Flemish Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Jo Brouns, has raised concerns over the environmental impact of urea-based de-icing pellets, which are marketed as a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional road salt.
Brouns has called for further research into the use of these products and a push for greater consumer awareness of their potential environmental risks.
Speaking at a session of the Environment Committee of the Flemish Parliament on Tuesday, Brouns emphasized his concerns about the widespread use of urea as a de-icing agent.
“I have serious concerns about the use of this product,” he stated, highlighting the potential negative effects of urea on water quality.
Urea, commonly known for its use as a fertiliser, is effective in melting ice and snow at temperatures as low as -10°C.
While some view urea as a greener option compared to sodium chloride, which is commonly used in road salt, Brouns disputes the environmental claims of urea-based products.
He argued that, like other fertilisers, urea can convert into ammonium and nitrate, substances that can lead to water pollution if they seep into drainage systems and waterways.
The minister stressed that, while farmers are under increasing pressure to mitigate the environmental impact of fertilisers, the same standards do not apply to urea-based de-icing products.
“We demand significant efforts from our farmers to mitigate the environmental impact of fertilisers,” Brouns pointed out. “It is therefore unfair that this product can be freely used as a de-icing agent without any regulation, directly affecting our waterways.”
In response to questions from Lydia Peeters (Open VLD) and Jurgen Callaerts (N-VA), Brouns confirmed that his administration would initiate measures to better track the use of urea-based de-icing pellets.
This data will be used to assess the scope of the product’s usage and determine possible actions to restrict its use in the future.
Brouns has also called for increased consumer education on the environmental effects of urea, urging citizens to consider the long-term consequences of using such products.
As part of his strategy, the Flemish government plans to map out the use of urea-based de-icing agents across the region to support targeted interventions aimed at reducing its environmental footprint.
Environmental experts have voiced support for Brouns’ call to action, noting that while de-icing is essential for road safety during the winter months, there needs to be a more balanced approach that minimizes environmental harm.
Some have suggested that alternatives, such as potassium acetate or sand, could be more effective at reducing environmental damage, though these options are often more costly than traditional salt or urea.
As the issue continues to gain attention, the Flemish government is expected to push forward with research into alternative de-icing solutions.
Brouns’ initiative could mark the beginning of broader discussions around the regulation of de-icing agents, with the aim of striking a balance between safety, cost, and environmental sustainability.
In the coming months, more will be revealed about how the Flemish government plans to tackle the environmental challenges posed by urea-based de-icing pellets, and whether stricter regulations will be implemented to protect local ecosystems from further harm.
