Changes

The [https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2014/05/CWQG_chlorides.pdf Chloride - Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life]<ref>Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. 2011. Canadian water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life: Chloride. In: Canadian environmental quality guidelines, 1999, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg. https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2014/05/CWQG_chlorides.pdf</ref> document from the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) is another valuable paper that discusses the direct toxic effects of chloride, based on studies using NaCl and CaCl² salts. The guideline can be used as a screening and management tool to ensure that chloride does not lead to the degradation of the aquatic environment. Further guidance on the application of these guidelines is provided in the scientific criteria document (CCME 2011), which can be found here - [https://www.ccme.ca/fr/res/2011-chloride-ceqg-scd-1460-en.pdf Scientific Criteria Document - Cl Ion]. The scientific criteria document goes into detail about the following related to chloride levels in the environment:

The [https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2014/05/CWQG_chlorides.pdf Chloride - Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life]<ref>Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. 2011. Canadian water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life: Chloride. In: Canadian environmental quality guidelines, 1999, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg. https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2014/05/CWQG_chlorides.pdf</ref> document from the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) is another valuable paper that discusses the direct toxic effects of chloride, based on studies using NaCl and CaCl² salts. The guideline can be used as a screening and management tool to ensure that chloride does not lead to the degradation of the aquatic environment. Further guidance on the application of these guidelines is provided in the scientific criteria document (CCME 2011), which can be found here - [https://www.ccme.ca/fr/res/2011-chloride-ceqg-scd-1460-en.pdf Scientific Criteria Document - Cl Ion]. The scientific criteria document goes into detail about the following related to chloride levels in the environment:

[[File:Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) (6236874620).png|thumb|450px|A study by researchers at Yale and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in NY found the interactive effects of road salt on wood frog species' sex ratios and sexual size dimorphism. Over a series of experiments conducted, the authors of the paper in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences discovered that the number of females within the studied population of tadpoles decreased by ~10% when exposed to road salt. These findings suggest road salt may have a 'masculizing effect' on various amphibian species.<ref>Lambert, M.R., Stoler, A.B., Smylie, M.S., Relyea, R.A. and Skelly, D.K. 2017. Interactive effects of road salt and leaf litter on wood frog sex ratios and sexual size dimorphism. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 74(2), pp.141-146. https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/74970/1/cjfas-2016-0324.pdf</ref>]]

[[File:Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) (6236874620).png|thumb|450px|A study by researchers at Yale and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in NY found the interactive effects of road salt on wood frog species' sex ratios and sexual size dimorphism. Over a series of experiments conducted, the authors of the paper in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences discovered that the number of females within the studied population of tadpoles decreased by ~10% when exposed to road salt. These findings suggest road salt may have a 'masculizing effect' on various amphibian species.<ref>Lambert, M.R., Stoler, A.B., Smylie, M.S., Relyea, R.A. and Skelly, D.K. 2017. Interactive effects of road salt and leaf litter on wood frog sex ratios and sexual size dimorphism. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 74(2), pp.141-146. https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/74970/1/cjfas-2016-0324.pdf</ref>]]

*These high values pose a considerable threat to fish, aquatic organisms, and ecosystem health overall - especially considering the frequency and duration of these values in major watercourses in urbanized areas of the province. The findings highlight the need for increased water monitoring efforts and requirements for new sensor technology to capture and accurate representation of the current state of our rivers and streams. (Wallace, et al. 2022.<ref>Wallace, A., Hitch, C., Ruppert, J., Chomicki, K., Cartwright, L., and VanSeters, T. 2022. Freshwater Salinization. Water Canada. January/February 2022. WC122. Digital. https://cdn.watercanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/17161341/WC122_JanFeb2022_DIGITAL.pdf</ref>

*These high values pose a considerable threat to fish, aquatic organisms, and ecosystem health overall - especially considering the frequency and duration of these values in major watercourses in urbanized areas of the province. The findings highlight the need for increased water monitoring efforts and requirements for new sensor technology to capture and accurate representation of the current state of our rivers and streams. (Wallace, et al. 2022.<ref>Wallace, A., Hitch, C., Ruppert, J., Chomicki, K., Cartwright, L., and VanSeters, T. 2022. Freshwater Salinization. Water Canada. January/February 2022. WC122. Digital. https://cdn.watercanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/17161341/WC122_JanFeb2022_DIGITAL.pdf</ref>

==Overview==

==Design Strategies for Salt Reduction==

Each year, Canadians spend over $1 billion on public and private roads, parking lots and sidewalks (Hossain et al., 2015)<ref>Hossain, S.K., Fu, L. and Lake, R., 2015. Field evaluation of the performance of alternative deicers for winter maintenance of transportation facilities. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 42(7), pp.437-448. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjce-2014-0423</ref>. While the use of salt is essential to ensure public safety, there is a growing concern regarding the large quantities of salt (mainly chloride ions), being released to the environment.  

Each year, Canadians spend over $1 billion on public and private roads, parking lots and sidewalks (Hossain et al., 2015)<ref>Hossain, S.K., Fu, L. and Lake, R., 2015. Field evaluation of the performance of alternative deicers for winter maintenance of transportation facilities. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 42(7), pp.437-448. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjce-2014-0423</ref>. While the use of salt is essential to ensure public safety, there is a growing concern regarding the large quantities of salt (mainly chloride ions), being released to the environment.  

The LSRCA commissioned study into salt management design strategies for parking lots can be read here: [[LSRCA salt guide]]. The report identified four key design strategies. They can be see summarized below:

The LSRCA commissioned study into salt management design strategies for parking lots can be read here: [[LSRCA salt guide]]. The report identified four key design strategies. They can be see summarized below:

==Effective Grading==

===Effective Grading===

*Proper grading can minimize the freezing of wet pavement surfaces and prevent melt water from ponding and re-freezing, reducing the need for re-application of salt.

*Proper grading can minimize the freezing of wet pavement surfaces and prevent melt water from ponding and re-freezing, reducing the need for re-application of salt.

*Areas for vehicular and pedestrian traffic should be [[grading|graded]] between 2 - 4 % to reduce the chances of depressions forming over time ([https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/110191 maximum permitted 5% for AODA]). Small depressions can result in ponded water icing over in the winter.  

*Areas for vehicular and pedestrian traffic should be [[grading|graded]] between 2 - 4 % to reduce the chances of depressions forming over time ([https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/110191 maximum permitted 5% for AODA]). Small depressions can result in ponded water icing over in the winter.  

*The key to effective stormwater collection during winter is to ensure that melt water from high traffic areas or snow piles does not have to travel great distances to a collection point.

*The key to effective stormwater collection during winter is to ensure that melt water from high traffic areas or snow piles does not have to travel great distances to a collection point.

==Snow Pile Location==

===Snow Pile Location===

[[File: Snow piles.jpg|thumb|380px|Not quite well graded enough; the puddle in the foreground will refreeze overnight.]]

[[File: Snow piles.jpg|thumb|380px|Not quite well graded enough; the puddle in the foreground will refreeze overnight.]]

*Snow piles should be strategically located to minimize the risk of melt water draining across high traffic areas and refreezing.

*Snow piles should be strategically located to minimize the risk of melt water draining across high traffic areas and refreezing.

*Snow storage areas should be clearly marked for seasonal maintenance staff.

*Snow storage areas should be clearly marked for seasonal maintenance staff.

==Sidewalk Design and Pedestrian Flow==

===Sidewalk Design and Pedestrian Flow===

*The design process should consider that pedestrians typically follow the path of shortest distance and do not necessarily use designed walkways. Walkways from adjacent residential areas and transit stops should be prioritized, and unnecessary walkways should be avoided.

*The design process should consider that pedestrians typically follow the path of shortest distance and do not necessarily use designed walkways. Walkways from adjacent residential areas and transit stops should be prioritized, and unnecessary walkways should be avoided.

*Sidewalks that receive infrequent use could be closed for the winter season.  

*Sidewalks that receive infrequent use could be closed for the winter season.  

*In busy areas around building entrances, covered walkways and heated mats also reduce salt requirements.  

*In busy areas around building entrances, covered walkways and heated mats also reduce salt requirements.  

==Landscaping Features==  

===Landscaping Features===  

===Trees===

====Trees====

*Landscaping features (i.e. [[Swales|vegetated swales]] or [[Rain gardens|landscaped islands]]) can lead to a reduced requirement of salt application by reducing the amount of paved surface.

*Landscaping features (i.e. [[Swales|vegetated swales]] or [[Rain gardens|landscaped islands]]) can lead to a reduced requirement of salt application by reducing the amount of paved surface.

*Specifying deciduous [[Trees: List|trees]] along walkways and near snow piles will maximize winter sunlight penetration. This will naturally enhance the melting of frozen surfaces, limiting the need for winter maintenance.

*Specifying deciduous [[Trees: List|trees]] along walkways and near snow piles will maximize winter sunlight penetration. This will naturally enhance the melting of frozen surfaces, limiting the need for winter maintenance.

*Coniferous [[Trees: List|trees]] can be used to create treed wind breaks along the site perimeter to avoid snow drifts.

*Coniferous [[Trees: List|trees]] can be used to create treed wind breaks along the site perimeter to avoid snow drifts.

===Other vegetation===  

====Other vegetation====  

Vegetation varies in its reaction to soils with high salinity:

Vegetation varies in its reaction to soils with high salinity:

*Salt in soil water generally makes it more difficult for roots to take up water. This phenomenon mimics drought conditions for the plant.

*Salt in soil water generally makes it more difficult for roots to take up water. This phenomenon mimics drought conditions for the plant.

[[File:Muskogee snowstorm 2021-02-15 Muskogee Civic Center parking structure NE.jpg|thumb|350px|Picture showing an empty parking lot after a winter storm. An example of an area that could be closed off to users reducing the need for salting or other maintenance practices (shoveling, plowing services, etc.)]]

[[File:Muskogee snowstorm 2021-02-15 Muskogee Civic Center parking structure NE.jpg|thumb|350px|Picture showing an empty parking lot after a winter storm. An example of an area that could be closed off to users reducing the need for salting or other maintenance practices (shoveling, plowing services, etc.)]]

==Other Design Features==

===Other Design Features===

Other options that can be considered to reduce the amount of salt that needs to be applied in a parking lot include:

Other options that can be considered to reduce the amount of salt that needs to be applied in a parking lot include:

*Seasonally closing parking areas: many parking lots have areas that are infrequently used outside of the holiday shopping period. These areas can be closed and not maintained through much of the winter season, reducing both the effort and amount of salt required.

*Seasonally closing parking areas: many parking lots have areas that are infrequently used outside of the holiday shopping period. These areas can be closed and not maintained through much of the winter season, reducing both the effort and amount of salt required.

==Parking Lot Friction Testing==

===Parking Lot Friction Testing===

Two of the main considerations contractors face in maintaining parking lots in winter are: what application rate should be used; and what is the level of service expected by the property owner, for which the bare pavement return time is a common measure (this is the amount of time it takes after treatment to achieve a bare surface). To better understand these questions in 2017 the LSRCA obtained a friction tester, with a goal of quantifying the effectiveness of various practices and salt application rates. Here we present some of the findings of this study.

Two of the main considerations contractors face in maintaining parking lots in winter are: what application rate should be used; and what is the level of service expected by the property owner, for which the bare pavement return time is a common measure (this is the amount of time it takes after treatment to achieve a bare surface). To better understand these questions in 2017 the LSRCA obtained a friction tester, with a goal of quantifying the effectiveness of various practices and salt application rates. Here we present some of the findings of this study.

[[File:Measuring friction LSRCA office.png|thumb|500px|This image demonstrates the two extremes of LSRCA’s friction testing: a perfectly clear and dry surface, with a µ value of 0.9 and the same surface covered in a light layer of snow, with a µ of only 0.11.]]

[[File:Measuring friction LSRCA office.png|thumb|500px|This image demonstrates the two extremes of LSRCA’s friction testing: a perfectly clear and dry surface, with a µ value of 0.9 and the same surface covered in a light layer of snow, with a µ of only 0.11.]]