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As more snow falls on the UK, harmful salt usage goes up
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by Amy Judd | February 6, 2009 at 08:35 am
418 views | 3 Recommendations | 6 comments
Snow has fallen on Britain, causing school closures and transit chaos once again, and the nation is scrambling to salt their roads and walkways to keep it clear of snow and ice. More heavy snow may be on the way and coucils are running out of resources such as salt; they may even have to import salt from abroad if they don't have enough. However, how much salt that is poured onto the roads can be safe to runoff into the streams and rivers throughout the country?
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This could also affect drinking water reservoirs and the problem will only get worse as the thaw occurs.
While this kind of weather might only hit the southern half of the UK once every decade or so, it affects many regions in the US and Canada each year and there seems to be plenty of discussion there about the environmental perils of road-salt runoff.
Amphibians living in these waterways are the most affected by the large amounts of salt, but this harsh road salt can also kill trees and vegetation and can affect the health of migratory birds.
This may not seem like a big deal now as people struggle to get around on the roads, but after the thaw occurs this is going to have a negative impact on the environment.
The hardest hit areas are in the Lake District, central England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Some snow is expected to fall on London and other parts of southern England and south-east Wales.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (6)
at 09:48 on February 6th, 2009
This was taken Friday 6th February on Manmoel Mountain, south Wales, UK. The hilltops are moorland and exposed, snow drifts were deep forcing me to change route a number of times. You normally find cattle, sheep and Welsh mountain ponies on these hills above the valleys and towns. Nowadays not much snow falls in this area so this downfall has been unexpected and enjoyable for many.
everything I see has contributed a photo to this story.
at 12:48 on February 6th, 2009
Taken on 6th Feb 2009 in Cambridgeshire, UK, near where I live. We never usually get as much snowfall as this.
poshplushies has contributed a photo to this story.
at 16:11 on February 6th, 2009
Today the snow is clearing in Nottinghamshire. When the snow was at its worst there was insufficient treatment of the roads to enable the public to carry on with their daily duties as normal. There was over whelming evidence that on Thursday 5th February, a significant proportion of the Mansfield population did not risk driving to work and either walked or stayed at home.
sidewinder54 has contributed a photo to this story.
at 12:59 on February 8th, 2009
bloody hell i have to get through it to work tomorow
at 14:44 on February 10th, 2009
Road through Ecclesall woods in Sheffield, passable with extreme care.
cofiant has contributed a photo to this story.
at 10:40 on March 7th, 2009
This was very early morning after another snowstorm. The colors and shapes struck me. We have had an incredible amount of snow this year, and with the storms come beautiful sunsets and sunrises
hanne332 has contributed a photo to this story.