Good Morning. Great report! The comment "The presence of salt in aquatic
ecosystems also releases toxic metals from sediment into the water column and
impairs distribution and cycling of oxygen and nutrients" has been of great
interest for some time. Do you have any additional sources of reference for
this issue? I have been asked to speak at a confernce in October about salt
reduction strategies and their impacts on water resources and it is my intention
to create interest in areas where additional research is needed. Additionally,
large quantities of salt go through water softening systems into septic fields
and other discharges systems where they can make their way to ground or surface
waters.

Also, do you know of any research that may have been done looking at the health
risks of road salt dust? Air borne salt dust was VERY prevelant last winter. I
have often wondered if it contributed to sinus infections, asthma attacks, or
other respiratory problems.

In 1995 I gained the opportunity to chair a salt reduction team project at the
University of Michigan. We ultimately created a 50% reduction goal of our ten
year annual average usage(2600 tons) by 2003. It is my understanding that they
were close to achieving this goal (1300 ton reduction)last winter. This goal
was achieved through development and implementation of a number of best
management practices.

I left the University last September to work with SynTech Products Corp., a
distributor of the Caliber liquid deicers. (www.anti-icers.com) I am now
working with all winter maintenance agencies in MIchigan, Ohio, Indiana,
Kentucky, and West Virginia promoting salt reduction strategies via the use of
liquids.

I firmly believe that, without compromising public safety or increasing
operational budgets, 50% reductions are achievable at regional levels.

If you are interested in information on the U of M effort check out this web
site http://www.umich.edu/~urel/stewardship/doing/prevention.html

Thanks and best wishes.

Mark Cornwell
Division Manager, Ice Control Engineering
Syntech Products Corp.
520 E. Woodruff
Toledo, Ohio 43624
TELE (419) 241-1215
FAX (419) 241-6943
Cell (248) 895-2888



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