NCDOT sprays over 1 million gallons of brine on NC roads ahead of winter storm

As North Carolina prepares for severe winter weather, the Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has applied over a million gallons of salt brine to roads as part of its pre-treatment strategy to prevent ice formation. However, environmental concerns are raised regarding the long-term effects of salt runoff on local waterways and fish populations, as experts warn about the detrimental impact on aquatic ecosystems from high chloride concentrations. Despite these concerns, NCDOT maintains that safety is their top priority, with crews ready to address icy conditions using various strategies tailored to the weather. Preparations include staging plows and spreaders, with rotating crews set to work 12-hour shifts during the storm. The agency is also monitoring the effects of rain, which could wash away the salt brine application, complicating their efforts. Officials urge residents to avoid driving during the storm to allow crews to operate effectively and safely.