Monitoring the Effects of Road Salting on Chloride Concentrations in Surface Water and Groundwater in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Abstract

Urban roadways require the application of deicing agents to manage and maintain traffic conditions during periods of heavy snowfall and freeze/thaw conditions (Ramakrishna et al., 2005). Deicing agents are often applied in the form of sodium chloride (i.e. rock salt). Studies have shown that elevated levels of chloride in streams can be toxic to aquatic ecosystems (Corsi, 2007). Measurements were acquired at three streams and one river near areas where infrastructure has put the stream at risk within the city of Eau Claire. Two wells around the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire were also sampled.