Middleburg Heights, Ohio — Snow crews are working round-the-clock to keep roads safe.
But now, the City of Middleburg Heights is clearing streets and going green.
“We’ve used a new deicer for the past month,” said Public Service Director Jim Herron. “What makes it special is that it works at lower temperatures so now we’re getting a good chance with this cold weather out now — 7 to 9 degrees — to try it and make sure it keep our roads wet and safe.”
The city is testing, Clearlane, a pre-wetted deicer that’s heavier and that can handle colder temperatures, Herron said.
“Rock salt is really only effective until 20 degrees,” Herron said. “But this is effective down below 10 degrees.”
Clearlane costs about $10 more per ton than what the city’s used in the past, but Mayor Gary W. Starr says the Middleburg Heights has saved up to $10,000 this past month by switching to the new product.
“We’re using less labor costs and there’s less wear and tear on our equipment,” Starr said. “Equipment savings, labor savings and overall it’s environmentally friendly and green because it keeps salts out of the rivers and streams.”