Sweeping & Salting Showdown

The Minnesota Sea Grant Clean Sweep program is partnering with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Chloride Reduction Program to hold a street sweeping and de-icing equipment showcase. 

The event will highlight equipment options so that cities, communities, and agencies can make wise investments into their sweeping and salting programs. The investments will reduce the amount of nutrients and salt entering stormwater systems which will improve the water quality of Minnesota's water resources.

This free event is open to the public with registration required. Lunch will be provided to registered attendees.

Who should attend this event:

• Public works directors and staff
• Program directors at watershed organizations and Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)
• State agency staff, including those that administer grant funding for equipment
• Environmental professionals
• Public and private property owners and managers
   

What the Showdown includes:

• Presentations by University of Minnesota, MPCA, Hamline University, and the City of Minnetonka on addressing water quality through enhanced street sweeping and smart salting; and Adopt-a-Drain, and an overview of Minnetonka's smart salting operations
• A "showdown" between different vehicles and equipment options:
  • Street sweepers:  Observing first-hand how effectively each vehicle cleans the streets; direct Q&A with equipment vendors
  • De-Icing equipment: Displays and demos of salting and brining equipment; learning from the operators
  • Brine production and de-icing operations tour by City of Minnetonka
  • Optional Reclaimed Wood Tour: 
    • 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.: The City of Minnetonka will walk participants through their program to reclaim wood from fallen trees and ash trees for lumber.