HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/10/2009 - REVIEW OF CHEMICAL MATERIALS EMPLOYED IN CITY OPER DATE: March 10, 2009 WORK SESSION ITEM
STAFF: Carol Webb FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Review of Chemical Materials Employed in City Operations: Snow/Ice Control Products,Fertilizers,
and Pesticides.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City staff has conducted a review of snow and ice control products, fertilizers, and pesticides used
in City of Fort Collins operations. A team consisting of Regulatory and Government Affairs,
Streets,Parks,Natural Resources,and Purchasing staff conducted the review and prepared a written
report. The scope of the review focused on chemical products used in these departments in the
largest volumes. Information provided includes environmental impacts, performance, cost, best
management practices,and purchasing strategies for these chemicals.Comparisons have been made
to products used by other municipalities/jurisdictions in our general region. Some recommendations
have been made based on a review of environmental and industry best practices.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Does Council have any comments or concerns on the snow/ice control products, fertilizers, and
pesticides employed in City operations?
BACKGROUND
In early 2008, Regulatory and Government Affairs, Streets, Parks, Natural Resources, and
Purchasing staff conducted a review of the primary snow and ice control products, fertilizers, and
pesticides employed in City operations. Research was conducted on the types.of products employed,
environmental impacts, cost, performance, and best management practices associated with
management of these chemicals. The report was updated in February 2009. General conclusions
found in the report are as follows:
SNOW/ICE CONTROL PRODUCTS
The City of Fort Collins Streets Department operates a snow and ice control program very similar
in both products and best practices to other north Front Range agencies. Of those agencies
researched,the majority employ both solid and liquid chloride-based snow/ice control products and
utilize similar best management practices for storage,product selection,and applications strategies.
While Fort Collins does not utilize abrasives (sand/salt mixtures) as part of its snow/ice control
program, a few agencies researched still apply a sand/salt mixture under certain conditions. The
City discontinued use of a sand/salt mixture in 1996 due to its negative effects on air and water
March 10, 2009 Page 2
quality. The City utilizes the same liquid magnesium chloride product that is used by the Colorado
Department of Transportation (CDOT), who has conducted extensive studies on chloride-based
deicing products.
Chloride-based deicers utilized by the City have the potential to impact water quality and vegetation.
These impacts are minimized through effective best management practices. Acetate-based deicers
also have potential impacts on water quality and are considerably more expensive than liquid
chloride deicers. The non-chloride acetate-based deicer currently used by the City is more than five
times more expensive per gallon than the most expensive liquid chloride-based product.
Streets staff employs standard best management practices established by the snow and ice control
community, including other municipalities and departments of transportation across the United
States and Canada. These practices are clearly defined and followed by staff and are essential in
minimizing environmental impacts and controlling costs. The best management practices employed
help ensure that snow/ice control products are selected that meet industry defined specifications and
that product is stored properly and not over-applied to roadways.
Several recommendations have been made based on a review of current practices as compared to
environmental and industry best practices. Recommendations are as follows:
• City staff should investigate the possibility of utilizing an anti-icing program (application
of snow and ice control materials before a weather event). Effective,properly managed anti-
icing programs have been shown to considerably reduce the amount of chemical that is
applied compared to deicing strategies. Streets staff will continue to research anti-icing
program alternatives.
• Continue to research non-chloride product alternatives and stay abreast of new products.
• An enhanced training program will be implemented to provide more comprehensive training
for all snow equipment operators.
• An ongoing water quality data collection program could be developed to evaluate parameters
specific to those chemicals found in snow/ice control products. A thorough cost analysis
should be conducted to determine associated costs with monitoring wet weather flows.
• An environmental management system should be implemented to thoroughly evaluate and
minimize environmental impacts of Streets operations.
• A method for evaluating salt sensitive habitats, such as salt-sensitive vegetative
communities, habitats for species at risk, and small ponds and lakes, may be an option for
reducing the environmental impact of deicer application.
• Environmental stewardship practices should be incorporated into the siting and operation of
snow storage facilities.
March 10, 2009 Page 3
PESTICIDES AND FERTILIZERS
Several City Departments utilize fertilizers and pesticides. Fertilizer products are selected and
applied based on specific vegetation needs and sometimes based on soil analysis. The City primarily
uses general use pesticides, which do not require a license to purchase or use. The City's Natural
Area Program uses two restricted use pesticides. One product is used to control Canadian Thistle,
while the other is used for prairie dog management. These products require a license to purchase
and use.
The City follows an"Integrated Pest Management Approach"(IPM),an industry-wide best practices
approach to managing pests by the most economic means with the least hazard to people,property,
and the environment. For herbicide application,this approach aims to minimize chemical use while
maximizing chemical effectiveness by identifying target periods during plant growth during which
the herbicide is most effective, and by continually altering the mode of chemical attack.
All pesticide applications by City staff of both general use and restricted use pesticides are done
following label instructions carefully and precisely to ensure safe use. City staff responsible for
product selection regularly assess available products to ascertain the best product for use in specific
situations. Products are evaluated in terms of environmental risk and product effectiveness.
City staff attends training regarding the potential health and environmental hazards of chemicals to
which they are exposed. Employees who work with restricted use pesticides are required to obtain
professional licenses for pesticide application. Other employees who work with general use
pesticides are encouraged to obtain applicator licenses.
Following the IPM approach,the City's Natural Areas program utilizes alternatives to chemical use
including prescribed fire, sheep grazing, and non-toxic chemicals. Effective weed control utilizes
herbicides in conjunction with alternative methods that introduce stress to the invasive plant thereby
decreasing the overall quantity of herbicides used.
Implementation of an environmental management system is recommended to systematically
evaluate and minimize environmental impacts of fertilizer and pesticide application.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Evaluation of Chemical Materials Employed in City Operations.
2. PowerPoint presentation.
ATTACHMENT
City of Fort Collins
0,000
EVALUATION OF CHEMICAL MATERIALS
EMPLOYED IN CITY OPERATIONS
INCLUDING:
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL PRODUCTS
FERTILIZERS
PESTICIDES
By Carol A. Webb, Regulatory and Government Affairs Manager
In Cooperation with:
Larry Schneider, Streets Superintendent
Neal Jaspers, Streets Supervisor
Mike Calhoon, Parks Crezo Chief
John Stephen, Senior Buyer
Errin Henggeler, Environmental Regulatory Specialist
Matt Parker, Natural Areas Crew Chief
March 21, 2008
Revised April 25, 2008
Revised February 9, 2009
Page 1 of 23
Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................. 3
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL PRODUCTS
Typesof Products................................................................................. 6
Products Used by Other Agencies........................................................... 8
PurchasingStrategies.....................:..................................................... 9
Environmental Impacts......................................................................... 10
Corrosion........................................................................................... 11
Best Management Practices.................................................................... 12
Conclusions and Recommendations........................................................ 14
PESTICIDES AND FERTILIZERS
Fertilizers........................................................................................... 16
Pesticides........................................................................................... 16
Chemical Toxicity and Environmental Characteristics................................ 18
Best Management Practices................................................................... 19
Conclusions and Recommendations........................................................ 22
Page 2 of 23
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PROBLEM STATEMENT
A chemical materials review was conducted of snow and ice control products, fertilizers, and
pesticides used in City of Fort Collins operations. A team consisting of Regulatory and
Government Affairs, Streets, Parks, Natural Resources, and Purchasing conducted the review.
The scope of the review focused on chemical use in these departments in the largest volumes.
Chemicals used infrequently in minute quantities(such as less than 10 gallons/year)were not
included in the scope. Information provided includes general information on environmental
impacts, performance, cost, purchasing strategies, and best management practices for these
chemical products.Comparisons have been made to products used by other
municipalities/jurisdictions in our general region, depending on the information available.
Material Safety Data Sheets' are available upon request.
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS
SNOW/ICE CONTROL PRODUCTS
• The City of Fort Collins snow and ice control program is very similar in both products and
best practices as other north Front Range agencies. Of those agencies researched, the
majority employ both solid and liquid chloride-based snow/ice control products and utilize
similar best management practices for storage, product selection, and applications strategies.
• The City selects products based on standards set by The Pacific Northwest Snowfighters
(PNS), a consortium of states and Canadian provinces. PNS has developed a list of physical,
environmental, and corrosion-related specifications for qualification of snow and ice control
materials. Roadway management agencies across the U.S. and Canada utilize PNS for
product selection.
• The City follows best management practices used by roadway management agencies in
Colorado and across the country that are recommended by the Center for Environmental
Excellence by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO), a resource for transportation professionals seeking technical assistance, training,
information exchange, partnership-building opportunities, and quick and easv access to
environmental tools.
Fort Collins does not utilize abrasives (sand/salt mixtures)as part of its snow/ice control
program. A few agencies researched still apply a sand/salt mixture under certain conditions.
The City of Fort Collins discontinued use of a sand/salt mixture in 1996 due to its negative
effects on air and water quality.
• Chloride-based deicers have the potential to impact water quality and vegetation. These
impacts can be minimized through effective best management practices. Acetate-based
deicers also have potential impacts to water quality and are considerably more expensive
than liquid chloride deicers.
• The City utilizes the same liquid magnesium chloride product that is used by the Colorado
Department of Transportation, who has conducted extensive studies on deicing products.
Material Safety Data Sheets are used to catalog information on chemicals,chemical compounds,and chemical
mixtures. MSDS information may include instructions for the safe use and potential hazards associated with a
particular material or product.
Page 3 of 23
• The City utilizes defined purchasing criteria to ensure that snow/ice control products
employed meet industry standards.
• The non-chloride acetate-based deicer currently used by the City is over five times the cost
per gallon than the most expensive liquid chloride-based product.
• Streets staff employs standard best management practices established by the snow and ice
control community including other municipalities and departments of transportation across
the United States and Canada. These practices are clearly defined and followed by staff.
The best management practices employed help ensure that snow/ice control products are
selected that meet industry defined specifications and that product is stored properly and not
over-applied to roadways as to minimize environmental impacts.
Recommendations
• City staff should investigate the possibility of utilizing an anti-icing program (application of
snow and ice control materials before a weather event). Effective, properly managed anti-
icing programs have been shown to considerably reduce the amount of chemical that is
applied compared to deicing strategies. Streets staff will continue to research anti-icing
program alternatives.
• Streets staff will continue to research non-chloride product alternatives and stay abreast of
new products. Staff continues to stay involved in trade groups and associations in order to
stay current on new trends and practices in the snow and ice control industry.
• An enhanced training program will be implemented to provide more comprehensive training
for all snow equipment operators.
• An ongoing water quality data collection program should be developed to evaluate
parameters specific to those chemicals found in snow/ice control products. A thorough cost
analysis should be conducted to determine associated costs with monitoring wet weather
flows.
• An environmental management system should be implemented to thoroughly evaluate and
minimize environmental impacts of Streets operations.
• A method for evaluating salt sensitive habitats, such as salt-sensitive vegetative communities,
habitats for species at risk, and small ponds and lakes, could be an option for reducing the
environmental impact of deicer application.
Environmental stewardship practices should be incorporated into the siting and operation of
snow storage facilities.
PESTICIDES AND FERTILIZERS
Several City Departments utilize fertilizers and pesticides. The City follows an "Integrated
Pest Management Approach' (I PM), an industry-wide best practices approach to managing
pests by the most economic means, with the least hazard to people, property, and the
environment.
• Fertilizer products are selected and applied based on specific vegetation needs and the
application and sometimes based on soil analysis
• Colorado state law requires that landowners, both public and private control noxious weeds.
• The City uses primarily general use pesticides, which do not require a license to purchase or
use.
• The City's Natural Area Program uses two restricted use pesticides. One product is used to
control Canadian Thistle, while the other is used for prairie dog management. These
products require a license to purchase and use.
• All pesticide applications by City staff of both general use and restricted use pesticides are
done following label instructions carefully and precisely to ensure safe use.
Page 4 of 23
• Toxicity risk labels on pesticides used in City operations range from "Caution" to "Danger",
with the restricted use pesticides having more acute toxicity.
City staff responsible for product selection regularly assesses available products to ascertain
the best product for use in specific situations. Products are evaluated in terms of
environmental risk and product effectiveness.
City staff attends training regarding the potential health and environmental hazards of
chemicals to which they are exposed. Employees who work with restricted use pesticides are
required to obtain professional licenses for pesticide application. Many employees who work
with general use pesticides also obtain applicator licenses.
Following the 1PM approach, the City's Natural Areas program utilizes alternatives to
chemical use including prescribed fire, sheep grazing, and non-toxic chemicals. Effective
weed control utilizes herbicides in conjunction with alternative methods that introduce stress
to the invasive plant thereby decreasing the overall quantity of herbicides used.
Recommendations
Continue the extensive training programs provided to employees who work with hazardous
chemicals.
• Continue use of the IPM approach and to explore alternatives to pesticide use.
• Implementation of an environmental management system should be considered.
Page 5 of 23
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL PRODUCTS
General Information
The Citv of Port Collins utilizes a variety of snow and ice control products to ensure that
roadways are properly maintained during weather events. Product selection criteria include cost,
performance, and potential environmental impacts. The City's snow and ice control strategies
and products have changed over the years due to changes in industry practices, availability of
nes-v products, and changing markets. The City Streets Department has remained current on
trends in the snow and ice control industry and has tested new products as they become available
in order to use the best products for the safety of our community while placing an extremely high
value on environmental protection and cost considerations.
Types of Products
The City currently uses three types of deicers for roadway snow and ice control: chloride-based
granular deicers, chloride-based liquid deicers, and acetate-based liquid deicers. Additional
deicers are used in smaller quantities on sidewalks surrounding city facilities, in city parks, and
on high traffic pedestrian areas where slip hazards occur regularly. These are primarily chloride-
based granulars, with the exception of urea (a nitrogen-based product), which will be addressed
later in this section. Material Safety Data Sheetsz (MSDS) for all materials discussed in this
review are available. The bulk of this section will address those deicers used for roadway
snoti,/ice control.
Chloride-based Granular Deicers
The City utilizes two types of chloride-based granular deicers for road maintenance. "Ice
Buster", the City's primary granular product, is a complex chloride containing primarily sodium
chloride(NaCl), magnesium chloride(MgCl2), and calcium chloride(CaC12).This salt comes from
a salt mine in Kansas and is grey in color. The City pre-wets Ice Buster with a chloride-based
liquid deicer prior to application to reduce corrosion. "Ice Slicer", the City's secondary granular
product, is a complex chloride very similar to Ice Buster. Ice Slicer is mined in Utah and is
reddish in color. Ice Slicer contains less sodium chloride and more calcium chloride than Ice
Buster.3
Two types of chloride-based granular products are used for pedestrian walkways. "Safe Step Ice
Melter" is a sodium chloride, potassium chloride mix and "Meltdown Near Zero" is a complex
chloride of sodium, potassium, and magnesium chlorides.
Chloride-based Liquid Deicers
The City utilizes three chloride-based liquid deicers. "Meltdown Apex" is the City's primary
liquid product. The base product for Apex is a corrosion inhibitor derived from organic
polymers and blended with a 30 percent magnesium chloride solution. Caliber M1000 is used as
a secondary liquid product and is also a 30 percent magnesium chloride solution. Caliber M1000
has a corrosion inhibitor base derived from corn products. "Ice Ban" is used as a substitute
'Material Safety Data Sheets are used to catalog information on chemicals,chemical compounds,and chemical
mixtures.MSDS information may include instructions for the safe use and potential hazards associated with a
particular material or product.
Sanders,Thomas G.and Christopher M. Safford,Colorado State University."Deicers:Melting Away Winier's Woes"',
Snow and Ice Magazine,August 2002.
Page 6 of 23
liquid deicer when Meltdown Apex and Caliber M1000 are unavailable. Ice Ban has a corn-
derived base blended with a 25 percent magnesium chloride solution.
Acetate-based Liquid Deicers
NC3000, a potassium acetate, non-chloride product, is applied to bridge decks and concrete areas.
This product is used sparingly in part due to its high cost. Potassium acetate is produced by
reacting high-grade acetic acid with dolomite limestone. The high cost of this product is a result
of the costly production process:'
Urea
Urea, a nitrogen fertilizer, is used as a deicer on pedestrian walkways around some City facilities.
Urea is not corrosive to metals, but can be corrosive to concrete. It is used because of its ease of
application and because it is friendlier to surrounding vegetation than other deicers. However,
as Urea can be corrosive to concrete, this product is used sparingly.
The table below provides detailed information on each commercial brand of deicer.
City of Fort Collins Snow/Ice Control Products (2008)
Corrosion fi : µ
Product Commercial tt =` z�t „t g W+"A z Rate Flo r T, + y ,
Type _ Naive '_'. Com osihon. ", ,.�. Desch bon-� :Effectiveness» '�-�, .A'�' hcahon,-'5 ,E
- NaCl(pre-wetted - -- — -
Ice Buster with chloride- Solid 30.0 Primary granular
based li uid) product for roads
CaC12(pre-wetted
Chloride- Ice Slicer with chloride- Solid 30.0 Secondary granular
based product for roads
granulars based liquid)Safe Step Ice NaCl, KCI Solid NA For pedestrian
Melter walkways
Meltdown For pedestrian
Near Zero NaCl,KCI,MgCI_ Solid NA walkways
Liquid derived
Meltdown Liquid
Chloride-
Apex liquid
A 30%MgCI from organic 25.1 product
polymers P P
Caliber Liquid derived Secondary
liquids liquid
based 30%MgCI 20.8
M1000 from corn product
Liquid derived Substitute when
Ice Ban 25%MgCl from corn 8.4 Caliber and Apex is
not available
Non- Contains 30% Used to spot treat
chloride NC3000 Potassium Acetate carbohydrate -3.5 bridge decks and
liquid material concrete areas
Nitrogen
Used on sidewalks
Urea Nitrogen Fertilizer 46-0-0 NA around City facilities,
Fertilizer
arks
a"Guidelines for the Selection of Snon and lce Control Materials to Mitigate Environmental hvpacts National
Cooperative Highway Research Program,Report 577,page 12,2007.
As determined by Pacific Northwest Snow Fighters Product Specifications and Test Protocols,Qualified Product List,
September 2007.
Page 7 of 23
The following chart details the amount of product used for roadway snow/ice control from 2005-
2007.
Total Amount of Snow/Ice Control Product Used
_ Product_ : - °2005, `. : 2006 ;, 2007 2008
Ice Buster(tons) 1,882 2831 3,129 1461
Ice Slicer(tons) 960 540 0
Total Tons granular product 1,882 3,791 3,669 1461
Caliber M1000(gal) 244,798
Meltdown Apex (gal) 47,469 433,031 463,116 308,517
Ice Ban (gal) 19,594 0
NC3000(gal) 1,385.00 1,430.00 1,340 215
Total Gallons liquid deicer 293,652 434,461 484,050 308,732
Snow/Ice Control Products used by Other Local Agencies
Northern Colorado Front Range agencies who operate deicing programs utilize the same or
similar snow and ice control products as the City of Fort Collins. Some agencies operate both a
granular and liquid deicing program, while some utilize only granular products. A few agencies
researched still apply a sand/salt mixture under certain conditions. The City of Fort Collins
discontinued use of a sand/salt mixture in 1996 due to its negative effects on air and water
quality.
The Table below lists agencies and types of products employed as determined via email and/or
phone or by review of available literature.
North Front Range Agencies Snow/Ice Control Product Comparison
6 xs&�a ezz � n 9 _ iltl ,.,<y
t a Chlonde=based . . MagChlonde based Sand or Sand/Salt
.. � a.�. "s..: �E
gianulai;dercer k ;, 'hgmddercer
Fort Collins X X
Lon month X X
Larhfi County't X X
:BouIdeiB X X
Lovelani39;__� . X X
Colorado;Dept of
Tr`ansporta6onio -" X X X
Greeley?? X X X
Larimer County staff stated that sand is applied in some areas of the County due to lack of
suitable storage for chloride-based products.12 The Colorado Department of Transportation
e "City of Longmont Snore and Ice Connvl Plan`,page 24. September 2007.
7 Dennis Morrison,Larimer County Road R Bridge Department,phone conversation,2/29/08.
s Felix Gallo,Boulder Transportation Coordinator,email correspondence from February 27,2008.
9"Snow Removal Mitch More that Plowing, The Loveland City Update",November 2005.
10 Wilson,Bob."CDOT Announces Snow and Ice Battle Plat",page 3. November 20,2007.
n Jerry Pickett,City of Greeley Streets Department,phone conversation,2/28/08.
1'Dale Miller, Larimer County Road and Bridge Department,phone conversation,3/5/08.
Page 8 of 23
(CDOT)employs both liquid and granular deicing programs. They use the same liquid deicer,
Meltdown Apex, as the City of Port Collins, in conjunction with a sand/salt mixture in some areas
of the state. CDOT believes that the liquid magnesium chloride product they are using is the
most effective and cost efficient chemical deicer available.13 Boulder utilizes the same commercial
brand of liquid deicer and also operates a granular deicing program. Boulder staff stated that
they do apply sand/salt mixtures in emergency situations when other products are unavailable."
Liquid magnesium chloride products are sometimes used by roadway management agencies to
reduce fugitive dust on non-paved roads. It is important to note that, in this application, MgC12 is
applied in much higher concentrations than the concentration used in deicing applications.
Where snow/ice control application rates are 30-60 gallons of MgCL per two-lane mile, dust
suppression application rates are 1200-2000 gallons per two-lane mile. These applications also
take place during the active growing season for vegetation.
Purchasing Strategies
The City belongs to a state cooperative group, Multiple Assembly of Procurement Officials
(M.A.P.0)which is comprised of all state, municipal, county, or other local area government
agencies throughout Colorado.The City combines the needs and quantities and solicits bids for
road salt, pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals, since most government agencies use those
products.Using M.A.P.O, we are assured that we are getting the best price possible for the
products that the City needs. Many local agencies, including Boulder and City of Denver,
participate in this bidding process for road salt.
The City utilizes CDOT bids for a few products, including Ice Slicer, a granular chloride product.
CDOT buys large quantities of these products and the City piggybacks on those agreements to
ensure the best price is procured.
Cost Comparisons for Roadway Snow/Ice Control Products
2007 Amount � ,� 1200&m�,w-, Amonnt
$Cost/Ton Used rn $Cost/Ton of Used m , 2008
Product or Gallon 2007 ,'2007 CostH Gallon ' 2008' Cosh
Ice Buster 44.30 3,129 $138,615 48.70 1461 $71,150
Ice Slicer 74.00 540 $39,960
Meltdown 0.62 463,116 $287,132 0.66 308,517 $203,621
Apex
Ice Ban 0.69 19,594 $13,520
NC3000 3.97 1 1340 $5,320 3.97 215 $854
As seen in the chart, NC3000, the non-chloride acetate-based product is over five times the cost
per gallon than the most expensive liquid chloride-based product.
13 Prof. Yunping Xi and Zhaohui Xie,CorrOS(on Effects of Magnesium Chloride and Sodilon Chloride on Automobile
Components ,CDOT Research Branch, Report No.CDOT-DTD-R-2002-4, May 2002.
14 Felix Gallo,2/27/08.
Page 9 of 23
Environmental Impacts
In 2007, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program conducted an extensive evaluation
of the cost, performance, and environmental and infrastructure impacts of snow/ice materials.75
In addition, CDOT has conducted several studies and has a particular interest in this issue due to
the large quantities of products they must use to improve roadway conditions and protect public
safety across the State of Colorado.76,17,78 These studies draw general conclusions concerning
sand, granular, and liquid deicers and their potential impacts to the environment. The main
concerns identified were air pollution, affects on air quality, water quality and aquatic habitat,
vegetation, and corrosion.
Air Quality
The use of abrasives(sand)as a snow/ice control product can result in air pollution due to the
increase in airborne fine particulates or PM1019. In addition, abrasives have been found to cause
lung disease and are a listed carcinogen. In mountain regions with localized air sheds and
limited recharge, PM10 is of particular concern. Chloride-based granular deicers may have a
limited effect on air quality when the material dries on roadways and is picked up by wind and
air currents, however pre-wetting the material with a liquid deicer helps in limiting this effect.
Liquid deicing products have little to no effect on air quality and are considered to have a net air
quality benefit due to the reduction in the use of abrasives.
Water Quality
Sand contributes significantly to sedimentation and turbidity in surface waters, impacting aquatic
life. Chloride-based granular and liquid deicers may lead to excessive chloride loading in surface
waters, however acute toxicity of chloride-based deicers to aquatic life is generally low.
Contaminants such as phosphorus, ammonia, and heavy metals found in some chloride-based
deicers have the potential to impair surface waters and to exceed water quality standards for the
protection of aquatic life. These contaminants can be adequately controlled through product
specifications and laboratory testing of available products. Both chloride-based and acetate
deicers may contain large amounts of organic matter, potentially causing oxygen depletion in
surface water. Estimated dilution of deicers from roadway to surface water is 100 to 500-fold,
which reduces potential impacts to aquatic habitat.
Vegetation
Chloride-based deicers contain a number of ions that cause foliar and root damage to vegetation
within "10 to 20 meters of the roadway. Studies conducted to date indicated that damage to
vegetation is primarily from chlorides rather than from sodium, magnesium, potassium, and
calcium cations. This damage can occur in a number of ways, including splashing from the
roadway or uptake through the soil. Actively growing plants (e.g. conifers)are the least tolerant
to chloride damage. Sodium can degrade soil structure, which results in osmotic stress on
vegetation.
-`'Guidelines for the Selection of Snow and Ice Control Materials to Mitigate Environmental Impacts", National
Cooperative Highway Research Program, Report 577,2007.
1° Lewis,William,"Studies of Environmental Effects of Magnesium Chloride Deicer in Colorado',CDOT Research
Bank, Report No.CDOT-DTD-R-99-10,November 1999.
1' Fischel.Marion,"Evaluation of Selected Deicers Based on a Review of the Literature`,CDOT Research Bank,
Report No.CDOT-DTD-R-2001-15,October 30,2001.
's Lewis, William,.-Evaluation and Comparison of Three Chemical Deicers for Use in Colorado",CDOT Research
Bank, Report No.CDOT-DTD-R-2001-17,August 2001.
19 Particulate matter smaller than 10 microns in size
Page 10 of 23
The magnitude of the effect of deicing materials depends on a number of factors including site
and soil characteristics and the amount of material applied. Although acetate-based deicers do
not contain chlorides, additional research is needed on potential impacts to vegetation.
The three studies conducted by CDOT evaluated several commercial brands of deicers similar to
those used by Fort Collins. Some deicers studied contain contaminants that may cause some of
the negative environmental impacts listed above. Corrosion inhibitors, although they reduce the
corrosiveness of chloride-based deicers, can contain nutrients in levels that may damage the
aquatic environment. Product specifications are very important in the selection of deicers to
ensure they do not contain these contaminants. The City's method for ensuring products selected
meet specifications is discussed later in this section.
The City uses one non-chloride deicer, NC3000, to spot treat bridge decks and concrete areas.
This is an acetate-based deicer, and although these types of deicers tend to cause less corrosion,
they do have potential environmental impacts.
Corrosion
Chloride-based deicers are corrosive to both concrete and steel structures, although magnesium
chloride has been found to be more corrosive to concrete than other chloride-based deicers. The
addition of corrosion inhibitors reduce the corrosion potential, but increase the impact to water
quality. Acetate-based deicers are generally non-corrosive.
There is growing concern about the corrosion caused by chloride-based deicers to vehicles,
bridges, and utilities. The Pacific Northwest Snowfighters(PNS), a consortium of states and
Canadian provinces, has developed a list of physical, environmental, and corrosion-related
specifications for qualification of snow and ice control materials. PNS has developed test
protocols for evaluating corrosion rates of different deicers.The PNS requires that tests for
corrosion rates in deicers be conducted using specific test methods for corrosion.20 In order for a
deicer to be approved by PNS, a corrosion inhibited chemical deicer, is required to be 70%less
corrosive to mild steel than sodium chloride(straight salt).
Fhe following graph illustrates the corrosion rate for each deicer as determined by PNS
compared to sodium chloride(salt):
Snow/Ice Control Products Corrosion Comparison
100.0%
80_0% - - - --- — -- -- -- ---
}k i
b
40.0/0 —
(f �
El
Salt MgC12 Ice Buster Ice Slicer Meltdown Caliber Ice Ban water N5=0
Apex M1000
-20.0
Deicing Material
Best Management Practices
Pacific Northwest Snowfighters,"PNS Snow and Ice Control Specifications and Test Protocols', April 2006.
Page 77 of 23
The City's Streets Department utilizes a snow removal operations manual that serves as a guide
for winter road operations. This manual provides established procedures to the department on
industry best management practices to adequately maintain roadways in a safe condition and to
provide such service in an environmentally responsible manner. These practices are used by
roadway management agencies in Colorado and across the country and are recommended by the
Center for Environmental Excellence by the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials(AASHTO), which serves as a resource for transportation professionals
to environmental best management practices.
Training
Snow removal equipment operators attend least 16 hours of mandatory training each fall prior to
the snow/ice season. Topics discussed included deicing material application, emergency
operations, and cooperation with other City departments. Employees discuss problems
encountered the previous snow season and any changes to procedures. As part of the annual
training, snow equipment operators conduct "dry-run' demos of snow equipment. Novice
drivers are teamed with experienced drivers to ensure that best practices are followed.
Storage
The City receives its solid deicing materials via rail car at the Streets Facility. The City's Snow
Removal Operations Manual contains specific instructions on proper unloading of rail cars to
ensure that product is delivered in safe and timely manner while minimizing the chance for a
spill. The solid materials storage building is a state of the art facility with a runoff control system
to allow for collection of materials for reuse. The facility is inspected regularly to ensure that the
desired level of cleanliness, appearance, and integrity is maintained, and that solid materials are
properly stored to prevent the release of stored materials into the environment. The City of Fort
Collins was awarded the Salt Institute's 2008 Excellence in Storage Award for high standards of
environmental consciousness,best management practices, and effective management of winter
material storage.The City of Fort Collins was one of 10 city and state transportation agencies
across North America that received the award.
Eight—21,000 gallon above-ground storage tanks (ASTs)containing liquid deicer are located at
the Streets Facility. The liquid tank storage area has adequate secondary containment to contain
and recapture spills or the volume released from a tank rupture. Pumps and hoses are properly
sized for quick loading. The ASTs also have recirculation capability to maintain product
consistency should settling occur.
Purchasing Specifications
City Streets staff utilizes the Qualified Products List(QPL) developed by PNS to select snow/ice
control products. Specifications determined by PNS via standardized protocols include
maximum concentrations for pH, metals, phosphorus, and cyanide.21 Manufacturers are also
required to provide analyses on the nitrogen series, biological and chemical oxygen demand, and
to conduct toxicity testing on sensitive species. All of the granular and liquid deicers utilized by
the City of Fort Collins are listed on the PNS Qualified Products List.
Application Methods
21 Pacific Northwest Snowfighters,"PATS Snow and Ice Control Specifications and Test Protocols", April 2006,page
2.
Page 12 of 23
Appropriate equipment is needed for handling and applying snow and ice control chemicals.
Streets equipment operators conduct thorough inspections of equipment prior to commencing
work to ensure that equipment is in good working order and operating efficiently. Snow plow
operators are instructed to plow down to bare pavement to reduce the amount of solid or liquid
deicer applied to the roadway. During granular and liquid deicing applications, the amount of
deicer applied is regulated to prevent over application of material and to decrease runoff
concentrations.The City's snow plow trucks are equipped with calibration devices for spreaders
that aid operators with the proper application of granular and liquid material. This calibration of
equipment is extremely important to achieve control of the rate of application.Operators are
advised to use the"automated" mode for dispensing material for proper application. Conditions
are continually monitored to appropriately adjust application methods as needed during a storm
event.
Road and Weather Conditions Evaluation
There are six Road and Weather Information Stations (RWIS) located throughout the City. These
stations actively monitor roadway temperature, precipitation, wind speed, subsurface
temperature, and other weather conditions to ensure that deicing strategies under given
conditions are adjusted accordingly. Automated deicing application systems have been installed
in two locations-Timberline Bridge and West Trilby. These systems automatically apply acetate-
based products on the approach to and over bridges to ensure public safety and minimize
corrosion.
Application Strategies
Anti-icing-Anti-icing involves application of snow and ice control materials before a weather
event. The City does not conduct anti-icing operations. Past experiences in the Streets
Department have shown that when anti-icing agents are applied and the storm does not develop,
ice crystals accumulate and make the road more slippery. However, studies do show that an
effective anti-icing program can reduce product application rates, and is an industry best
practice.''-'-Streets staff continues to research alternatives for anti-icing.
Deicing- Deicing involves application of snow and ice control materials on top of snow and/or
ice. Streets staff utilizes deicing techniques combined with pre-wetting(discussed below).
Deicing alone without pre-wetting can result in a loss of material to the roadside environment.''-'
Pre-wetting—Pre-wetting is injecting or spraying a liquid chemical on solid chemicals or
abrasives to enhance their effectiveness and reduce material loss and other forms of waste.za
Streets staff ensures that granular chloride products are pre-wetted with a liquid magnesium
chloride-based product prior to application. Pre-wetting provides moisture to make brine,
resulting in faster melting action that reduces overall application rates.The wet salt also has less
of a tendency to bounce or be blown off the road by traffic, which can reduce application rates by
an estimated 20 to 30 percent. The table below describes the application strategies used by the
City Streets department.
Z'Report 577,page 19.
z'Report 577,page 19.
2' Report 577,page 19.
Page 13 of 23
City of Fort Collins Application Strategy Tablets
- CONDITION_ ,, _ ,_ 4_ _,, ,, , =APPLICATION,
Temperature Precipitation Road Surface - Product Process
Snow,sleet or Apex Meltdown at 30 gallons If snow or sleet continues
Near 30" wet or sticky and/or salt at 120lbs per two- and accumulates,plow and
freezing rain
lane mile add material simultaneously.
Meltdown Apex at 30-50
Below 30"or Snow,sleet or gallons and/or salt at 120-300 As snowfall continues and
falling freezing rain
Wet lbs per two-lane mile, accumulates plow and repeat
depending on accumulation material application.
rate.
Plow ASAP.Apex Meltdown Continue to plow and patrol
Below 20"and Dry snow Dry at 50 gallons and/or salt at
to check for wet,packed or
Falling icy spots;treat them with
120-200 Ibs per two-lane mile.
heavy salt applications
If snow or sleet continues
Apply Apes Meltdown at 30-
and accumulates,plow and
Below 20" Snow,sleet or apply liquids or salt
freezing rain Wet 50 gallons and/or salt al 150- simultaneously
300 Ibs per two-lane mile.
Continue until safe
pavement is obtained
Accumulation of Plow when snow or ice
Below 10"
Snow or freezing packed snowApplv Apex Meltdown at 30- becomes slushy. Repeat
rain 52 gallons application and plowing as
and ice.
necessary.
Selection of a strategy, or sequence of strategies, can affect the total loading of a snow and ice
control material.Streets staff utilizes all available information to determine the proper strategy
needed to apply the least amount of deicing material with the greatest level of effectiveness.
Post-Application Procedures
Following a storm event,Streets staff follows documented procedures for inspecting and cleaning
snow removal equipment. Trucks, spreaders, and plows are washed and cleaned thoroughly in
an indoor facility to ensure run-off is captured by the sanitary sewer. An after action review of
the storm event is conducted to review the deicing application strategy, successes, and
opportunities for improvement. The amount of deicing material used during each storm event is
reviewed and the application strategy is adjusted accordingly.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Each of the deicers employed by the City of Fort Collins, and anv deicer used by any agency, has
potential impacts on the environment. Each product has advantages and disadvantages which
must be considered in choosing the right product for the right application. Granular chloride
products are very effective and inexpensive, but can cause corrosion and have the potential to
impact vegetation and water quality. Liquid deicers, also effective and inexpensive, are less
corrosive than granular products but may cause impacts to vegetation closer to the roadway and
to the aquatic environment. Non-chloride products such as acetates are effective and non-
corrosive, but are expensive and may also impact the aquatic environment.
The products that the City is using for snow and ice control are identical to or similar in
composition to those used by other north front range agencies, including CDOT, which does
tc Streets Department Operations Manual, February 2008,page 7.
Page 14 of 23
conduct extensive research on snow/ice control materials and their environmental effects. City
Streets staff stays abreast of new products available in their industry and actively participates in
studies to determine what is the most effective product available factoring in cost and
environmental impacts. Industry best practices are followed from product receiving, storage,
through product application.
The City does not operate an anti-icing program because Streets staff has had difficulties
developing an effective anti-icing program. Streets staff should continue to investigate this
possibility. The City should continue to participate in working groups in the snow/ice control
industry to stay abreast of new research and to participate in these studies. Larry Schneider,
Streets Superintendent, is currently the chairman of the Western States Snow & Ice committee, a
member of the American Public Works National Snow Conference committee, and a member of
Clear Roads, a cooperative program aimed at funding research to meet the needs of winter
operations professionals around the world.As many new products come available, their benefits
and disadvantages will be researched and considered in selection of the snow/ice control
materials used in City operations.
The Streets Superintendent is currently developing a comprehensive training program for all
snow control equipment operators. This program would build on the 16 hours of training
already required, adding an additional 24 hours per year of required training for each operator.
A certification would be issued upon successful completion of testing administered following the
training.
Consideration should be given to administering an ongoing surface water monitoring program
targeted to parameters such as magnesium, sodium, chlorides, conductivity,and other water
quality indicators during and following storm events to gauge the impact of snow/ice control
products on water quality. A collaborative water testing program between Streets and
Stormwater may be of benefit to both departments. Wet weather sampling does come with
inherent difficulties and can be costly to conduct. A thorough investigation into the feasibility,
type, and costs of an ongoing water quality monitoring program should be conducted.
The Streets Department would greatly benefit from implementation of an Environmental
Management System (EMS). An EMS provides a framework for integrating environmental
considerations and objectives into on-going management decisions. While a concerted effort is
made by Streets staff to consider environmental impacts, there is currently not a formal system of
policies and procedures in place to ensure environmental impacts are taken into account.
A method for evaluating salt sensitive habitats, such as salt-sensitive vegetative communities,
habitats for species at risk, and small ponds and lakes, could be an option for reducing the impact
of deicer application. Planting salt tolerant species in medians and other high exposure areas
may help reduce impact to vegetation. Further investigation would need to be completed to
evaluate the feasibility of this management practice.
Environmental stewardship practices should be incorporated when siting snow storage facilities.
Site conditions should be evaluated to determine potential impacts to nearby surface waters, site
hydrology, and the proximity to any salt-sensitive habitats. A plan should be implemented to
manage any snow melt discharge from the site.
Page 15 of 23
FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES
Several City departments including the Natural Areas Program, Parks/Cemeteries/Golf/Forestry
(Parks) Division, and Utilities use and apply fertilizers and pesticides. These departments
incorporate industry best management practices into product selection and application to ensure
that the best services are provided, regulations are followed, worker health and safety is
protected, and environmental impacts are considered. The City follows an "Integrated Pest
Management Approach` (IPM), a common-sense approach to managing pests by the most
economic means, with the least hazard to people, property, and the environment.
Fertilizers
The City's Natural Areas Program, Parks Division, and Utilities use fertilizer applications to
address soil nutrient deficiencies and for grounds maintenance. The Natural Areas Program uses
fertilizer applications as part of a limited number of restoration projects. To date, the need to
supplement the soil has solely been related to the presence of sugar beet processing waste that
now occupies Kingfisher Point Natural Area.The Parks Division maintains approximately 800
acres of irrigated turf with nearly 100 sports fields, three golf courses, and two cemeteries.
Fertilizer is also applied at Utilities facilities as part of the grounds maintenance program.
MSDSs for each fertilizer used are available upon request.
Fertilizer Selection and Application
Fertilizer products are selected and applied based on specific needs of plants and vegetation.
When practical and appropriate, fertilizer selection and application is based on soil analysis. For
example, fertilizers applied to City golf course fairways, tees, and the rough are slow release
formulations that prevent large releases of nutrients at any one time. These formulations feed
nutrients to the turf at a rate that it can be used by the plant and not leached through the soil into
the groundwater. Fertilizers applied to putting greens are applied at a lower rate and more
frequently than other areas of the golf course. This practice allows the Golf Division staff to
micromanage turf needs through the season based on soil tests and the needs of the plant during
different seasonal conditions. A combination of granular applications and spray nutrient
applications are made through the growing season. In any situation, staff is careful not to over
apply fertilizers. Manufacturer directions are followed, applying the minimum amount
recommended, which is best for the health of the plant and minimizes run-off of fertilizers into
the storm drain system.
Pesticides
Before a pesticide can be sold or distributed in the United States, the product must obtain
registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).The process of registration
includes examination by the EPA of the ingredients of the pesticide, where and how it will be
used, and storage and disposal practices. Prior to registration, EPA requires more than 100
different scientific studies and tests to assess a wide variety of potential human health and
environmental effects associated with use of the product.This assessment ensures that the
pesticide can be used for its intended purpose with reasonable certainty that it will not cause
harm to human health or the environment.26
26 United States EPA,"Evaluating Potential New Pesticides and Uses",
http://wwa.epa.eov/pesticides/reeulating/index.hun#c\,al,accessed March 20,2008.
Page 16 of 23
The EPA may register a pesticide as "general use" or "restricted use". A general use pesticide
can be used by the general public without any special licenses or training. The vast majority of
the pesticides used in City operations fall into this category. Some pesticides are classified as
"restricted use". Restricted use pesticides are not available to the general public and can only be
used by a certified pesticide applicator or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
Pesticides are generally restricted due to safety concerns including potential environmental
impacts, toxicity to humans and non-target plants or animals, and the application method (e.g.
fumigants). The City Natural Areas Program utilizes two restricted use pesticides.
Although manufacturers and formulas vary, the City departments primarily use.pesticide
products with the following major active ingredients and/or their derivatives.''-' Additional
information can be found on MSDS sheets.
General Use Pesticides
2,4-D-(2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid)a systemic herbicide used to control many types
of broadleaf weeds. 2,4-D is the active component of many commercial pesticides and
has manv derivatives.
Glyphosate-a non-selective herbicide found in many commercial pesticide products
including Roundup and Rodeo. It is a general use pesticide and does not require a
license to use or purchase.
• Dicamba - used as a weed control herbicide.
• Triclopyr-used for controlling broadleaf weeds and woody vegetation.
Imazapyr—a non-selective herbicide used to control grasses and broadleaf plants.
Persistent in soil, breaks down rapidly in water, uptake in plants through foliage and
roots.
Aminopyralid—an herbicide used to control thistle and other weeds.
• Clopyralid—an herbicide with similar application as Aminopyralid.
• Imazapic- a selective herbicide for control of annual and perennial grasses and some
broadleaf weeds.
Deltamethrin—an insecticide in dust form used to control fleas in prairie dog colonies
during relocation projects(required by Colorado Division of Wildlife) and as a public
health measure where public trails intersect prairie dog colonies with active plague
outbreaks. When used as a public health measure, the Natural Areas program consults
with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.
General use pesticides are used by the Parks Division, Utilities, and Natural Areas in a variety of
applications. All pesticides are widely used by the general public.
Noxious weeds present perhaps the most significant ecological threat to Natural Areas system
wide and must be properly controlled. Landowners, both public and private are mandated to
control noxious weed species as defined by the State of Colorado Noxious Weed Law (Title 35
Article 5.5).
Restricted Use Pesticides
Picloram: Picloram is the active ingredient in the herbicide Tordon. In adherence with
best management practices, Picloram is used periodically as one of a suite of chemicals
utilized to control noxious weeds,among them Canada thistle.Although Picloram is
widely seen as the most effective and cost efficient chemical for control of Canada thistle
'-' This list is not intended to be exhaustive, rather to represent dte primary active ingredients used in City operations.
Page 17 of 23
and other Noxious weeds, due to its high environmental risk (if used improperly),
Picloram is not used routinely, nor annually on any given infestation.Staff has found use
of Picloram eliminates repeat applications. Picloram is restricted due to its potential to
contaminate groundwater, and its ability to damage non-target plants.'.'-s
Aluminum Phosphide: Aluminum Phospide is the active ingredient in the pesticide
Fumitoxin. Fumitoxin is a fumigant used by the City's Natural Areas Program to control
and manage prairie dogs. Fumitoxin is restricted primarily due to the acute inhalation
toxicity of hydrogen phosphide,9
City Natural Areas staff participates in a prairie dog management working group that includes
other front range city, county and governmental agencies that manage prairie dogs. This group
remains current on management techniques and the prairie dog's role in the ecological system.
Other agencies participating in this group utilize Fumitoxin for prairie dog control and consider
it to be the most effective, and cost efficient control tool.
All applications by City staff of both general use and restricted use pesticides are done following
label instructions carefully and precisely to ensure safe use. The assessments conducted by the
EPA are used to develop acceptable use conditions and required personal protective equipment.
Human risk is represented by risk labels (from least risk to greatest risk- Caution, Warning,
Danger). Environmental risk is represented by an environmental hazards discussion on the label.
The label is a legal document and therefore applications conducted outside the allowable
conditions on the label are subject to legal action against the individual applicator(if the
applicator is licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture), or against the Qualified
Supervisor(if the applicator is not licensed and therefore under the guidance of the QS).
Chemical Toxicity and Environmental Characteristics
Chemical toxicity is measured in either lethal dose LD90(when ingested orally or dermally) or
lethal concentration, LC%(when inhaled). Lethal dose/concentration describes the dose of a
pesticide that will kill 1/2 of a group of test animals from a single dose. A pesticide with a lower
LDso is more toxic than one with a higher number because it takes less of the pesticide to kill half
of the test animals. Toxicity risk labels range from "Caution" to "Danger", with the restricted use
pesticides having more acute toxicity.
The following environmental characteristics for herbicides are cited from Latimer County's
"Herbicide Reference Guide for Small Acreage Owners" and describes general information
regarding transport through soil and water.''
Pesturde .gin '.`Enwrcmmental,Characte sh cs n„
2,4-D Little to no soil activity, uptake in plants is through foliage.Do not apply to
water.
Glyphosate Active through foliar uptake, has no soil activity. Labeled for use up to
water's edge. At least one formulation, Rodeo, labeled for use in and around
water.
Dicamba Water soluble, should not be applied near water.Active on target 21ants
'S US Department of Agriculture, US Forest Service,"Picloram: Herbicide Information Profile",
httu://w%vw.fs.fed.us/1-6/ndtid/pubsu,eb/piclo.pdf;July 25,2000.
29 PestCon Systems,"Applicators Manual for Fumitoxin",w%vw.pestcon.cont,Accessed March 20,2008.
'0 Larimer County,"Herbicide Reference Guide for Small Acreage Owners",
http://www.co.laiimer.co.ushveeds/herbicide.litm,accessed March.20,2008.
Page 18 of 23
-., - i ,a t
_. Pe6tlCt T
de ��'.,, Environmental#Charactenstres
..._ _
primarily through foliar uptake, with root uptake to a lesser degree. Do not
apply near desirable trees and shrubs. Dicamba is a volatile product that can
damage off-target vegetation through vapor drift.Do not use when
temperatures are expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit within 24 hours of
application.
Triclopyr Some soil activity but is primarily taken up by plants through foliage and/or
vascular tissue (cut-stump or basal bark treatment). Restrictions near water
vary with formulation. Not for use on irrigation ditchbanks.
Imazapyr Persistent in soil, breaks down rapidly in water, uptake in plants through
foliage and roots. Restrictions with water vary with formulation. Not for use
on irrigation ditchbanks.
Aminopyralid Can be applied to water's edge. Active on target plants through foliar and
root uptake. Not for use on irrigation ditchbanks.
Clopyralid Water soluble, should not be applied near water. Active on target plants
rimarily throu h foliar uptake, with root uptake to a lesser degree.
Imazapic Has soil residual activity, uptake in plants through foliage and roots.This
product has runoff potential and should not be used on hillsides sloping
towards water. Do not apply to water, or inside irrigation ditches.
Application timing, use rate and choice of surfactant can be critical, read the
label carefully.
Picloram Soluble in water and persistent in soil.Should not be applied on ditchbanks
(Tordon) or bottoms, near water, or under desirable trees and shrubs. Residually active
in the soil, and taken into a plant through foliar absorption and/or root
uptake.
Deltamethrin Dust formulated insecticide providing residual control in indoor and outdoor
applications. Not to be used near water. Application for fleas in prairie dog
colonies re uires treatment of 18" around burrow opening.
Best Management Practices
Product Selection and Application
City staff responsible for product selection regularly assesses available products to ascertain the
best product for use in specific situations.Products are evaluated in terms of environmental risk
and product effectiveness. Product selection includes an understanding of how much chemical is
required (use rate), how quickly the chemical breaks down (in soil and water), and selection of
the appropriate chemical for the current plant growth stage. Further, it is a basic tenant of IPM to
continually alter the mode of injury on target species, i.e. in any 5 year period it is important to
treat a single infestation with chemicals that attack different areas within the plant, thereby
alleviating the development of chemical resistance.Some examples of how this on-going
assessment has changed practices in the Natural Areas program include:
Using glyphosate(lower aquatic environmental risk—lower weed control effectiveness—
lower product cost) on Russian olives rather than triclopyr(high aquatic environmental
risk—higher weed control effectiveness—higher product cost).
Minimizing use of 2,4-D, which is a widely used pesticide throughout vegetation
management due to its allowable use near water, effectiveness on aquatic related noxious
weeds(Canada thistle), and its low cost.Although 2,4-d is still used in some cases,
Page 19 of 23
Natural Areas has also begun using product such as Habitat(Imazapyr). Although this
product costs more, it is better suited for applications near water because it is applied at a
lower per acre rate and is more effective on the target species.
• Minimizing use of Tordon (Picloram), which is seen as the most effective chemical
control of Canada thistle due to its multi-year residual effect.Although Picloram is still
used, it is not used repeatedly on the same infestation as the need arises. Rather it is used
in a rotation of alternative chemicals, i.e.—Representative Canada thistle infestation-
Year 1 —apply Picloram,Year 2—No treatment(no above ground plant material), Year 3
—Mow the infestation, apply Aminopyralid, Year 4—apply Glyphosate as needed, Year 5
burn, seed competitive plants, Year 6-10—monitor and treat as needed.
The following chart details herbicide use by the City Natural Areas and Parks Department(in
gallons)
r — =gin -Park'
,_.Year �_� �:Natural.eireasr � _ Parks '
2004 289 112
2005 228 142
2006 218 96
2007 170 152
2008 224 309
In years 2004—2007 herbicide use decreased in Natural Areas due to an increase in the use of
lower application rate(lower ounces per acre rate) chemicals not previously on the market and
the success of an IPM approach that results in an overall reduction in the acreage of noxious
weeds. In 2008 herbicide use increased due to both the cyclical nature of weed control, i.e.
previously suppressed infestations expressed above ground growth, and the increased active
management of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
In 2008, 82 gallons of 2,4-D was applied by a contractor to target nuisance weeds in the City's
parks system.
Applicator Requirevients
As a Public/Commercial Pesticide Applicator, the Natural Areas Program and the Parks Division
are subject to periodic inspection by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.These inspections
ensure that applicators are licensed, properly trained,required records are kept, and that storage
and mixing facilities meet federal, state, and local standards.
City departments applying pesticides employ the Integrated Pest Management approach, which
is the vegetation management equivalent to Best Management Practices.This approach aims to
minimize chemical use while maximizing chemical effectiveness by identifying target periods
during plant growth during which the herbicide is most effective, and by continually altering the
mode of chemical attack. Additionally, alternative methods of management are used to increase
plant stress.These methods include prescribed fire, mowing, grazing, introducing predatory
insects, and promoting the health of native plants to provide competition.
Staff Training
Employees are expected to stay well informed on best practices in their industry. In-house
training provided includes Hazard Communication to all employees who work with fertilizers,
pesticides, and other chemicals to ensure they are aware of the potential hazards those chemicals
Page 20 of 23
may present. The importance of reading chemical labels, Material Safety Data Sheets(MSDSs),
and following directions are emphasized. Good Housekeeping/Pollution Prevention training is
provided to ensure chemicals and waste are properly managed so as to not enter and negatively
impact local waterways.
Employees maintain professional certifications and licenses as required and appropriate.
Training, Licensing, and Continuing Education for pesticide application is administered and
regulated by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.At least one staff member must be
licensed as a Qualified Supervisor by the State. Anyone performing application of Restricted Use
pesticides must be licensed (at least to the level of Certified Operator)or applications of
Restricted Use pesticide may be applied by unlicensed "Technicians" (as described by CO Dept
of Ag) under the on-site supervision of a Qualified Supervisor. Restricted Use pesticides are those
that require the possession of a Pesticide Applicator's License to purchase and/or apply.
Restricted Use pesticides typically are classified as such because they present an increased risk to
the environment and therefore require,additional regulation.
City staff is highly trained in the area of pesticide application. Currently, the Parks Division has
7 Qualified Supervisors and one Certified Operator. In the Natural Areas Program, all Classified
Resource Management field personnel are required to hold Qualified Supervisors licenses.
During the summer field season, Natural Areas hires an additional 10—14 seasonal employees, of
which typically 80%will obtain Certified Operator licenses. All Natural Areas seasonal
employees receive at least 40 hours of instruction related to pesticide handling, use, and storage.
Additionally, two members of our staff are recognized as Certified Managers of Invasive Plants.
The CMIP program is administered through the North American Weed Management
Association. NAWMA is recognized as the association for invasive species management
professionals.The CMIP program serves to identify those individuals who have demonstrated
their practice of an integrated management approach to invasive species management.
Storage and Disposal
Chemicals used by the Parks Division are stored in a restricted,controlled access area. The area
is well signed, does not have a drain, and is separately ventilated and temperature controlled.
Chemicals used by the Natural Areas Program are housed at the Nix Maintenance Facility within
a locked hazardous materials storage container.This container protects against temperatures
outside the appropriate range for chemical stability and includes a basin containment floor to
capture any potential chemical spill and its own fire suppression system. PEA is aware of the
storage container location and contents and the correct hazards warning sign is clearly visible.
After consultation with chemical manufacturers, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and
recycling vendors, the Natural Areas Program is recycling all 2.5 gallon herbicide containers.
Supplemental Treatments to Reduce Chemical Use
An Integrated Pest Management approach does not attempt to alleviate the use of chemicals.
Rather, it is an approach that is geared towards the elimination of non-strategic chemical
applications. In an 1PM approach, chemicals are strategically used as a well planned strike
against species that will also suffer from additional stress introduced by the other methods. The
City's Natural Areas program is in a unique position to utilize some of these alternatives to
chemical use, while other City departments that maintain grounds in a more urban setting have
to use more traditional approaches.
Page 21 of 23
Prescribed Fire
The Natural Areas Program employs prescribed fire in order to affect improvement of vegetation
health and assist in the management of invasive weeds.We have found this tool to be cost
effective and of the highest benefit to the vegetation community while providing the lowest level
of environmental risk. Narrow windows of environmental conditions(dry vegetation, low to
moderate winds, low fire danger,etc)and a lack of in-house fire resources prevent the Natural
Areas Program from conducting more prescribed fires.
Sheen Grazing
Since 2006, the Natural Areas Program has cooperated with a local stock grower to utilize sheep
to graze cheatgrass(Bromus Inermis)on five natural areas along the foothills.The program
began with roughly 200 head of sheep and has now expanded to approximately 600 head.These
bands of sheep are closely managed by an on-site shepherd who moves them to areas of
cheatgrass infestation.An accurate estimate of acreage affected does not exist, but the shepherd is
able to move these sheep through roughly 1500 acres.Currently, the Natural Areas program is
limited in its application of sheep grazing on foothills properties by the presence of wild bighorn
sheep populations as per requirement of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Predatory Insect Release
Between 1999 and 2004 the Natural Areas Program embarked on an aggressive effort to utilize
biological species to manage leafy spurge, a Class B Noxious Weed on the State Noxious Weed
List. Under the guidance of the US Department of Agriculture—Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service(APHIS) the Natural Areas Program made releases of insect that predate upon
Leafy spurge. USDA—APHIS manages the development of biological control organisms to
combat invasive species throughout the Unites States.This effort amounted to 64 beetle releases
on 7 different natural areas. These releases saw variable rates of success and continue to serve as
a source of leafy spurge eating beetles.The Natural Areas Program continually assesses
infestation sites for possible beetle releases.
Native Grass Seeding/Cover Crop Seeding
As part of an Integrated Pest Management program (IPM) it is essential to provide competitive
desirable plantings in order to mitigate the presence of weed species.To this end and to progress
the enhancement of natural habitat mission of the program, the Natural Areas routinely invests
in native grassland seeding projects.Although the timeframe of germination is highly dependant
upon uncontrollable climatic factors, the program works diligently to facilitate successful
restoration projects.
In order to eliminate the risk associated with the highly specific germination requirements of
native grass seed, cover crops (cultivar species of wheat, sorghum, etc)are often seeded to
provide a dependable germinating source of competition against weed species.
Alternative Non-Toxic Chemical Options
Corn Gluten-Corn Gluten has received a great deal of attention lately as an all natural weed
control.At this time corn gluten is not registered for rangeland use. Current pricing would be in
neighborhood of$2,500+per acre.
BurnOut II -BurnOut 11 is typical of products marketed as non-toxic and environmentally,
friendly. This product is a mix of clove oil and citric acid.The mode of action is that the citric acid
Page 22 of 23
burns the cell walls, thereby killing the plant.The application of these products requires large
quantities of product for each application ("apply to runoff' vs. traditional application of
dispersed droplets over the leaf surface.This dramatically increases the water requirement from
approximately 10—13 gallons per acre to somewhere near the scale of 100+gallons per acre.
Additionally, these products break down cell walls and therefore injure both forbs and grasses
indiscriminately (non-selective).
Conclusions and Recommendations
The fertilizers and pesticides applied by the City of Fort Collins are carefully selected by staff
based on the necessary application, the cost, and effectiveness of the product. Each product
possesses varying degrees of health and environmental risks, which are managed through
industry best practices and staff training. Employees are well-informed regarding the proper use
and the hazards associated with each product.
The general use pesticides used by the City are widely used and accepted by many agencies. The
MSDSs for these products indicate they are in general of low toxicity and when managed
properly will have minimal impact on the environment. The two restricted use pesticides used
by Natural Areas are more acutely toxic, but have been carefully evaluated by staff and chosen
based on appropriate criteria. City staff makes a concerted effort to explore and employ
alternative pesticide control methods when appropriate for the application. This is an
appropriate and thorough approach to fertilizer and pesticide management.
As recommended above, the implementation of an Environmental Management System would
provide a framework for systematically identifying environmental considerations with a focus on
complying with legal requirements, pollution prevention, and continual improvement.
Page 23 of 23
Review of Chemical Materials Employed in
City Operations :
Snow and Ice Control Products
Pesticides
Fertilizers
Carol A . Webb,
Regulatory and Government Affairs Manager
F�t`
Collins
Direction Sought By City Council
• What comments or concerns does Council have
concerning snow/ice control products , fertilizers ,
and pesticides employed in City operations ?
City of
Fort Collins
1
Background
• Chemical materials review conducted in early
2008 , updated in early 2009
— Snow/ Ice Control Products
— Pesticides
— Fertilizers
— Chemical products used in largest quantities
Fort Collins
Background
• Reviewed environmental impacts , performance , cost, and
purchasing strategies for these chemicals .
• Made comparisons to products used by other
municipalities/jurisdictions in our general region .
• Reviewed best management practices used by City staff in
employment of these chemicals
• Made recommendations based on industry and
environmental best practices
1
`ityt of
2
Snow/Ice Control Products
Product Evaluation Process
• Performance
• Cost
• Environmental Impacts
• Infrastructure Impacts _
Of
FOI�'t�`S
Snow/Ice Control Products
• Chloride-based granular
— Ice Buster - Complex salt pre-wetted with liquid deicer
• Chloride-based liquid
— Meltdown Apex
• Organic polymer with corrosion inhibitor
• 30 percent magnesium chloride solution
• Acetate-based liquid
— NC3000
• Potassium acetate , non-chloride product
• Used to spot treat bridge decks
CRYt Wins
3
Snow/Ice Control Products
2007
$ 2008
Cost/Ton Amount $ Amount
or Used in 2007 Cost/Ton Used in 2008
Product Gallon 2007 Cost or Gallon 2008 Cost
Ice Buster
(ton) 44.30 31129 $138,615 48.70 1461 $71,150
Meltdown
Apex
(gallon) 0.62 463,116 $287,132 0.66 308,517 $204,527
NC3000
(gallon) 3.97 1340 $5,320 3.97 215 $854
°Collins
Snow/Ice Control Products
Regional Comparison
Granular Sand or Sand/Salt
Chlorides Liquid Chlorides Mixture
Fort Collins X X
Longmont X X
Larimer County X X
City of Boulder X X
City of Loveland X X
CDOT X X X
City of Greeley X X X
x Fort Collins
4
Snow/Ice Control Products
Environmental Impacts
• All products have potential
environmental and/or
infrastructure impacts
• The magnitude of the effect
depends on = '
— Types of materials
— Best management practices ,
— transport pathways `
— Site-specific characteristics r
� ,.,Forte`s
Snow/Ice Control Products
Environmental Impacts
• Pathway
— Material becomes
airborne
— Drains to surface water
via roadside drainage
or via soil
— Splashes on roadside
vegetation
1
`�t Collins
5
Snow/ Ice Control Products
Air Quality Impacts
• Sand
— Fine particulates degrade air quality
• Chloride - based solids & liquids
— Little/no effect
• Acetate - based deicers
— Little/no effect
Fort` Collins
im
Snow/ Ice Control Products
Water Quality Impacts
• Sand j
— Increase in turbidity ,
sedimentation
• Chloride- based solids &
liquids c
— Excessive chloride AA
loading , nutrients ,
organic material , heavy
metals
• Acetate-based deicers
— organic material , heavy
metals
City of
Fort Collins
6
Snow/Ice Control Products
Impacts to Vegetation
• Chloride-based solids & liquids 4:
— Sodium , potassium , magnesium , 4' i\I it
chloride — foliar and root damage
— Damage generally highest in areas
• With chemical splash/spray or
runoff
• Containing salt-sensitive
species r,►t +'
• Greatest on actively growing
plants (e .g . conifers)
• Acetate-based deicers
Little/no effect
1 ,,, t�h`s
Snow/Ice Control Products
Corrosion
• Corrosion
— Chloride-based deicers
• corrosion to metals ,
concrete
t
1
— PNS
• Requires corrosion testing
• 70% less corrosive to mild
steel than NaC12 for
approval
— Corrosion inhibitors added to
liquid deicers , � of
Fort` inS
7
Snow/ Ice Control Products
Corrosion
Snow/Ice Control Products Corrosion Comparison
t 00.0%
80.0%
0
60.0%
Z
0
40.0%
0
U
0 20.0%
0.0%
salt MgC12 Ice Buster Meltdown Apex NC3000
-20.0%
Deicing Material
Fort Collins
Snow/Ice Control Products
Best Management Practices
• Documented by Streets Dept
• Recommended by transportation professional
organizations
• Utilized by peers in the roadway management
industry
• Assist in managing environmental/infrastructure
impacts
Fort Collins
ANELL
Snow/ Ice Control Products
Best Management Practices
• Employee Training
— 16 hours mandatory training
— " Dry- run " demos
— Novice drivers paired with experienced drivers
during first storm event .
— More comprehensive training program under
development .
F�t`
Collins
Snow/ Ice Control Products
Best Management Practices
• Snow/Ice Control Product Storage
— Solid materials handling
• received via rail car
• Documented loading/unloading procedures to
minimize spillage
• Awarded the Salt Institute 's 2008 Excellence in
Storage Award
— Liquid materials
• Above ground storage with secondary containment
— Stormwater Runoff Control Plan
City of
Fort Collins
9
Snow/Ice Control Products
Best Management Practices
• Purchasing Specifications
— Qualified Products List (QPL )
• Specifications for contaminants
• Lab analyses
� , rt��s
Snow/Ice Control Products
Best Management Practices
• Product Application Methods
— Equipment inspections
— Plowing
— Automated deicer
application
— Snow plow trucks
equipped with calibration
devices
`fty of tins
10
Snow/ Ice Control Products
Best Management Practices
• Road and Weather Conditions Evaluation
— Six Road and Weather Stations
— Monitor roadway temperature , precipitation ,
wind speed , and other weather conditions
— Ensure right deicing strategy
F�t`
Collins
Snow/ Ice Control Products
Best Management Practices
• Post-Application Procedures
— Equipment cleaning and inspection
— After Action Review
City of
Fort Collins
11
Snow/Ice Control Products
Conclusions
• Conclusions
— FC products same/similar as other agencies
— Management of impacts via BMPs
— Research/test new products
f Wins
10
Snow/Ice Control Products
Best Management Practices
• Application Strategies
— "The right application at.
the right time with the
right chemical . "
— Pre-wetting
— Analysis of available
information
CRY ollins
12
Snow/ Ice Control Products
Recommendations
• Anti - icing program
• Water quality monitoring program
• Environmental Management System
• Comprehensive snow storage facility siting
evaluation
F�t`
Collins
Fertilizers
• Natural Areas Program
— Restoration Projects
• The Parks Division
— Approx . 800 acres of irrigated turf
• Utilities
— Facilities grounds maintenance
Fortes
13
Fertilizers
• Selection
— Specific needs of plants and vegetation
— Soil analysis
• Application
— Combination of granular applications and spray
nutrient applications without over application
— Follow manufacturer directions
F�t`
Collins
ftwL�
Pesticides
• General use pesticides
— Parks , Utilities , and Natural Areas
— Used widely by the general public
— No special licenses or training required
— Natural Areas
• Mandated to control noxious weed species
City of
Fort Collins
14
General Use Pesticides
Active
Ingredient Use
294-D systemic herbicide - broadleaf weed control
Glyphosate non-selective herbicide - Roundup and Rodeo
Dicamba weed control herbicide
Triclopyr broadleaf weeds and woody vegetation
Imazapyr non-selective herbicide - grasses and broadleaf
plants
Aminopyralid herbicide - thistle and other weeds
Clopyralid herbicide — thistle and other weeds
Imazapic selective herbicide - grasses and broadleaf weeds
Deltamethrin insecticide - control fleas in prairie dog colonies
rt�h`s
Pesticides
• General Use pesticides
— Most restricted around
water
— Active primarily via
foliar uptake
— Follow manufacturer's
application instructions
Fort Collins
15
Pesticides
• Restricted Use Pesticides
— Natural Areas Program - utilizes two restricted
use pesticides .
— Restricted due to safety concerns
— Potential environmental impacts
— Toxicity to humans
— Non -target plants or animals
— Application method (e . g . fumigants ) .
— Require special licensing , training
Fort Collins
Pesticides
• Restricted Use Pesticides
— Picloram - the active ingredient in the herbicide
Tordon .
• Noxious weed , Canada thistle control .
• Potential to contaminate groundwater, damage non-
target plants
— Aluminum Phosphide - active ingredient in the
pesticide Fumitoxin .
• Control and management of prairie dogs
• Acute inhalation toxicity of hydrogen phosphide
`ty of
16
Herbicide Application
( gallons )
Year Natural Areas Parks
2004 289 112
2005 228 142
2006 218 96
2007 170 152
2008 224 309
F�
Collins
Pesticides
Best Management Practices
• The Integrated Pest Management Approach
— Managing pests by the most economic means ,
with the least hazard to people , property , and
the environment .
— Minimize chemical use , maximize
effectiveness
City of
Fort Collins
17
Pesticides
Best Management Practices
• Product Selection and Application
— Regularly assesses available products
— Evaluated in terms of environmental risk and
product effectiveness .
• Use Rate
• Chemical break down
• Appropriate chemical for the current plant
growth stage .
— Alteration of mode of injury
F�t`
Collins
Pesticides
Best Management Practices
• Applicator Requirements
— Public/Commercial Pesticide Applicator
• Subject to periodic inspection by the
Colorado Department of Agriculture .
• Not required for general use application
City of
Fort�iins
18
Pesticides
Best Management Practices
• Employee Training
— In-house training
— Professional certifications and licenses
• Parks Division
— 7 Qualified Supervisors
— One Certified Operator
• Natural Areas
— All Classified Resource Management field personnel
Qualified Supervisors
— Majority of seasonal employees obtain Certified Operator
licenses .
— All seasonal employees - 40 hours of pesticide use
instruction
— Two Certified Managers of Invasive Plants .
City of
Fort Collins
Pesticides
Best Management Practices
• Supplemental Treatments
— Natural Areas Program
• Prescribed Fire
• Sheep Grazing
• Predatory Insect Release
• Native Grass Seeding / Cover Crop Seeding
• Alternative Non -Toxic Chemical Options
City of
Fort Collins
19
Pesticides & Fertilizers
Conclusions & Recommendations
• Managed risk via best practices and staff training
• Product selection criteria - Application , cost ,
effectiveness
• General use pesticides widely used
• Restricted use pesticides carefully evaluated by
staff and chosen based on appropriate criteria .
• Implementation of an environmental management
system is recommended .
City f
Collins
For
20