WASHINGTON, Dec. 5  -- The Federal Aviation Administration says a dramatic decline in the production of a chemical used to deice runways could cause major U. S. air traffic delays.

The government group said a strike by Canadian potash mine workers prompted a significant delay in runway deicing fluid production this year, meaning many U. S. airports could face icy runways this winter, USA Today reported Friday.

"It is possible that runways may not be able to be maintained to the same level as previous years during winter storms," the administration told airlines in a memo.

But officials at major U. S. airports that likely will face poor weather during the winter have remained confident they will be able to make due with alternative chemicals.

"We're pretty confident that, while it may cost us more, we will be able to get what we need," Detroit Metropolitan Airport official Scott Wintner told the newspaper.

USA Today said, according to the FAA, prices for the deicing chemical will undoubtedly rise due to the shortage while the deicing fluid used on airplanes will remain readily available. (UPI)