Mount Allison University exploring new methods in snow and ice management on campus

The 2018-19 academic year has included one of the most eventful winters in recent history. While storm notices and announcements have made headlines several times this winter, the department of Facilities Management at Mount Allison University has been working in all weather to ensure safe campus conditions while continually considering the most environmentally-conscious methods.

“One area we’ve been examining over the past year, in collaboration with the University’s Environmental Issues Committee, has been salt use on campus and the related industry best practices,” says Neil MacEachern, Mount Allison’s director of facilities management. “Staff members have received training in snow and ice management and we assessed our snow moving equipment over the past year and adjusted it accordingly. We’re hoping to move towards more efficient and environmentally-friendly methods for areas like salt use, while ensuring safe surfaces across campus.”

On a typical winter day, the grounds crew begins snow and ice clearance at 5 a.m. to ensure all campus roads, walkways, steps, parking lots, and emergency exits are cleared for the University’s 8:30 a.m. opening. Certain areas, such as residences and the dining hall, which open earlier, even during storms, require additional attention in the early hours. The regular grounds crew of eight can put in days as long as 16-hours to ensure campus stays clear and safe during stormy weather. In addition, the custodial crew ensures entrances and fire exits remain clear, and additional facilities management staff members are called upon when required.

Facilities Management has also been working with classes in environmental sciences and geographic information systems to look at salt use on campus and potential alternatives that are more environmentally-friendly and economical. Students in Dr. Joshua Kurek’s limnology class are studying the overall effects of salt use in the region on fresh water systems, as well as researching potential alternatives to maintain safe conditions in winter weather. Dr. David Lieske’s geographic information systems class is also reviewing campus to determine particularly slippery sections and share their findings with the University.

“Students are engaged when they see connections between in-class learning and the wider world. Over use of salt is a global environmental problem and has connections to science, policy, human behaviour, safety, and even finances,” says Kurek. “A perfect learning opportunity exists for sparking discussion and solutions to this environmental issue on our campus.”

MacEachern agrees.

“It’s a win-win situation to be working with students on these kinds of projects,” says MacEachern. “The University gets some valuable insight from the class and the students get a chance to engage in experiential learning right here on campus. We’re looking forward to hearing from the class this term.”

MacEachern adds that, in addition to reviewing potential equipment upgrades for efficient salt use, the University has also explored a number of alternative approaches to salt use and continues to test various methods such as brining to manage snow and ice on campus in the future.