How Ontario is dealing with overuse of salt

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"Here we are, at the frontier of a dilemma that echoes author Rachel Carson’s prescient warnings about pesticides—will our children in their adult years look back and ask, 'Why did the previous generation not heed the warnings about the continued use of these toxic substances?'"

In this case we are referring to our society’s use of road salts. We believe it reflects the same laissez faire attitude once exhibited during Carson’s time with regard to the widespread use of dangerous pesticides like DDT. We see parallels in how governments, individuals and businesses exhibit the same lax controls over its use, the same 'if it was harmless, why would they sell it?' rationale for continuing its use, and the final holdout rationalization that 'it’s for public safety!' argument against strongly controlling its use. This campaign is a clarion call that demands equal protection be accorded to freshwater and other ecosystems that we give to roads and highways.

Our habitual use of road salts often borders on some combination of substance abuse, addiction or wilful negligence. Admittedly, it’s a substance we haven’t figured out how to do without entirely; but at least we can begin weaning our society off it by applying more stringent restrictions upon its use.

Behind this habit lays the response that we have no choice if we are to meet the needs of our society for public safety and mobility."

So begins the preface to an excellent report about putting Ontario's rivers on a low salt diet.  It identifies policy changes needed in Ontario's government, and points out the importance of public education.   This study was funded by the Joyce Foundation, showing how private foundations could be a source of funding for tackling Madison's salt issues.

I've seen evidence that both Ontario and Minnesota are ahead of Wisconsin in dealing with overuse of salt.