When severe weather threatens to make streets slick and icy, Vancouver Public Works crews turn to deicing to keep major routes safe and passable. Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about deicing.

Q: What does the City of Vancouver use to treat the streets when the weather turns icy or snowy?

A: Crews uses granular and liquid anti-icing solutions to improve driving conditions during severe winter weather. Sand is an option but likely to be used only in minimal amounts and in special situations.

Q: Why is deicer applied in advance of snow or ice arrive?

A: Deicing solution works well as an advance preparation. When forecasts and conditions indicate slick or icy conditions ahead, crews may apply deicing solution to dry pavement as a preemptive strike against things to come. Too much rain, however, will dilute and wash away deicer. Timing and being prepared for whatever the weather brings is a big part of keeping streets passable.

Q: What’s in the deicing solution?

A: The ingredients in Vancouver’s anti-icing solutions are water and sodium chloride. Sodium chloride is the safest and most cost-effective anti-icing product available for our needs in the Southwest Washington climate. Under particularly severe and heavily iced conditions, the City may also use granular sodium chloride (salt), typically at spot locations. 

Q: Why use sodium chloride instead of sand and gravel?

A: The decision to use sodium chloride came about several years ago after careful consideration of our winter weather needs and history. By using sodium chloride in granular or liquid solution, the City can reduce costs and be more effective in keeping roads open and improving winter driving conditions.

Here’s why: Unlike sand and gravel, deicing solution doesn’t always need to be reapplied as frequently during a snow or ice event. And importantly, it does not require extensive cleanup after the snow and ice are gone. With sand and gravel, a one-day snow event can result in as much as two weeks spent just cleaning off roadways. Sand and gravel also can clog stormwater drains and have an adverse impact on aquatic life.

Q: Will the sodium chloride solution harm the environment?

A: Since the volume of anti-icing products required to manage our Pacific Northwest winters is relatively low, environmental concerns are considered minimal. Used only in localized spots and with proper application, sodium chloride can have minimal impact on the environment, well below regulatory standards or guidelines. It’s important to remember, too, that Vancouver enjoys a relatively mild climate. Southwest Washington typically does not experience extended periods of heavy winter snow and ice, unlike other parts of the country. Snow events have been infrequent in lower elevations within much of the City of Vancouver. As a result, the volume of anti-icing products needed to manage our streets is low.

The City of Vancouver’s application rate for deicing streets is based on about 100 lbs of sodium chloride per lane mile, or about one wheelbarrow full per one mile.

Q: Is the sodium chloride deicer corrosive? Will it damage my vehicle?

A: All chloride-based products used for deicing have corrosive qualities at some level. However, the relative infrequency of severe winter weather – requiring limited amounts of deicers – and the abundance of Pacific Northwest rains – quickly washing away deicers – significantly help to minimize corrosion concerns here. In addition, vehicle manufacturers’ methods of preventing corrosion have improved over the years. Many newer vehicles have components made of composites and other materials not as prone to corrosion as steel. Undercarriages are frequently treated to add further protection. Based on research conducted to date, vehicles are more likely to encounter damage from gravel and sand/rock. If you have concerns about anti-icing agents and your vehicle, consider periodic winter visits to a commercial car wash that recycles its water. You’ll remove any residue and help conserve and protect resources.

Q: Where does Vancouver get its deicing solution?

A: We make our own. By maintaining and operating its own deicing brine mixing and storage stations, Vancouver has been able to keep supplies strong and streets treated when severe winter weather brought icy conditions. Crews can make 10,000 gallons of brine an hour, storing it in two city tanks, with a total holding capacity of 24,000 gallons.