Salt Wise Star Company Recognition Program
Salt Wise Star Companies are winter maintenance contractors who:
1) Pledge to follow best practices.
2) Submit annual salt usage data.
3) Remain active in the Salt Wise community through biannual (pre-season and post-season) meetings to discuss operational successes, pain points, to both learn from and provide support to other winter maintenance professionals.
Salt Wise Star Companies
More info coming soon!
Best Practices
Policies and Documentation
Snow and Ice Policy emphasizes the need to maximize mechanical removal before using chemical deicers.
Develop a winter maintenance plan for every site serviced (note: LOS, hazards, etc.).
Training
Prior to applying salt, all applicators receive training that focuses on the organization's commitment to best practices in policies, practices, and equipment, and highlights the impacts of salt pollution.
Training includes a skills check/practice for new applicators.
All sites are supervised by a qualified person.
Equipment
Conduct pre-season checks on all equipment and continue regular checks to prevent leaks, spills, maintain cutting edges, etc.
Calibrate all equipment (granular and liquid) annually, pre-season and again if components get replaced or repaired.
Practices
Materials and Handling
Store granular materials in facilities with a water-tight covering, impermeable floor.
Vary application rates/types based on pavement temperatures, precipitation type, etc.
Clean up any spills or excess materials applications and store appropriately until reused.
Post Storm/Post Season Debriefing
Debrief storm responses with staff throughout the season.
Conduct a post-season review with management staff to support continual improvement.
Deliverables
Attend an annual pre-season kick meeting and a post-season debrief meeting.
Submit an annual summary of salt usage (number of events, pavement temperatures, material type/s, total usage of deicer materials, total acres maintained, and average application per acre per event.)