Town of Monroe says hold the salt this winter

Town will use melting agent to pre-treat roads before snow and ice storms MONROE — The Monroe Town Board has approved a one-year pilot program for pre-treating roads before the winter storms hit that could save thousands of dollars. When the weather forecast is certain, a pro-active melting agent called sodium chloride is spread down the center lane to create a brine layer before the precipitation falls. This helps maintain ice- free surfaces, prevent ice from forming and makes it easier to remove if ice does form. While not a cure-all for winter season driving, a great deal of savings in the use of salt is expected. The potential savings, based on last year’s winter, could be $100,000. Reed Systems of Ellenville was the only bidder for the program. A presentation to the highway chief and board members found it to be a proven commodity in other areas, such as Westchester County. “It is also found to be environmentally safe,” said councilman Gerard McQuade. The use of salt has made a negative impact on the environment, especially in drinking water. Road salt can also damage metal and concrete, roadside vegetation, accumulate in streams, lakes, reservoirs and groundwater. The board has the option of cancelling the program if is not satisfied with the results. In other town business Residents will soon be able to have a local drop-off point for their household electronics to be re-cycled. Plans are underway to have an Orange County re-cycling company come to the town highway garage on Mine Road, two days a month, twice a year. The recycling is expected to begin in November at no charge to the town. Town Clerk Mary Ellen Beams stressed that any information on any electronic equipment , such as hard-drives, should be wiped clean, for safety purposes.