We might all be enjoying summer weather but winter is right around the corner. Mindful of current research the Smart About Salt Council (SASC) has been busy working with industry, government and other stakeholders to develop a new online training program for winter maintenance contractors, facility owners/operators and others that provides education on leading practices in winter maintenance.

“The new online training is available in English and French and complements our existing award-winning in classroom efforts that have been so successful” said Eric Hodgins, a Professional Hydrogeologist and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Kitchener-based organization. “Obviously safety is paramount, but we’ve seen how climate change and knowledge-gap are combining for magnifying negative impacts on our freshwater resources”.

A partnership effort by industry and government in  2009 led to the creation of the Smart About Salt Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting our freshwater resources from the over application of salt. The Smart About Salt Council is unique to Canada offering win-win education and certification that seeks to engage industry and the public to adopt leading practices in winter maintenance. The new format will improve access to training which is needed in light of  recent University research which confirmed that winter salt is damaging lakes and rivers.

“We help those facility owner and operators work with their contractors and others so that facilities and the public are protected. It’s about collaboration and awareness so that everyone concerned benefits, including our water resources” noted Hodgins.

For more information about the Smart About Salt Council (SASC) and its award-winning training programs please visit www.smartaboutsalt.com/schedule.