Miami Township Public Works will use new environmentally friendly road treatment equipment this winter. With the award of a $25,500 H2Ohio River Initiative Chloride Reduction Grant, the Liquid Application System (LAS) from Henderson Equipment will help modernize winter road maintenance while protecting local waterways from chloride pollution.
The new LAS allows for precise application of a salt brine solution before and during winter storms. It proactively prevents ice from bonding to road surfaces, reducing the need for granular salt and improving road safety. Studies have shown that anti-icing with brine can reduce total salt usage by up to 75%, minimizing environmental impact.
“Key advantages to the new system are quicker prep time for staff and its ability to spray liquid across multiple lanes simultaneously, significantly increasing our efficiency during winter operations,” Public Works Director John Schweickart said. “We can maintain a high level of service to the community while actively reducing chloride pollution in our waterways.”
The upgrade replaces the township’s homemade liquid application system built in 2007. It lacked measuring precision, safety features and environmental safeguards of modern equipment.
According to the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, road salt is a leading contributor to rising chloride levels in streams, wetlands, and groundwater. These elevated salt levels can persist for decades, harming aquatic life, degrading drinking water quality, and disrupting natural nutrient cycles.
Miami Township thanks the H2Ohio program for its support. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 937-866-4661 or email publicworks@miamitownship.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
08/15/2025
Contact Jill Drury, Communications Manager
(937) 433-9969