Bill > HF793

This bill establishes a voluntary certification program for commercial salt applicators, who are individuals applying deicers (substances used to melt snow and ice) for hire, to promote best practices that protect water quality. To become a "certified commercial applicator," individuals must complete approved training on snow and ice removal and deicer application and pass an examination, with certification needing renewal every ten years. The program, overseen by the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency, will offer training statewide, with options for online recertification, and approved providers can charge a fee of up to $350. Importantly, certified commercial applicators and property owners who contract with them will have their liability limited for damages arising from snow and ice hazards if they followed the commissioner's approved best management practices, unless their actions constitute gross negligence, willful misconduct, or a failure to comply with those practices. Certified applicators must also maintain detailed records of their deicer use and submit an annual report on the amounts and types of deicers used.