MPCA Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks Certification Training
This MPCA Smart Salting Certification Training is an opportunity to learn more efficient winter maintenance best practices (BMPs) while taking a comprehensive look at the many aspects for managing snow & ice on parking lots and sidewalks. The training will also cover the new chloride requirements in the recently released MS4 permit, as well as resources available to help you reduce your salt use.
The training will be held in-person.
Who should attend?
- Hands-on public or private winter maintenance staff
- Those who hire or supervise winter maintenance staff
- Private contractors
- Those who may influence others or are interested in making a difference at work
What you’ll learn:
- Environmental impacts of chloride
- Equipment calibration
- Using weather condition info more efficiently
- Application rates
- Plowing and physical removal
- BMPs for storing materials
- De-icing and anti-icing
- Regulatory issues and managing liability
- Customer and staff educational resources
- Success stories
Earn the MPCA Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks certification by taking the optional online test at the end of training and be listed on the MPCA Smart Salting webpage. Certificates are sent to Minnesota participants only and are valid for 5 years.
MPCA permittees are allowed registration preference. If the training exceeds capacity, those that are not permittees will be put on a waitlist and notified accordingly.
Training questions? Contact the MPCA Smart Salting Training Program smartsalting.pca@state.mn.us.
This training is hosted by Dakota County and the MPCA Chloride Reduction Program. with Clean Water Fund and the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Opt Outside Day: We Are Water MN
Stop by the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. to stroll along the activity trail or use your GPS or phone app to search for themed geocaches. For older adventurers, take on the annual medallion hunt. This year, the event is part of the We are Water MN Exhibit at Dakota County, a Minnesota Legacy program.
Location
When you arrive, head to the Visitor Center and look for the event information station. Each station includes signs with activity instruction information and take-along guides.
- Visitor Center Trailhead, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Activities
- Water is Life Activity Trail: Explore the activity trail and investigate how critters (and other lifeforms) depend on water in interesting ways. The littlest kids will love this stroller-friendly scavenger hunt, searching for critters along a paved trail. All ages (especially fun for ages 6 and younger).
- Protecting our Waters Geocaching: Search for the multi-cache and become a water saver superhero as you explore how you can help protect water quality. All ages (especially fun for ages 5 and older). Participants must provide their own smartphone with geocaching app or GPS unit for geocaching activity.
- Medallion Hunt: Solve clever riddles in our medallion hunt to find the “medallion” hidden somewhere in the park. All ages (especially for ages 10 and older). Riddles will be posted on Facebook, on the Opt Outside event page Nov. 24-25. Riddles will be posted at 8 a.m. and noon on Thursday, Nov. 24 and noon on Friday, Nov. 25.
Medallion finders must post a selfie near the location of the find to the Dakota County Parks – forever wild Facebook page and call the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center at 651-554-6530 to report their find. A fantastic prize package goes to the winner.
