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.
Smart Salting: Roads
Learn best practices to reduce salt use during high-speed and low-speed snowplow operation, while maintaining safety. Participants earn a five-year Level 1 (individual) certification by completing the test at the end of class.
MPCA Turfgrass Maintenance Certification Training
Attend this workshop to learn best practices for lawn/turf maintenance with reduced environmental impacts. The practices taught will save you money and time and protect our water. Take the test to become Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Level 1 certified in turfgrass maintenance best practices. Participants will receive a Turfgrass Maintenance Manual.
Who should attend?
- Private maintenance companies
- Property managers
- Employees maintaining park, cemetery, city or school grounds
Training topics include:
- How turf management affects surface & groundwater
- Equipment calibration & maintenance
- Life cycle of turf & weeds & how it affects maintenance
- Efficient & effective irrigation
- Soil testing, fertilizer selection and application
- Mowing techniques
- Pesticide application tips
- Best practices for turf management
- Weed control practices
- In-field reference materials, such as turf care matrix
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. March 22. Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/526531689457 or call 952-891-7000. Morning coffee and refreshments and lunch provided.
Funding by Dakota County and the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization as well as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency with Clean Water Funds.
Special meeting – Watershed tour: Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board is having a special meeting for a bus tour of conservation practices and projects. The tour is being held jointly by the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources and partners within the Vermillion River Watershed. It begins at the GrandStay Hotel in Apple Valley, MN at 7:30 a.m., running until about 5 p.m.
Contact Valerie Neppl with questions – (952) 891-7019 or valerie.neppl@co.dakota.mn.us.
Special meeting – Watershed plan: Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board is holding a special meeting on October 12, 2023 for the initial planning public meeting for the 2026-2035 Vermillion River Watershed Plan development, from 4-6 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center.
