Smart Salting Training for Parking Lots & Sidewalks @ Dakota County Western Service Center

Oct 20 @ 8:00 am – 1:30 pm

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.

Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) Public Meeting and Open House on Update of the 10-Year Watershed Management Plan

Notice is hereby given that the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) will hold a public meeting at 4 p.m. on October 12, 2023, at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center (4100 220th Street West, Farmington, MN) in Conference Room 1 & 2 to discuss watershed management issues and priorities that stakeholders and the public want included in the 2026 update of the Vermillion River Watershed Management Plan. A presentation and discussion will take place at 4 p.m., followed by an open house until 6 p.m. to allow interested parties to find out more about the watershed’s goals and activities.

A summary of the issues and priorities identified to date will be provided during the meeting. Interested parties are encouraged to bring their questions, ideas, and concerns about watershed management to the meeting. The feedback will be documented and used to develop the 2026-2035 Watershed Plan. Special accommodations at the public meeting can be obtained by contacting Brita Moore-Kutz at (952) 891-7967 or brita.moore-kutz@co.dakota.mn.us.

Agencies, groups, or persons attending the public meeting or open house will have the opportunity to provide written or oral comments. Prior to the public meeting, written comments may be addressed to the VRWJPO, 4100 220^th St. West #103, Farmington, MN 55024, or emailed to Brita Moore-Kutz at brita.moore-kutz@co.dakota.mn.us or Melissa Bokman-Ermer at mbokman@co.scott.mn.us.