During the winter months, the Northland makes use of salt. It ends up on the roads and parts beyond.
"Salt applied on sidewalks, roads, and parking lots eventually make it to... waterways," says Megan Högfeldt, Water Resources Specialist for the City of Superior. "The waterways are less and less fresh each year... and actually changing the chemistry of our water."
Högfeldt is encouraging everyone to take part in Salt Awareness Week. Each day from Monday, January 23rd through Friday the 27th, speakers will be addressing topics related to salt and its impact on the environment. Presenters will speak live on YouTube from 12:30pm-1pm daily. Register to have the link sent directly to you.
Some of the speakers will discuss the why and the how, while others will include actionable plans. For Högfeldt, a good place to start is on your own icy sidewalk. "One of the things you can definitely do is use less salt and switch to sand." Depending on the temperature outside, sand on sidewalks and roadways is a good substitute.
To register or to learn more about topics discussed with Högfeldt, please visit the links below.
- Register for WI Salt Awareness Week
- Regional Stormwater Protection Team (RSPT) webpage
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Freshwater Salinization Syndrome article
