DEP Urges Salt-Wise Snow Clearing to Protect Environment

Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection is urging residents to clear snow before applying salt, noting that salt does not melt ice when pavement temperatures drop below 15°F. DEP recommends using only 12 ounces of salt per 20-foot driveway and suggests alternatives such as coffee grounds or cat litter for traction. Residents are advised to avoid sand, which clogs storm drains and harms local streams.