-
Icy roads are synonymous with Michigan winter, and the Washtenaw County Road Commission uses about 18,000 tons of salt in an average year to keep the roads safe. It is the most cost-effective way to treat the roads, but it is horrible for the environment. A new University of Michigan-led research project seeks to find solutions in the natural environment. WEMU's David Fair was joined by Anish Tuteja. He is a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Michigan and is serving as the project’s principal investigator.
-
Winter driving can be slow and frustrating. Most are grateful when the plows clear the path and melt the ice with road salt and other chemicals. That process, however, does have ecological impacts. Anthony Kendall is a Research Assistant Professor at Michigan State University. He joined WEMU’s David Fair to talk about the effect on our waterways, wildlife and ecosystems.
-
Issues Of The Environment: Road Salt Making U.S. Lakes Saltier, Washtenaw County Monitoring SalinityRoad crews have worked extra hard this month to keep roads clear of ice and snow, but the extensive salt use may be damaging Michigan's lakes and streams.…
-
OverviewThe Washtenaw County Road Commission reports laying down 50% more road salt this winter than last year and using twice as much as in 2012.Although…
-
Local supplies of rock salt are dwindling as the snow continues to fall in Washtenaw County. Washtenaw County Road Commission Operations Director Jim…