Memorandum
Memorandum
To: Council of the Township of North Kawartha
From: Gord Lamb, Clark Breuls, Ray Eaton
Date: May 14th, 2015
Subject: Use of Sand for Winter Road Maintenance
We understand that the topic of the use of sand for winter road maintenance is currently being discussed, and although none of us are qualified experts on the subject, as local residents and tax payers we would like to weigh in on the subject.
As frequent travels on local County and Township roads all of us are appreciative of the excellent job the Township of North Kawartha Roads Department performs maintaining these roads to ensure our safe travel. Despite this we have concerns and increasing frustration on the excessive amount of sand that is being used throughout the winter.
We recognize under specific conditions sand provides improved vehicle traction on snow and ice covered roads, especially with the cold temperatures we experience that significantly reduces the effectiveness of de-icing chemicals such as salt. Despite this, excessive usage of sand, along with the salt that is mixed with it to prevent the sand from freezing, has several detrimental results. These negative effects can be summarized in three high level categories (Cost, Environmental Impact and Corrosive and Abrasive Impact on Personal Vehicles).
Cost: on the surface one could argue that the cost savings from reducing the amount of sand/salt used is small and will not impact the overall road maintenance budget in any significant manner, but the costs go well beyond just the reduction of the raw material. There are other less obvious costs, including but not limited to; the cost to store the sand/salt in cover facilities, cost to truck and load the sand/salt, accelerated deterioration of road surfaces and steel structures, sweeping (and potential pickup and proper disposal) of accumulated residue in the spring (as the sand actually has a detrimental impact on traction on dry roads especially for two wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles and is an environmental hazard) and the cost to purchase and maintain Roads Department equipment. PLUS associated with most of these additional costs is the labour, of which makes up the majority of the township’s budget.
Environmental Impact: due to rain and spring runoff, some of the sand/salt can make its way into our lakes and streams. It can also cause soil and vegetation damage as highlighted by a recent court ruling that awarded an Ontario farmer more than $100,000 for damages he claimed were caused by the local government's use of road salt. And most recently, documented concerns have been raised in regards to air pollution from particles less than 10 microns from winter abrasive use.
Corrosive and Abrasive Impact on Personal Vehicles: yes, unlike the other concerns listed above, this is more of a personal concern we have. The effects of sand/salt on a vehicle can be devastating, not to mention costly. Even with diligent attention to washing, waxing and undercoating, the value and longevity of a truck or car can be significantly impacted from the excessive use of sand/salt.
We respect that there are properly educated and experienced individuals responsible for determining what is best for maintaining our roads. What we are asking is for the use of sand/salt to be limited to parts of the road where motorists must brake, accelerate, or maneuver (intersections, hills and curves) and to reduce the amount used in these areas to the minimal levels necessary to be effective.
It has also been rumored that the speed limit on County Road 54 (Balmer Rd.) will be reduced to 50 km/hr. If this comes to fruition, we hope that this will also be taken into consideration when determining the rate of sand/salt to be used.
Thank you for listening to our concerns and we hope that you will take into consideration these concerns and look at altering past practices.
Sincerely,
Gord Lamb
Clark Breuls
Ray Eaton