Pollution of water and soil

Cleaning surface water of particles, particle bound heavy metals and PAH. Extensive use of de-icing salt causes problems in lakes, ground water and private wells; resulting in a strategy for reduced salt use.

Sedimentary ponds are built along the largest roads, and in or outside tunnels, to reduce the pollution from run-off water. Use of studded tyres increases the amount of particles in the run-off water. Particle bound heavy metals and PAH are deposited to a certain degree, but up to now no ponds can handle dissolved heavy metal effectively. Some new ponds will be prepared for use of additional filter to clean dissolved pollutants more effective.

The use of de-icing salt has been heavily increased the last years in Norway. (140.000 tonnes of salt/year). Salt will not deposit in sedimentary ponds. On some road stretches the use of de-icing salt has been stopped to protect sources for drinking water.