water desalination basin

[GarySki]

Has anybody designed an earthen basin that desalinates runoff? Should this basin be lined to prevent sub-surface salt migration? We are having plants die that are downstream from snow stockpile runoff.

 

[ACtrafficengr]

Since salt is soluble, it will not settle out. The only two options are to add more water (dilution) or use less salt.

Things to look into include:

Presalting: A thin layer of salt or brine spread shortly before the storm helps keep snow from adhering to the pavement. To get the same effect after it snows needs much more salt, since the salt is diluted as it melts its way down to the surface.

Adjusting salt use based on weather (less is needed at 28 degrees F than 20).

Calibrating your spreaders, so you don't use more than you need.

Salt substitutes. Some are less toxic than NaCl. There is some evidence that salt/sand mixes are no more effective. When using a 10% salt mixture, 8 to 12 times as much is needed than straight salt. So, the same amount of salt is used, and your drainage system gets clogged with sand.

"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

"I'm searching for the questions, so my answers will make sense." - Stephen Brust

 

[bimr]

There are only limited areas where the climate would allow such a basin to work. In the southwest for example.

You would have to line the basin.