FAQs • Washington County, IA • CivicEngage

I've seen plow trucks on the road that sometimes aren't spreading salt. Why don't they since they're there anyway?: Salt does not melt ice, but it does lower the freezing temperature of water. This works down to a temperature of approximately 20 degrees. At a critical temperature of about 20 degrees, applying salt to roads packed with snow or ice may create worse problems by causing the snow or ice to "glaze" or form a slick shiny surface. Also, during windy storms, snow will often blow off a bare road, whereas salt will sometimes cause the snow to begin to stick. We monitor the forecast and current temperatures to determine the most efficient use of our salt.

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Engineering & Secondary Roads

1. How do I get a new driveway?: You must have a permit to put in a new driveway. Read more here.

2. How do I get dust control by my property?: Contact an approved dust control supplier for Washington County. They will provide you with our dust control policy, permit application, and bright orange flags to mark the location to be sprayed. You do not need to contact Washington County. For more information visit our Dust Control Policy page.

3. How much is the permit for dust control?: If the permit application is received prior to May 1, the fee is $50 for 2 treatments. If the permit application is received after May 1, the fee for 2 treatments is $100.

4. Do I have to own the property where I am placing dust control?: You do not have to own the property. But you do need to notify the property owner of the location where dust control is being placed.

5. Where do I get the bright orange flags to mark my dust control?: The bright orange flags are supplied by your dust control provider. You are responsible for keeping the bright orange flags visible so the road grader does not grade your dust control.

6. Can I use waste oil as dust control?: No. Waste oil is a pollutant and not permitted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or Washington County.

7. Why does it take so long to clear gravel roads when it snows?: Restoring access on gravel roads is a slow process since the motor graders are not built for speed and a typical route covers from 60-80 miles of road (or 120-160 lane miles) that need to be cleared. If windy conditions result in having to use the V-plows to get through snow drifts, even slower progress will be made. Sometimes after a severe storm it is not possible to reach all homes until the second or third day. Continued windy conditions can result in a road blowing shut shortly after it is opened. Home owners are encouraged to plan accordingly for the winter season.

8. Why does my driveway keep getting plowed shut?: Unfortunately, this is due to the continuous operation of the plow. It is necessary for the operator to push snow without stopping in order to efficiently remove the snow and complete the route in a timely manner. If we pause to clear each driveway, both momentum and time are lost. Generally the snow is pushed to the south and east so that the removed snow windrow will not act as a snow fence and cause drifting across the roadway with the prevailing northerly and westerly winds.

9. The plow knocked down my mailbox. Will the County replace it?: During wet snows, the plowing operations will often cast snow across the shoulder, which can break the weaker mail box supports. The County does not replace or repair mailboxes destroyed or damaged during snow removal operations.

For more information about how you can better support your mailbox, please read our Suggested Mailbox Support flyer (PDF).

10. I've seen plow trucks on the road that sometimes aren't spreading salt. Why don't they since they're there anyway?: Salt does not melt ice, but it does lower the freezing temperature of water. This works down to a temperature of approximately 20 degrees. At a critical temperature of about 20 degrees, applying salt to roads packed with snow or ice may create worse problems by causing the snow or ice to "glaze" or form a slick shiny surface. Also, during windy storms, snow will often blow off a bare road, whereas salt will sometimes cause the snow to begin to stick. We monitor the forecast and current temperatures to determine the most efficient use of our salt.

11. Is there anything that I can do to help with snow and ice operations?: Yes. Hay bales or other material that is stored along the north or west right-of-way will cause drifting across the roadway. If the bales were set back 300 feet, they would act as a snow fence and actually help protect the road.

During severe storms, it is helpful if folks are patient and wait for the snow plow so that abandoned vehicles do not become a big problem. Our operators try to go around those vehicles, but if that is not possible, the vehicle will be moved at the owner's expense to allow our equipment to get through. The County will not be liable for damage unless negligence can be established. Snow & Ice Removal Policy

12. When can we expect to see crews working during inclement weather?: As long as roadways are passable, the Secondary Road crew will work regular hours and not work on the weekends. Following a snow storm, we will work overtime hours during the week and the weekend until access has been restored to homes and livestock.

Washington County has an adopted a Snow Ordinance. The ordinance limits the County's liability and also outlines services that residents can expect during the winter season. Snow & Ice Removal Policy

13. How can I contact the Engineering and Secondary Roads Department?: For contact numbers and hour of operation, please visit our Engineering and Secondary Roads Department page.

14. Who do I contact in case of an emergency?: Emergencies (where loss of life is probable, where a serious injury has occurred, or where extensive loss of property is imminent) should be called to the Safety Center at (319) 653-2107 or 911 dispatcher. The County may respond to an "emergency" either during or after a snowstorm. For more information on emergencies, please visit our