Training Detail

The Selecting Snow & Ice Control Materials to Mitigate Environmental Impacts training program provides the winter maintenance supervisor or mid-level manager with a systematic approach to selecting snow and ice control materials best suited for his region using a balanced method that addresses material performance, cost, infrastructure impact, and environmental impact. As you work through the module, you will complete a series of forms. Once you complete the module, you will have identified the best material(s) for your region. The program also includes a separate standalone tool, or "wizard," for walking through the material selection process.

There are eight units in this module:

• Unit 1: Formulating a Material Selection Process;
• Unit 2: Potential Impacts to the Natural Environment;
• Unit 3: Ranking Potential Natural Environment Impacts;
• Unit 4: Potential Infrastructure Impacts;
• Unit 5: Ranking Potential Infrastructure Impacts;
• Unit 6: Determining Comparative Material Prices;
• Unit 7: Comparative Performance Measures; and
• Unit 8: Material Purchase Specifications and Quality Assurance.

The development of this training program by the Snow and Ice Pooled Fund Cooperative Program (SICOP) was made possible through the pooled fund contributions by SICOP member states and other interested entities. It is being made available here through a partnership between SICOP and the AASHTO Technical Training Solutions.

This course offers professional development hours (PDHs). You will see the PDHs on your course completion certificate, which also serves as documentation of your attendance. PDH requirements vary, therefore, it is up to you to determine whether or not this particular course qualifies under your State or board requirements.

Training level: Intermediate

Target audience: This course is designed for those responsible for selecting and ordering materials; it is not generally intended for equipment operators.

Learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Prioritize your agency’s four main snow and ice control policy objectives;
• Identify the primary chemical components and attributes of concern;
• Identify and weigh the potential impacts that snow and ice control materials may have on the natural environment in your region;
• Identify potential impacts that snow and ice materials may have on your roadway infrastructure and the vehicles traveling along those routes;
• Objectively compare prices of various snow and ice control materials;
• Objectively compare the performance of various snow and ice control materials; and
• Specify requirements for material vendors and verify materials are delivered in accordance with these specifications.