HomeMy WebLinkAboutOPD-003-02
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ClfJ!ilJgton
REPORT
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
Meeting:
GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: March 25, 2002
Report #: OPD-003-02
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File#: I u/
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By-Law #:
Subject:
Road Salts
Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and
Administration Committee recommend to Council the following:
1. That Report OPD-003-02 be received, and;
2. That a copy of the report be forwarded to Environment Canada
Submitted by: Reviewed b ,
F J, orvath, SA, RD,M.R, RRFA
Dire lor of Operations
\'k
ranklin Wu, M,C.I.P.
Chief Administralive Officer
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REPORT NO.: OPD-003-02
PAGE 2
BACKGROUND
Road salts are used on virtually all roadways across Canada to preserve
winter driving safety and mobility. Road salts consist of sodium chloride, calcium
chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium chloride.
Environment Canada and Health Canada initiated a five-year environmental
assessment in 1995. Health Canada finding indicated that road salts did not
threaten human health therefore, did not produce a health assessment.
Environment Canada completed its assessment in mid 2000 and published a draft
assessment report, which did not involve any public input.
There has been an expressed public concern that identified instances of
environmental contamination and damage to plants and animals across Canada.
The final assessment report, which will be presented to Federal Cabinet
shortly, will determine if Road Salts should be added on the list of toxic substances.
It should be noted that a national process is underway to prepare a salt
management program with service being implemented by 2005.
CLARINGTON CASE
Roadway safety is a top priority for the Clarington Operations Department.
Road salts are an essential tool in effective winter maintenance. Without the
application of road salts increased traffic accidents and road closures would result.
The Operations Department is also committed to protecting the environment.
In 2002 The Municipality of Clarington will commence a review of all of our
winter maintenance operations to include but not limited to:
1) Review current levels of service within the industry's best practices.
2) Investigate and recommend the use of improved technology including
automated spreaders, prewetting and anti icing in the 2003 Capital
Budget.
3) Investigate with the Ministry of Transportation Ontario the use of Road
Weather Information System technologies.
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REPORT NO.: OPD-003-02
PAGE 3
4) Highlight environmental sensitive areas and implement a pilot project of
alternative products, which examine effectiveness, cost and observe
environmental impact.
5) Examine the method of stockpiling and mixing processes as well as
vehicle clean up to prevent any unnecessary spillage.
6) Implement an effective operator training program, to deal with winter road
maintenance and salt management.
ROAD SALT - TOXIC SUBSTANCE
By adding road salts to the list of CEPA toxic substances, the Federal
Government may be exposing municipalities to exposure for legal liability for both
utilizing a toxic substance and not using a toxic substance. Discussions continue
with experts in the field to achieve stated environmental goals, which should resolve
the concerns of public and environmental safety.
CONCLUSION
The Municipality of Clarington is deeply committed to improving road salt
management. The Operations Department will continue to co-operate with
Environment Canada, Transportation and Road authorities in developing winter road
maintenance guidelines that continues to be effective, safe and consistent with the
industry's best practices.
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1 C 3A6 T (905) 263-2292 F (905) 263-4433
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