Headlines & features

Dow Chemical announced today that its acquisition of Rohm and Haas is complete. Morton Salt becomes (at least temporarily) a part of Dow Chemical Company.

It's been demonised for years. But suddenly experts are asking whether we're missing the bigger picture about salt...

CBC's Michael Enright interviews the Micronutrient Initiative's President, Venkatesh Mannar on the benefits of iodized salt.

USA Today reported today:

Nearly a week after the first day of spring, a blizzard warning was posted Thursday for a large chunk of the Sunflower State. The National Weather Service says snowfall in south-central Kansas could reach two feet by Friday night.

Up to 16 inches is predicted for southwest Kansas and a foot is possible in the northwest corner of the state.

Winds gusting to 50 miles an hour will create treacherous driving conditions on Interstate 70 and other highways. Wind chill readings will be near zero.

The storm will move east, leaving 6 inches or more in the Wichita area. Forecasters expect freezing rain to precede snow on Friday.

Farther to the north, parts of Wyoming are seeing their second snowstorm of the week.

WaterTechOnline.com reported that the Water Quality Association and National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Associaton, representing the point-of-use/point-of-entry water treatment industry and the onsite septic system industry, have agreed on a set of guidelines for consumers and others about the use of a water softener and an onsite septic system on the same property.

Straits Resources hit an environmental approvals roadblock last year which delayed its proposed Yannarie solar saltworks project near Exmouth, Western Australia, the West Australian reported today. The company announced March 23 it was selling the project together with its coal business to Thai energy company PPT. The total deal yielded $335 US for Straits which intends to seek acquisitions in copper and gold.

Water Quality Associaton technical director Joe Harrison told WQA's Salinity Task Force to expect Iowa and possibly California, to impose new limits on chloride levels in wastewater discharges, WaterTechOnline.com senior editor Tom Williams reported from WQA's annual Aquatech USA show in suburban Chicago.

Joe Bucci of American Rock Salt and well-known in the salt industry, was the featured subject of an AP article on salt mining and ARS's Hampton Corners, NY mine. The story continues:

People love salt and University of Iowa scientists may have discovered on reason. As the University reports , "it might put us in a better mood."

Dow Chemical is weighing six offers to purchase Morton Salt when Dow's acquisition of current parent Rohm and Haas closes before April 1, the Chicago Tribune reported today. Purchasers could be American investors or an overseas salt company. Dow CEO Andrew Liveris told the Tribunes that he "expects a deal soon."