De-icing Chemicals:
Calcium chloride is slowly causing widespread damage to downstream
habitat as well as roadside vegetation. Research is warranted
to determine the effects of calcium chloride on the corrosion of
metals in concrete, on bridge rails, and on plant materials. Two
million tons of salt were laid down annually in the mid-sixties
according to Oglesby; every ton was handled by maintenance people!
And we will be concerned about the effects of that practice until a
substitute material can be found. In my judgment, the marketing and
using of salt were irresponsible in the beginning, and will continue
to be so until acceptable substitutes are developed through research.
