AR9: Resolution Text

LRB-1458/1

RAC:klm

2021 - 2022 LEGISLATURE

2021 Assembly RESOLUTION 9

January 29, 2021 - Introduced by Representatives Hesselbein, Ortiz-Velez, Sinicki, Neubauer, Cabrera, Stubbs and Subeck. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AR9,1,1 Relating to: honoring January 2021 as Wisconsin Salt Awareness Month.

AR9,1,3 Whereas, over 525,000 tons of salt (sodium chloride) are applied to Wisconsin roadways each winter; and

AR9,1,5 Whereas, all of the chlorides applied to roads and fields and used in water softeners end up in our fresh water; and

AR9,1,7 Whereas, forty-seven rivers and lakes in Wisconsin have been identified as impaired due to high chloride concentrations; and

AR9,1,9 Whereas, the observed high concentrations of road salt is causing acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms; and

AR9,1,11 Whereas, in our state capital, salt pollution is impacting both upper and lower aquifers; and

AR9,1,13 Whereas, well water data illustrate drinking water in rural areas across the state is being salted; and

AR9,2,3 Whereas, forty-five wastewater treatment plants in hard water regions across the state have variances to discharge above the legal limit for chloride because they cannot afford to remove de-icing and water softener salt from wastewater; and

AR9,2,6 Whereas, education, equipment calibration, and incorporation of best management practices has enabled counties and municipalities across the state to reduce winter salt use by 30-70 percent without impacting public safety; and

AR9,2,8 Whereas, to slow the salting of our freshwater, we need increased awareness to create new social norms and change behaviors; and

AR9,2,11 Whereas, the good health and well-being of the residents of the state of Wisconsin are enhanced by keeping our freshwater resources salt free; now, therefore, be it

AR9,2,14 Resolved by the assembly, That the Wisconsin Legislature proclaims January 2021 to be Wisconsin Salt Awareness Month and encourages all citizens to increase awareness of, education for, and services for proper salt use in Wisconsin.

AR9,2,15 (End)