We could use all of today's newspaper to present differing views and to argue the pros and cons of road salt. That's a debate I'm not eager to join, and a debate I couldn't win. But I can share some thoughts and information on the subject. Gibbon is on the money about costs. For example, salt is stockpiled in domed buildings.
Sensors automatically determine the amount of salt to spread to minimize use.
Because of budget constraints, and often because of their size, Pittsburgh and municipalities can't afford such luxuries. However, even with older or outdated equipment, officials should have sensible road-salting policies. The worst salt abusers are usually private contractors who do what shopping mall, store and other commercial property owners pay them to do, which is whatever it takes to stay open for business. Salt sometimes is piled on so thick that you can shovel it off the parking lot. Even though it is industry supported, the Salt Institute is a nonprofit organization that's surprisingly objective and offers e-mail links to other resources.