Chapter 4: Salt and Sand/Salt

Table of Contents
SALT and SAND/SALT - INTRODUCTION Revised February 17, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Taking Action: Salt and Sand/Salt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 STORAGE (salt & sand/salt) Revised February 11, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 ANTI - ICING (pre-wetting, etc.) Revised February 11, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 DE-ICING (salt, calcium chloride, etc.) Revised February 11, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 FRICTION MATERIALS (sand, crusher dust, gravel, etc.) Revised February 11, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 DUST CONTROL Revised February 11, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 LEVELS OF SERVICE SUMMARY TABLE Revised January 9, 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SALT AND SAND/SALT AUDIT QUESTIONNAIRE Revised February 11, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Chapter 4 - Pg. 1

SALT and SAND/SALT - INTRODUCTION

Revised February 17, 2003

Nova Scotia depends heavily on Road Salt to maintain safe highways during the winter months. Road Salt has been proven to be more effective and less expensive than any alternatives for this region. However, Road Salt has also been under scrutiny for its effect on the environment. Improperly managed salt storage and use has resulted in negative environmental effects from salty well water to plant and animal mortality. Environment Canada has recently placed Road Salt on its Toxic Substance list which means that stricter management controls will be enforced for departments such as TPW that use Road Salt. This section of the manual details the storage and use of salt and explains some of the newer ice management procedures the department is now using such as anti-icing and de-icing techniques. The following suggestions and Taking Action Sheet should assist you in implementing this chapter. Organize toolbox meetings with all staff members to go over specific items of interest. The more staff know about departmental expectations with regards to salt and sand/salt management, the more involved they will be. Spot check progress periodically to ensure that staff are following the proper procedures. Annual audits of the facilities will be done, so it is best to get staff involved early in doing things the right way. Sample audit questions are included at the end of this section. Familiarize yourself with what the auditors will be looking for to ensure your salt management program meets departmental expectations.

Chapter 4 - Pg. 2

4. Taking Action: Salt and Sand/Salt

T Investigate the salt storage facility and make sure that it is water tight. If trucks can not be loaded inside the salt shed, make sure there is a cement or rubber pad outside the shed where the trucks park for filling and that any run off from this area will be contained and/or diverted from waterways, sewers and vegetation. T Develop a system for employees to promptly clean up any salt spilled while filling trucks or loading sheds. T Determine how best to cover the sand/salt pile (tarps, shed, etc.) and how to divert run off from this pile away from waterways, sewers and vegetation. T Maintain the salt content in the sand/salt pile at 5% if necessary. If you purchase and stockpile your sand when it is dry and cover it at that point, salt may not need to be added at all. Plan ahead! T Use the record system for: -Daily reports on salt and sand/salt used -Bi-weekly (every 2 weeks) reports on quantities on hand and hauled in -Bi-weekly provincial salt use report detailing salt applied to date in each area, along with a comparison to previous years. -District monthly salt and sand/salt summary T Look up the Winter Maintenance Standards for the recommended application rate of salt and sand to roadways. Make sure that employees are up to date on the best practices for minimizing the amount of salt and sand used. T The Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) has developed a comprehensive web site on road salt information including an on-line course at http://www.tac-atc.ca/whatnew/environment.htm if you want more information. Encourage any employees who might benefit to take the on-line course. T Make sure that the compuspread systems on each vehicle are checked after each use to make sure that they are properly calibrated for correct application rates, that the conveyor door on the salt box is at the proper opening, that the conveyor and the ground speed are calibrated and that the emergency override is working. T Inform employees about the salt and sand/salt management program and their responsibilities in preventing and cleaning spills, minimizing usage, doing maintenance and keeping records. T Make sure that employees are aware of the Salt and Sand/Salt Management chapter in the EMS binder and what sort of information it contains. Make the binder accessible to employees. Chapter 4 - Pg. 3

#1 STORAGE (salt & sand/salt)

Revised February 11, 2003

Highlights of Legislation The Occupational Health and Safety Act - An employer shall provide such information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities as are necessary to the health and safety of the employees. Environment Act - Nova Scotia Environment Act and regulations do not directly regulate salt storage and handling practices. General Information Product Use & Information Road salt is the preferred deicing chemical in Canada because of its cost, effectiveness, and ease of handling. Sand/salt mixtures are generally applied on icy graveled roads to improve traction. At lower temperatures, (i.e. below -10C), salt is less effective so a sand/salt mixture may be used on paved roads. By using proper storage practices, environmental contamination can be minimized. Storage facilities for salt are domes, silos or shed style buildings. Sand/salt mixtures are stored in domes, shed style building or, as in most cases at the moment, stored outside. These outdoor piles should be tarped or otherwise covered. We have five levels of service for salting and sanding. For each level there is a recommended application rate which allows its use to be monitored and controlled. For complete information on levels of service see Winter Maintenance Standards, RO90 104/105/106 SNOW AND ICE CONTROL. The Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) has developed a comprehensive web site on road salt information including an on-line course at http://www.tac-atc.ca/whatnew/environment.htm Dont leave piles of salt exposed to the elements. Dont have water leaching inside the building. Unused salt or sand/salt should be unloaded and placed in the appropriate storage location. Load trucks inside the storage building, if building size allows for it. A five year scientific assessment by Environment Canada determined that in sufficient concentrations, road salts pose a risk to plants, animals and the aquatic environment. As such, Environment Canada has recommended its addition to Schedule 1 (List of Toxic Substances) under CEPA because of environmental concerns associated with road salt. Provincial Department Safe Work Practices # 063 and # 066.

Yard Maintenance

Compliance Issues

Occupational Health and Safety

Chapter 4 - Pg. 4

#1 STORAGE (salt & sand/salt)

Revised February 11, 2003

Structure types

Domes. Fabric Roofed Buildings. Framed Single Peaked Roof- A Barn. Gambrel Arch. Silos. Storage shed should have a concrete or asphalt concrete pad. The entrance should have a berm to contain runoff. Loading area should have a concrete or asphalt concrete pad. Loading area should be cleared of excess spillage from trucks and put back into the storage shed, if not contaminated. The base of the building should be enclosed by a concrete wall. Building entrance should be facing away from prevailing winter wind direction. Sand/salt stockpiles stored outside should be on an asphalt pad preferably in a cone shape. The pile should be tarped and weighed down (e.g. with tires). This will help to minimize leaching. Some bases have been having luck with a light cover of tack on the sand piles. Daily local reports on salt and sand/salt used. Bi-weekly area reports on quantities on hand and hauled in. Bi-weekly provincial salt use reports on salt applied to date in each area, along with a comparison to previous year. Monthly district salt and sand/salt summary reports. Identify waterways (streams, brooks, swamps etc.) near bases. Site should be graded to direct drainage away from storage areas and to the extent possible, away from any down gradient ground well water location. Salt-laden water can be collected in tanks and used in brine production or sent for disposal at sewage treatment facilities. Inspect sheds weekly for snow and ice build up during the winter season. Conduct a survey of facilities looking for structural integrity, operating efficiency, and salt loss. Plan, schedule and carry out repairs to existing facilities in preparation for the new season. Consider needed capital investment to address storage needs. Supervisors are responsible for maintenance of yards in and around storage sheds, for training staff in proper handling and distribution and for ensuring that records of salt and sand/salt use are being kept.

Storage
(Salt and Sand/Salt)

Record keeping

Site Drainage

Facilities

Responsibilities

Chapter 4 - Pg. 5

#2 ANTI - ICING (pre-wetting, etc.)

Revised February 11, 2003

Highlights of Legislation The Occupational Health and Safety Act - An employer shall provide such information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities as are necessary to the health and safety of the employees. Environment Act - Nova Scotia Environment Act and regulations do not directly regulate salt storage and handling practices. Canadian Environmental Protection Act - Road salt is considered CEPA toxic (i.e. in sufficient quantities can have serious effects on the environment), thus its storage and use should be under controlled conditions. General Information Product Use & Information Anti-icing is the snow and ice control practice of preventing the formation or development of bonded snow and ice by early applications of a chemical freezing-point depressant, such as salt, chemicals or brine. This early application of salt means that the snow plows can do their job sooner and more effectively. Application of salt onto a highway pavement at the start of a winter storm, or even prior to the beginning of precipitation, inhibits the development of a bond between the snow or ice and the pavement surface. Furthermore, moderate and periodic re-applications of the chemical during the storm can continue this effect. Such preventive operations are the core of an anti-icing program. Pre-wetting is the addition of a liquid (preferably a salt brine to salts or abrasives) prior to the application to the roadway. When a liquid is applied to a particle of salt, the particle begins to soften and dissolve so that it is less likely to bounce off the road or be swept away by traffic. De-icing is the reactive application of salt and abrasives to a roadway where snow has already accumulated and may have formed a bond (ice) with the highway. C Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is the generally accepted anti-icing chemical presently used in Nova Scotia. Calcium Chloride (CaCl) is sometimes used to clear frozen culverts. The brine solution is made from locally mined rock salt.

Typical Product Ingredients

C Spray Systems

The most common method of pre-wetting is through the use of on-board spreader spray systems. A spreader equipped for pre-wetting can apply liquids directly to the material being spread. Pre-wetting equipment can be an integral part of the spreader design or it can be a system that is added to an existing dry-material spreader. The hydraulic sprayer is in-line with the conveyor/auger motor which provides a constant relationship with the amount of material being spread. The system includes a liquid spray pump, hydraulic motor, cab controls, nozzle kit, spray tanks, and necessary hoses and fittings. The system includes between two and three brass spray nozzles. Chapter 4 - Pg. 6

#2 ANTI - ICING (pre-wetting, etc.)

Revised February 11, 2003

Usage

To make brine: add salt to water in a tank, agitate, measure concentration with a salimeter, adjust mixture accordingly [i.e. Add salt or water to achieve 20% to 23% concentration (NaCl)]. For precipitation events pre-wetted solid applications, like liquid treatments, can be used either in advance of the storm or as an early-storm treatment. In the latter case, the application can be placed on dry, wet, slush covered, or lightly snow covered pavement. It should be completed before accumulation or snow pack bonds to the pavement. Applications onto dry pavement, either as a pretreatment or early-storm treatment, should be monitored to avoid excessive loss of material. Late applications onto pavements with more than a light covering of slush or snow can result in excessive dilution of the chemical, and should be coordinated with plowing. Where there is sufficient moisture after snowfall has begun, dry solid chemicals can be applied. Application of dry solid chemical onto dry pavement is not recommended, and therefore should not be used as a pretreatment. Timing of an initial dry solid chemical application for snowstorm events is critical. It should be made as soon as possible after sufficient precipitation has fallen to prevent loss, but before snowpack or ice bonds to the pavement. Anti-icing solution should be stored in fibreglass tanks on a concrete (spill resistant) base. The impurities which settle out in the tank are primarily inert rock and are not considered environmentally harmful, thus can be disposed of at the base. Prevent spills As the Compu-spread computers keep track of the amounts dispersed there is no requirements for record-keeping. Regular downloading of the information from the Compu-spread computers should be done. As salt is considered CEPA Toxic (harmful to the environment), spills should be cleaned up immediately. Supervisors are responsible for having the brine mixed to appropriate concentration levels. Operators are responsible for the handling and distribution.

Storage Disposal Pollution Prevention Record keeping

Spills Responsibilities

#3 DE-ICING (salt, calcium chloride, etc.)

Revised February 11, 2003

Highlights of Legislation Chapter 4 - Pg. 7

#3 DE-ICING (salt, calcium chloride, etc.)

Revised February 11, 2003

The Occupational Health and Safety Act - An employer shall provide such information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities as are necessary to the health and safety of the employees. Environment Act - Nova Scotia Environment Act and regulations do not directly regulate salt storage and handling practices. Canadian Environmental Protection Act - Road salt is considered CEPA toxic (i.e. in sufficient quantities can have serious effects on the environment), thus its storage and use should be under controlled conditions. General Information Product Use & Information Road salt is the preferred deicing chemical in Canada because of its cost, effectiveness, and ease of handling. Storage facilities for salt are domes, silos or shed style buildings. By using proper storage practices, environmental contamination can be minimized. We have five levels of service for salting and sanding. For each level there is a recommended application rate which allows its use to be monitored and controlled. For complete information on levels of service see Winter Maintenance Standards, RO90 104/105/106 SNOW AND ICE CONTROL. A clear trend to achieving more efficient salt use and safer road conditions is to apply the salt at the beginning of the storm to create a road condition that will prevent the initial freezing and the formation of the snow/road bond. This proactive and preventative approach requires less road salt than that required to de-ice the road once the snow/ice pack has formed. It also helps keep the road ice-free throughout the storm. This is why we often see trucks spreading salt immediately after the storm has started. Rock salt should never be applied to bare pavement. The early application of salt is often referred to as anti-icing. Following the initial salt application, plowing can proceed to remove continuing snow accumulations. Additional salting is only required to ensure sufficient traction and an ice-free surface. Surface and Groundwater - Salt that goes into the ground can increase the amount of salt in well water. Heavy salt loading to streams during sensitive periods of the year can adversely affect fish. Vegetation - High concentrations of salt in soil, groundwater and salt spray from roadways can damage roadside vegetation such as trees, shrubs and grass. Soil Impacts - The sodium in road salt can react with soil and cause increased hardness, increased pH and reduced permeability for some soil types. These characteristics in the roadside soils can adversely affect the fertility of the soils and their ability to grow plants.

The Role of Road Salt in Winter Maintenance

Road Salt and the Environment

Chapter 4 - Pg. 8

#3 DE-ICING (salt, calcium chloride, etc.)

Revised February 11, 2003

Road Salt and the Environment (contd)

Wildlife - Some animals are often attracted to the roadside were there is a high spring salt concentration. The presence of wildlife near roadways is always a potential hazard to the public. Vehicle and Structural Corrosion - Road salt contributes to the corrosion of vehicles and structures (e.g. bridges, parking garages etc.) Technological improvements in materials and paints have reduced the corrosive effects of road salts. There are many initiatives being evaluated and/or used to reduce the amount of salt that is needed to maintain a safe bare-pavement road. These involve: Reducing the accumulation of snow and ice on the roads, therefore eliminating the need for salt. Better predicting when and where salt needs to be applied. Improving the accuracy with which salt is placed on the road to achieve the best results. Reducing the amount of salt lost to the roadside shoulders and ditches before it has had a chance to work. Improving the storage and handling of salt at the maintenance yards. Maintenance quality standards, including response times and route cycle times. Road condition assessment (observation or remote sensors) Forecast of weather and road conditions Economic considerations Daily salt reports on salt usage. Bi-weekly salt reports on quantities in salt sheds and hauled in. Monthly district salt summary. Salt at beginning of storm. Dont salt during storm, only for traction purposes. Follow recommended speed for trucks. Salt for the Level of service for each road. Dont overload trucks (spillage). Follow routes that are assigned to the truck. An automated weather reporting station installed along the roadway which also has special sensors embedded in the road and a live camera to assist weather forecasters in predicting icing conditions before they occur. Measures: Air Temperature. Relative Humidity. Wind Speed and Direction Precipitation Chapter 4 - Pg. 9

Reducing the Effects of Road Salt

Decisions for using Salt depend on

Record keeping

Sensible Salting

RWIS (Road Weather Information System)

#3 DE-ICING (salt, calcium chloride, etc.)

Revised February 11, 2003

CompuSpread CS220

Ensure: Proper calibration for correct application rates. Conveyor door on salt box is at proper opening. Conveyor is calibrated. Ground speed is calibrated. Check blast button See attached chart. Supervisors are responsible for maintenance of yards in and around salt storage sheds and for ensuring that records of salt use are being kept. Operators are responsible for the handling and distribution.

Levels of Service Responsibilities

Chapter 4 - Pg. 10

#4 FRICTION MATERIALS
(sand, crusher dust, gravel, etc.)
Revised February 11, 2003

Highlights of Legislation The Occupational Health and Safety Act - An employer shall provide such information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities as are necessary to the health and safety of the employees. Environment Act - Nova Scotia Environment Act and regulations do not directly regulate salt storage and handling practices. General Information Product Use & Information Sand/salt mixtures are generally applied on icy graveled roads to improve traction. At lower temperatures a sand/salt mixture may be used on paved roads because salt is less effective. Storage facilities for sand/salt mixture include domes or shed style buildings but in most cases it is presently stored outside. We have five levels of services for sanding. For each level there is a recommended application rate which allows sand/salt use to be monitored and controlled. For complete information on levels of service see Winter Maintenance Standards, RO90 104/105/106 SNOW AND ICE CONTROL . To keep levels of salt in sand piles to a minimum: reduce fines for sand (reduces clumping) tighten up tenders with regards to delivery times - ensure sand is delivered early in the fall and is dry sand piles can be sprayed with a light layer of tack immediately after delivery to reduce moisture content of pile Sand/salt mixture (5% salt). Sand only (no salt added). Crusher Dust. Ice blades (grader). See attached chart. Supervisors are responsible for maintenance of yards in and around salt/sand storage sheds and for ensuring that records of salt and sand use are being kept. Operators are responsible for the handling and distribution.

Methods of Traction on Ice Covered Roads Levels of Service Responsibilities

Chapter 4 - Pg. 11

#5 DUST CONTROL
Revised February 11, 2003

Highlights of Legislation Environment Act - Nova Scotia Environment Act and regulations do not directly regulate Calcium Chloride (CaCl) storage and handling practices, however, bulk storage practices should be in place for CaCl tanks. General Information Product Use & Information Calcium chloride is applied to gravel roads because it retains moisture for prolonged periods. This helps to hold down dust and stabilize unpaved road surfaces. The road should be bladed and shaped to allow water to drain off properly. A 38% solution of calcium chloride should be applied using a tank truck with a rear-mounted distribution bar that spreads the liquid evenly. Calcium chloride is also known as calcium dichloride, calcium chloride anhydrous, Caltac, and Dowflake. Will not biodegrade, will not bioaccumulate. See WHMIS for details on safely handling this product (MSDS). Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage. Moist calcium chloride and concentrated solutions can corrode steel. When exposed to the atmosphere, calcium chloride will absorb water and form a solution. For more information, see Chapter 6, guide #4 on Calcium Chloride storage tanks. There should be no need to dispose of the calcium chloride as it should be used up by spreading it onto roadways. Containers from the calcium chloride may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product. Containers may be recyclable, check with local recycling depot for details. None recommended. Alternative products: Soybean soapstock; biodegradable soybean oil by-product. Somewhat more expensive than calcium chloride but will last the summer while calcium chloride must be applied more often.

Typical Products Ingredients Handling and Training Storage

Disposal Procedure

Alternative Disposal Techniques Pollution Prevention

Chapter 4 - Pg. 12

#5 DUST CONTROL
Revised February 11, 2003

Spills

Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Sweep up and containerize the product for reclamation or disposal. Vacuuming or wet sweeping may be used to avoid dust dispersal. Small amounts of residue may be flushed to sewer with plenty of water. Not regulated. Supervisors are responsible for maintenance of yards in and around bulk tanks. Operators are responsible for the handling and distribution. (Add specific information here on local waste disposal sites).

Off-Site Transportation Responsibilities

Waste Disposal Sites

Chapter 4 - Pg. 13

LEVELS OF SERVICE SUMMARY TABLE

Revised January 9, 2002 LEVEL OF SERVICE Type of Road Level 1A - All 100 Series - Selected high volume highways Level 1B - All Trunks - Selected highways as per AADT limits 7,500 - 4,000 Essentially Bare Pavement *1 Level 2 - All Routes - Selected highways as per AADT limits 4,000 - 1,500 Centre Line Bare 2.5m to 5.0m Level 3 - All Local Paved Roads Level 4 - All Gravel Roads

AADT Limits Primary objective Time to meet primary objective after end of storm, not exceeding Salting - Application of salt

> 7,500 Essentially Bare Pavement *1

< 1,500 Centre Line Bare 1.2m to 2.5m Snow Packed

8 hrs

12 hrs

12 hrs

24 hrs

24 hrs

Beginning of storm and during as required

Beginning of storm and during as required

Beginning of storm and after

Beginning of storm where required and after

N/A

Max. Application Rate (Rate based on 2-Lane Road) Plowing - Begin plowing when snow accumulation - Max allowable accumulation Sanding -Application of sand

125 kg/CL km

125 kg/CL km

110 kg/CL km

85 kg/CL km

N/A

# 25mm

# 25mm

# 50mm

During storm as required

During storm as required

# 75mm
- Not normally sanded - Sand only during severe cold with slippery conditions

# 100mm
Beginning of storm for environmentally sensitive areas or during severe cold with slippery conditions

# 150mm
Beginning of storm for environmentally sensitive areas or during severe cold with slippery conditions

# 200mm
- Beginning of storm where required and after - For environmentally sensitive areas - Slippery conditions when required

# 200mm
- After storm - For environmentall y sensitive areas - Slippery conditions when required

Max. Application Rate (Rate based on 2Lane Road)

N/A

800 kg/CL km

800 kg/CL km

500 kg/CL km

500 kg/CL km

Chapter 4 - Pg. 14

SALT AND SAND/SALT AUDIT QUESTIONNAIRE

Revised February 11, 2003

Applicable Provincial Legislation: Occupational Health & Safety Act

Applicable Federal Legislation: Canadian Environmental Protection Act

General Questions: Is there easy access to the appropriate pieces of legislation? Is there a full and complete inventory of salt and sand/salt maintained at the facility? Are records up to date on the use of salt? Is the salt storage facility in good shape with no leaks or ice build up? Is the sand pile covered? Is the amount of salt in the sand pile maintained at 5%? Are there outdoor spills of salt which have not been cleaned up? Is runoff from the facility bermed or contained so that it doesnt run into waterways, sewers or vegetation? Are the goals of the salt management program understood by staff? Are salt trucks regularly inspected and in good condition? Are salt trucks properly/regularly calibrated? Have appropriate employees received up-to-date training in salt management? Are maintenance standards being followed?

Chapter 4 - Pg. 15