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'''Storm drains lead to the nearest lake, river, pond, or wetland. They do not go to a treatment plant. ''' | '''Storm drains lead to the nearest lake, river, pond, or wetland. They do not go to a treatment plant. ''' | ||
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+ | ===Equipment=== | ||
+ | The trend in winter maintenance is to use less material to accomplish the same results. Following this trend will reduce environmental impacts and save money. Below are listed a few tips, but there are many other innovations in the equipment area that can help to reduce application rates. | ||
+ | *Purchase a pavement sensor (Figure 8) | ||
+ | *Buy equipment that can deliver very low rates of granular products. | ||
+ | *Outfit larger trucks with ground speed controls so that the application rate changes automatically as the speed changes. | ||
+ | *Modify existing equipment so that it can discharge the application rates described in the “Application Rates” section. Older equipment often applies more salt than recommended. | ||
+ | *Outfit sidewalk spreaders with shields to better direct the spread pattern. | ||
+ | *Invest in equipment that can deliver liquid deicers. | ||
+ | *Obtain a tank for liquid storage or find a near-by source of liquids to fill up trucks. |
Start now—develop a maintenance policy or plan that guides winter operations. A little planning and communication up-front can help achieve better results throughout the season.
Our waters are threatened by contracts which are based on fees for material use. This encourages overuse of materials.
Reduce liability. Establish a maintenance policy and follow it.
Reduce risk by having a solid written winter maintenance policy and training program that utilizes best management practices. Schedule training for supervisors, staff, and customers.
The MPCA has three Smart Salting training classes available:
Check the MPCA website to find out about upcoming training opportunities.
Inspect storm drains in the fall. Remove obstructions such as leaves, sticks, and trash to prepare for the spring melt. Because storm drains lead to lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands, never use salt to open frozen storm drains. Salt used to thaw frozen drains harms aquatic life. Use non-chemical methods such as heat to open drains.
Poor drainage on the maintenance surfaces will result in icy surfaces and will increase the risk of safety problems. These areas cause the application of salt on non-snow event days in the winter. To remedy this, inventory the site and note drainage problems. Make a checklist so the professional or client can fix these drainage problems in the summer.
Examples of drainage problems:
Storm drains lead to the nearest lake, river, pond, or wetland. They do not go to a treatment plant.
The trend in winter maintenance is to use less material to accomplish the same results. Following this trend will reduce environmental impacts and save money. Below are listed a few tips, but there are many other innovations in the equipment area that can help to reduce application rates.