FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Arizona's cold weather brought snow to the northern regions of the state this last week, prompting local agencies to start treating roads to keep the snow from sticking.
A viewer recently asked whether the Arizona Department of Transportation uses liquid magnesium chloride to minimize snow build up since this viewer was concerned about possible erosion characteristics this deicer could have on cars.
Liquid magnesium chloride is often used as an anti-icing application on roads and parks, which can make it easier to clear the snow after it falls.
But deicing chemicals containing chloride have sparked concerns for their possible detrimental effect on infrastructure and the environment. Several years ago, leaders in Show Low took issue with ADOT using magnesium chloride due to its possible effects on vegetation, according to the White Mountain Independent.
12News reached out to multiple government agencies about their use of chemical deicers and found a mix of responses.
Coconino County officials said they have not used chemical deicers since 2013 due to "negative environmental impacts." The county instead uses volcanic cinders during the snowy months.
The City of Flagstaff also only uses cinders for traction control on its roads instead of chemical deicers.
Flagstaff utilized chemical deicers for a few years before the city council decided in 2013 to revert back to cinders due to concerns that the salt-based products were damaging trees.
ADOT said in the last few years the agency has begun using brine, a solution of salt and water, to treat state highways before a snow storm hits in order to delay icy conditions. Then ADOT will use a combination of liquid magnesium chloride and granular road salt to help with snow clearing efforts.
ADOT said it attempts to use the least amount of products necessary in order to mitigate any environmental concerns, as well as utilize GPS technology on its snowplows to precisely apply products.
"We are not aware of any significant vehicle issues related to our deicing efforts. However, if someone has a concern, once a storm has moved through and temperatures improve, they can consider spraying off the underside of their vehicle with water," ADOT wrote in a statement.