Corrosion on vehicles and structures is estimated to be the largest cost impact of chloride based chemicals. Even relatively small amounts of chloride will significantly accelerate existing corrosion. Localized environmental damage from salt has come largely from stockpile runoff. Since runoff is at maximum concentration, any exposed environmental element receives a very large dose. For that reason, you must prevent stockpile runoff from contaminating ground or surface water by covering the salt and storing it on an asphalt base so rain and melt runoff can't seep in.
State regulations require highway agencies to store salt inside a covered, waterproof structure.
When this is not possible, stockpiles must be covered with waterproof material and stored on a impervious pad. The facility must be reported to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. No two storms are alike, so no single set of standards will give the proper spreading rate for all storm conditions. Generally, however, only apply enough chemical de-icer to permit plows to remove the snow or melt glare ice. Experience shows that it is most effective to spread between 100 and 300 pounds per single lane mile.