As other towns worry, Lombard reports abundant salt reserves

While many other communities are facing a road salt dilemma this winter, Lombard is reporting it still has 1,800 tons in reserve.

“We have enacted policies and procedures that have allowed the village to maintain a healthy supply of salt and not be in a position to enter the seller’s market for salt all the while continuing to provide safe roadways,” Public Works Director Carl Goldsmith said in a statement.

According to a news release issued Tuesday, the department has used more than 2,300 tons of salt this winter.

There have been 19 snow events that have required plowing crews to be dispatched and 42 snow events that have required salting crews to be dispatched. On average, about 91 tons of salt are used per storm event.

Officials said the large amount of salt in reserves, and some cost savings, can be attributed to a new salt dome that allowed the village to purchase bulk salt at a low market price.

The purchase of wing plows for two trucks assigned to the south end of Lombard also has been helpful, village officials say, because it has allowed for resources to be deployed to the central and northern residential areas in a more efficient manner.

Still, this week the village board will be considering — as it has in the past — the purchase of an additional 600 tons of salt at the current contract pricing of $51.69 per ton. Staff is recommending the board approve the purchase, which will total about $31,000, so it can take advantage of the low price.