Changes

===Freshwater wildlife===  

===Freshwater wildlife===  

Just as we depend on air with the right makeup of oxygen, freshwater species – like fish, frogs, mussels, salamanders and zooplankton – need water with the right balance of chloride to survive. Having adapted to low levels of chloride in their habitats, increased levels begin to disrupt their basic functions – such as regulating their water content (osmoregulation) and breathing.  Studies have shown widespread effects of salt on ecosystems at all trophic levels from biofilms to fish species.  Specific effects vary based on exposure concentrations, and may include reductions in fecundity, size, shape, growth and abundance (Hintz and Relyea, 2019)<ref name="example1">Hintz, W.D. and Relyea, R.A. 2019. A review of the species, community, and ecosystem impacts of road salt salinisation in fresh waters. Freshwater biology, 64(6), pp.1081-1097. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331991752_A_review_of_the_species_community_and_ecosystem_impacts_of_road_salt_salinisation_in_fresh_waters</ref>

Just as we depend on air with the right makeup of oxygen, freshwater species – like fish, frogs, mussels, salamanders and zooplankton – need water with the right balance of chloride to survive. Having adapted to low levels of chloride in their habitats, increased levels begin to disrupt their basic functions – such as regulating their water content (osmoregulation) and breathing.  Studies have shown widespread effects of salt on ecosystems at all trophic levels from biofilms to fish species.  Specific effects vary based on exposure concentrations, and may include reductions in fecundity, size, shape, growth and abundance (Hintz and Relyea, 2019)<ref name="example1">Hintz, W.D. and Relyea, R.A. 2019. A review of the species, community, and ecosystem impacts of road salt salinisation in fresh waters. Freshwater biology, 64(6), pp.1081-1097. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331991752_A_review_of_the_species_community_and_ecosystem_impacts_of_road_salt_salinisation_in_fresh_waters</ref>

[[File:Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) (6236874620).png|thumb|450px|A study by researchers at Yale and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in NY found the interactive effects of road salt on wood frog species' sex ratios and sexual size dimorphism. Over a series of experiments conducted, the authors of the paper in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences discovered that the number of females within the studied population of tadpoles decreased by ~10% when exposed to road salt. These findings suggest road salt may have a 'masculizing effect' on various amphibian species.<ref>Lambert, M.R., Stoler, A.B., Smylie, M.S., Relyea, R.A. and Skelly, D.K. 2017. Interactive effects of road salt and leaf litter on wood frog sex ratios and sexual size dimorphism. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 74(2), pp.141-146. https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/74970/1/cjfas-2016-0324.pdf</ref>]]

[[File:Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) (6236874620).png|thumb|450px|A study by researchers at Yale and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in NY found the interactive effects of road salt on wood frog species' sex ratios and sexual size dimorphism. Over a series of experiments conducted, the authors of the paper in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences discovered that the number of females within the studied population of tadpoles decreased by ~10% when exposed to road salt. These findings suggest road salt may have a 'masculizing effect' on various amphibian species (Lambert et al. 2017).<ref>Lambert, M.R., Stoler, A.B., Smylie, M.S., Relyea, R.A. and Skelly, D.K. 2017. Interactive effects of road salt and leaf litter on wood frog sex ratios and sexual size dimorphism. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 74(2), pp.141-146. https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/74970/1/cjfas-2016-0324.pdf</ref>]]

===Vegetation===

===Vegetation===

Salt affects vegetation in various ways.  Salt in soil water generally makes it more difficult for roots to take up water. This phenomenon mimics drought conditions for the plant and underlies the recommendation for salt tolerant plants in LID practices. If passing traffic sprays salty water onto [[plants]] it can reduce cold hardiness in buds and new twigs. These then become more susceptible to freezing, mortality or deformation. In high enough concentrations, sodium and chloride can also be directly toxic to plants. In some species the ions are absorbed by the plant and build up in the leaves causing them to die.

Salt affects vegetation in various ways.  Salt in soil water generally makes it more difficult for roots to take up water. This phenomenon mimics drought conditions for the plant and underlies the recommendation for salt tolerant plants in LID practices. If passing traffic sprays salty water onto [[plants]] it can reduce cold hardiness in buds and new twigs. These then become more susceptible to freezing, mortality or deformation. In high enough concentrations, sodium and chloride can also be directly toxic to plants. In some species the ions are absorbed by the plant and build up in the leaves causing them to die.

==Guidelines==

==Guidelines==

[[File:Temporal changes (5-yr median) 1966 - 2022.jpg|thumb|600px|Temporal changes in 5-year median chloride concentration (1966-2020). All stations had higher median chloride concentrations in 2016-2020 compared to the last time 5-year median concentrations were culminated into a report (2011-2015) and the difference in concentration between time periods appeared to be greater for stations with higher chloride concentrations. The reasons behind this pattern are unknown and warrant further investigation, but median concentrations are above the chronic level of 120 mg/L in all of the more urbanized watersheds, south towards Lake Ontario (TRCA, 2021).<ref name="example2">TRCA. 2021. Spatial Patterns (2016-2020) and Temporal Trends (1966-2020) in Stream Water Quality across TRCA’s Jurisdiction. Prepared by Watershed Planning and Ecosystem Science. October, 2021. https://trcaca.s3.ca-central 1.amazonaws.com/app/uploads/2021/10/29113334/2016-2020-SWQ-Report-v11_FINAL_AODA-FA.pdf</ref>]]  

[[File:Temporal changes (5-yr median) 1966 - 2022.jpg|thumb|600px|Temporal changes in 5-year median chloride concentration (1966-2020). All stations had higher median chloride concentrations in 2016-2020 compared to the last time 5-year median concentrations were culminated into a report (2011-2015) and the difference in concentration between time periods appeared to be greater for stations with higher chloride concentrations. The reasons behind this pattern are unknown and warrant further investigation, but median concentrations are above the chronic level of 120 mg/L in all of the more urbanized watersheds, south towards Lake Ontario (TRCA, 2021).<ref name="example2">TRCA. 2021. Spatial Patterns (2016-2020) and Temporal Trends (1966-2020) in Stream Water Quality across TRCA’s Jurisdiction. Prepared by Watershed Planning and Ecosystem Science. October, 2021. https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2021/10/2016-2020-SWQ-Report-v11_FINAL_AODA-FA.pdf</ref>]]  

[[File:Avg. chloride conc 2016 - 2020.jpg|thumb|600px|Average chloride concentration between 2016 - 2020 from collected grab samples. Most stations in the Southeastern part of TRCA's watershed within the Etobicoke, Mimico Creeks and the Humber River had much higher than the CWQG acute level of chloride (640mg/L), some at more than ~3 times this concentration (TRCA, 2021).<ref name="example2" />.]]  

[[File:Avg. chloride conc 2016 - 2020.jpg|thumb|600px|Average chloride concentration between 2016 - 2020 from collected grab samples. Most stations in the Southeastern part of TRCA's watershed within the Etobicoke, Mimico Creeks and the Humber River had much higher than the CWQG acute level of chloride (640mg/L), some at more than ~3 times this concentration (TRCA, 2021).<ref name="example2" />.]]  

* [https://www.peelregion.ca/transportation/winter/maintenance-commercial.asp#propertyowners Peel Region] 

* [https://www.peelregion.ca/transportation/winter/maintenance-commercial.asp#propertyowners Peel Region] 

* [https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/winter-maintenance-for-commercial-properties.aspx Waterloo Region]

* [https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/winter-maintenance-for-commercial-properties.aspx Waterloo Region]

* [https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/media/browser/2022-01-17/coh-salt-management-plan2021.pdf Hamilton Region]<br>

* [https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/getting-around/streets-sidewalks/snow-clearing Hamilton Region]<br>

===Winter Maintenance Professionals===

===Winter Maintenance Professionals===

*[https://pub-peelregion.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=9868 Using Liquids to Reduce Winter salt Use on Commercial Parking Lots]<ref>: Murison, L., Oswald, C., Gillion, E., and International Landscaping Inc. 2022. Salt Management - Partnership and Outreach Update. https://pub-peelregion.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=9868.</ref>

*[https://pub-peelregion.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=9868 Using Liquids to Reduce Winter salt Use on Commercial Parking Lots]<ref>: Murison, L., Oswald, C., Gillion, E., and International Landscaping Inc. 2022. Salt Management - Partnership and Outreach Update. https://pub-peelregion.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=9868.</ref>

**This ongoing study is being conducted by Peel Regio and LSRCA staff, along with contractor International Landscaping Inc. to evaluate the feasibility and environmental benefits (specifically, the reduction of chloride (Cl) entering the environment) of using liquid anti-icing with NaCl brine (with and without beet juice additive) on commercial parking lots. Updated reports and findings will be posted here once published

**This ongoing study is being conducted by Peel Region and CVC staff, along with contractor International Landscaping Inc. to evaluate the feasibility and environmental benefits (specifically, the reduction of chloride (Cl) entering the environment) of using liquid anti-icing with NaCl brine (with and without beet juice additive) on commercial parking lots. Updated reports and findings will be posted here once published

*[https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/resources/Documents/water/was-protect_closed_sign_program.PDF Closing Areas to Reduce Salt Use and Winter Maintenance Costs]<ref>Region of Waterloo. 2020. Salt reduction partnership. Region of Waterloo, Water Services. https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/resources/Documents/water/was-protect_closed_sign_program.PDF</ref>

*[https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/resources/Documents/water/was-protect_closed_sign_program.PDF Closing Areas to Reduce Salt Use and Winter Maintenance Costs]<ref>Region of Waterloo. 2020. Salt reduction partnership. Region of Waterloo, Water Services. https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/resources/Documents/water/was-protect_closed_sign_program.PDF</ref>

===External Links===

===External Links===

[[File:Smart about salt training.PNG|thumb|500px|Smart About Salt training program teaches winter contracting company staff and facility management staff how to appropriately apply rock salt and still being mindful about its environmental impact, all while reducing reducing liability and maintenance costs. To learn more, click the picture above.<ref>Smart About Salt Council (SASC). n.d. Smart About Salt: Winter Salt Management Program. http://www.smartaboutsalt.com/</ref>|link=http://www.smartaboutsalt.com/training]]

[[File:Smart about salt training.PNG|thumb|500px|Smart About Salt training program teaches winter contracting company staff and facility management staff how to appropriately apply rock salt and still being mindful about its environmental impact, all while reducing reducing liability and maintenance costs. To learn more, click the picture above.<ref>Smart About Salt Council (SASC). n.d. Smart About Salt: Winter Salt Management Program. http://www.smartaboutsalt.com/</ref>|link=https://smartaboutsalt.wildapricot.org/take-training]]

*[http://www.smartaboutsalt.com/ Smart about Salt]<ref>Smart About Salt Council (SASC). n.d. Smart About Salt: Winter Salt Management Program. http://www.smartaboutsalt.com/</ref>

*[http://www.smartaboutsalt.com/ Smart about Salt]<ref>Smart About Salt Council (SASC). n.d. Smart About Salt: Winter Salt Management Program. http://www.smartaboutsalt.com/</ref>

*[http://www.prismalight.com/client/row_swim_2023/-2_SWiM_Contractor_Cut_Nov10_2023-1920x1080_10K.mp4 Region of Waterloo Winter Maintenance (Contractors & Commercial Properties) Video]<ref>Region of Waterloo. 2022. Winter Maintenance for Commercial Properties. Water and Wastewater/Salt Management. https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/winter-maintenance-for-commercial-properties.aspx</ref>

*[http://www.prismalight.com/client/row_swim_2023/-2_SWiM_Contractor_Cut_Nov10_2023-1920x1080_10K.mp4 Region of Waterloo Winter Maintenance (Contractors & Commercial Properties) Video]<ref>Region of Waterloo. 2022. Winter Maintenance for Commercial Properties. Water and Wastewater/Salt Management. https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/winter-maintenance-for-commercial-properties.aspx</ref>

** A 7 min. video highlighting what novel BMPs Commercial property owners and winter management contractors are taking to better protect their properties and clientele, as well as the Region of Waterloo's local water systems, (well water, surface water and groundwater systems).

** A 7 min. video highlighting what novel best management practices Commercial property owners and winter management contractors are taking to better protect their properties and clientele, as well as the Region of Waterloo's local water systems, (well water, surface water and groundwater systems).

*[http://www.prismalight.com/client/row_swim_2023/-1_SWiM_Public_Cut_Nov10_2023-1920x1080_10K.mp4 Region of Waterloo Winter Maintenance & Salt Management (Public & Homeowners) Video]<ref>Region of Waterloo. 2022. Snow and Ice Clearing Tips for Homeowners. Water and Wastewater/Salt Management. https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/snow-and-ice-clearing-tips-for-homeowners.aspx</ref>

*[http://www.prismalight.com/client/row_swim_2023/-1_SWiM_Public_Cut_Nov10_2023-1920x1080_10K.mp4 Region of Waterloo Winter Maintenance & Salt Management (Public & Homeowners) Video]<ref>Region of Waterloo. 2022. Snow and Ice Clearing Tips for Homeowners. Water and Wastewater/Salt Management. https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/snow-and-ice-clearing-tips-for-homeowners.aspx</ref>

** A 7 min. video aimed at the general public to bring awareness to the issues of over salting and increasingly high levels of chloride entering our natural water systems. The video discusses best management practices that the  Regio of Waterloo is taking in conjunction with private companies in both Canada and the U.S on a novel innovative program known as [https://witadvisers.com/swim/ Sustainable Winter Management (SWiM®)] that highlights new methods for contractors to implement new products and technologies that greatly reduce overall salt use in the Region.

** A 7 min. video aimed at the general public to bring awareness to the issues of over salting and increasingly high levels of chloride entering our natural water systems. The video discusses best management practices that the  Region of Waterloo is taking in conjunction with private companies in both Canada and the U.S on a novel innovative program known as [https://witadvisers.com/swim/ Sustainable Winter Management (SWiM®)] that highlights new methods for contractors to implement new products and technologies that greatly reduce overall salt use in the Region.

*[https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2016/01/Salt-brochures-v11.pdf Salt Application Verified Equipment (SAVE) Program: Managing Risk While Saving Money]<ref>STEP. 2016. Salt Application Verified Equipment Program: Managing Risk While Saving Money. Brief. https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2016/01/Salt-brochures-v11.pdf</ref>

*[https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2016/01/Salt-brochures-v11.pdf Salt Application Verified Equipment (SAVE) Program: Managing Risk While Saving Money]<ref>STEP. 2016. Salt Application Verified Equipment Program: Managing Risk While Saving Money. Brief. https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2016/01/Salt-brochures-v11.pdf</ref>

**This study of the impacts of road salt on local ecosystems by Hintz and Relyea (2019), found that road salts negatively affect species at all trophic levels, from biofilms to fish species but the concentration of road salt where adverse effects were observed varied and the effects themselves ranged from reductions in fecundity, size and shape to alterations to nutrient and energy flow at an ecosystem level and increased greenhouse gas emissions from contaminated wetlands and altered hydrology and oxygen, nitrogen and carbon level dynamics in lakes and streams. Concentrations at which road salt triggered an effect varied considerably. To read more about their findings, click the link above.

**This study of the impacts of road salt on local ecosystems by Hintz and Relyea (2019), found that road salts negatively affect species at all trophic levels, from biofilms to fish species but the concentration of road salt where adverse effects were observed varied and the effects themselves ranged from reductions in fecundity, size and shape to alterations to nutrient and energy flow at an ecosystem level and increased greenhouse gas emissions from contaminated wetlands and altered hydrology and oxygen, nitrogen and carbon level dynamics in lakes and streams. Concentrations at which road salt triggered an effect varied considerably. To read more about their findings, click the link above.

*[https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/media/browser/2022-01-17/coh-salt-management-plan2021.pdf Hamilton Salt Management Plan]<ref>City of Hamilton. 2021. 2021 Salt Management Plan. https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/media/browser/2022-01-17/coh-salt-management-plan2021.pdf</ref>.  

*[https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/2023-12/streets-salt-management-plan2021-final.pdf Hamilton Salt Management Plan]<ref>City of Hamilton. 2021. 2021 Salt Management Plan. https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/media/browser/2022-01-17/coh-salt-management-plan2021.pdf</ref>.  

**The City of Hamilton's 2021 Salt Management Plan is intended to set out a policy and procedural framework for ensuring that the City continuously improves the management of road salt used in its winter maintenance operations. The plan is dynamic and allows the City to phase in new approaches and technologies in a way that is responsive to fiscal demands and the need to ensure that roadway safety is not compromised. To read more about the City's finalized plan that compares it's current practices to BMPs, opportunities for improvement, and achievement metrics which can be replicated for other Ontario municipalities, click the link above.

**The City of Hamilton's 2021 Salt Management Plan is intended to set out a policy and procedural framework for ensuring that the City continuously improves the management of road salt used in its winter maintenance operations. The plan is dynamic and allows the City to phase in new approaches and technologies in a way that is responsive to fiscal demands and the need to ensure that roadway safety is not compromised. To read more about the City's finalized plan that compares it's current practices to BMPs, opportunities for improvement, and achievement metrics which can be replicated for other Ontario municipalities, click the link above.

===Proprietary Systems===

===Proprietary Systems===