tonnes of road salt that is applied annually in Canada for winter road maintenance. This research will advance scientific knowledge on the ice and snow melt processes (the thermal melt, rain-on-snow melt, and the salt-induced melt) and the chloride wash-off rate for various types of winter storms (dry snow, wet snow, freezing rain, or rain on snow) to more accurately calculate the chloride concentrations in both surface runoff as well as the groundwater recharge in urban watersheds. This research will assist in the development of novel, practical and feasible methods to minimize potential negative environmental effects of road salt application in urban watersheds. Specifically, this research will focus on improvement of the scientific methods of identification of the "salt vulnerable areas" and calculation of the contribution of the key sources to the sensitive receptors and will advance knowledge for more effective use of the available real-time weather forecasts and the road weather information systems to optimize the road salt application rates; to optimize pre-wetting and direct liquid de-icer application to achieve a more uniform road surface traction with the least amount of salt; to take advantage of the wireless real-time salt truck monitoring and operation systems to better protect salt vulnerable areas; and to develop innovative design of underground detention tanks for capture and controlled release of contaminated runoff to protect the salt vulnerable areas. The main outcome from these findings will be advancement of salt management practice and improved environmental protection in Canada. This research program will develop new technology for the municipalities, road authorities and for the private contractors, including new software and patents that is expected to result in jobs and income for Canada.