Commercial Centers | Pennsylvania Road Salt Action

How to Talk with a Local Commercial Center About Over‑Salting

If you regularly see excessive salt use at a commercial property, you can play an important role in helping to reduce pollution.

This guide walks you through how to speak up effectively, respectfully, and constructively.

Note: Please let PARSA know about any actions you have taken.

What were your successes and challenges?
Are there any other resources that you need?
Contact us at paroadsaltactionwg@gmail.com

Before you start, take some time to educate yourself on this topic, then follow the steps below:

Snow and Ice Management for Parking Lots and Sidewalks - What do Property Managers Need to Know? from Smart Salt Collaborative gives a thorough overview of what facility managers need to know about winter maintenance.

1. Document What You See

Take clear, close‑up photographs
Property managers often work in another state and may never see the site in person. Good photos help them understand the issue.

Include:

Up‑close images of excessive salt, salt piles, or salt washing away
A photo of the commercial property’s sign
Any visible stockpile issues (uncovered piles, runoff, etc.)

After reviewing your photos, select the three images that best tell the story.

2. Speak with the On‑Site Manager

Walk into the business politely and ask to speak with the manager.

During the conversation:

Briefly explain that more salt is being used than is necessary for safety.
Mention that excess salt harms local waterways.
Identify yourself as part of a local watershed group (e.g., MWS) to show you are a credible, community‑focused resource.
Ask them to take simple corrective actions such as:
- Cleaning up loose salt piles
- Covering the stockpile
- Reducing application rates

Keep the tone friendly and collaborative. Property managers are partners in reducing salt pollution.

3. If the Manager Refers You to the Property Manager

Sometimes the on‑site manager will say that salting is handled by the property manager (PM).

If so:

Ask for the property manager’s name, phone number, and email address.
If they cannot provide it, you can usually find it online.

You can also ask an AI tool to help by using a prompt such as:

“Find the property owner and property manager’s name and contact information for the _________ (name of shopping center) located in __________ (county, state).”

4. Email the Property Manager (or call and hopefully follow up with email)

Use this sample text to send a clear, respectful message:

Subject: Concern Regarding Excessive Salt Use at _________ (Property Name)

I am writing to raise a serious concern regarding the _________ (property name) located at ____________ (address), PA. The contractor for the property manager is applying excessive amounts of road salt to the parking lot, far more than is necessary to maintain safety.

Today, there are visible piles of road salt around the parking lot, along with evidence of salt washing away from the covered salt pile. I have photos available for your review.

I respectfully request that ____________ (PM or owner) take immediate action to address this matter. Reducing excessive salt use will protect both public safety and the local environment.

It is important to note that salt does not simply “wash away” after a snow event. Instead, it drains into our creeks and infiltrates groundwater, ultimately reaching our drinking water supplies. Road salt is not removed by water treatment plants, meaning the pollution persists and accumulates.

5. Contact the Anchor Store

This step can be surprisingly effective.

Visit the anchor store’s website and use the Contact Us form: