Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force Assessment and Recommendations

Road Salt
Written By Dan Kelting

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Transportation.

Dan Kelting

The Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force was established in recognition of the need to reduce the application of road salt in the Adirondack Park, to reduce risks to public health and the environment while maintaining public safety. Following the passage of legislation in 2020, the Task Force was authorized to complete a comprehensive review of road salt contamination and road salt application best management practices within the Adirondack Park. The report represents the results of that comprehensive review and addresses:

  • The nature, scope, and magnitude of impacts from road salt on surface and groundwaters, public health, and infrastructure.

  • Reviews current state, local, and commercial winter road management practices.

  • Identifies methods for training and public outreach related to the wise use of road salt and its potential impacts.

  • Provides recommendations to reduce the overall application of road salt through various best management practices, thereby limiting its impact on the environment and public health.

  • Recommendations for a road salt reduction pilot program to reduce sodium and chloride levels in surface and groundwaters, record-keeping database system, guidance for future pilot programs, changes to traffic management during hazardous conditions, monitoring of truck operators and road conditions along state roadways in the Adirondack Park.

President Dan Kelting, and former Executive Director of AWI was a Governor-appointed member of the Task Force.

Dan Kelting

As Executive Director, Dan is an officer of Paul Smith's College and has primary responsibility for managing and coordinating AWI programs, for obtaining grants and contracts for AWI activities, for developing collaborations with external organizations, and for representing the Institute to various stakeholders. He also directs the research program and participates in most AWI research projects. Dan is also a Professor of Environmental Sciences and teaches Forest Soils and mentors students in undergraduate research.

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