VT H0086

Establishes a Chloride Contamination Reduction Program requiring the Secretary of Natural Resources to create education, training, and certification programs for commercial and municipal salt applicators, implemented by a competitively selected third-party vendor

Certified salt applicators receive limited liability protection for slip-and-fall damages caused by snow or ice when following best management practices, and are presumed to be in compliance with water quality laws

Requires all salt storage facilities within 100 yards of surface water or drinking water sources to be covered by 2030, with all other storage facilities covered by 2035, with grant funding available

Mandates the Secretary to determine annual salt imports, establish a public database for road salt purchases and applications, develop salt reduction targets, and report annually to the General Assembly by January 15

Appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund in FY 2026 to the Agency of Natural Resources for program administration, with best management practices to be adopted by November 1, 2026 for implementation beginning January 1, 2027