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How much ice melt do you need? Not as much as you think
We’re tracking what could be the first measurable snow to hit the D.C. region this season – and many will break out the ice melt to keep their sidewalks and driveways free from ice. But how much ice melt do you really need?
WASHINGTON - We're tracking what could be the first measurable snow to hit the D.C. region this season – and many will break out the ice melt to keep their sidewalks and driveways free from ice.
But how much ice melt do you really need?
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Ryan Zerbe, with the Maryland Department of Environmental Protection in Montgomery County, says not as much as you think.
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Tracking Winter Weather: Hazards of ice melt contaminating area water
FOX 5’s Melanie Alnwick and WSSC Water’s Lynn Riggins discuss hazards of ice melt contaminating area water.
FOX 5's Melanie Alnwick spoke with Zerbe who said a 12-ounce coffee mug is really all that's needed to protect your driveway or your section of walkway.
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Zerbe demonstrated that 12 ounces of melt would cover a typical driveway -- about 20 feet by 10 feet -- or approximately 10 sidewalk squares which adds up to about 40 feet.
Zerbe says if you want to keep your area ice free:
- Shovel first and shovel early
- Be sensible -- less is more when it comes to ice melt
- After it melts -- sweep it up -- it can be reused