As the winter season approaches, it is important that Illinois roads are safe.
However, with the increase of salt (chloride) used on ice and snow covered roads; the Illinois River and several wells in the Central Region have noted a rise in the chlorides in the water. Once salt is in the water, it is there forever. Our consumption of the chlorides can affect our body in several ways including; high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. High chloride levels in our drinking water can make sodium restricted diets difficult.
The 2019 Winter Snow & Ice Operator’s Workshop will be held on October 29th at the Festival Building, 2230 E. Washington Street, East Peoria, IL. The 2019 Winter Snow & Ice Workshop include state and national speakers with experience in weather, hydrology, environmental and human health effects of chloride, alternatives to salt, as well as many other topics.
Snow and Ice Operators will learn to lower costs by reducing the amount of salt used on our winter covered roads. Tazewell County Highway Department will also demonstrate how to calibrate trucks. Using the correct amount of salt on the roadways in the situation is the best prevention.
Chlorides also have a heavy impact on our environment. It can contaminate fresh water, alter soil microbiology, impacts agricultural productivity, damages plant life, and kills certain fresh water species.
Registration is $30 and more information is available on www.tazewellhealth.org. If you have any questions, please contact eh@tchd.net or call 309-929-0272