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Snowmelt Can Be Source of Pollutants for Lakes and Streams
By Steve Tonn, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educator in Douglas/Sarpy Counties

The snow melting off our streets, sidewalks, driveways and yards can carry substantial loads of pollutants that eventually end up in our lakes and streams. Snowmelt can carry pollutants such as hydrocarbons, metals, solids, nutrients and chlorides. Pollutants accumulate in snow due to several processes. First, falling snowflakes are effective scavengers of pollutants on the ground and in the air. Secondly, pollutants are also directly deposited on the snow pack and other cleared surfaces in the winter. As the snow melts it carries these pollutants into our stormwater drains that lead directly to our lakes and streams in the Omaha metro area. To help reduce the impact of snowmelt on the metro lakes and streams, shovel or blow the snow from your sidewalks and driveways onto your yard or other areas where it can melt into the soil; use environmentally friendly de-icing products such as calcium magnesium acetate or potassium acetate. Try to avoid using salt or urea fertilizer products to melt ice. Sweep up accumulated salt and grit that is thrown onto your sidewalks and driveways. Winter is still a time we can be doing things to protect our lakes and streams. The path to a clean lake or stream starts at each of our homes and businesses.