Columbia to build salt storage building
Published Sept. 12, 2006
The city of Columbia plans to start construction this week for a new storage facility to hold salt used to de-ice roads.
Dennie Pendergrass, the chief engineer of operations for the Public Works Department, said the building would allow the city to store more salt, which should decrease the chance that it will run out.
Streets division superintendent Jim McKinnon said the project should be completed in November or December.
Right now, the city can store up to 500 tons of salt. The new facility would hold 5,000 tons and snow removal equipment such as plows and spreaders.
"Five hundred tons will get us through three or four shifts (of de-icing roads)," Pendergrass said. "But if we have a bad snowstorm, we might not have enough."
McKinnon also said that the growth of the city in recent years has led to an increased demand for salt.
"We've never have a very big capacity of salt on hand in Columbia," he said. "The city is getting bigger, and 500 tons is not much."
Supporters say the new facility could also save money.
"If you buy bulk, or use off-season delivery, such as in the summer, you can save money," McKinnon said.