In the midst of a severe cold spell in southwestern Ontario and a concurrent road salt shortage, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative methods to de-ice roads. Researchers at Western University initiated a study in 2022 to investigate this issue, with the results set to be disclosed later this year.

The study is evaluating nine different substances to determine their effectiveness in melting road ice across various conditions. Christopher Power, an associate professor at Western University involved in the research, highlighted the prevalence of sodium chloride (rock salt) as the preferred de-icing agent for Ontario municipalities due to its cost-effectiveness.

While rock salt is efficient in clearing ice by lowering water’s freezing point, it poses significant drawbacks. The corrosive nature of salt accelerates the deterioration of metal structures near roads and vehicles. Moreover, the environmental impact of salt runoff into water bodies, such as rivers and the Great Lakes, has raised concerns about freshwater ecosystem degradation.

Power emphasized that rock salt’s effectiveness diminishes at temperatures below -10°C. Among the alternative ice-melting substances being studied at Western University are sodium acetate and beet juice, already employed in various applications.

The research involved conducting experiments on Western University’s campus to test the efficiency and corrosiveness of different de-icing substances. While the study phase has concluded, researchers are currently analyzing the data to determine the most effective alternative to sodium chloride for de-icing roads.

Power noted that despite identifying a superior substance, the economic factors influencing municipalities, especially given budget constraints, may delay the widespread adoption of alternatives to rock salt. He suggested that a combination of sodium chloride and less corrosive substances could be a viable solution, particularly in sensitive areas like bridges and water bodies.

Many municipalities, including the City of London facing a salt shortage this winter, are exploring diverse de-icing approaches. London plans to increase plowing frequency and reduce salt usage by incorporating sand-salt mixtures during extreme cold spells, as confirmed by Joel Gillard, the city’s division manager of road operations.