The bill H.86 proposes the establishment of the Chloride Contamination Reduction Program under the Secretary of Natural Resources, aimed at training commercial and municipal salt applicators in best management practices for applying salt or salt alternatives. This initiative seeks to minimize the entry of these substances into Vermont's waters, thereby improving water quality. The program will include education, training, and certification processes, with a focus on efficient application methods that ensure safety for pedestrians and vehicles while preventing environmental contamination. Additionally, certified applicators will be presumed compliant with water quality laws when following the established best practices.

The bill also outlines provisions for liability protection for certified applicators and property owners, provided they adhere to the best management practices. It mandates the mapping of salt storage facilities and the establishment of best practices for their management to prevent runoff. Furthermore, the Secretary of Natural Resources is tasked with monitoring chloride levels in contaminated waters and investigating sources of contamination. The bill includes an appropriation of $250,000 for the program's implementation and specifies that the best management practices must be adopted by November 1, 2026, for use starting January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1258