CONGRATULATIONS!

For the 9th consecutive year, the McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) received the Excellence in Storage Award recognizing environmental consciousness and effective management in the storage of winter salt.  MCDOT is one of 159 other facilities from across the United States and Canada that received the award this past year.  The Village of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills were also recipients of this year’s award.

“We are honored to achieve the Excellence Award again this year. We are more than just a recipient. We are an ongoing model for proper storage that other agencies look to when designing their facilities and setting their procedures,” stated MCDOT Maintenance Supervisor Mark Devries, “With all the ongoing concerns for environmental protection and water quality issues, it is vital we continue to follow the best practices and serve as an example for others.”

About 17 million tons of deicing salt are applied to roadways in the U.S. each year and another six million tons are spread in Canada. Having enough road salt on hand before storms hit requires advanced planning as well as safe and efficient storage.  Among other best practices specified by the Salt Institute, Excellence in Storage winners must store salt on a pad, covering it with a roof or other approved materials.  Winners must also display proper maintenance of facilities and good housekeeping practices.

In addition to salt storage, McHenry County also continues to be a leader in salt application. MCDOT shares its best management practices for salt application through the Division of Water Resources’ Managing Snow and Ice Control Operations Workshop.   Removal of snow and ice from McHenry County pavement is essential for public safety and the local economy.  This workshop encourages sensible salting practices without compromising safety.  The workshop will be conducted on October 13 and October 14 in McHenry, IL.  Pre-registration for this event is required.   Room is still available.

More information for this event can be found on the McHenry County Water Resources website at www.mchenryh2o.com under “Announcements” or by contacting McHenry County Water Resources Manger Cassandra McKinney at 815-334-4213.