DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Implement Dakota County Chloride Reduction Program
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the implementation of the Low Salt No Salt Dakota County Chloride Reduction Program. The purpose is to build community capacity to maintain winter safety while reducing chloride-based deicer use and its associated damages through relationships with local property owners.
SUMMARY
Chloride, the chemical that makes up deicing salts, is a permanent pollutant. Excess salt and elevated chloride levels in water damage the environment and infrastructure. Chloride is toxic to aquatic species, especially invertebrates and amphibians. Chloride disrupts the natural mixing process of lakes and can encourage the release of phosphorus and heavy metals from sediment. Salt is very corrosive and damages roads, bridges, building exteriors and interiors, and pipes. Though chloride does not impose a direct human health risk, it can affect the taste of our drinking water.
As of 2024, there are 68 waterbodies impaired for chloride in Minnesota. In Dakota County, Thompson Lake in West St. Paul has been impaired for chloride since 2013. Additional waterbodies (Fish Lake in Eagan and sections of the Vermillion River) have seen elevated chloride levels in recent years but do not meet the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) impairment threshold.
The 2020--2030 Dakota County Groundwater Plan, strategy 1B4, identifies preventing chloride contamination as a high priority. Tactic 1B4B states Dakota County will partner with cities and townships to develop and implement a chloride reduction plan and policies in accordance with the MPCA Statewide Chloride Management Plan. To reduce chloride contamination, staff proposes a Low Salt No Salt Chloride Reduction Program (Program) that will focus on reducing deicing salt use within the community without sacrificing safety and educating community members about the problem of chloride pollution.
The Program will be an extension and adaptation of the Low Salt No Salt Minnesota <https://rpbcwd.org/low-salt-no-salt> program currently being implemented in Hennepin County and the Capital Region Watershed District. The program proposes to leverage materials already developed, where practical, with modifications to meet Dakota County community needs. The Program will be implemented in partnership with cities, townships, and watershed organizations and will include the following elements (Attachment: Low Salt No Salt Chloride Reduction Program Outline):
• Staff will develop educational materials for Dakota County staff and partner organizations to successfully implement the Program.
• Dakota County staff and partner organizations (cities, townships, watershed organizations) will conduct outreach to local property owners and organizations to encourage participation in the Program. Program participants may include faith-based organizations, schools, homeowner associations, and property managers.
• Program participants will sign a pledge committing to smart salting best practices. Participants will be recognized and identified on a web map that will include testimonials and success stories.
• Program participants will receive an incentive item (support tool) to implement smart salting best practices. Examples include an ice scraper, pavement temperature gun, or chicken grit.
The Program will result in established relationships with Dakota County organizations, reduced deicing salt use, and increased awareness about the impacts of chloride and the importance of smart salting practices.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the County Board of Commissioners authorize implementation of the Low Salt No Salt Dakota County Chloride Reduction Program.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
No anticipated impact. Initial Program and material development support will be provided by the 2024-2025 Minnesota GreenCorps Member assigned to Dakota County. The Program will be implemented with existing staff and within currently approved operating budgets. Cost to purchase program incentive items is anticipated to be minimal and will be funded through the Environmental Resources Operating Budget, approved through the annual budget process.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, chloride is a permanent pollutant, and excess salt and elevated chloride levels in water damage the environment and infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, in Dakota County, Thompson Lake in West St. Paul is impaired for chloride, and additional waterbodies have seen elevated chloride levels in recent years; and
WHEREAS, the 2020-2030 Dakota County Groundwater Plan, strategy 1B4, identifies preventing chloride contamination as a high priority; and
WHEREAS, staff propose a Low Salt No Salt Chloride Reduction Program (Program) that will focus on reducing deicing salt use within the community without sacrificing safety and educating community members about the problem of chloride pollution; and
WHEREAS, the Program will be an extension and adaptation of the Low Salt No Salt Minnesota <https://rpbcwd.org/low-salt-no-salt> program currently being implemented in Hennepin County and the Capital Region Watershed District; and
WHEREAS, the program proposes to leverage materials already developed, where practical; and
WHEREAS, the program will be implemented in partnership with cities, townships, and watershed organizations; and
WHEREAS, the Program will include developing educational materials to successfully implement the Program, outreach to local property owners and organizations to encourage participation, a pledge form committing to smart salting best practices, and incentive items (support tools) to implement smart salting best practices.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the implementation of the Low Salt No Salt Dakota County Chloride Reduction Program.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
24-085; 2/17/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Low Salt No Salt Chloride Reduction Program Outline
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Nikki Stewart
Author: Valerie Neppl