Environmentally Friendly Winter Road Treatment

WOOSTER, OH – May 6, 2025 — The City of Wooster is excited to announce the implementation of new snow and ice control equipment following the receipt of a $27,799 matching grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s H2Ohio River Initiative Chloride Reduction Program. The grant was officially awarded on September 1, 2024, and the final piece of equipment—a 1,200-gallon tank and applicator—arrived last week, marking full deployment readiness.

Part of Project 25H2OSALT-61E, this initiative supports the city's efforts to reduce chloride use during winter operations by using brine, a liquid deicer. The new equipment includes:

• AccuBatch Brine Maker
• Camion Ice Master T-Series 1,200-gallon tank applicator
• Camion Ice Master U-Series 100-gallon tank applicator

Key Benefits of the Brine System:

• Cuts rock salt usage by 20–25%
• Reduces labor, material, and equipment costs
• Lessens environmental impact by minimizing calcium chloride runoff into waterways
• Prevents ice from bonding to pavement and improves melting efficiency
• Reduces the scatter and bounce of traditional road salt

The AccuBatch Brine Maker is fully automated to produce a 23.3% brine solution and can be operated by a single person 24/7. It will support not only city streets but also operations at Wooster Community Hospital and Wooster City Schools.

The City’s strategy includes both anti-icing and pre-wetting techniques, allowing for more proactive and effective snow and ice control. Liquid application rates range from 20 to 40 gallons per lane mile, and 6–8 gallons per ton when pre-wetting solid salt.

“This investment in modern equipment represents a major win for both public safety and environmental protection,” said Curt Denning, Public Properties Manager. “We're proud to be reducing costs while also doing our part to protect local streams, rivers, and lakes.”

For more information, contact Curt Denning at cdenning@woosteroh.com.