After the snow has fallen and the melt has begun, the damage is just starting. Chemicals used for de-icing roads and sidewalks wash into streams which can potentially impact vegetation and wildlife. Historically, the major chemical used is sodium chloride (rock salt) which lowers the melting point of water and keeps ice and snow from sticking on roadways. Some localities are now looking at alternatives which are not as damaging. The emerging method is to replace salt with a brine solution prior to a storm. Sometimes the brine is mixed with a naturally-occurring sticky substance to help it adhere. In addition to the chemical impact, if a storm is follow by quick warming, flooding can be a real problem.
