Delayed Salt Deliveries May Hinder Towns’ Storm Response

Recent delays in road salt deliveries could impact how towns in Allegheny County prepare for the upcoming winter storm. The storm is expected to bring significant snowfall, with projections indicating between 6 to 12 inches between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Delayed Salt Deliveries Impacting Local Preparedness

As counties brace for the storm, a number of municipalities have reported critically low salt supplies. For example, Springdale received a last-minute shipment of salt just in time to navigate through the weekend. Borough Manager Terry Carcella stated that they had been running on critically low levels prior to the delivery.

Root Causes of the Delay

The delays are attributed to issues with Compass Minerals America, the trucking company responsible for salt deliveries through the South Hills Area Council of Governments (SHACOG). According to Patrick Connors, the executive director of SHACOG, they became aware of the delays on January 14. Municipalities began reaching out for assistance shortly thereafter.

• About 99 communities depend on SHACOG for their salt needs.
• Salt is shipped via barge from Louisiana, which complicates replenishment efforts.
• Orders have exceeded expectations due to previous winter weather conditions.

Communities Implementing Salt Conservation Strategies

Some towns have already begun to strategize on how to manage their limited salt supply in light of the impending storm. Brackenridge officials mentioned that they only received half of their ordered salt. Borough Manager Chad Edwards remarked, “Things will be running tight, depending on the circumstances.”

Specific Municipal Responses

In Plum, officials indicated they have enough salt to endure the storm but will enter “conservation mode” soon. This involves focusing on critical areas like hills and intersections. The borough is also stocked with anti-skid material for supplementary traction.

Other municipalities are adopting similar response plans:

• Gilpin Township: Uses ash cinders for traction since they have no salt storage.
• O’Hara Township: Believes their road management will remain manageable.
• West Deer Township: Reported having sufficient salt on hand with solid pre-storm preparations.

The Regional Salt Supply Situation

The broader situation surrounding salt supplies has raised concerns across Allegheny Valley. Springdale Solicitor Craig Alexander noted that nearly all municipalities are dealing with similar shortages. As a result, towns are prioritizing salting key roads first.

Emergency Measures and Strategic Planning

PennDOT has also outlined a strategy to prioritize major interstate highways and secondary roads based on the storm’s intensity. This will involve continual adjustments to ensure the safety of the roads and residents.

As communities prepare for the unpredictable weather ahead, many towns are reevaluating their salt management strategies to ensure the safety and accessibility of local roadways. The anticipated snowfall could make this task challenging but crucial for the immediate future.