By Steve Murphy, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Road salt is a major tool for removing snow from roads, but it’s also a threat to lakes.

“It’s a toxicity issue. So chloride above a certain concentration will actually impede reproduction of the fish and if it gets high enough, can actually cause death of the fish”, said Joe Bischoff of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.

WCCO’s Steve Murphy Interviews Joe Bischoff

However, Bischoff acknowledges that salt is an essential ingredient for snow removal. So what’s the answer?

“We’ve got to learn how to use less salt – or use alternative methods and practices – and still maintain that public safety aspect that’s really important”.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is conducting a four-year study of the issue.