Salt S.M.A.R.T.

Salt Education

With dropping temperatures and heavy snowfall, many Minnesotans turn to deicing salt to keep our roadways and sidewalks clear. While an effective tool for public safety, deicing salt can harm our environment and pollute our waterways. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), once in the water, chloride becomes a permanent pollutant and continues to accumulate in the environment over time. The best way to reduce salt impact in our environment is to practice smart salt application.  

Be Salt S.M.A.R.T.

S – Shovel:  Removing snow before it gets compacted and turns into ice will reduce the amount of salt needed. 

M – Moderation:  An average driveway only needs 12 ounces of salt. More salt does not mean more melting. 

A – Apply Less:  78% of salt applied in the metro ends up in groundwater or local waterways. 

R – Reuse:  Sweep up excess salt and reuse it for the next application.

T – Temperature:  Select the appropriate deicing product for the temperature and avoid when the temperature falls below 15 ° F. 

As a resident or business of Buffalo, you are responsible for removing snow and ice off your sidewalk within 12 hours after a snowfall. Salt storage should be covered and secure when not in sure.

S.M.A.R.T. Salt Training

City crews responsible for snow and ice removal undergo annual smart salting training to ensure public safety and environmental health. The city maintains a salt storage area which is covered on an impervious surface and out of contact with stormwater or snowmelt. All salt handling is conducted in a designated area.