03-08-2022 Resolution No. 11950RESOLUTION NO. 11950
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATION THAT PROVIDES
LIMITED LIABILITY TO COMMERCIAL SALT APPLICATORS
THAT ARE CERTIFIED THROUGH AN ESTABLISHED
VOLUNTARY SALT APPLICATOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, chloride contamination of water resources has been found in urban
areas around the state; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has listed 39
waterbodies in the Twin Cities metro area as impaired for chloride and has completed
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies on these impaired waterbodies (i.e. Shingle
Creek Chloride TMDL, Nine Mile Creek Chloride TMDL, and Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
Chloride TMDL); and
WHEREAS, the TMDL studies have indicated that the largest chloride source to
our lakes and streams is through the application of chloride compounds on roads, parking
lots, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces for winter maintenance practices; and
WHEREAS, liability for property damage or personal injury as a result of snow or
ice is one of the main reasons over-salting occurs and many private commercial
contractors and property owners are reluctant to implement salt-reduction practices for
fear of increased legal liability; and
WHEREAS, the MPCA currently oversees a voluntary Smart Salting Certification
Program that provides training to public and commercial salt applicators, private property
owners, managers, and others on how to maintain safe surfaces using salt efficiently; and
WHEREAS, enactment of legislation providing certified commercial salt applicators
and owners or lessees of property that hire certified commercial salt applicators certain
liability protection from claims or damages arising from snow and ice hazards on the
property will further incentivize reductions in chloride application.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Richfield, Minnesota that The City of Richfield supports passage and enactment of
legislation that provides a limited liability exemption to commercial salt applicators and
property owners using salt applicators who are certified through established salt
applicator certification programs whom follow best management practices.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota, this 8th day of March,
2022.
Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kari Sinning, City Clerk