Hello Petition Supporters,

I’m Alexandra from Change.org’s Civic Engagement team. I reached out to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) — including staff involved with the Smart Salting program — to learn how chloride pollution from road salt is being addressed and what Minnesota residents can do to make their voices heard.

MPCA staff confirmed that chloride reduction is an active priority across several programs and permitting efforts. Key points they shared:

• Chloride is a statewide priority. The issue is being addressed through the MPCA’s chloride reduction resources and the broader statewide chloride management plan.
• Clean Water Council involvement: chloride reduction and related water-quality priorities are raised through the Clean Water Council; that body is a helpful place for residents to engage on statewide strategy and priorities.
• Outreach & education materials: MPCA maintains a chloride outreach and education repository to find and use materials (or request materials) to educate neighbors and local decision makers about smarter salt use: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/business-with-us/statewide-chloride-resources
• Permitting & regulatory levers that have been established:
  • Industrial stormwater permits and MS4 (municipal storm sewer) permits include conditions relevant to chloride management.
  • Wastewater treatment facilities are being given case-by-case limitations through their permits (distinguishing, for example, water-softening contributions vs. de-icing sources).
• Practical programs: The MPCA’s Smart Salting trainings and resources are intended to help local public works, private applicators, and residents reduce unnecessary salt use while keeping roads safe. https://www.pca.state.mn.us/business-with-us/smart-salting-training

What residents can do now

• Share MPCA outreach materials with your municipal public works department, HOA, property managers, and local contractors to encourage adoption of smart-salting practices.
• Engage the Clean Water Council or attend its meetings to amplify community concerns at the statewide level. The next meeting will be on January 23, 2026:  https://www.pca.state.mn.us/events-and-meetings/clean-water-council-policy-committee-2026-01-23
• Ask your wastewater treatment authority or municipal stormwater manager whether chloride contributions or limits are being considered in local permits.

MPCA staff emphasized that outreach, education, permitting, and targeted limits at treatment facilities and stormwater systems are all part of an integrated approach to manage chloride — and that community engagement helps accelerate action.