Timely: Free Session on Snow & Ice Removal

Here's a lesson the Great Swamp Watershed Association probably didn't expect would come in handy so early.

The association and United Water recently scheduled for Nov. 10 a special workshop on environmentally sensitive snow and ice removal practices for the approaching winter season.

Only thing is, the winter season approached a little more quickly than anyone expected. But more snow's on the way, so landscapers, property maintenance crews, snow plowing contractors, municipal public works departments and others engaging in moderate to large-scale snow removal activities during winter months may still want to take note.

The association says homeowners can also pick up tips on environmentally sound de-icing techniques for their own properties.

“We look forward to helping GSWA educate attendees about new snow and ice management techniques that will increase efficiency, save money, and reduce their impact on water quality,” United Water Vice President for External Affairs Edmund M. DeVeaux said in an announcement from the GSWA.

The goal of the workshop is to raise awareness about year-round pollution from road salt and other winter road treatments, the association said.

"Scientific study has demonstrated that road salt is the most abundant water pollutant found in our area. Water quality testing performed by GSWA experts along Morris County’s Loantaka Brook between 2005 and 2007 illustrates the larger problem facing the 55 square mile Great Swamp Watershed," the association said in its announcement. "The study concluded that local wintertime de-icing regimes along roads, adjacent to parking lots, and in the vicinity of large housing and office complexes introduced sodium and chloride contamination into the stream at levels that would cause chronic toxicity in stream water throughout the year.  The enduring presence of road salt is attributable to its ability to be retained in the soil for a long period of time, gradually leaching into groundwater supplies."

During the workshop, presenters will lay out the environmental effects of sodium and chloride on water quality, and provide information about alternatives to traditional road salt.

Some of the alternatives covered will include the use of pre-wetted salts and brine. Presenters also will spend time reviewing the equipment needed to make and use brine.

The Winter Roads Maintenance Workshop will take place on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 8 to 1 a.m. at the association's offices, located at 568 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown. Admission is free, but advanced registration is requested.

Participants can register online at GreatSwamp.org/EventReg.htm or call 973-539-3500 x22.  A continental breakfast will be served.