Less salt for Libertyville roads
Libertyville will join a growing number of communities in reducing their salt usage this winter.
While it will be business as usual on main streets in the village, less-traveled routes and parking lots will be salted less than in past years.
"It will not be the level of service people are used to, there's no question about that," said Public Works Director John Heinz.
Road crews throughout Lake and McHenry counties have followed suit or are considering similar low-salt diets, a result of limited supplies and dramatically higher prices following the unrelenting winter of 2007-08.
Libertyville is following recommendations of an informal group of public works directors led by Ken Miller in Mundelein.
The village used 3,000 tons of salt last year, compared with 1,577 tons during the 2006-07 winter season. This year, Libertyville was able to secure 1,700 tons for about $139 a ton - more than triple the $41.65 per ton charge of last year.
"We don't want to be in February or March where we have no salt. It will be very difficult for us to get our hands on it, let alone pay for it."
Miller's group has been monitoring the salt situation since August, when a state cooperative buying program twice received no bids for salt for communities in Lake, McHenry and Cook counties. Salt has become available but at triple or more the price.
Miller said indications are that the majority of Lake and McHenry agencies will try to follow the guidelines. The major difference from past practice will be to use less salt during the height of big storms, during overnight hours and on side streets, dead ends and cul de sacs.
"There are communities and agencies that are not able to purchase the amounts desired due to the high cost. As a result, they have no choice but to use less salt," he said.
That's prompting agencies going that route to alert residents through newsletters or other means.
"We have to let them know what's going to happen and why it's happening," said Libertyville Trustee Nick Proepper.
Miller said all drivers in the region need to be aware of the modified salting practices.
"It is important for parents with young drivers to understand this, and the school districts may have to take this into account to allow for extra time for the bus routes," Miller said.
Because it is a voluntary situation, there is the possibility that road conditions could vary from place to place, and require more time and caution on the part of drivers. In any case, entities that go this route expect to hear about the change.
"You can certainly expect there will be a number of people who won't be happy with it," said Libertyville Mayor Jeff Harger. "We're all trying to be prudent."
The village also will use more liquid calcium chloride on existing salt supplies for better control, and monitor how much is used per event. Anti-icing agents, such as salt brine or beet juice, applied before a snow event may be considered for the 2009-10 season but would require an added cost for equipment, Heinz added.