Knowledge Base

January 9, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. The City of Rochester and Olmsted County are excited to participate in Winter Salt Week, which will take place from January 27 to 31, 2025. This initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about the environmental impacts of salt use during winter months and promoting strategies for reducing chloride pollution in our freshwater systems. The event includes a variety of educational opportunities for community members, local leaders and environmental advocates.

Winter Salt Week will kick off with a special proclamation reading by Rochester Mayor Kim Norton on Friday, January 24 at 11 a.m. at the Olmsted County Government Center Rotunda (enter through Door C).

"We are committed to keeping our freshwater resources clean and Winter Salt Week offers a valuable opportunity to engage the community in this important cause," said Mayor Norton. "By working together, we can reduce the environmental impacts of salt, protect our water quality and improve community health for future generations."

"Winter salt use is typically used to keep our roads and sidewalks safe, but we also need to be mindful of the long-term environmental impacts,” said Olmsted County Division Administrator of Physical Development Tony Hill. “Olmsted County is proud to participate in Winter Salt Week alongside the City of Rochester to raise awareness about the importance to implement new strategies to make a positive difference for the environment while still ensuring safe winter travel."

Event Schedule:

• Winter Salt Week Proclamation by Mayor Norton
  Friday, January 24 at 11 a.m.
  Olmsted County Government Center Rotunda, 151 4th St SE, Rochester (Enter through Door C)
• Winter Salt Week Livestreams
  Daily at 12:30 p.m.
  Register on the Winter Salt Week website for the online presentations
• January 27: An Eye on Salt Pollution
• January 28: Dilution is NOT the solution
• January 29: Public Works Perspectives
• January 30: Policy Solutions Panel
• January 31: Salt Monitoring near YOU!
• MPCA’s Smart Salting for Community Leaders Workshop
  Friday, January 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  In-person and virtual participation options are available
• Register online to participate virtually
• Group viewing at St. Mary’s University-Rochester, 2900 19th St NW, Rochester
  RSVP to rstrauss@rochestermn.gov
  
• Rochester Salt Monitoring Educational Event: Learn about local salt monitoring efforts, salt's impacts on waterways, and chloride reduction strategies. Participants can also sign up to assist with the Izaak Walton League’s Salt Watch program, which monitors local waterways for chloride.
  Friday, January 31, at 1:30 p.m.
  St. Mary’s University-Rochester, 2900 19th St NW, Rochester

These local events are made possible by collaboration among the City of Rochester Public Works Environmental Services, Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District/Olmsted County, University of Minnesota Extension, Conservation Minnesota, and the Rochester Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.

Visit the official Winter Salt Week website to register for events and to learn about ways you can get involved.