Cudahy Calibrates with Major Improvement
The City of Cudahy investigates the accuracy of salt deposition in new equipment.
The findings are significant!
Greetings SWCWN Members,

Salt application is a delicate balance for many reasons. Watershed protection, cost-effectiveness and public safety all enter the picture. To add to the balancing act, there are individual specifications for equipment of various kinds. The question begs asking - is a particular truck and salting unit depositing what it says it is?

On that front, we have some excellent information for you courtesy of Mary Jo Lange, Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the City of Cudahy. It echoes Connie Fortin's presentation on salting that many of you attended in 2018.  
Her staff has been investigating the accuracy of calibration in new trucks since 2014. They have determined that new salter units must be calibrated upon delivery, prior to being put into service. A significant discrepancy was discovered between the amount indicated on the operating screen compared to what was actually being dispensed -  575 pounds/lane-mile versus the indicated 300 pounds per lane- mile!   It was very difficult to see that nearly twice as much was being applied. Weighing the salt confirmed their long-held suspicions.

They put together a short video illustrating their findings. Please take a moment to watch.
The upshot is this - you can't assume that a new truck is ready to go when it arrives. Calibration prior to use is key to using less salt, maintaining safety and protecting our watersheds. Per Mary Jo, "Average pounds/lane-mile have been less than 200 pounds. Our streets look just as good as our neighbors and crashes have been minimal."
They stress that this discrepancy is not the fault of the unit or of the manufacturer. It is merely a standard, "good enough" setting that comes with the equipment.
If you'd like more information, Mary Jo can be reached langemj@ci.cudahy.wi.us  and/or (414) 769 - 2253.
Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network
Office: 800 Center St Room 118, Racine, WI 53403
Mail: PO BOX 044164, Racine, WI 53404