'Don’t Be Salty New York’ campaign urges less rock salt use

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Winter weather has a good grasp on Western New York early on in the season. Along with snow, comes ice.

Many folks and municipalities are using rock salt to keep sidewalks and roadways clear of ice. But, how much rock salt should we be using?

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says not a lot.

The DEC recently launched a new campaign called 'Don's Be Salty, New York" to encourage New Yorkers to reduce rock salt and help reduce pollution of local waterways and drinking water supplies.

While applying rock salt improves travel safety, overuse can drive up costs, damage infrastructure, pollute waterways and affect drinking water, officials said.

The DEC says overuse of rock salt can pollute surface and groundwater, harm fish and vegetation,