This report analyzes the performance, environmental effects, and economic costs of seven deicing materials: sodium chloride (road salt), CMA (calcium magnesium acetate), CMS-B (a patented product, Motech, containing principally potassium chloride), CG-90 Surface Saver (a patented corrosion-inhibiting salt), calcium chloride, Verglimit (a patented concrete road surface containing calcium chloride pellets), and sand (an abrasive). The data for the analysis of deicer performance are derived from current literature. The environmental effects are derived from literature and from a special Great Lakes chloride loading model constructed for this study. The economic costs are derived from actual and estimated costs and the application of depreciation rates tailored to Michigan.
