The City of Lahti (Finland) will replace salt in de-icing agents with biodegradable EcoMelter products in a move to protect groundwater. The products are used in street maintenance, not only for the purpose of de-icing and anti-icing, but also for dust control in winter and summer.

The EcoMelter product was used for the first time in Lahti on 23 October 2017. This winter the biodegradable product will be used across the city centre.

The change to EcoMelter aims to protect groundwater in the city and Lahti region. Salinisation is one of the key variables used in monitoring the chemical status of groundwater throughout the EU. In Lahti, the environmental quality standard for chloride content is exceeded in many areas. Groundwater in the city centre area has been recorded up to four times over the limit.

Ismo Malin, Manager of Water Conservation in Lahti, believes the reduction in salting will significantly protect the groundwater resources.

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