How to Get Certified
The City of Madison has worked with public and private salt applicators and a Dane County advisory team to develop the new voluntary Winter Salt Certification Program, open to everyone in Dane County.
Certification can be for individuals or organizations and lasts 5 years.
(Those who have already taken the training will be certified for 5 years from the date the exam was passed.
Individual Certification
- Attend a winter maintenance training session (6 hours) - See above for training dates and times
- Pass a written exam
- Agree to use practices that reduce impacts on the environment
- Two types of training: Roads Class for high/low speed snowplow drivers; Parking Lot/Sidewalk Class for those who maintain private/public walkways and/or parking lots and service roads
What You'll Learn
- Chemistry or salt use
- Recommended salt application rates
- How to calculate the amount of salt needed based on weather conditions
- Technological advancements like brining, new spreading equipment, alternative products
Organizational Certification
- 30% of salt related staff certified
- Annual Report
- Valid for 1 year
Certification Means:
- Submitted and accepted application that describes current de-icing practices (One application can be submitted for an entire organization OR multiple applications if there are multiples addresses or branches)
- Hands on equipment calibration training
- Tracking use of salt per storm
- Salt savings report – summary & comparative report (must submit each year) to maintain Silver and Gold Level Certification
- List practices used
- Describe areas managed (parking lot, sidewalk, streets)
- Average application rate reporting lb/1000 sf or lb/ lane mile
- Sharing of lessons learned and/or success stories
