A few issues of various water-related newsletters have been published in the last few weeks, including the Water Talk Newsletter, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Newsletter, and a Smart Salting Update.

Water Talk Newsletter – October 2021

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sent out the October 2021 Water Talk Newsletter on October 26th. The articles included in the newsletter are:

• New Videos on Disaster Roles of Local Officials
• MnAFPM / WAFSCM Joint Annual Conference Nov. 3-5 in LaCrosse, WI
• MnTOPO Viewer – Review of a Useful Tool
• New DNR Shoreland Training for Local Elected and Appointed Officials
• Risk Rating 2.0 Started Oct. 1 – Some FAQs
• New Useful Quick Videos by FEMA’s Flood Insurance Advocate Office
• Groundwater Atlas of Winona County is published
• NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) Extended to Dec. 3, 2021
• DNR Dam Safety and Floodplain Mapping Openings
• FEMA Map Status Listing

Click here to read the newsletter. Water Talk Newsletter is issued 4 to 6 times per year.

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) Newsletter – October 2021

The MWMO sent out their October 2021 newsletter on October 28th. The following topics are covered in the newsletter:

• The Easy Way to Plant a Pollinator Lawn (and Why You Might Already Have One)
• Fall Yard Care Reminders
• Adopt a Stormdrain in Your Neighborhood
• Stewardship Fund Grants: Info Sessions, Application Deadlines Approaching
• Upcoming Events
  • Weaving Water: Monthly Fiber & Indigo Workshop – Sunday, Nov. 13th, 10 am – Noon
  • MPCA Smart Salting for Property Managers Training – Wednesday, Nov. 17th, 9 am – 1:30 pm
• Thank You to Our MWS Steering Team Members!
• Featured Project – North Star Community Rowing Site Rehabilitation

Click here to read the newsletter. The MWMO sends out a newsletter monthly.

Minnesota Smart Salting News – Fall 2021

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) sent out a Minnesota Smart Salting Update on November 4th. The following are topics covered in the update.

New! MPCA Chloride Reduction Grant

The MPCA is offering a new Chloride Reduction grant for the development of a project that provides direct assistance to optimize, upgrade, or replace water-softening systems in targeted communities with elevated chloride levels in surface waters or wastewater discharge. The grant award is $250,000 with a 25% minimum match, and the grant will be awarded to a single applicant. Apply by December 10th before 4 pm. To learn more and for application materials, see the MPCA Chloride Reduction Grants webpage.

Smart Salting Assessment tool Level 2 Certification Training

In the 2020 MS4 General Permit, all MS4 permittees have new requirements that promote deicing salt reduction. The MPCA Stormwater and Chloride Reduction Programs are hosting a Smart Salting Assessment tool (SSAt) Level 2 certification training on December 8th. This tool helps assess and track your winter maintenance practices, with custom efficiency recommendations that reduce de-icing salt and save money, while tracking annual progress. Click here for more information and to register.

New Winter Maintenance Plan Templates

On behalf of a group of watershed organizations, cities and other organizations in Hennepin County called the Hennepin County Chloride Initiative (HCCI), Fortin Consulting was hired to develop a winter maintenance/chloride management plan template(s). The vision for this template is for it to be used at the time of development or redevelopment permitting to assist the property manager/responsible party develop a winter maintenance plan to minimize salt use. The group also recognizes the templates have value beyond the permitting process. Visit the MPCA’s Statewide Chloride Resources page for this and more resources to help communities and organizations reduce chloride. (Tip: scroll about halfway down the page to access the templates).

Upcoming Smart Salting Training

Smart Salting for Property Management:

• When: Wednesday, Nov. 17th
• Who: Management-level property managers, business owners, building manager, environmental professionals and advocates
• Why and What: Click here to watch.
• Registration: Click here.

Smart Salting for Roads: Due to high demand, more classes are being offered in 2021. Visit the Smart Salting training calendar for class dates and registration information. Also check out the short MPCA Smart Salting Training for Winter Maintenance Professionals promotional video.