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  • Writer's picturejtanu071

Recommendations on Policy Changes Regarding Ethylene Gylcol

Authors: Chanelle Febre, Policy Analyst & Cole McRae, JD of Environmental Law


  • The change of policy should be focused on finding a balance in maintaining road safety and the environmental health of the citizens of Ottawa.

  • We should keep using salt because it has proved to be effective in the past, and it’s environmental impacts are not as serious in comparison to ethylene glycol.

    • Although, we need to use salt to its full potential (e.g. wetting before application so it can be spread out over a larger area)

  • But, when the temperature drops below 15 degrees, we should use ethylene glycol in selective areas before road conditions become too dangerous.

    • We emphasize that it should never be used in places like conservation areas and lakes (for environmental sustainability)

    • Also, it should never be used in highly populated residential areas, such as the suburbs.

  • Ethylene glycol should be exclusively used on highways, where the most harmful accidents occur

  • Since we are the first city to try using ethylene glycol like this, we need to start using the substance in small solutions and in very select areas. If there are no problems found, we can increase the use accordingly.

    • Perhaps we could start with less concentrated mixtures of ethylene glycol as well.

  • A pilot study should be initially conducted in a select region of Ottawa to assess any unforeseen circumstances of using ethylene glycol and whether it is truly cost effective.

  • Ottawa should selectively use ethylene glycol during the most frigid temperature of winter season (sub -20C) where rock salt is inadequate.

  • Since the sweet taste of ethylene glycol would make it attractive to animals & children, an agent should be included in the de-icer to make it less palatable, ultimately increasing its environmental safety.

  • Funding for research on long term implications of ethylene glycol on the environment

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