In this week’s column of “You Ask, Patch Answers,” a new feature where we find the answers to your questions, reader Robert Rovenolt asked about the ice melt and whether it was a different substance this year in Boston.
“[My question] concerns the different snow/ice melt the DPW spread on the streets during the last storm,” he wrote. “It seems like a new substance that is now coating everything…cars, buildings and people when it blows in clouds down the street. It stings the eyes and I’m sure it’s not good for are 4 pawed friends! What’s up DPW?”
I reached out to the City of Boston, to the mayor’s office and to the Boston Public Works Department. The mayor’s spokesperson said there’s nothing new or unusual happening with the snow/ice melt this year.
“Public Works places salt or a salt and water mixture called brine to the roads,” wrote John Guilfoil in an email. “There are no other chemicals used to treat the roads.”
Robert, hopefully that answers your question!
Got a question about the neighborhood you want answered? Submit it in the comments below. Each week Patch will pick a question to research and answer the following week. Add your question today!
SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates