The bill S.29 aims to establish the Chloride Contamination Reduction Program under the Secretary of Natural Resources, focusing on training commercial and municipal salt applicators in best management practices for applying salt and salt alternatives. This initiative is designed to minimize the environmental impact of salt application, particularly in preventing chloride contamination in the state's waters. The program will include education, training, and certification processes, with a presumption of compliance with water quality laws for certified applicators who follow the established best practices. Additionally, the bill mandates the Secretary to monitor chloride levels in contaminated waters and develop a publicly accessible database for road salt applications.

Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of definitions related to salt application, the creation of a certification process for salt applicators, and the implementation of best management practices to enhance the efficiency of salt use while safeguarding water quality. The bill also outlines liability protections for certified applicators and requires record-keeping of salt application practices. Furthermore, it includes appropriations for the program's administration and mandates that salt storage facilities be mapped and managed to prevent runoff into surface and groundwater. The bill is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1258