What chemicals are used to melt snow?

In recent years, the City’s primary tool to pre-treat roads and melt ice has been salt brine, a combination of common rock salt and water.  In some instances, we also utilize untreated rock salt, sand or liquid de-icing agents which are non-corrosive and work at lower temperatures.

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1. Why does it take so long to plow the streets?
2. I have 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. How do I know when the storm is officially over?
3. What are the consequences of not clearing my sidewalk?
4. I am elderly or physically unable to shovel snow from my sidewalk. What can I do?
5. A street near mine was just plowed. Does that mean my street will be next?
6. How does the City know which streets have been plowed?
7. My trash and recycling wasn’t picked up because of the snow. When can I expect it to be collected?
8. How many vehicles does the city have working during a snow operation?
9. How many employees typically work a storm? What do they do?
10. What chemicals are used to melt snow?
11. Are the chemicals used corrosive or harmful to the environment?