Application Rates: Cleaning Up After the Storm

Once the storm has passed and the pavement is clear, clean up. Sweep up any leftover salt and reuse it for the next event. This prevents unused salt from being carried into nearby soil, vegetation, or water where it can cause harm. Sweep up sand or other abrasives, too. When the pavement is clear, sand no longer provides traction and leaving it behind can create its own environmental concerns. Save it for future use instead of buying more.

Once you’ve cleaned up leftover materials, reflect on the event. Were there areas where less salt or no salt could have been applied? How well did the application rate work? Did you notice any changes with the pavement temperature? Could you adjust your application rate? By adjusting your salting practices, you can cut down on salt use, save money, and make more informed choices about when salt is truly needed.