Low Salt Pilot City

Minnesota and many populated cold climate regions are facing the threat of chloride pollution to their freshwater future. Chloride is a permanent pollutant. Just 1 teaspoon of salt can pollute 5 gallons of water indefinitely.

In 2021, the MPCA issued a statewide chloride management plan with the goal of reducing salt use. Understanding the threat chloride brings to our freshwater future, Bolton & Menk developed a source reduction strategy called Low Salt Design. Low Salt Design puts emphasis on improving the design of our saltable surfaces so they perform better in the winter. With better winter performance we drive up safety and drive down the need for salt.

In 2023, we started working with Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Richfield, and Minnetonka, along with the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District, to implement low salt solutions in their communities. Eden Prairie was the first to complete the pilot program. Through the program, we tested out a new method of training engineers, toured winter problem sites, and discussed possible adjustments to improve winter performance.
We co-presented at the Minnesota Chapter of the American Public Works Association conference and the Minnesota Watersheds conference. Additionally, Minnesota Public Radio aired a segment on Low Salt Design featuring the City of Eden Prairie’s pilot efforts. We have provided a new path forward for the pilot cities and they have provided us with insight that allows us to refine Low Salt Design concepts.