Water Source December 2010 Edition

The Water Source December 2010 Issue from Ben Meadows

The Water Source | A Free eNewsletter from Ben Meadows | 1-800-241-6401

December 2010

Featured Products Our online Water Guide can help you find the products and information you need to get the job done.Click here.

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Hello everyone and thanks for opening The Water Source.

I would like to thank to those of you who wrote in with topic suggestions and comments. We love to hear from you and we really do listen.

Rebecca, a Wildlife Biologist in Southern California wanted us to write more about topics combining biology with water testing/monitoring. Well Rebecca, this issue we will be discussing a topic along the lines of what you asked for, though it is probably not as much of a problem down in Southern California as it is here in Wisconsin. This issue's topic is on the Impacts of Roadway Salt on Aquatic Ecosystems.

Also, don't forget about your chance to win by answering the Spout Off question at the bottom of the page and as always, if you have any interesting stories or topics you come across, drop me an email at editor@benmeadows.com and maybe you'll see it on a future edition of The Water Source!

Brian
Ben Meadows Product Pro

P. S. Did you know that older issues of The Water Source are available online? Now you can revisit the informative articles and coverage of that latest rules and regulations that impact your profession right here! Check it out today!

Impacts of Roadway Salt on Aquatic Ecosystems

When harsh winter weather hits, maintenance crews are the first ones on the road, clearing snow and laying salt to keep our roadways safe for travel. This has become such a necessity to keep our communities running smoothly and safely that some of the adverse effects of using road salt are sometimes overlooked.

The degradation of roads, vehicles and roadside vegetation from high salt concentrations can be easily seen, but does the damage stop there? Dissolved road salt can percolate through soil, ending up groundwater or can run directly into waterways, potentially creating a toxic environment for aquatic life. Many different variables can contribute to the likelihood of this being a problem, but some of the more significant circumstances are listed below:

The closer a body of water is to a highly traveled road, the less likely the runoff will become diluted before it enters the body of water, meaning the inflowing runoff will be more concentrated.
Small ponds and streams are more likely to be affected because of the limited volume of water to dilute the high concentrations in runoff.
Areas with greater population density such as large cities tend to have a higher concentration of roads, increasing the amount of salt needed.
Cities in colder climates that accumulate more snow will typically require more frequent salt applications.

To make things worse, areas where this causes a problem will usually have the same conditions every year making for a more difficult recovery from environmental damages.

Impacts on Aquatic Life

Very high salt concentrations can be deadly to aquatic organisms, but will usually last for just a short period of time because of dilution. If high concentrations are sustained for enough time, aquatic species intolerant to salt can become stressed allowing tolerant species to thrive. This causes a decrease in biodiversity by disrupting the food chain and competition between species.

Other damages high salt levels can inflict on aquatic ecosystems include the disruption of nutrient cycling, decreases dissolved oxygen levels, and aid in the release of heavy metals from sediment.

Alternative Options

The most common salts used for road deicers are sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and potassium chloride (KCl). Because of the negative effects that these have on road structure, vehicles and the environment, other chemicals have been developed used to help fix these problems.

CMA and KA
Calcium magnesium acetate and potassium acetate are used as alternatives that have a much less significant impact on the environment and are also non-destructive to metals and concrete. They do a good job of keeping roads from freezing over, but don't quite match standard road salt's effectiveness in extreme low temperatures. These alternatives sound like the logical way to go, but the big reason why they are not replacing standard road salt is because their cost is as much as 15 to 20 times more per ton.

Sand
Sand is an abrasive and not a deicer. It works well to give traction around corners and at intersections, but will not melt any snow or ice. A common misconception is that there are no environmental repercussions from using sand. Sand can clog water drains and wash away in runoff, increasing turbidity in lakes and streams as well as disrupting benthic environments by depositing on the bottom. Abrasives also usually need to be treated with salt to keep them from freezing and clumping.

Until a more environmental friendly and cost effective solution is found, communities will continue to use standard road salt. Because of this, vulnerable areas should be monitored closely so action can be taken if salt toxicity levels become too high.

Product Spotlight

EcoTestr Salt Meter

Pocket-sized and portable for quick and easy applications. See More Info Here.

Did You Know?

In 1941, New Hampshire became the first state to adopt a general policy of using salt to keep roadways clear. Before that, states relied mostly on plowing and abrasives.

Spout Off!
Your Chance to Win!

Last Issue's Winner:
Gary from Apopka, FL knows that the LaMotte® Individual Test Kit for Dissolved Oxygen (item 54183) uses a titrimetric (Winkler Titration) test method.
We will be sending Gary a Leatherman Squirt P4 Multitool.

This Issue's Question
What is the International Protection (waterproof) rating on the Oakton Waterproof EcoTestr Salt Meter?

Send your answer via email to: editor@benmeadows.com

While you're at it, let us know your job title and function and what topics you'd like to see covered in future issues of The Water Source.

Answers must be received by Friday, January 14, 2011. We'll select one lucky prize winner from all the correct entries. If you are selected, we will notify you by email. Don't forget to include an address (if you win, we'll need to know where to send your prize)!

This month's prize: Leatherman Monarch 500 LED Flashlight

To be eligible to receive a prize you must include your name and mailing address. This information must correspond to your benmeadows.com registration information. If you are not registered at benmeadows.com click here and register TODAY!

If you have any specific questions about product specifications, applications or compliance issues, call one of our Product Pros at 1-800-241-6401 or e-mail them at: ProductPros@benmeadows.com.

If you have any questions about the list or its contents, send e-mail to the Editor at: editor@benmeadows.com.

The Water Source is copyrighted by GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. Ben Meadows Company is a division of GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. Those wishing to re-publish a written piece in any other form or medium must first receive permission from GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. To request permission, e-mail: g.lee@labsafety.com.

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