Minnesota Pollution Control Agency seeks public comment on new chloride pollution reduction plan

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking public comment on a new report and draft regulation seeking the restoration of 37 surface waters and the protection of surface water and groundwater against chloride pollution in the seven-county metro area.

The proposed regulation details how chloride can accumulate in waters, arriving there when salt is used to de-ice roads and sidewalks during the winter. Washing into lakes, streams and wetlands, these waterways retain the chloride. Efforts to reduce chloride pollution include simply reducing the amount of salt used by implementing improved de-icing practices, though this can be difficult as it is a balance of public health and convenience. Several road authorities have made appreciable differences in their chloride output, and the MPCA’s plan seeks to capitalize on their efforts.

Developed with organizations throughout the metro area, this plan stands to also save costs through reduced salt purchasing, reduced vehicle and infrastructure corrosion and reduced vegetation impace.

The report, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), and the draft regulation, Chloride Management Plan (CMP), were developed for the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area; the public comment period for them is open until Sept. 2.