Impact of Calcium Magnesium Acetate Road Deicer on POTW Operation

Abstract

Recently, calcium magnesium acetata (CMA) was identified by the Federal Highway Administration as a potentially suitable, noncorrosive road deicer substitute for sodium and calcium chloride. Research on the environmental effects of CMA has principally dealt with the effects of CMA on plant life and water quality in areas surrounding points of deicer application. However, in urban areas served by combined storm/sanitary sewer systems, most road deicing material is washed into the sewer system and, therefore, passes through the publicly owned treatment works (POTW). Because of the chemical nature of CMA, significant increases in organic loadings to POTW may result. The purpose of this technical note is to delineate potential adverse effects of CMA application on POTW operation, based on theoretical considerations and past collected runoff data for conventional deicing salts. The city of Buffalo, New York, is used as an example.