Implementation of a set of measures to ensure safe and uninterrupted traffic on the highway during the winter period of the year includes the implementation of work to prevent and eliminate winter slipperiness. This requires the use of anti-icing materials.
In order to comply with the requirements of environmental legislation, the Operator has developed and applied in practice additional recommendations to reduce the environmental impact of the chemical method of ice control.
Environmental safety is achieved through the correct selection of certified deicing materials, implementation of technological regulations, compliance with production discipline, organized events and technical solutions, as well as minimizing the required amount of consumed deicing materials.
When combating winter slipperiness, not only friction and mixed materials are used, but also calcium-based reagents. Calcium replaces the sodium that accumulates in the soil when halite is used, thus helping to fertilize it.
A significant measure to reduce the impact on roadside soil, water and vegetation from the use of de-icing materials is the removal of snow to specialized snow-melting points and landfills, where its safe disposal and subsequent wastewater treatment are ensured.
Also, the WHSD has its own meteorological support system, which makes it possible to most effectively plan the use of de-icing materials, avoiding unnecessary consumption in situations where treatment is not necessary.
