In this episode of the River of Ideas podcast, host Nick Busse chats with Connie Fortin, the Low-Salt Strategist at Bolton & Menk, Inc., and a recognized expert in smart salting practices. Together, they dive into the pressing issue of chloride pollution in our waterways, a problem driven by the overuse of road salts and de-icing chemicals. Connie shares her journey from a background in computer science to becoming a leader in sustainable salt practices. The conversation covers the impact of chloride on the environment, the challenges of reducing salt usage while maintaining safety, and innovative strategies like low-salt design that can help mitigate this invisible yet harmful pollutant. Tune in to learn about the small design changes that can make a big difference in winter safety and water quality, and get inspired by Connie's passion for protecting our water resources.
Images Discussed During the Podcast — https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBEWN5
Links:
Connie Fortin — https://www.bolton-menk.com/real-people/more-people/connie-fortin-2/
Low-Salt Design — https://www.bolton-menk.com/resources/designing-for-a-low-salt-future/
Credits:
Nick Busse — Host, Video Production
Akadia Johnson — Audio Production
Connie Fortin — Guest
About River of Ideas:
River of Ideas is a podcast about greener cities and cleaner water through science and urban planning. We cover topics like green infrastructure, water quality, landscape design, ecology, environmental policy, and environmental justice.
River of Ideas is produced by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, a Minneapolis-based joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Learn more at mwmo.org.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed by speakers on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the MWMO. The information provided during these episodes is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The MWMO does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the MWMO.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: What is Low-Salt Design?
01:00 - How Road Salt Pollutes Waterbodies
04:41 - Journey from Computer Science to Environmental Advocacy
08:04 - Developing the First Smart Salting Curriculum
13:41 - Designing Infrastructure to Minimize Salt Usage
19:21 - Principles of Low-Salt Design
30:29 - Examples of Infrastructure Design Problems
40:37 - How Do We Solve the Chloride Problem?
45:35 - Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening! Check us out at mwmo.org.