Sign up for workshop to teach 'Sensible Salting'
Public and private sector employees responsible for the maintenance of roads, sidewalks and parking lots are invited to the "McHenry County Sensible Salting Workshop" from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 or Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock St. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
Removal of snow and ice from McHenry County pavement is essential for public safety and the local economy. During winter storm events, the use of pavement de-icing chemicals is widely accepted and, as some would argue, essential means of keeping pavements safe and passable.
Sodium chloride (NaCl), or common salt, is by far the most popular roadway de-icing chemical because of its reliability, economy, and usability. However, it is also corrosive to vehicles, roadway surfaces, parking lots, driveways, and bridges and has been found to have adverse effects on the environment.
In addition, research indicates that chloride levels are increasing in McHenry County's surface water and groundwater, and salt used for pavement de-icing is one of the primary sources of this increase.
Therefore, a reduction in salt use, through sensible salting, is likely the most effective method of reducing the risks of chloride contamination.
This workshop will be conducted by the McHenry County Division of Transportation and Division of Water Resources, the Village of Algonquin, the City of Crystal Lake, and the Village of Spring Grove. Calibration training will be provided by MCDOT staff.
Training topics include: application rates, liquids, weather conditions, material storage, levels of service, truck washing, new maintenance methods, environmental effects, sate/local law, NPDES Compliance. There will be a hands-on demonstration of calibrating equipment.
The workshop is designed for: public works superintendents, managers, or directors; snow plow operators/de-icing applicators; contractors maintaining private/public walkways and/or parking lots; property managers writing de-icing contracts; distributors of anti-icing/ de-icing products, or others responsible for winter maintenance.
The registration fee of $25 includes: course materials, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and the opportunity to receive Level 1 Certification: Snow and Ice Best Management Practices.
Breakfast, snacks, lunch and refreshments are included in fee.
Send a check and registration form, payable to McHenry County Dept. of Planning & Development, to McHenry County Dept. of Planning & Development
2200 N. Seminary Ave., Suite 208, Woodstock, IL 60098. Payments and registration and must be received by Oct. 30.
For details, call the McHenry County Department of Planning & Development, at (815) 334-4560 or visit www.mchenryh2o.com.