Title
Authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold public hearings to better understand and analyze the use of the compounds commonly called "
rock salt" by the Streets Department and Philadelphia citizens to melt ice and snow and determine whether alternatives and additives can make this material and effort safer and more efficient.
Body
WHEREAS,
Rock salt is the most commonly used material to melt ice and snow on our City streets and sidewalks. Since the 1940's,
rock salt has been used to clear frozen precipitation from the ever-expanding highway and road system in the United States. An estimated 15 million tons of
rock salt is used every year for this purpose nationally; and
WHEREAS, The most prevalent compounds in use, Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Potassium Chloride (KCl), and Calcium Chloride (CaCl) have known corrosive effects, and can do damage to roads, vehicles, underground utilities and even roadside property through the misting effect; and
WHEREAS,
Rock salt is also extremely dangerous for pets and other animals. When ingested by animals, the
rock salt can cause liver and kidney failure, pancreatitis, and depending on the amount ingested, can lead to death. Also, even small amounts of
rock salt can be stuck in animal paws and fur, causing extreme discomfort and irritation; and
WHEREAS, Heavy usage of
rock salt has damaging effects on the environment. Almost all melting minerals find their way into the waterways, whether through run-off or soil and groundwater. Higher chloride levels in water have a deleterious effect on fish and other aquatic life, and this denser water also sinks to the bottom of the waterway, reducing water circulation and further deteriorating the ecosystem. High sodium levels in drinking water are also dangerous, and can be a concern for people on a restricted-sodium diet; and
WHEREAS, Technological advances have made
rock salt dispensing and road de-icing much more efficient. PennDot is using computers on ...
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