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→Environmental Impacts
==Environmental Impacts==
==Environmental Impacts==
Salt contamination in freshwater (freshwater salinization) is a major concern to Ontarians wellbeing:
Salt contamination in freshwater (freshwater salinization) is a major concern to Ontarians wellbeing:
*Unpleasant taste in drinking water
*Unpleasant taste in drinking water
*Health issue for those who have experienced congestive heart failure
*Health issue for those who have experienced congestive heart failure
*Impacts to those with sodium restricted diets
*Impacts to those with sodium restricted diets
[[File:Chloride level LSRCA.PNG|thumb|600px|A graph showing increasing average levels of chloride found in Lake Simcoe, and its watershed's rivers, streams and groundwater systems over the past few decades, due in part to increased use of rock salt in parking lots, roadways and commercial and residential properties. It is estimated that by 2120 the average level of chloride within the the Lake Simcoe watershed will exceed the 120mg/l guideline set by CWQG. (LSRCA, 2018) <ref>]]
Furthermore, salt can contribute to both biodiversity and habitat loss for numerous species. In Ontario, road salt was identified as one of the threats to drinking water under the Clean Water Act, 2006 - as well as a known toxin to wildlife species<ref>Government of Ontario. 2006. Clean Water Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 22. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06c22.</ref>. Salt can impacts bird species, many plants and trees growth ability, and decrease size, function and fecundify in fish, mollusks (snail, mussels, etc.), amphibians and benthic invertebrate species.
Furthermore, salt can contribute to both biodiversity and habitat loss for numerous species. In Ontario, road salt was identified as one of the threats to drinking water under the Clean Water Act, 2006 - as well as a known toxin to wildlife species<ref>Government of Ontario. 2006. Clean Water Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 22. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06c22.</ref>. Salt can impacts bird species, many plants and trees growth ability, and decrease size, function and fecundify in fish, mollusks (snail, mussels, etc.), amphibians and benthic invertebrate species.
Staff from TRCA released an article in the January/February, 2022 edition of Water Canada magazine highlighting the effects of rock salt's over use and application across Southern Ontario's watersheds and is impact on freshwater environments and species.
Staff from TRCA released an article in the January/February, 2022 edition of Water Canada magazine highlighting the effects of rock salt's over use and application across Southern Ontario's watersheds and is impact on freshwater environments and species.