Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission has announced that registration is now open for the 2025 Winter Best Practices Workshops, which are scheduled to occur from September through November.

According to the commission, these workshops will be a combination of in-person and virtual sessions focusing on public roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. An in-person Public Roads workshop featuring a calibration demonstration is planned for September 30 from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Registration can be completed at saltsmart.org/workshops, with discounted fees available for watershed workgroup members.

Free regional calibration events in November will allow agencies to bring winter maintenance vehicles for calibration with Force America. The Lake County event is set for November 4 in Libertyville, Cook County’s event on November 5 in Orland Park, and DuPage County’s event on November 6 in Wheaton. One-hour registration slots will provide operators with hands-on experience to ensure their equipment applies road salt accurately and efficiently.

These workshops and calibration events are part of broader efforts supported by the Salt Smart Collaborative to mitigate the environmental impact of deicing materials while maintaining safe roads. Previous events have trained operators to calibrate equipment, implement best management practices, and comply with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. Resources include online videos, annual workshop registration, and lists of certified deicing providers who apply salt responsibly to protect surface and groundwater.

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission was established in 1990 by state law to coordinate stormwater efforts across more than 80 local jurisdictions. Its mission focuses on improving water quality, reducing flood damage, and restoring natural drainage systems throughout the county. The commission manages floodplains and watersheds by enforcing countywide floodplain and stormwater standards, supporting flood hazard mitigation projects, implementing watershed plans, and using best management practices. It also works to protect and restore natural resources through partnerships and various funding sources. The commission includes 12 members: six municipal mayors or presidents and six Lake County Board members, each representing one of six districts.