SPARKS, NV – The City of Sparks, Nev., is now using a brine system on its snow-removal fleet.

“Using brine results in less sand on the roadways, which during ice events becomes pulverized airborne dust and reduces our air quality,” said Ron Korman, fleet and facilities manager for City of Sparks Public Works. “Plus we’ll be getting out in front of storms, because with brine, ice doesn’t have the opportunity to attach itself to asphalt as readily. It starts the melting process earlier and makes it more efficient.”

According to the City, it received an air quality grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to fund the brine applicators, the brine production system, and containment/storage systems. The City plans to have five trucks operating during the winter season.