Mount Prospect Public Works Department Wins National Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting Award

The Mount Prospect Public Works Department has won a Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting award from the Salt Institute for excellence in environmental consciousness and effective management in the storage of winter road salt.

Clear winter roads protect lives and commerce. Every winter, more than 116,000 people are injured and over 1,300 killed as a result of pavement that is snow, slush or ice covered, according to the federal government. However, a study of highways in Snow Belt states showed that road salt reduces crashes by 88 percent.

When the direct and indirect impact of road shutdowns on the broader economy is factored in, road salt becomes even more valuable. A one-day major snowstorm can cost a state $300-$700 million in direct and indirect costs, lost commerce and productivity. In fact, de-icing pays for itself within the first 25 minutes after the salt is spread-making proper salt storage and timely deicing a smart investment.

"The safety of our roads is essential to the Village of Mount Prospect and the Public Works Department. We are honored to receive this recognition from the Salt Institute," said Sean Dorsey, director of the Village of Mount Prospect Public Works Department.

"The familiar sight of trucks spreading salt on icy winter roads gives motorists reassurance, as it should," said Salt Institute President Lori Roman. "If that salt was stored in and spread by a facility honored with a Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting award, motorists have the added assurance of knowing the utmost care has been taken to protect public safety and the environment."

About 17 million tons of deicing salt is applied to roadways in the U.S. each year and another six million tons are spread in Canada. Having enough road salt on hand before storms hit requires advance planning and facilities that provide safe and efficient storage. Winners must also display proper maintenance and good housekeeping practices.

Only a handful of local agencies in the U.S. and Canada received this recognition. A complete list by state is available from the Salt Institute.