Item B - Ice and Snow Policy - Laserfiche WebLink

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Anti-icing and deicing products can be applied proactively to improve driver safety. These products can be applied prior to inclement winter weather, preventing frost, ice and/or snow from bonding to the road surface. Deicers can also be used after a weather event to help accelerate the melting process. This type of proactive approach to ice and snow control helps reduce the number of potential auto accidents and personal injuries. The Colorado Department of Transportation found that increasing the use of liquid deicers in five areas around the Denver metro area over a two-year period reduced accidents by an average of 67 percent. A similar study published by the Federal Highway Administration shows an 83 percent reduction in accidents over the course of three-years on a section of highway in Idaho. Within the City of Eugene's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), both the Oregon Department of Transportation and Lane County Public Works use anti-icing and de-icing products on major streets and highways they maintain. Using products similar to those used by these agencies will help provide continuous conditions for the traveling public. The City has had the opportunity this season to apply an anti-icing agent on designated snow routes and has found the results to be highly effective. RELATED CITY POLICIES The Eugene City Council has adopted policies that direct the City to pursue sustainability (Resolution 4618), protect natural resources (Growth Management Policy # 17) and recover threatened Upper Willamette Spring Chinook Salmon (Resolution 4615) in its activities. The City of Eugene is committed to promoting a sustainable future that meets today's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, and accepts its responsibility to: · Support a stable, diverse and equitable economy · Protect the quality of the air, water, land and other natural resources · Conserve native vegetation, fish, wildlife and other ecosystems · Minimize human impacts on local, regional and worldwide ecosystems. Ice and snow control practices and products have been reviewed by the City of Eugene's Environmental Policy Team. The overall conclusion of studies reviewed by staff on de-icing/anti-icing products currently being used by Public Works is that environmental impacts to air and water quality, and aquatic life are unlikely to occur when these products are applied in accordance to established application methods and quantity rates (see attachments B through E, environmental studies and guidelines). Furthermore, reducing the amount of abrasives used for traction control helps improve air and water quality. Fewer applications of abrasives reduces fossil fuel emissions associated with diesel trucks and street sweepers. Reducing the quantity of abrasives applied and reclaimed for snow and ice control has a direct positive effect on the county landfill. Another goal of the City Council is to provide a "safe community." The appropriate use of snow and ice control products and techniques will allow for a more proactive approach to maintain safe streets during winter storms. COUNCIL OPTIONS 1. Amend the City's Ice and Snow Removal Policy by repealing Resolution 4278 and replacing it with a proposed new resolution (see Attachment A). By adopting the proposed new resolution, anti-icing L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050228\S050228B.doc