Massive snowfall and use of road salt to preserve safe winter roads go together, so the dilution factor in runoff as the deep snows in Northern Virginia begin to melt means that chloride levels will remain below levels of environmental concern, concludes a report in the NV Daily .
Of all the problems large snowfalls have brought to various aspects of Northern Shenandoah Valley living this winter, tainting the water quality has yet to make the list, officials said Tuesday.
Unless the snow melts rapidly or heavy rains wash it all away, area water plant operators and other officials are largely unconcerned about the white precipitation -- and chemicals applied on roadways to combat it -- giving way to contaminated runoff.
"There is some potential for inflow and infiltration into systems because of higher flows, higher volumes, but it's not nearly as bad as during a high-water [rain] event," said Don Kain, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's local water monitoring and assessments manager.
"I haven't heard of any reports of problems," Kain said, "other than there is too much snow."
Martin Satin, technical director of the Salt Institute, which advocates responsible uses of salt, said technology has advanced through the years in preparing roads for snow and ice. Agencies that apply chemicals to roadways better understand surface temperatures now, he said, and most are responsible in putting down only the amount that is required.
"Using minimal amounts cuts down on salt usage, and in turn has minimal impact on the environment," Satin said. "You're a hero if you save money on salt, but it's also good for the environment."