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 p...
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