Use of road salt has consequences for the environment

It's cold in Offenbach. Wintry weather is also forecast for the next few days. For this reason, the city is reminding all homeowners of the general ban on the use of road salt on sidewalks. With the cold season and snowfall, the clearing and gritting obligation according to Offenbach's winter service statutes begins anyway. "Blunting agents such as sand or grit are ideal for keeping sidewalks safe. Road salt has many negative effects on the environment and is also harmful to animals," appeals Mayor and Climate Officer Sabine Groß. Particular danger spots such as stairs or ramps are among the permitted exceptions, but even there "road salt should be used sparingly", Groß continues.

The effects of road salt on the environment are manifold. Together with meltwater, road salt seeps into the soil and can accumulate there over many years. The increased salt content makes it more difficult for trees to absorb nutrients and water. Vegetation that is already damaged by drought suffers further damage, which often only becomes apparent after a delay.

In addition to salinization in the soil, this can also lead to inputs into groundwater or surface waters, which has an impact on water quality and the local ecosystem.

For this reason, the rainwater regulations also prohibit the use of road salt in the area of management facilities, such as infiltration systems.

In areas that are drained via separate sewer systems, road runoff and road salt residues are discharged directly into a body of water. In Offenbach, this applies to Bieber-Waldhof and the harbor area, among others. However, the use of road salt is also problematic in areas with a combined sewer system and discharge to a sewage treatment plant. Even sewage treatment plants cannot completely filter out road salt.

Road salt is also dangerous for animals. When dogs walk over these surfaces, their paws become inflamed. Ingestion in the animal's stomach can also lead to irritation.

"Grit with the 'Blue Angel' eco-label is particularly suitable as an alternative to road salt," concludes Mayor Sabine Groß.

Picture information:

Photo: City of Offenbach / Katja Lenz