Northeast Nursery, Inc. offers landscaping supplies, natural and veneer stone, landscape design services and plants to homeowners contractors and professionals in the New England area.

Videos

Join our list

Alternative Fuels

Contractor Center: Calcium Magnesium Acetate

Frequently Asked Questions about CMA

What are the main benefits of CMA?

Low Corrosion	Unlike calcium chloride, Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) is not corrosive
Safe for Concrete	CMA is the safest deicer for concrete
Safe for Children & Pets	It does not require protective gloves to handle and does not harm skin
Environmentally Safe	CMA biodegrades to CO2 and H2O, has very low toxicity levels and is even safe for vegetation
Residual Effect	Requires fewer applications and lasts long, resists freezing

Why was CMA developed?

There has always been concern for damage to the environment and to structures caused by chloride de-icers. In the 1970’s, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) identified calcium magnesium acetate as the only low-corrosion chemical alternative to road salt that also protected the environment.

Does CMA affect the environment?

When absorbed into the soil, CMA’s calcium and magnesium components benefit the soil structure. The acetate portion of CMA biodegrades naturally into Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Water (H2O).

Does CMA cause corrosion on roads, bridges, parking garages, etc.?

No significant corrosion of steel, aluminum, or concrete has been found in repeated tests with CMA -sponsored by the FHWA, states, and private researchers.

Is there government awareness of CMA?

In 1991, Congress passed the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) providing states with 80% reimbursement for use of Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) on bridges, overpasses and approaches.

What are the environmental impact differences between deicing salt with CMA and deicing salt with Calcium Chloride pellets?

Environmental Impact	Calcium Magnesium Acetate	Calcium Chloride
Soils	Biodegradable in soil No adverse effect on soil compaction and strength Increases soil permeability	Chloride may accumulate in soil Breaks down soil structure, increases erosion Causes soil compaction, which decreases permeability
Vegetation	Little or no adverse effect May stimulate plant growth Acetate ion is the most abundant organic acid metabolite found in nature	Osmotic stress and soil compaction harm root systems Spray causes foliage dehydration damage Many plant species are salt sensitive
Groundwater	Poor mobility in soil, unlikely to reach groundwater Calcium and Magnesium increases water hardness	Mobile Sodium and Chlorine ions readily reach groundwater Increases Sodium and Chlorine concentrations in well water along with alkalinity and hardness
Surface Water	Potential for oxygen depletion through biological oxygen demand (BOD) at concentrations greater then 100 ppm in closed systems Decomposes in 5 days at 20°C, 10 days at 10°C, 100 days at 2° C. Will not stimulate algae growth	Causes density stratification in ponds and lakes, which can prevent reoxygenation Increases runoff of heavy metals and nutrients through increased erosion

Storm Center Hotline
Our storm center is open extended hours during and after storms: Call 508-733-9955

Return to top

Contractor Center: Calcium Magnesium Acetate

Northeast Nursery Garden Center
234 Newbury Street, Peabody, MA 01960
Telephone: 978-535-6550
Hours: Mon-Sat 7-7, Sun 8-6
for Map and Driving Directions

Northeast Nursery Contractor Center
6 Dearborn Road, Peabody, MA 01960
Telephone: 978-854-4520
Hours: Mon-Sat 7-6, Sun 8-6
for Map and Driving Direction

©Copyright 2005-2013 Northeast Nursery, Inc. All rights reserved.
Please note: Although we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our web site, policies, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice.
We only ship to the New England Area. Northeast Nursery, Inc. is not responsible for typographical errors.

Web site design by Jeanne Daneau.