As winter approaches, businesses in Owatonna that deal with winter maintenance services must balance the need for safety with their responsibility to protect the environment. One key way to achieve this balance is through the Smart Salting Certification, a program designed to reduce the negative impact of deicing salt on our local waterways.

According to a recent update from the city, approximately 75 percent of the chloride found in our streams and lakes can be traced back to deicing salt. During precipitation and snowmelt events, stormwater gathers excess salt and carries it into our waterways. This negatively affects wildlife, the environment, and, ultimately, our own well-being.

To address this issue, the City of Owatonna proudly announced that all of its winter maintenance crew members are Smart Salting Certified, meaning they have undergone specialized training in proper salt application techniques. Smart Salting training, provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), teaches crews how to correctly measure pavement temperatures, calibrate equipment, and apply deicing materials in a way that minimizes environmental harm without compromising safety.

Local businesses can make a tangible difference by pursuing Smart Salting Certification for their own winter maintenance crews. The MPCA offers resources for certification, including detailed guidelines on applying the right methods or tools depending on weather conditions, proper salt storage, and equipment calibration. Businesses can find more information on getting certified on the MPCA's Smart Salting training website.

One valuable resource is the Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance Manual, which offers further guidance on best practices for winter maintenance.

Additionally, businesses can learn more about Owatonna's Stormwater Program and other ways to contribute to environmental sustainability by visiting ci.owatonna.mn.us/stormwater or contacting Brad Rademacher, the city's Stormwater/Water Quality Specialist, at 507-774-7300 or via email at stormwater@ci.owatonna.mn.us.

By taking steps toward sustainable winter maintenance practices, Owatonna businesses can help preserve our environment while ensuring the safety of our roads, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks throughout the colder months.