Manual for Deicing Chemicals: Application Practices

Abstract

This report contains the results of a study conducted for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to minimize the loss to the environment to chemicals used in controlling snow and ice on highways. Based on the best current practices for highway maintenance as observed during two years of study, practical guidelines are presented for the use of deicing chemicals:

1. Supervisory aspects of proper chemical usage are defined, including organization and personnel training.
2. Efficient snow and ice control requires good judgement and appropriate action. Elements of proper decision making are discussed, including weather forecasting, setting chemical application rates, and accounting for chemical usage.
3. The backbone of winter road maintenance is equipment. General requirements and major equipment classes are described, including recent improvements and advantages or disadvantages. Methods are given for accurate spreader calibrations.
4. Means are described for developing and enlisting the support of citizens and drivers for winter road maintenance policies.
5. Legal requirements for and constraints on snow and ice control are described.

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1974
EPA# EPA-670/2-74-045
NTIS# PB.239694