Cornell University
OP-T2-22: Snow and Ice Removal

The environmental impacts of snow and ice removal are addressed in three broad ways. 1) Reducing the area to be de-iced. Grounds maintains over 53 miles of sidewalks. Through the University's earlier Advancing Sustainability Action Plan (ASAP) we had identified just over 2 miles of walkway closures for winter maintenance ~ 4%. This seasonal closing equates to a reduction of salt usage, equipment fuel, and savings in lawn damage repairs totaling $11K annually. The Grounds Dept. tested a new type of salt spreader last season and found that the new technology allowed greater operator calibration and placement of salt along walkways. Three more of these more efficient spreaders have been purchased for the 2013-14 snow season. Plantations has 5.3 miles of trails of which they have no winter maintenance on 2.2 miles ~ 42%. 2) Through a specific program for efficiency in application and materials. Cornell University has had a De-icing Salt Conservation (Sensible Salt/Calibration) Program in place since 1987. The program emphasizes the most economical use of de-icing salt while maintaining safety on roads and for the environment. The metrics are Environmental, Economic and Social. Environmental metrics include proper storage, handling, application, drainage, and landscaping. Economic metrics include lower operating costs due to reduced salt, as well as continued safe operation of roads. Social metrics include the safety of the campus community and the continuation of campus functions in inclement weather. 3) To use materials that require less salt over time, to reduce environmental impacts to the extent possible. Continued in-house employee training and the expansion of de-icing products to include local recycled brine are being actively pursued. Our bulk salt usage for the last 5 years has been fairly static at 1800 Tons per season with a backup amount of 500 Tons in reserve.