This bill aims to limit where road and driveway salt can be placed to prevent chloride pollution in Minnesota’s

wilderness

 

 

This bill is an act to ban all rock salt, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and any chloride-based

de-icing chemical within 200 feet of lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, or other sensitive water areas as designated by

the local watershed district. It protects the environment while still allowing safe snow removal using alternative

methods.

 

In Minnesota, chloride pollution from de‑icing salt is a serious and growing problem. The MPCA reports that

approximately 365,000 tons of salt are applied each year in the Twin Cities metro, and these studies estimate that 78%

of that salt eventually ends up in groundwater and accumulates in lakes, wetlands, and streams. Just one teaspoon of

salt can permanently contaminate five gallons of water, and once chloride is in the water, it cannot be effectively

removed. MPCA’s own data show that 68 water bodies in Minnesota currently exceed water-quality standards for chloride,

and over 100 are classified as highly risky. Minnesota chloride levels are highly toxic to fish and aquatic vegetation;

chloride has also been linked to impacts on roadside plants and trees, soil degradation, and infrastructure corrosion.

In addition, 27% of shallow monitoring wells in the Twin Cities area exceed EPA drinking-water guidelines for chloride,

which creates a risk to public health. Watershed districts, such as the Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), have

documented an upward trend in chloride concentrations in their lakes and stormwater systems. MPCA’s Chloride Reduction

Program provides important training, education, and resources, but remains largely voluntary and lacks enforceable

restrictions in the most sensitive zones. Other local initiatives, such as Hennepin County’s “Low Salt, No Salt”

program, show that communities are trying to reduce chloride use. Still, many don’t yet apply strict geographic limits

to protect vulnerable waterways. Riley Watershed District Outside Minnesota, states have begun to grapple with similar

issues. For example, many municipalities in Massachusetts enforce salt‑storage regulations, including prohibiting bulk

salt piles within 200 yards of water supply reservoirs to limit contamination risk.

 

Critical Area - Any land within 200 feet of a water body designated by the local watershed district, including lakes,

rivers, streams, wetlands, or groundwater recharge zones.

De-icing chemicals - Any substance containing chloride compounds (rock salt, sodium chloride, potassium chloride,

calcium chloride, or similar chemicals).

Alternative methods- Sand, grit, non-chloride de-icers, or mechanical snow removal.

MPCA - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

 

 

This bill will implement existing local and state resources, municipalities, counties, and water districts can

incorporate enforcement signage in public education into the current budget for environmental protection.

 

Private individuals will be fined with $100–$200 per violation by depositing snow in a prohibited “critical area” within

limitation. Commercial snow/ice contractors or plow companies will be fined $500–$1,000 per violation, with possible

suspension of licensing or contracts. Municipalities are responsible for enforcing compliance and may use signage and

spot checks to ensure compliance. Optional Incentive for Compliance: Contractors who maintain zero violations for a

season may receive public recognition as a “Salt-Free Zone Champion.”

 

 

This bill will take effect January 1, 2027.