Road Salts
Reducing the risk of road salts to the environment, while keeping our roads safe

A comprehensive five year scientific assessment by Environment Canada determined that in sufficient concentrations, road salts pose a risk to plants, animals and the aquatic environment.

The Government of Canada is not banning the use of road salts or proposing any measures that would compromise or reduce road safety. A 60-day public consultation period begins December 1, 2001. Canadians are invited to comment on whether road salts should be added to Schedule 1 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999).

Why did the Government of Canada assess road salts? How will road safety be maintained? How will the impact of road salts on the environment be reduced?

To find out how to submit formal comments on the proposed addition of road salts to Schedule 1 of CEPA, 1999, go to the Canada Gazette Part I for December 1, 2000, Vol. 135, No. 48, pp. 4345-4346 (.pdf format).

General comments and questions may also be submitted.

Explore the links on this page for more information on road salts and management practices to reduce their impact on the environment.