This legislative bill, authored by Hollins and Scott, proposes the creation of a certified salt applicator program in Minnesota. The aim of the program is to establish best management practices for those applying deicers during snow and ice removal, with the overarching goal of protecting water quality. The bill outlines several key points as follows:

1. Definitions:

   • Certified Commercial Applicator: An individual who applies deicer and has completed approved training and passed an examination.
   • Commercial Applicator: An individual who applies deicer for hire, excluding government employees.
   • Deicer: Any substance used on privately owned, pedestrian- and vehicle-trafficked surfaces to manage ice and snow.
   • Owner: A person owning or leasing real estate who contracts with a certified applicator for deicing and snow removal.

2. Voluntary Certification Program:

   • The Pollution Control Agency is tasked with creating a training program emphasizing best practices for snow and ice removal in relation to water quality.
   • Certification requires completion of this program and passing an exam.
   • Certification must be renewed every ten years, with additional training provided.
   • Training and testing will be accessible statewide and possibly online.
   • Providers of the training are designated and monitored, with a fee structure set for the courses, part of which funds the environmental initiatives.

3. Liability Limitation:

   • Certified applicators or property owners employing them have limited liability for damages due to snow/ice accumulation if they adhere to the best practices.
   • However, liability is not limited in cases of gross negligence, willful misconduct, or non-compliance with best practices.

4. Record Keeping:

   • Certified applicators must maintain detailed records of their work, including certification documents, test results, and records of deicer application conditions and practices, kept for six years.

5. Penalties and Compliance:

   • Non-compliance can lead to revocation of certification.
   • Annual reports to the commissioner are required, detailing the types and amounts of deicers used.

6. General Provisions:

   • The program doesn't affect municipal liability laws.

This bill not only promotes environmental responsibility in deicing practices but also provides legal protections for those adhering to approved methods, thus encouraging wider adoption of these practices across the industry.