Virginia bill seeks alternatives to salting roadways in winter

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia lawmakers have introduced a bill that looks to replace the salting of the roadways for winter weather.

Sen. Danica Roem (D-Manassas) introduced Senate Bill 482 on Jan. 13. The bill directs the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to conduct an environmental study and find safe alternatives to using salt when treating roadways in wintry weather.

Rock salt or sodium chloride is typically used to coat sidewalks and streets as it melts snow and prevents commuters from slipping on ice. But when the winter passes and the ice melts, the salt doesn't leave entirely.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), road salt can make its way into nearby surface and systems and contaminate water reservoirs and wells. Excess road salt accumulation can also kill roadside plants and harm wildlife.

The agency said salty roads can also attract wild animals, such as deer and moose, that enjoy licking up the salt, potentially leading to more accidents and roadkill.

"Road salt can contaminate drinking water, kill or endanger wildlife, increase soil erosion, and damage private and public property," wrote the EPA. "Alternative methods are needed to mitigate these drawbacks."

Per the bill, VDOT's study should measure road salt's impact on infrastructure, the environment and its "corrosive effects" on personal property. The study should then compare the results with potential alternatives.

The bill also directed VDOT to include the annual spending by both state and local governments on road treatment since 2020 and an estimated amount budgeted for 2026 through 2028.

VDOT has until Nov. 15 to submit its findings.