Sewerage district marks 10 years of road salt reduction success; free salt use and equipment trainings available in October and November
MADISON, WI — Elevated salt levels in freshwater systems threaten quality of life, the health of aquatic systems and our economy. One way salt, also called chloride, commonly enters waterways is through winter road salt. And winter is coming.
Ten years ago, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District’s pollution prevention team launched a road salt reduction grant program to support the better usage and management of road salt to minimize chloride pollution. Since then, the team has awarded $286,000 in funding through 31 grants to organizations across Dane County. Recipients have utilized the support to access and upgrade equipment, offer worker awareness and skills development, and encourage innovation.
“The goal was simple yet ambitious: to minimize salt pollution by encouraging updated approaches to road salt use, particularly during the harsh Wisconsin winters,” says District pollution prevention specialist Catherine Harris. “These grants continue to make a real difference in the amount of salt entering our waterways and, in return, contribute to a healthier community.”
Grant success highlights include:
- Barnes, Inc. received grants to purchase broom technology for clearing light snow from sidewalks. This innovation saves around 3 tons of salt per route during each snow event.
- The Village of Shorewood Hills used a grant to test a pre-wetting system that applies a brine solution. This system clings better to pavement, works faster at lower temperatures, and reduces waste, leading to over 30% salt savings.
- The Bruce Company received a grant to trial liquid and anti-icing applications. By adopting new tools, precise calibration, and experimentation, the company achieved a one-third reduction in salt use without sacrificing pavement safety.
Grant funding and salt reduction training opportunities are available for winter 2024-2025.
Wisconsin Salt Wise hosts free “Smart Salting” sessions for professionals each fall; workshops are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Tuesday, Nov. 12. Registration is required. These events offer winter maintenance professionals the chance to learn how to reduce salt usage and observe the equipment in action. The District is a founding member of Wisconsin Salt Wise, a statewide coalition focused on reducing salt pollution through education and professional training opportunities.
