It is important to note, that the construction of salt storage facilities will no longer be permitted in environmentally sensitive areas. Storage facilities already in existence in these sensitive areas may be designated as a "Danger of Pollution" pursuant to Section 4(1) of the Water Quality Regulation, and as such will require an Approval to Operate.
In locations which are not considered "Environmentally Sensitive Areas", salt users requiring less that 50 tonnes of salt or salted sand, may store these materials on a impermeable base such as asphalt, geotextile or other suitable material, providing that the pile is covered with a tarp at all times when not in use. All surplus salt is to be removed from the site at the end of each winter season.
In all other cases the following conditions are required:
Construction and Operation
Salt storage facilities shall be constructed:
- having an impermeable floor constructed of asphalt, concrete or other suitable material which extends around the buildings exterior and is sloped away from the building to prevent stormwater from entering the structure. The floor is to be graded away from the centre of the storage pile area with a slope of 1-2%.
- with a bulkhead or inner retention wall designed to protect the outer skin from pressure loading of the material inside, and to absorb the stress of loaders pushing material against the inside walls.
- using waterproof materials in the construction of the buildings exterior and roof to prevent precipitation and moisture from entering the building.
- with a suitable cover or door on the entrance.
and be operated such that:
- all spillage of salt and salted sand outside the storage building must be cleaned up as soon as possible and placed in the storage building.
- all handling of salt and salted sand is to be done within the storage building.
- any loose salt material is to be removed from the trucks wheel wells and tailgates prior to leaving the building.