ADK Road Salt Reduction Task Force report released

ALBANY | The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have announced the release of a report on recommendations from the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force. The Task Force was established in 2020 to review best management practices for road salt applications within the Adirondack Park to reduce risks to public health and the environment, while maintaining public safety. Its findings and long-awaited related report were publicly released Sept. 5. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "I applaud the work of the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force and its efforts to study the challenges of road salt use in this ecologically important region. DEC looks forward to continuing to work with DOT and our State partners, Task Force members, and other stakeholders to explore ways to promote safety and the protection of public health and sensitive ecosystems." DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "I thank the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force and our agency partners for their hard work on completing this report prior to this year's snow and ice season. The State Department of Transportation takes its role in balancing public safety with environmental stewardship very seriously and we are currently evaluating new areas within the Adirondack Park to conduct salt reduction pilot programs this coming winter." APA Executive Director Barbara Rice said, "The Agency appreciates the significant effort undertaken by the task force to analyze the impacts of road salt contamination and propose best management practices. We are eager to work with all partners to review these recommendations which will reduce risks to public health and the environment while maintaining public safety." The report details the findings, review, and recommendations of the Task Force with respect to road salt contamination and winter road management practices within the Adirondack Park. It also contains recommendations for an Adirondack Park Road Salt Reduction Pilot Program. The report indicates the need to reduce road salt usage, while still considering the safety of the traveling public. Recommendations include: -Managing "cold spots" on roadways: Implementing a selective vegetation management pilot as an alternative to the need for frequent and excess road salt application in certain locations. -Chloride free zone(s): To develop a "Proof of Concept" model that achieving safety and performance expectations can be met when using chloride-free deicing alternatives. -Seasonal speed warnings: To develop a "Proof of Concept" that weather warning signage statements provide opportunities to reduce road salt rates and the frequency of application. Assemblyman Billy Jones was among the many to quickly applaud the report's release and call for further action. "I am glad this important report has been released and the state agencies involved can begin reviewing the task force's recommendations," Jones said. "Road salt can have long-term impacts on our environment, polluting waterways and creating risks to human health and the environment. I am proud to have authored the bill that created this task force, and I look forward to reviewing the report's recommendations thoroughly so they may be implemented in a pilot program as soon as possible. The next important step for the State is to ensure they allocate funding to support the task force's recommendations and assist homeowners and other dwellings impacted by known sources of road salt contamination." The full report can be found on DEC's Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Force webpage.

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ADK Road Salt Reduction Task Force report released

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