Salt Use Reduction Initatives
The Department of Public Services is reducing salt usage while maintaining road safety through improved equipment, training, and alternative deicing methods. Key initiatives include hybrid liquid/solid applications, expanded use of wing plows, and upgraded brine storage.
Notable Results
- 42% salt reduction with Beet Heet, saving 35% per lane mile.
- Pre-wetting & alternative deicers to cut waste and improve efficiency.
- Exploring full liquid applications and eco-friendly options like Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA).
Future plans include securing salt supply, upgrading equipment, and building a brine facility.
Udpate Since March 2025
The City’s commitment to reducing winter salt use, while maintaining high standards of public safety, continues to advance through targeted investments in equipment, operator training, and brine system improvements.
In March 2025, the Department of Public Services (DPS) outlined strategies to address chloride pollution concerns and rising material costs. Previous initiatives, including Beet Heet pre-wetting, sander controller optimization, and reduced salt/sand mix rates, have already achieved a 42% reduction in salt use. Current application rates of 0–200 lbs per lane-mile place the City of Traverse City among the lowest users compared with 11 northern Michigan municipalities.
DPS also identified several forward-looking investments, including hybrid liquid/solid application systems, expanded wing plow use, and upgraded brine-making and storage infrastructure. Immediate recommendations included securing salt for the '25-'26 season and purchasing a V-box spreader capable of advanced liquid application.
New Equipment & Technology
Progress continues on planned equipment upgrades:
Hybrid liquid/solid system: A new hybrid-capable truck has been ordered. Supply-chain delays have shifted delivery to late January or early February, but it is expected to be operational this winter and to improve efficiency while reducing granular salt use.
Wing plows: Wing plows identified in the March 2025 are now in service. Operators are becoming proficient with the equipment, which increases lane coverage per pass and reduces emissions. Additional units are on order for next season.
Operator Training & Application Adjustments
Training remains essential to achieving salt reduction goals:
Operational awareness: Supervisors and operators continue to receive refresher training focused on best practices and equipment optimization.
Application rate management: Staff are being reinforced to limit salt application when conditions allow, balancing responsible material use with the City’s primary commitment to public safety.
Brine Production & Storage Improvements
DPS is taking steps to strengthen long-term liquid management capabilities:
Brine facility: Grant opportunities are being monitored to support development of a modern brine-making and storage facility, consistent with the Capital Improvement Plan.
Liquid product evaluation: Staff recently met with Michigan Salt representatives to review new corn-based liquid deicers and are consulting other municipalities to assess performance and compatibility.
Brine maker upgrades: While major upgrades have not yet occurred, enhancing the existing brine-making system remains under consideration as future product needs evolve.