Salt Management Strategy: Protecting the James River While Keeping Lots Safe
Richmond is part of the James River watershed, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. How we manage salt has real environmental consequences.
The Problem with Traditional Salting
- Over-application wastes money and harms the environment
- Salt runoff contaminates streams, rivers, and groundwater
- Damages vegetation, corrodes infrastructure, and harms pets
- Virginia DEQ is implementing Salt Management Strategies statewide
Smart Salting: The Evergreen Approach
1. Liquid Brine Pre-Treatment
Applying liquid brine before snow falls prevents ice from bonding to pavement. This uses 70% less salt than traditional rock salt application while being more effective.
2. Calibrated Spreaders
Our equipment is calibrated to apply precise rates (200-300 lbs/lane mile) rather than guessing. This ensures effectiveness while minimizing waste.
3. Temperature-Optimized Application
Rock salt becomes ineffective below 15°F. We use temperature-appropriate materials (calcium or magnesium chloride) for extreme cold, preventing wasted applications.
The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
Richmond falls under the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. Smart salting isn't just good practice—it's increasingly becoming a regulatory requirement.