2.425 tons of salt during winter 2009-2010

This page has been automatically translated from French into English by a translation software. Automatic translations are not as accurate as translations made by professional human translators. Nevertheless these pages can help you understand information published by the City of Brussels.

   

The scattering team of the City of Brussels consists of 14 voluntary employees from the cleanliness service. These workmen are always available between 15 December and 15 March, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. This period may be extended if necessary.

Scatter salt on icy roads

During the winter of 2009-2010, a total of 2.320 tons of salt were used and scattered by the team and their trucks. Last year 623 tons were enough. Moreover, the street sweepers scattered 105 tons by hand on the sidewalks and places unreachable for the trucks. The service also distributes the salt bags to city buildings, schools and cemeteries.

The City of Brussels never had an acute shortage because it has a contract with 2 different companies. Only the delivery was sometimes a little extended.

Severe winter

The team scattered salt during 18 days of freezing weather. On average, approximately 120 tons per day were scattered:

• 847 tons in December
• 871 tons in January
• 602 tons in February

During the severe frost of 17 to 19 December 2009, the team was on standby for 3 days. During the whole winter there were inspection rounds at 5 am and sometimes 3 am to avoid icy and slippery roads.