Page 19 - May-June2018
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controllers. This equipment controls used in lower temperature sustainable options for efficient and
the rate of salt spreading, based on conditions mixed with effective management of winter road
the truck speed, unlike the old tailgate brine salt to reduce the conditions across the state. “TDOT’s use
spreaders, which had a constant freezing point. Other than of agricultural deicing products, which
discharge rate. They conducted research being more expensive, it are proven to be effective treatments,
to identify the optimal spread rate and drew many complaints helps to decrease the amount of salt
as a result reduced the application rate about the odor and the used and reduces the corrosive effects
from around 750 to about 250 pounds color it left on vehicles. In of chlorides. We will continue using
per mile. TDOT ensures the spread addition, it clogged spray these types of products and seek other
rate is correct by performing annual bars and equipment, so innovative deicing treatments in order
equipment calibration. adjustments had to be to reduce costs and optimize our winter
made to reduce that issue. operations efforts,” said Hatcher.
“Ground speed controllers can For these reasons, beet
reduce our salt usage by about one- juice has not been used
third and save TDOT about $2 million much in the past two years.
to $4 million per year,” said TDOT
Maintenance Director Jerry Hatcher. TDOT also voluntarily
Underbody plows on the new trucks tested Magic Salt, which
also help reduce the salt use. Uniform is made from a patented blend of
spreading saves taxpayer money on salt magnesium chloride combined with
with less environmental impact. potato juice, which is derived from
the vodka-distilling process. It is
TDOT has interest in more a highly effective deicing agent, is
environmentally friendly treatments. biodegradable and was used mostly in
Some have been tested, and although West Tennessee because of icing issues.
they are effective, other issues have It is very expensive though and has to
impeded or reduced their use. TDOT be used sparingly and for condition-
started sampling with beet juice as specific needs.
a more environmentally friendly
option for deicing in Region 2 around TDOT continues to make strides
Cookeville and Crossville. It was mostly with voluntary efforts for more
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