VT S0029

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

Certified salt applicators receive limited liability protection from slip-and-fall damages and a presumption of compliance with water quality laws when following best management practices

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

Mandates the Secretary develop a public database for road salt purchases and applications, establish salt reduction targets, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly by January 15 on salt impacts to water, land, health, and infrastructure

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