Stormwater pollution is not just a summer concern; there can be issues in the winter in the forms of ice and snow. Snowmelt can carry pollutants into storm drains and streams just like the rain. We’ve all seen that black dirty water from the accumulated piles of snow in parking lots and along roadways; as it melts, that dirty water carries pollutants into our waterways and streams and eventually out to our drinking water recourse, Lake Erie. This contaminant filled water can be harmful to the wildlife too!
Why not do your part this winter season to protect our streams and Lake Erie from unnecessary stormwater pollution? The City of Mentor offers the following tips to managing ice and snow on driveways and walkways around your homes:
Shovel early and often if possible.
The more snow you remove early, the less compacted and ice forming it becomes, resulting in less salt use to remove it.
Dispose of shoveled snow in vegetated areas.
Never dump snow into the streets and streams. We want to decrease the amount of run off which carries pollutants to our streams. Planted areas or rain gardens are a good place for shoveled snow.
Use environmentally safe and effective alternatives to salt.
Consider using a salt-free deicer to remove the ice from your walkways and driveways. When the temperature reaches 15°F, salt does not melt ice. Sand or gravel can be used for traction. Remember to remove the excess salt or other materials used from the pavement surfaces left behind once the snow melts. This will prevent the materials from washing into the nearby storm sewers and streams.
Have a safe and fun winter, and thank you for your efforts in keeping our watershed and Lake Erie healthy! For more information, contact the Building and Engineering Department at (440) 974-5785.