Green Mountain Conservation Group launches winter road salt awareness campaign

EFFINGHAM — Green Mountain Conservation Group has announced the launch of a public awareness program addressing the threats winter salt application pose to New Hampshire’s environment, economy and the health of its citizens. The “Salt Responsibly” campaign will focus attention on a multitude of ways to reduce the use of salt while keeping roads, driveways, parking lots and sidewalks safe throughout the long New Hampshire winter.

“The facts are in,” stated Green Mountain Conservation Group Executive Director Matt Howe. “New Hampshire’s freshwater lakes, streams, wetlands and groundwater are becoming saltier each year, and the leading cause of that is the 400,000 tons of salt applied every winter to our parking lots, sidewalks, town roads, interstate, state highways and other surfaces. Salt is toxic to aquatic life and plants, it corrodes our bridges and vehicles, and when it permeates our drinking supply it jeopardizes human health.”