Ice, de-ice, baby!
Courtesy of City of Coeur d'Alene
One of the many perks of North Idaho is the four defined seasons we get to experience every year. Spring brings us flowers and sunshine, summer brings us long days full of adventure, in fall we watch the leaves change, and in winter we enjoy a multitude of snow sports. The challenges of winter, though, include walking and driving conditions.
To combat snow and ice, the city of Coeur d’Alene has an annual snow plan, approved each year by the City Council, that sets the standard for snow removal based on temperature and snowfall forecasted. The snow plan and a snowplow status map can be found on the city’s website. For icy conditions, the city uses de-icers made at their own brine center. This facility allows the city to mix its own de-icing solutions to meet its needs and also provide it to neighboring cities, the county, North Idaho College, and the school district. The city also works on ways to minimize use, saving taxpayer money and protecting our cars, roads, sidewalks, and water bodies from the potential effects of de-icers.
While the city takes care of our roads and highways, the citizens of Coeur d’Alene are responsible for their sidewalks, walkways, and driveways. Many turn to common salt de-icers to help clear these ways and make them safe for pets and people to walk on. Did you know that many of these de-icers can have a negative impact on environmental health and water quality? Like everything that ends up on our streets and paved surfaces, de-icers find their way into our waterways via stormwater. Once snow melts that water is washed down our storm drains and eventually to our water bodies. This presents another opportunity for residents and business owners to make wise decisions on behalf of our beautiful waterways.
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