Number
121477
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI
Title
Resolution relating to the use of cheese brine as a supplement to rock salt on City streets.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Public Works to conduct a study of the feasibility of using cheese brine as a de-icing agent to supplement the use of rock salt on City streets.
Body
Whereas, Brine may be used as a supplement to the traditional snow and ice control method of spreading rock salt; and
Whereas, Brine is applied to road surfaces in advance of a predicted snow event; and
Whereas, Rather than melting the ice or snow, brine prevents the bonding of ice or snow to the roadway, and stays bound to the road even after the surface is plowed; and
Whereas, The brine method is easier and more efficient to apply, safer to operate, more cost effective and better on the environment than traditional salt operations; and
Whereas, The use of cheese brine has become a cost-effective alternative to spreading road salt; and
Whereas, Using recycled cheese brine has less of an environmental impact than using other chemicals to de-ice slippery roads; and
Whereas, Polk County, Wisconsin, which has used cheese brine since December, 2009, has saved substantial funds because cheese brine is less expensive than road salt; and
Whereas, Polk County has partnered with a local cheese plant to use the plant's brine waste free of charge; and
Whereas, In Polk County, in the first year of use, the use of brine reduced the county's salt use by 30% to 40%; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Public Works is directed to conduct a study of the feasibility of using cheese brine as a de-icing agent and as a supplement to rock salt on City streets, and to submit a report of its finding to the Common Council within 90 days of the adoption of this resolution.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB0145167-1
TWM/lp
2/1/2013