Public Can Help Put Minn. Waters On Low-Salt Diet

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is asking for the public's help in putting the state's waters on a low-salt diet this winter.

When snow and ice accumulate on roads, parking lots and sidewalks, out comes the salt to melt it. When the snow and ice melt, most of the salt runs off with it, washing into lakes and streams. And once that salt gets in the water, it becomes a permanent pollutant.

The MPCA says there are many ways to reduce salt use while maintaining safety standards. One is shoveling. Removing snow and ice manually means less salt is needed to clear it away.

The agency also recommends not exceeding the application instructions on the package when spreading salt, and sweeping up any that remains once the pavement is dry.

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