HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 31 Paws and Pavement EventContact: Brittany Bader, Digital Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • BBader@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Invited to Free 'Paws & Pavement' Winter Salt Week Event at Weber Park on Jan. 31
Learn Tips to Keep People, Pets and the Environment Safe
Edina, Minn., Jan. 10, 2025 – Winter Salt Week, taking place Jan. 27-31 this year, is a collaboration of governmental and non-governmental organizations across the United States and
Canada with the goal of raising awareness around salt pollution and reduction solutions.
As part of Winter Salt Week, the City of Edina will host “Paws & Pavement,” an event highlighting what every pet owner should know about pet-friendly claims on deicer product labels.
The event will take place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at the Weber Park shelter building, 4115 Grimes Ave. S.
Residents are invited to bring their dogs and “fetch some tips” from Water Resources Manager Jessica Wilson and Edina resident and Minnesota Water Steward Sue Nissen. Check out demonstrations
on sustainable winter safety solutions and take home some free dog treats for your furry friend (while supplies last). Learn how to maintain safety for people and reduce oversalting
and the risks of salt-related issues for pets—such as skin and ingestion concerns—while also minimizing long-term environmental harm.
“It’s easy to be misled when selecting winter deicers because there are no laws or standards regulating what a manufacturer can claim about their product. All chemical deicers have negative
impacts even if labeled as ‘environmentally safe’ or ‘pet-friendly,’ so it’s best to apply deicers sparingly on top of ice only and sweep up any leftovers after the ice is gone. More
salt does not necessarily mean more safety,” said Nissen.
Wilson and Nissen want residents to know that chloride pollution from deicing salt is a growing problem for water resources across the state, and that once salt dissolves in water, there
is no practical way to remove it. At the event, attendees can explore a watershed model from the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District to help visualize how melting snow and ice carry
salt into storm drains that empty into lakes, streams and wetlands.
“Just one teaspoon of salt pollutes five gallons of water forever. Chloride contamination from deicing salt has been found in lakes, streams and groundwater in Edina’s Nine Mile Creek
and Minnehaha Creek watersheds, and across Minnesota. There are alternative solutions to reduce overuse of salt without compromising safety,” said Wilson.
Tips for reducing or eliminating the need for salt:
Use a shovel, broom or ice scraper to remove or prevent ice. Shovel early and often.
Choose an alternative, like sand or kitty litter that provides traction.
Take advantage of warm days and sunshine to clear slush and ice.
Address drainage issues that cause ice build-up on pathways.
If you choose to use a chemical deicer product, sweep up excess
material after the snow and ice event is over. Deicer on dry pavement
should be swept up and can be either reused or thrown in the trash.
If you choose to use a chemical deicer product, be sure to follow the directions on the label. More salt doesn't necessarily mean more melting. Pay attention to the recommended application
rate and effective temperature range and aim for a 3-inch spread between salt granules.
If you hire a service provider, ask them if they’ve completed the Smart Salting Certification through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Additional Ways to Get Involved in Winter Salt Week
Register for free livestreamed webinars at WinterSaltWeek.org.
Sign up for the free online Community Leaders Smart Salting Workshop 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, hosted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. For more details and to register,
visit their website at pca.state.mn.us/events-and-meetings
Join “Low Salt, No Salt Minnesota,” a free technical assistance program for owners or managers of private properties in Edina, including churches, apartment buildings and condos, to
receive specialized plans to help reduce oversalting.
For more information about Paws & Pavement, Winter Salt Week or additional ways to get involved, contact Wilson at jwilson@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0445.
-30-
Edina, Minn., Jan. 10, 2025 – Winter Salt Week, taking place Jan. 27-31 this year, is a collaboration of governmental and non-governmental organizations across the United States and
Canada with the goal of raising awareness around salt pollution and reduction solutions.
As part of Winter Salt Week, the City of Edina will host “Paws & Pavement,” an event highlighting what every pet owner should know about pet-friendly claims on deicer product labels.
The event will take place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at the Weber Park shelter building, 4115 Grimes Ave. S.
Residents are invited to bring their dogs and “fetch some tips” from Water Resources Manager Jessica Wilson and Edina resident and Minnesota Water Steward Sue Nissen. Check out demonstrations
on sustainable winter safety solutions and take home some free dog treats for your furry friend (while supplies last). Learn how to maintain safety for people and reduce oversalting
and the risks of salt-related issues for pets—such as skin and ingestion concerns—while also minimizing long-term environmental harm.
“It’s easy to be misled when selecting winter deicers because there are no laws or standards regulating what a manufacturer can claim about their product. All chemical deicers have negative
impacts even if labeled as ‘environmentally safe’ or ‘pet-friendly,’ so it’s best to apply deicers sparingly on top of ice only and sweep up any leftovers after the ice is gone. More
salt does not necessarily mean more safety,” said Nissen.
Wilson and Nissen want residents to know that chloride pollution from deicing salt is a growing problem for water resources across the state, and that once salt dissolves in water, there
is no practical way to remove it. At the event, attendees can explore a watershed model from the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District to help visualize how melting snow and ice carry
salt into storm drains that empty into lakes, streams and wetlands.
“Just one teaspoon of salt pollutes five gallons of water forever. Chloride contamination from deicing salt has been found in lakes, streams and groundwater in Edina’s Nine Mile Creek
and Minnehaha Creek watersheds, and across Minnesota. There are alternative solutions to reduce overuse of salt without compromising safety,” said Wilson.
Tips for reducing or eliminating the need for salt:
Use a shovel, broom or ice scraper to remove or prevent ice. Shovel early and often.
Choose an alternative, like sand or kitty litter that provides traction.
Take advantage of warm days and sunshine to clear slush and ice.
Address drainage issues that cause ice build-up on pathways.
If you choose to use a chemical deicer product, sweep up excess
material after the snow and ice event is over. Deicer on dry pavement
should be swept up and can be either reused or thrown in the trash.
If you choose to use a chemical deicer product, be sure to follow the directions on the label. More salt doesn't necessarily mean more melting. Pay attention to the recommended application
rate and effective temperature range and aim for a 3-inch spread between salt granules.
If you hire a service provider, ask them if they’ve completed the Smart Salting Certification through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Additional Ways to Get Involved in Winter Salt Week
Register for free livestreamed webinars at WinterSaltWeek.org.
Sign up for the free online Community Leaders Smart Salting Workshop 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, hosted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. For more details and to register,
visit their website at pca.state.mn.us/events-and-meetings
Join “Low Salt, No Salt Minnesota,” a free technical assistance program for owners or managers of private properties in Edina, including churches, apartment buildings and condos, to
receive specialized plans to help reduce oversalting.
For more information about Paws & Pavement, Winter Salt Week or additional ways to get involved, contact Wilson at jwilson@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0445.
-30-