Monday, March 28, 2011

Mid Towne Construction wastes salt, pollutes lakes and groundwater

Levels of salt are rising in our lakes and groundwater.  Salt use kills plants adjacent to roads and parking lots.  Salt attacks concrete.

When companies like Mid Towne Construction store salt improperly, they not only harm the environment--they are also wasting your money.

West Towne Mall, rear parking lot.

"Road salt use is a sleeping giant," said Roger Bannerman, DNR water resources management specialist. "The potential for chloride to damage our water systems is more inevitable than climate change."  More

The photos speak for themselves.  All were taken March 24, 2011--long after salt use should have stopped.































What business owners can do
  • Make sure your people are properly trained to use the minimum
  • Use salt only on steps or slopes
  • Quick removal of snow on walkways (so sun can do the melting) is as effective as salt
  • Make sure salt is properly stored
  • Set a cutoff date in spring--around March 1.
  • Post signs "Watch your step--No salt area--This business cares about the environment"
  • Sweep up leftover salt in early Spring
  • You'll save on salt spreading costs, landscaping, and maintenance of concrete.
  • Help keep our lakes and drinking water healthy.
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Photos of overuse of salt, Madison's west side:



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