Sanding and Salting

by: Rowena Anderson, Jeanne Huddleston, Geoff Richards, Sarah Campbell, Terri Newman, Sarah Quinlan

Course: ERS 285, 1998
Supervisor: James Kay

Abstract

One of a university's largest resources is its people. Like many other universities, the University of Waterloo is using its valuable resource of staff, students, and faculty to make changes. Programs such as WATgreen and ERS 285 demonstrate the growing concern for both people and natural environments.

WATgreen was founded in 1990 and has continuously "presented an opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to improve the quality of their environment, while decreasing the overall operating cost of the university" (WATgreen, 1997). WATgreen has proven to be a worthwhile program. It's projects have seen great success and acceptance on the university campus.

Working alongside the WATgreen team is the ERS 285 class. ERS 285 "students are expected, on the basis of their analysis, to identify where environmental performance might be improved on campus" (Greening the Campus, 1998). The course offers a chance for students, with the help of WATgreen and other faculty members, to identify, explore, and evaluate a system on campus. These evaluations and resulting suggestions can then be implemented in order to create a more sustainable campus.

In this particular ERS 285 project we will be studying snow and ice removal currently in operation at the University of Waterloo. We focused on the sanding and salting system used on campus which involves the de-icing and traction procedures used by Plant Operations at the University. The following report is an evaluation of this system in terms of its sustainability on campus.

This project is available for viewing by the UW community.


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Last updated: April 23, 1998 plc