Snow = salt and grit

Protein · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:13 pm Post subject: Snow = salt and grit

With the recent heavy snowfall, local authorities are spreading tons of salt and grit.

Question is, what effect, if any does this have on the environment?

Presumably the grit will probably mix with the soil, and encourage alpine type plants along the road.

But what of the salt?

me

ormondsview · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:20 pm Post subject: salt on road

It will burn the grass and plants a little but eventually the rain will wash it away. What's worse is the result on plants that are tender perennials. Some may not make it without covering.

kindredspirit · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 8:21 am Post subject:

They haven't spread ANY salt or sand around us!

sunnymount farm · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 10:30 am Post subject:

I asked the same question last night and It also lead me to think What about the fish? I have noticed that all lakes and even flowing rivers have all frozen over. Does anyone know what happens the fish?

ormondsview · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 10:48 am Post subject: fish in winter

Water will freeze up to about 4 feet only. Our pond in the garden has a running hose hooked to the circulation system, called a bubbler, to keep the water flowing and keep an air hole open for the fish. They survive all winter just fine, going into a dormant state. You can if fact see them suspended in almost a block of ice in some rivers. http://redoubtreporter.blogspot.com/2009/01/science-of-seasons-many-factors-affect.html Most lakes near Coornagillagh are shallow so many fish may die according to this article which says the oxygen could drop and kill them in the spring. The impact on tourism will be huge in that event. Your local fish and forestry ministries should be writing about it in the media for public awareness about the dangers of ice.

How are the sheep doing in the mountains?

ormondsview

Birds need to have water in winter as it takes energy to melt snow to keep hydrated. If you have a running water system in your pond, many birds will flock to it. Squirrels have a habitat around the pond in winter as a ready supply. These doves all flocked one evening as word went out that there was a source for them.

forest flame · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 3:31 pm Post subject:

i fully expected not to see the fish in my pond until the spring but they are swimming around under the ice. i am amazed they are not at the bottom.i have a pump circulating the water but it is still freezing with just a small air hole made by the hose going in to the pond.

kindredspirit · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 5:59 pm Post subject:

Part of our pond today.

forest flame · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 12:11 pm Post subject:

LOOKS DEADLY KS

kindredspirit · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 5:37 pm Post subject:

James Kilkelly · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 7:56 pm Post subject:

ICEBERG ahead.

sunnymount farm · Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 9:33 am Post subject:

Cheers ormondsview, you've put my mind at rest and saved me the bother from running around with a pick breaking ice on lakes. We have a few sheep out at the moment and they're getting fed-up with the sharp ice on the fields. But the big thaw is on and I would say by the end of the week we should be back to normal, but very cold.