The sleet and snow falling this morning have created icy conditions on our local roadways, sidewalks, and driveways. As you deal with these icy conditions please consider the impact salt and sand can have on the local environment, both plant life and water quality. Keep in mind these simple tips:

– Pre-treat pavement with a small amount of liquid deicer.

– Remove snow before it becomes ice or use a scraper or metal shovel to remove the ice.

– If the pavement is too cold (less than 15°F) rock salt will not work and alternatives like sand or birdseed for traction or other deicers like magnesium chloride or calcium chloride can be used.

– Use only the amount of salt and sand you need and sweep up any extra.

For more information visit http://bit.ly/winter-sand.