Prior to prolonged freezing weather, on November 27, 2012, the City of Sequim will begin applying the liquid de-icing agent magnesium chloride in key areas such as overpasses, hills, intersections, and roundabouts.
Residents can expect to see some damp streaks in a striping pattern on the roads where the de-icing agent is laid down.
Magnesium chloride is most effective when applied to dry roads. It is effective as a de-icing agent between the temperatures of 40° F and – 15° F.
The City of Sequim began using magnesium chloride in the winter of 2011/2012. It is an environmentally safe product that is over 85% less corrosive than salt and has half the toxicity of baking soda. Magnesium chloride has been used for decades nationwide, including by the City of Port Angeles and the Washington State Department of Transportation, and has shown no adverse effect on streets, surrounding plants, or the overall environment.
Magnesium chloride is a cost effective de-icing agent costing the City of Sequim approximately $500 to $1,500 per year compared to road salt at $5,000 to $8,000 per year and sand at $6,000 to $10,000 per year, plus the cost of extra street sweeping to pick up the sand after each storm event.
For more information on magnesium chloride visit www.freezgard.com or contact City of Sequim Streets Manager Mike Brandt at 360-683-4908 or mbrandt@sequimwa.gov with questions.