Changes

Recommended planning strategies in designing sites for reduced salt usage:

Recommended planning strategies in designing sites for reduced salt usage:

<p><strong>Effective Grading</strong> Areas for vehicular and pedestrian traffic should be graded between 2 - 4% to reduce the chances of depressions forming. Sub bases should be well compacted for the same reason. Preventing ponding and ice formation reduces the salting requirements for those surfaces.  In winter months efficient salt application should be made along the top of slopes. Melting snow will carry the salt solution down-gradient. </p>

<p><strong>Effective Grading</strong> Areas for vehicular and pedestrian traffic should be graded between 2 - 4% to reduce the chances of depressions forming. Sub bases should be well compacted for the same reason. Preventing ponding and ice formation reduces the salting requirements for those surfaces.  In winter months efficient salt application should be made along the top of slopes. Melting snow will carry the salt solution down-gradient. </p>

<p><strong>Snow Piles</strong> Storage locations for snow piles should be in sunny areas with low traffic. Consider grading the storage location to distribute the melt-water as sheet flow over a [[Grass Filter Strips|grass filter strip]] into an adjacent BMP, such as a [[Bioretention Cells|bioretention cell]] or [[Infiltration Trenches|infiltration trench]]. In some cases, with careful vegetation selection and adequate drainage, the BMP itself can serve as a snow storage location. Snow storage areas should be clearly marked for seasonal maintenance staff.</p>

<p><strong>Snow Piles</strong> Storage locations for snow piles should be in sunny areas with low traffic. Consider grading the storage location to distribute the melt-water as sheet flow over a [[Vegetated filter strips|grass filter strip]] into an adjacent BMP, such as a [[Bioretention Cells|bioretention cell]] or [[Infiltration trenches|infiltration trench]]. In some cases, with careful vegetation selection and adequate drainage, the BMP itself can serve as a snow storage location. Snow storage areas should be clearly marked for seasonal maintenance staff.</p>

<p><strong>Sidewalk Design and Pedestrian Flow</strong> Sidewalks which receive infrequent use could be closed for the winter season. Maintained sidewalks should be ≥ 1.5 m wide to accommodate plowing and minimize the salting required. Using textured pavers can improve grip for pedestrians, again reducing the salt required. In busy areas around building entrances, covered walkways and heated mats also reduce salt requirements.</p>  

<p><strong>Sidewalk Design and Pedestrian Flow</strong> Sidewalks which receive infrequent use could be closed for the winter season. Maintained sidewalks should be ≥ 1.5 m wide to accommodate plowing and minimize the salting required. Using textured pavers can improve grip for pedestrians, again reducing the salt required. In busy areas around building entrances, covered walkways and heated mats also reduce salt requirements.</p>  

<p><strong>Trees</strong> Specifying deciduous trees will maximize winter sunlight penetration. This will naturally enhance the melting of frozen surfaces, limiting the need to winter maintenance. </p>

<p><strong>Trees</strong> Specifying deciduous trees will maximize winter sunlight penetration. This will naturally enhance the melting of frozen surfaces, limiting the need to winter maintenance. </p>