A review, compilation, and interpretation is presented of the state of knowledge, with recommendations for needed research on the effects of deicing salts on water supplies for domestic, agricultural, fish, and wildlife uses. This report covers the literature review and survey phase of the study. Current ice and snow control practices are reviewed, and the results of a survey on the use of deicing salts by the state highway departments and toll authorities are presented.

Deicing agents for removal of ice and snow from highways and streets are essential to wintertime road maintenance in most areas of the U.S. Due to the ever-increasing use of highway deicing materials, there has been growing concern as to environmental effects resulting from these practices. The state-of-the-art report critically reviews the available information on methods, equipment and materials used for snow and ice removal; chlorides found in rainfall and municipal sewage during the winter; salt runoff from streets and highways; deicing compounds found in surface streams, public water supplies, groundwater, farm ponds and lakes; special additives incorporated into deicing agents; vehicular corrosion and deterioration of highway structures and pavements; and effects on roadside soils, vegetation and trees. Highway deicing can cause injury and damage across a wide environmental spectrum. Recommendations describe future research, development and demonstration efforts necessary to assess and reduce the adverse impact of highway deicing.

Chemical Deicers and the Environment provides a complete discussion of chemical deicer technology and history in the United States and Canada. The book describes engineering applications, maintenance procedures, economic evaluations, in addition to environmental problems and concerns relative to the use of chemical deicing. It also provides a technical appraisal of the latest technology to stimulate further research and discussion directed toward achieving a more integrated approach for the application of new deicers that will protect motor vehicles, highways and infrastructures, and the environment. Chemical Deicers and the Environment will be a useful reference volume for scientists, legislators, transportation engineers, environmentalists, consultants, and concerned individuals interested in learning about the economic and environmental advantages and disadvantages of today's chemical deicers.

In the early 1970s it was estimated that de-icing applications were directly responsible for the deaths of over 700,000 trees annually in Western Europe. Today, however, the situation is probably much worse as rock salt (sodium chloride) is being used for de-icing in ever-increasing quantities on the roads. In this bulletin the world literature on the subject is examined. It looks at the symptoms of de-icing salt damage, species tolerance to de-icing salt and mechanisms of salt toxicity; and provides an evaluation of the methods for reducing salt damage. Not only trees are damaged - salt promotes concrete decay, ruins roads, causes cars to rust and is detrimental to the environment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the effects and the necessary alternatives to de-icing with rock salt.