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Winter Operations Plan
Page 1 of 40
Winter Operations Planning Document for Township of Billings
(Winter Season 2024-25)
Contents
A. Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... 3
B. Definitions ..................................................................................................................................... 3
1. OBJECTIVE OF WINTER OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT .................................................................. 4
2. POLICY STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 5
3. QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BILLINGS ..................................................................... 5
4. WINTER MAINTENANCE PROGRAM .............................................................................................. 6
4.1. The System Maintained .......................................................................................................... 6
4.2. Level of Service ....................................................................................................................... 6
4.2.1. Snow Accumulation and Ice Formation Policy ................................................................ 6
4.2.2. Private Sidewalk Responsibility ....................................................................................... 9
4.3. Winter Season Maintenance .................................................................................................. 9
4.4. Winter Preparations ............................................................................................................. 10
4.4.1. Prior to Winter Season .................................................................................................. 10
4.4.2. One Month Prior to the Winter Season ........................................................................ 10
4.4.3. Two Weeks Prior to the Winter Season ........................................................................ 11
4.4.4. At the Start of the Winter Season ................................................................................. 11
4.5. Winter Patrol Operations ..................................................................................................... 11
4.5.1. Staffing and Hours of Work ........................................................................................... 11
4.5.2. Winter Material Used Annually ..................................................................................... 12
4.5.4. Equipment - Winter Maintenance Fleet ........................................................................ 12
4.5.5. Winter Maintenance Facilities ...................................................................................... 13
4.5.6. Parking Lots ................................................................................................................... 15
4.5.7. Snow Removal and Disposal .......................................................................................... 16
4.5.8. Plow Routes ................................................................................................................... 16
4.5.9. Salt Vulnerable Areas .................................................................................................... 16
4.5.10. Weather Monitoring .................................................................................................... 17
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4.5.11. Communications .......................................................................................................... 18
4.5.13. Callout Procedures ...................................................................................................... 19
4.5.14. Road Closure and Procedures ..................................................................................... 19
Emergency Parking Ban ........................................................................................................... 19
4.5.16. Operating Instructions and Safety Rules ..................................................................... 20
4.6. Decommissioning Winter Operations .................................................................................. 20
4.6.1. Two Weeks After the Winter Season Ends .................................................................... 20
4.6.2. One Month After the Winter Season Ends .................................................................... 20
4.7. Training ................................................................................................................................. 20
4.8. Record Keeping ..................................................................................................................... 21
5. PLAN IMPROVEMENTS ................................................................................................................ 22
6. MONITORING AND UPDATING .................................................................................................... 22
7. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS PLAN ....................................................................................................... 23
8. DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................................. 23
Appendix 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 25
Appendix 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 27
Appendix 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Appendix 4-1.................................................................................................................................... 30
Appendix 4-2.................................................................................................................................... 31
Appendix 4-3.................................................................................................................................... 32
Appendix 4-4.................................................................................................................................... 33
Appendix 5-1.................................................................................................................................... 34
Media Release ............................................................................................................................. 34
Appendix 5-2.................................................................................................................................... 35
Media Release ............................................................................................................................. 35
Appendix 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 36
Appendix 7-1.................................................................................................................................... 39
Appendix 7-2.................................................................................................................................... 40
Winter Operations Plan
Page 3 of 40
A. Purpose
This winter operations plan sets out a policy and procedural framework for ensuring that
the Township of Billings continuously improves on the safe and sustainable delivery of
winter maintenance services and the effective and efficient use of sand and road salt in
their winter maintenance operations. This plan supersedes all previous plans for the
Township of Billings.
The plan is meant to be dynamic, to allow the municipality to evaluate and phase-in any
changes, new approaches and technologies in winter maintenance activities in a fiscally
sound manner. At the same time, any modifications to municipal winter maintenance
activities must ensure that roadway safety is not compromised.
B. Definitions
Anti-icing means the application of liquid deicers directly to the road surface in advance of a
winter event.
Continuous Winter Event Response is a response to a winter event with full deployment of
manpower and equipment that plow/salt/sand the entire system.
De-icing means the application of solids, liquids, pre-treated material to the road surface
after the on-set of the winter event.
Highway means a common and public highway, street, avenue, parkway, driveway,
square, place, bridge, viaduct or trestle, any part of which is intended for or used by the
general public for the passage of vehicles and includes the area between the lateral
property lines thereof.
Paved Road means a road with an asphalt surface, concrete surface, composite pavement,
or portland cement.
Pre-treat means the application of liquids (sodium chloride, calcium chloride, etc.) to dry salt
or sand prior to being loaded for storage or applied to the road surface.
Pre-wetting means the application of liquids (sodium chloride, calcium chloride, etc.) at the
spinner of the truck just prior to application to the road surface.
Public Works Superintendent is the person who is on duty at the time directing the
snow/ice removal operations of the Township of Billings. These individuals include: any
other individual who may be assigned the responsibility of Public Works Superintendent.
Route of Representative Roads is another term used for patrol routes.
Salt Route is a collection of road segments, which during a winter storm will receive
applications of salt to prevent the formation of a bond between snow and pavement, or if
such a bond has already formed, to break that bond. Typically, such routes have some
sort of bare pavement level of service. Under certain circumstances (e.g. extremely cold
Winter Operations Plan
Page 4 of 40
pavement temperatures such that road salt would not be effective at bond breaking or
prevention) sand may be applied to such routes to provide a temporary increase in grip.
Billings Township does not any salt routes.
Sand Route is a collection of road segments which during a winter storm will receive
applications of sand to provide a temporary increase in grip. Typically, such routes include
gravel and other unpaved roads, where the use of salt or other freeze depressant materials
might impact road stability. The level of service on such routes would not have bare
pavement as a service goal.
Spot Winter Event Response is a response to a winter event with only a partial
deployment of manpower and equipment or with full deployment to only part of the
system.
Surface Treated Road is road with bituminous surface treatment comprised of one or
two applications of asphalt emulsion and stone chips over a gravel road.
Unpaved Road is a graded road with a gravel, stone or other loose traveling surface.
Winter Event is a weather condition affecting roads such as snowfall, windblown snow,
freezing rain, frost or ice to which, a winter event response is required.
Winter Event Response is a series of winter control activities performed in response to a
winter event.
Winter Event Response Hours are the total number of person-hours per year (plowing,
salting/sanding, winging back, etc.) to respond to winter events.
1. OBJECTIVE OF WINTER OPERATIONS
MANAGEMENT
Township of Billings is committed to providing safe and sustainable winter maintenance
operations while continuing to improve those operations to provide safety and mobility
for the traveling public. As an integral part of this effort Township of Billings will strive to
optimize the use of all winter maintenance materials as they pursue the goal of a safe
and sustainable transportation system.
Township of Billings Public Works staff will strive, insofar as reasonably practicable, to provide
safe winter road conditions for vehicular and pedestrian traffic as set out in the level of service
policies and within the resources established by the Council of the Township of Billings.
Winter Operations Plan
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2. POLICY STATEMENT
The Township of Billings will conduct safe and sustainable snow removal to ensure, insofar
as reasonably practicable, the safety and mobility of users of the municipal road network,
in keeping with applicable state legislation.
The Township of Billings will provide efficient and cost-effective winter maintenance to
ensure, insofar as reasonably practicable, the safety of users of the municipal road
network in keeping with applicable provincial legislation and accepted standards while
striving to minimize adverse impacts to the environment. These commitments will be met
by:
-
Adhering to the procedures contained within the Winter Operations Plan;
Reviewing and upgrading the Winter Operations Plan on an annual basis to
incorporate new technologies and new developments;
-
Committing to ongoing winter maintenance staff training and education; and
Monitoring on an annual basis, the present conditions of the winter
maintenance program, as well as the effectiveness of the Winter Operations
Plan.
3. QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE TOWNSHIP OF
BILLINGS
-
Type of Organization: Municipal
-
Structural Level: Township
-
Estimated Population (2016 Consensus): 603
-
Total Area: 209 km2
-
Street Address: Municipal Office, 15 Old Mill Road,
Kagawong, Ontario
P0P 1J0, Canada
-
Telephone:
Municipal Office (705) 282-2611
Public Works Garage (705) 282-3433
-
Website: www.billingstwp.ca
-
Public Works Superintendent: Chris Cyr, Telephone: (705) 282-4044
-
Police:
-
Contact Person: Robert Walsh
Primary Phone: (705) 356-2244
Email [email protected]
Little Current Detachment (705) 368-2200
Winter Operations Plan
Page 6 of 40
4. WINTER MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
4.1. The System Maintained
The major activities related to winter maintenance are:
-
Snow plowing
-
Salt /sand application
-
De-icing
-
Frost-control
-
Drift-control
The Township of Billings is responsible for winter maintenance on:
Road
Category
Pavement Type and
Area Type
Individual Length
(Lane kilometers)
Total Length (Lane
kilometers)
Class 6
Rural
0.0
8.1
Rural gravel
8.1
Class 5
Hard surfacing
40.15
61.76
Urban
0.0
Gravel
21.61
Urban
0.0
Class 4
Hard surfacing
65.6
65.6
Urban
0
Gravel
0
Class 3
Urban
0.9
0.9
Not Maintained Winter Roads 43.05 Lane Kilometers
4.2. Level of Service
The Township of Billings provides the following level of service during the winter
maintenance season, as set out in 4.2, in response to a winter event.
The minimum standard for clearing snow accumulation is:
4.2.1. Snow Accumulation and Ice Formation Policy
SNOW ACCUMULATION:
1. The standard for addressing snow accumulation is:
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a. after becoming aware of the fact that the snow accumulation
on a roadway is greater than the depth set out in the Table to
this section, to deploy resources as soon as practicable to
address the snow accumulation; and
b. after the snow accumulation has ended, to address the snow
accumulation so as to reduce the snow to a depth less than or
equal to the depth set out in the Table within the time set out in
the Table,
i. to provide a minimum lane width of the lesser of three
meters for each lane or the actual lane width, or
ii. on a Class 4 or Class 5 highway with two lanes, to
provide a total width of at least five meters. O. Reg.
47/13, s. 4.
2. If the depth of snow accumulation on a roadway is less than or equal
to the depth set out in the Table to this section, the roadway is
deemed to be in a state of repair with respect to snow accumulation.
O. Reg. 47/13, s. 4.
3. For the purposes of this section, the depth of snow accumulation on a
roadway and, if applicable, lane width under subsection (1)(b), may be
determined in accordance with subsection (4) by a municipal
employee, agent or contractor, whose duties or responsibilities include
one or more of the following:
a. Performing highway maintenance activities.
b. Supervising staff who perform activities described in paragraph 1
or 2. O. Reg. 47/13, s. 4.
4. The depth of snow accumulation on a roadway and lane width may be
determined by,
a. performing an actual measurement;
b. monitoring the weather; or
c. performing a visual estimate. O. Reg. 47/13, s. 4.
5. For the purposes of this section, addressing snow accumulation on a
roadway includes, but is not limited to,
a. plowing the roadway;
b. salting the roadway;
i. the application of other chemical or organic agents to
the roadway;
c. applying abrasive materials to the roadway; or
d. any combination of the methods described in clauses (a),
(b), (b.1) and (c). O. Reg. 47/13, s. 4.
6. This section does not apply to that portion of the roadway designated
for parking. O. Reg. 47/13, s. 4.
7. If at any time a municipality declares a weather emergency, then all
roadways within the municipality are deemed to be in a state of repair
in respect of any snow accumulation present, until the applicable time
under the Table to this section expires following the end of the
declared weather emergency.
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ICE FORMATION:
1. The standard for attempting the prevention of ice formation on
roadways is doing the following in the 24-hour period preceding an
alleged formation of ice on a roadway:
a. Monitor the weather in accordance with section 3.1.
b. Patrol in accordance with section 3.
c. If the municipality determines, as a result of its activities under
paragraph 1 or 2, that there is a substantial probability of ice
forming on a roadway, treat the roadway to attempt to prevent
ice formation within the time set out in the Table to this section,
starting from the time that the municipality determines is the
appropriate time to deploy resources for that purpose. O. Reg.
47/13, s. 5.
2. If the municipality meets the standard set out in subsection (1) and,
despite such compliance, ice forms on a roadway, the roadway is
deemed to be in a state of repair until the earlier of,
a. the time that the municipality becomes aware of the fact that
the roadway is icy; or
b. the applicable time set out in the Table to this section for
treating the roadway to prevent ice formation expires. O. Reg.
47/13, s. 5.
3. The standard for treating icy roadways after the municipality becomes
aware of the fact that a roadway is icy is to treat the icy roadway
within the time set out in the Table to this section, and an icy roadway
is deemed to be in a state of repair until the applicable time set out in
the Table for treating the icy roadway expires. O. Reg.
47/13, s. 5.
4. For the purposes of this section, treating a roadway means applying
material to the roadway, including but not limited to, salt, sand or any
combination of salt and sand. O. Reg. 47/13, s. 5.
5. If at any time a municipality declares a weather emergency, then all
roadways within the municipality are deemed to be in a state of repair
in respect of any ice present, until the applicable time under the Table
to this section expires following the end of the declared weather
emergency.
Winter Operations Plan
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TABLE
SNOW ACCUMULATION
Class of Highway
Depth
Time
1
2.5 cm
4 hours
2
5 cm
6 hours
3
8 cm
12 hours
4
8 cm
16 hours
5
10 cm
24 hours
6
10 cm
24 hours
TABLE
ICE FORMATION PREVENTION AND ICY ROADWAYS
Class of Highway
Time
1
3 hours
2
4 hours
3
8 hours
4
12 hours
5
16 hours
4.2.2. Private Sidewalk Responsibility
All sidewalks adjacent to private property are the responsibility of the adjacent
property owner. Due to the location of some sidewalks and the volume of snow
being moved off of the streets, there may be occurrences when plowing operations
may deposit significant amounts of snow onto the sidewalks. When this occurs, it is
the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to remove all snow from the
sidewalk. The township does not winter maintain sidewalks.
4.2.3. Plowing Private Property
Private properties are the responsibility of respective owners.
4.3. Winter Season Maintenance
For Operational purposes, the Township of Billings assumes the winter season
commences on 2024-Nov-16 and is completed by 2025-Apr-16, while acknowledging
that winter events may occur outside of this timeframe.
Winter Operations Plan
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4.4. Winter Preparations
In the months prior to the start of the winter maintenance season the Township of
Billings undertakes the following tasks to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
4.4.1. Prior to Winter Season
Prior to the winter season, if required, prepare and call tenders for the supply of
materials (salt, sand, liquid, etc.), replacement parts (for plows, solid and liquid
application equipment), value added meteorological services (VAMS) and contract
equipment (plow trucks, spreader trucks, combination units).
Sometime prior to the winter season the Township of Billings will:
-
Conduct a session for staff and contract operators where all policies, procedures,
schedules, reporting procedures for callout, route maps, equipment training and
safety precautions will be discussed. Any issues resulting from the meeting with
regard to the policies, procedures, schedules, reporting procedures for callout,
route maps, equipment training and safety precautions shall be resolved either at
the meeting or prior to the winter season.
-
Inspect equipment to ensure proper working order. Schedule and complete any
and all equipment repairs.
-
Arrange for the delivery of materials (salt, sand and liquid solution) and begin
filling storage facilities. If liquid solution is mixed on site, begin mixing and filling
storage tanks.
-
Confirm that all guiderail, catch basin, hazard and fire hydrant markers, steep hill,
sharp curve ahead warning signs, bridges ices sign, if any, are in place. Any missing
markers should be replaced prior to the winter session.
4.4.2. One Month Prior to the Winter Season
One month prior to the winter season the Township of Billings will:
-
Assign equipment to staff.
-
Calibrate material application equipment.
-
Allow operators (staff and contract) time to familiarize themselves with any
new equipment, material application rates, material application equipment and
their route (driving the route and noting obstacles along the route).
-
Assign staff to monitor and record weather forecasts on a daily basis. Upon the
forecast of an approaching winter event, schedule a patrol of a route of
representative roads. If a winter event is forecast prior to the start of the next
scheduled shift a night and/or weekend patrol(s) of a route of representative
roads should be scheduled. If a night or weekend patrol is scheduled the patroller
should monitor and record the weather forecast and road conditions. The patrol
person should be authorized to initiate a winter event response if conditions
warrant a response.
-
Have 33 % of the fleet ready to respond to a winter event.
-
Have sufficient staff available to operate the fleet if conditions warrant a winter
event response.
Winter Operations Plan
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4.4.3. Two Weeks Prior to the Winter Season
Two weeks prior to the winter season the Township of Billings will:
-
Have the 66 % of the fleet ready to respond to a winter event.
-
Have staff available to operate the required complement of the fleet if
conditions warrant a winter event response
4.4.4. At the Start of the Winter Season
At the start of the winter season:
-
Begin patrolling representative roads in all roads/areas that the
organization is responsible for
-
Respond to winter events as per the winter operations plan.
4.5. Winter Patrol Operations
4.5.1. Staffing and Hours of Work
The Township of Billings has a full-time employee assigned to each vehicle used for
winter operations. Each vehicle is assigned a route for sanding/salting and/or plowing.
The Township of Billings adheres to the hours of service as dictated by Highway Traffic
Safety Act, Reg. 555/06 (Ontario, Canada).
Staffing for Winter Maintenance
Employee Job Title
Reports
to
Facility
Assigned
Route(s)
Assigned Equipment
Bill Hore
1st Operator
Public
Works
RORR 1, PR
1, RORR 2,
PR 2
2021 International,
International Work Star,
Western Star tandem, 2010
International Work Star
John
Tolsma
Operator
Public
Works
RORR 1, PR
1, RORR 2,
PR 2
2021 International,
International Work Star,
Western Star tandem, 2010
International Work Star
Chris Cyr
Public Works
Superintendent
Public
Works
RORR 1, PR
1, RORR 2,
PR 2
2021 International,
International Work Star,
Western Star tandem, 2010
International Work Star
Bill Savage Operator
Public
Works
RORR 1, PR
1, RORR 2,
PR 2
2021 International,
International Work Star,
Western Star tandem, 2010
International Work Star
Winter Operations Plan
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Some of the key responsibilities associated with the management and overseeing of
winter operations for this winter season are as below:
-
Public Works Superintendent will receive issues and concerns of the citizens
regarding snow and ice control efforts.
-
Public Works Superintendent will be responsible for making operational
decisions.
-
Public Works Superintendent will be authority to which the field staff will
communicate the field conditions to.
-
Public Works Superintendent will be responsible for shift scheduling. Public
Works Superintendent will (when physically possible) be responsible for
providing appropriate signage and or barricade in case a road has to be closed
due to severe winter storm.
-
Public Works Superintendent will ensure media releases are sent to local
news and radio stations advising of road closures.
-
Bill Hore will be second in command to the Public Works Superintendent.
4.5.2. Winter Material Used Annually
Primary
Solid
Material
Brand
Name or
Supplier
Expected Quantity this
Season vs. Actual Quantity
Last Season
Comes
Pre-Mixed
with
In-House
Mix
Added
Pretreated
Sand
H & R Noble
Construction
400 Tones (Can)
Pretreated
Sand 5.0%
4.5.3. Application Rates
Min. and Max. Ranges (Tones (can)/lane-kilometer)
0.0 to -5.0 CELSIUS
0.0 to -10.0 CELSIUS
0.0 to -18.0 CELSIUS
Frost
1.0 - 1.0
1.0 - 1.0
1.0 - 1.0
Light Snow
1.0 - 1.0
1.0 - 1.0
1.0 - 1.0
Heavy Snow
1.0 - 1.0
1.0 - 1.0
1.0 - 1.0
Freezing Rain
1.0 - 1.0
1.0 - 1.5
1.0 - 1.5
4.5.4. Equipment - Winter Maintenance Fleet
The Township of Billings provides winter maintenance services on 4 routes with the
equipment listed in Appendix 3.
VEHICLE NAME
OR NUMBER
VEHICLE
TYPE
ASSOCIATED
ROUTES
ASSOCIATED
EMPLOYEES
LOCATION
/YARD
Winter Operations Plan
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2021 International
HV613
Tandem
Axle
PR 1, PR 2
Chis Cyr, Bill Hore, Bill
Savage, John Tolsma
Public
Works
2010 International
Work star
Tandem
Axle
PR 1, PR 2
Chis Cyr, Bill Hore, Bill
Savage, John Tolsma
Public
Works
2016 Western Star
tandem
Tandem
Axle
PR 1, PR 2
Chis Cyr, Bill Hore, Bill
Savage, John Tolsma
Public
Works
4.5.4.1. Mechanics
The Township of Billings has:
0 in-house mechanic(s) available
external (e.g. contracted) mechanic(s) available
Facilities with mechanics include:
-
Public Works Garage available for call in mechanics
The timings for the above mechanics are as below:
-
Emergency
-
Maintenance/Repair
4.5.5. Winter Maintenance Facilities
The Township of Billings provides winter maintenance services from the winter
maintenance facilities listed below.
4.5.5.1. Public Works
Facility Type:
Other
Facility Address:
Public Works Garage, 42 Carter Crescent, Kagawong, Ontario P0P 1J0, Canada
Facility Phone:
705 282 3433
Number of Front-end Loaders (Backhoe):
1
Year facility Built:
1995
Winter Operations Plan
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Updates and Enhancements:
-
2001 - Cold storage added to the back of the main Public Works Garage
-
1998 - Sand/Salt storage building
Design and Logistics:
-
All materials are handled in a designated area characterized by an
impermeable surface
-
Equipment is in place to prevent overloading of trucks
-
System is in place for collection and/or treatment of wastewater from
cleaning of trucks
-
Control and diversion of external waters (not impacted by salt) is in place
Ongoing clean-up of the site surfaces and spilled material is swept up
quickly
-
Risk management and emergency measures plans are in place
Material Storage Details:
There is storage space available inside of this facility. It presently
stores:
-
Salt/Sand Mixture - 400 Tons
There is no storage space available outside of this facility.
Equipment Storage Details:
Two plow Trucks and backhoe loader are kept inside a warm garage, for immediate
dispatching of equipment.
Equipment Washing Details:
Hot water pressure washer with gutter system in floor with oil separator.
Miscellaneous Material Details:
The sand/salt mixture is kept dry in our sand storage building and the salt is stored in a
separate dry storage building.
Site Drainage Details:
-
There is drainage and collection systems for runoff of salt-contaminated
waters at this facility
-
The chloride concentration in the runoff is not monitored
-
This site discharges to:
o Containment system for removal
-
Additional Site Storage Details
Winter Operations Plan
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4.5.6. Parking Lots
The Township of Billings provides winter maintenance services to the listed parking lots
below.
4.5.6.1. Fire Hall/Gym
Facility Address: Fire Hall / 91 Main St/ Kagawong Fitness Club, 91 Main St,
Kagawong, Ontario P0P 1H0, Canada
Number of Parking Spots: 6
Responsibility to maintain: Township of Billings.
The lot is not used for storage or disposal of snow.
The drainage from this lot is controlled.
Service Policy: Cleaning the paved area at the entrance of the Fire Hall is of top priority.
4.5.6.2. Town Parking Lots
Facility Address: Main St, Kagawong, Ontario P0P 1J0, Canada Number of Parking Spots:
Responsibility to maintain: Township of Billings.
The lot is not used for storage or disposal of snow.
The drainage from this lot is not controlled.
Service Policy: Parking Lots are generally of a lower priority.
4.5.6.3. Library Parking
Facility Address: Billings Public Library, Upper St, Kagawong, Ontario P0P 1J0,
Canada
Number of Parking Spots: 6
Responsibility to maintain: Township of Billings.
The lot is not used for storage or disposal of snow.
The drainage from this lot is controlled.
Service Policy: The Public Library is only open a few days a week and is plowed shortly
after the priority sites are finished.
4.5.6.4. Park Centre Parking
Facility Address: Park Centre, Henry St., Kagawong, Ontario P0P 1J0, Canada
Number of Parking Spots: 40
Responsibility to maintain: Township of Billings.
The lot is not used for storage or disposal of snow.
The drainage from this lot is controlled.
Service Policy: The Park Centre is of High Priority, as it is the Community Centre and
Centre for Emergency situations if required.
4.5.6.5. Municipal Parking
Facility Address: Municipal Office/Museum, 15 Old Mill Road, Kagawong,
Ontario P0P 1J0, Canada
Winter Operations Plan
Page 16 of 40
Number of Parking Spots:
Responsibility to maintain: Township of Billings.
The lot is not used for storage or disposal of snow.
The drainage from this lot is controlled.
Service Policy: The priority of snow removal is high, as it is the centre of communications
in our community, a source of important information in case of an Emergency and a
loading and unloading area for School Busses.
4.5.6.6. Marina/Anglican Church Parking Lot
Facility Address: between 170 - 184 Main Street, Kagawong ON, Ontario P0P
1J0, Canada
Number of Parking Spots:
Responsibility to maintain: Township of Billings.
The lot is not used for storage or disposal of snow.
The drainage from this lot is not controlled.
Service Policy: Parking Lots are generally of a lower priority, except for the one by the
Anglican Church for Sunday Parking
4.5.7. Snow Removal and Disposal
The Township of Billings does not have dedicated Disposal Site(s) in its jurisdiction.
4.5.8. Plow Routes
Appendix 2 contains maps of the salt/sand routes, anti-icing routes and plow routes.
4.5.9. Salt Vulnerable Areas
Certain locations within the area of responsibility of the Township of Billings have been
identified as being potentially vulnerable to the over-application of road salt. These areas
are shown on the route maps in the appendices. Accordingly, salt storage, snow disposal
and material application in these areas will be strictly monitored and, in some cases, may
be restricted in a variety of ways.
4.5.9.1. Main St
Facility Address:
Area Footprint: 61859.66 Square Meters
Additional Details: Main Street runs parallel to Mudge Bay (North Channel of Lake
Huron). The beach area runs from rocky shoreline to a sandy beach to rocky shoreline.
This area is sensitive to area rains and spring run offs, so a minimal amount of salt and
salted sand is used in this stretchy of Main Street.
Mitigation Measures: A minimal amount of sand/salt mixture is used in this area to
minimize contamination of the beach area and Municipal Water source.
Associated Vulnerabilities:
Winter Operations Plan
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4.5.9.2. Old Mill Road
Facility Address:
Area Footprint: 28664.59 Square Meters
Additional Details: Old Mill Road crosses the Kagawong River and runs parallel to the
south and east side of Mudge Bay. Only a portion of this road is very close to the
Kagawong River and lakeshore. The amount of salted sand that is spread in this area, is
varied according to the number of residents that use this portion of the road during the
winter months.
Mitigation Measures: A traffic safe amount of salt/sand is applied. The area has no
hills and is relatively flat.
Associated Vulnerabilities:
4.5.9.3. Part of Lakeshore Road
Facility Address:
Area Footprint: 90184.56 Square Meters
Additional Details: This is the section of roadway between Concession 12 West
(Lakeshore Road) and Concession 10 West. In this area, salted sand is applied in a very
careful manner. Traffic safety is very important, as the road has a few curves in it, and
is also used by School Buses.
Mitigation Measures: This part of the road has a 50 Km speed limit road traffic and
therefore a reasonable amount of sand/salt is used in this area for traffic safety.
Associated Vulnerabilities:
4.5.9.4. Manitou Lane
Facility Address:
Area Footprint: 1895.28 Square Meters
Additional Details: Manitou Lane is a class 6 road that services 3 family units.
Because the road is very flat, not much salted sand is applied in this area.
Mitigation Measures: Very little or no sand/salt mixture is used in this area. Snow
plowing only is managed in this area.
Associated Vulnerabilities:
4.5.10. Weather Monitoring
In order to determine an effective winter event response and allocate the appropriate
resources the Township of Billings supplements their general observations with weather
information from various sources which includes:
o Meteorological Services:
Chris Cyr - www.theweathernetwork.com
Chris Cyr - Rain Alarm.com
Chris Cyr - Environment Canada
o Customized weather forecasts which are updated 3 times/day from a Value
o Added Meteorological Service the Weather Network
Winter Operations Plan
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o Weather monitoring will be done 3 times a day through The Weather Network
web site. The forecasts will be checked by managers and staff, so that we can
provide the best winter road management possible. The printed forecasts will
then be filed to be retained for any future reference.
4.5.11. Communications
Maintaining reliable internal communications is a critical component of winter operations.
The Township of Billings uses the following:
-
All employees are equipped with cell phones.
-
Information from The Weather Network and Environment Canada will be
analyzed by the Public Works Superintendent and his staff prior to the event.
If immediate action is to be taken, he will contact the Operators (Bill Hore,
John Tolsma and Bill Savage) as soon as possible.
All citizen issues concerning snow and ice control efforts will be routed to Public Works
Superintendent. The Public Works Superintendent will determine appropriate follow-up
responses to citizen inquiries.
The municipality provides external communication with the general public via:
o Media press releases
o Information posted on the municipality´s web site at www.billingstwp.ca
4.5.12. Boundary Street Jurisdiction and Responsibility
The table below outlines the responsibilities of each agency has to the roads bordering
with the Township of Billings. The agencies listed in the table have first response
maintenance responsibility to these roads. If the Township of Billings has its snow routes
open and serious problems remain on the boundary streets, The Township of Billings snow
plows may assist based upon the judgement of Public Works Superintendent on duty.
TABLE
Organization, and
Contact
Responsibility Details
Telephone
Number
M'Chigeeng - First
Nation,
Earl Debassige
Bay St., Spruce St. and Cross Hill Rd.
705 377 5362
NEMI,
Wayne Williamson
Portion of Rockville Rd. & portion of
Newby's
Sideroad
705 368 2093
Township of
Central Manitoulin,
Ron Klingenberg
Portion of Rockville Rd., Monument
Rd., 20th
Conc., Cross Hill Road & John St
705 377 5301
Winter Operations Plan
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Township of
Gordon/Barrie Is.,
Tim Thibault
Nelson Rd
705 282 2702
4.5.13. Callout Procedures
Operational decisions will be made by the Public Works Superintendent or his/her
designate with the aid of available forecasting, Level of Service policy, patrolling etc.
However, it should be emphasized that decisions will be subjective and external input,
whether in this plan or elsewhere, merely acts as an aid in determining if a call out of staff
and equipment by the Public Works Superintendent to respond to a winter event is
warranted.
It is vital therefore that the Public Works Superintendent records the prevalent conditions
and relevant information when he/she makes a decision.
The Public Works Superintendent will inform staff of changing of road and weather
conditions observed in the field. When a winter event response is required the
Public Works Superintendent will contact the staff by phone. The Public Works
Superintendent will provide information to the operators. In the absence of the Public
Works Superintendent, the patrol person shall be his/her designate and initiate a call out
in response to a winter event.
4.5.14. Road Closure and Procedures
In the event that a road must be closed due to a severe winter storm, Ontario Provincial
Police will request signs be placed to close the road. Appropriate signage and barricade
will be available at the patrol yard. Upon receiving a request from Ontario Provincial Police
to close a road to traffic, the Public Works Superintendent or his/her designate will
organize manpower and equipment to place the signs and barricades. The Public Works
Superintendent or his/her designate will contact the call centre and request that a media
release (Appendix 5-1) be sent to the local news and radio stations advising of the road
closure.
Roads will be deemed to be closed once the signs and barricades are placed.
When it is physically impossible to place signs and barricades to close a road, the
Public Works Superintendent or his/her designate will advise Ontario Provincial Police and
request Ontario Provincial Police permission to send the media release (Appendix 5-2).
4.5.15. Towing Illegally Parked Vehicles - Declaration
Emergency Parking Ban
Cars parked on the streets during a snow removal effort may be ticketed and/or towed
away. A snow emergency parking ban may be declared by Public Works Superintendent, or
their designate. The Ontario Provincial Police and media will be notified when the parking
ban is initiated.
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4.5.16. Operating Instructions and Safety Rules
All individuals (whether local staff or contracted) shall abide by operating instructions and
safety rules as stated in Appendix 6.
4.6. Decommissioning Winter Operations
After the winter season identified in 4.3 expires, the Township of Billings undertakes the
following tasks to decommission winter operations:
4.6.1. Two Weeks After the Winter Season Ends
Two weeks after the winter season ends:
-
Continue monitoring and recording weather forecasts.
-
Assign night patrol shift if forecast indicates an overnight winter event is
probable.
-
Decommission 66 % of the fleet.
4.6.2. One Month After the Winter Season Ends
One month after the winter season ends:
-
Cease all winter highway maintenance operations
-
Decommission the remainder of the equipment providing weather
forecasts warrant the decommissioning.
4.7. Training
The Township of Billings provides winter operations training for all staff involved in the
delivery of winter services.
Individuals in the following positions within and outside of the organization have been
trained:
-
Within Organization:
o Patroller(s)
o Operator(s)
Staff will verify that the training was received by either signing the "Record of Training"
included in Appendix 7-1 or 7-2, or another verification document.
The in-house staff is trained:
-
By the local organization itself
-
Through third-party training services, including:
o OGRA Snow School - 2017 - Trains 33% of staff (Bill)
o OGRA Managing Winter Operations - 2015 - Trains 33.0 % of the staff
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o OGRA Snow School - 2013 - Trains 33.0 % of the staff
o OGRA 2014 Snow School Mechanics Module - Trains 33.0 % of the
staff (Chris)
o OGRA Snow School 2012 - Trains 33.0 % of the staff (Chris)
o Canada Heavy Equipment College - Snow School - 100% of staff
trained
Current winter operations training(s) for in-house staff:
-
Equipment Circle Check
-
Equipment Calibration
-
Record Keeping
-
Health & Safety
-
Level of Service-policies, practices, and procedures
-
Identification of Plow Routes-including variations for year to year and issues
identified along the route.
-
De-icing chemicals-application procedures, rates, storage, and handling
-
Identification of vulnerable areas
-
Yard and equipment maintenance
-
Snow plow operator training
4.8. Record Keeping
Full and accurate completion of the documents listed below, according to the applicable
procedures, ensures that the municipality is protected from liability by providing solid
documentation that procedures have been followed.
Staff is responsible for keeping the following records:
For Equipment Operators:
-
CVOR Time Card
For Patrollers
-
Winter Patrol Record
-
Call Out Diary
-
Weather and/or RWIS Information Received
For Operations Supervisors
-
Operations Diary
-
Incident/Collision Reports
-
Total materials used
In order to help improve decision-making for maintenance strategy, The Township of
Billings:
Winter Operations Plan
Page 22 of 40
-
Has Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system installed on fleet.
-
Uses a chart for application rates adapted to road or weather conditions
(e.g., temperature)
The date will be recorded as YYYY-MMM-DD. It will be written in a numerical format (2017-
Sep-21). The time shall be documented using the 24-hour clock format.
Always retain the original copy of documents regardless of their appearance.
Writing must be legible for others to read and written in ink. Stains or dirt on the
documents is not an issue. If a document requires correction, then a line is to be placed
through the incorrect information without making it illegible and continue writing on the
original document. Initial corrections or change in the colour of ink in a case where you
change writing pens.
5. PLAN IMPROVEMENTS
The current winter maintenance policies, practices and procedures form the baseline or
benchmark upon which improvements can be made to improve winter operations and/or the
use and management of road salt.
Based upon the need to maintain continual service throughout the season, and the previous
experience obtaining critical supplies and equipment at the height of the season, over the
next ten years the Township of Billings plans to undertake a number of improvements that
will be monitored and updated annually.
-
Equipment
o 2017-2018 Season: New Plow blade for newest plow
-
Facilities
6. MONITORING AND UPDATING
Safe and sustainable winter operations include, as one of its fundamental tenets, the
monitoring and updating of winter operations plans, policies, practices and procedures (the
"four Ps") of the Township of Billings in an ongoing manner. To that end, the following
continuous improvement cycle is used to refine the "four Ps" annually.
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At the end of the winter season, as identified in 4.3, a meeting to review winter operations
will be held each year with all winter operations staff to itemize all issues that arose during
the winter season and discuss how these issues may be resolved. Prior to the start of the next
winter season and with sufficient lead time to implement any changes, the Township of
Billings shall train staff on the changes to equipment and/or winter maintenance policies,
practices, and procedures.
7. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS PLAN
This Plan shall be distributed to the following:
-
Mayor and City Council
-
Public Works Supervisor
-
CAO
8. DISCLAIMER
This Manual may be affected by at least one or more of the following events which could
delay or alter snow and ice control by the Township of Billings:
1. Equipment breakdown
2. Vehicles disabled in deep snow.
3. Weather so severe as to cause work to be stopped for the safety of all personnel.
4. Unforeseen conditions and emergencies.
5. Significant medical related emergencies.
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The Township of Billings has enacted comprehensive internal Standard Operating Procedures to
protect winter operations staff from contracting COVID-19 as much as possible. However, should staff
become infected despite these measures or be required to self-isolate due to factors outside of the
Township's control (i.e., infection of close contacts outside of the workplace), it is possible that the
township's Public Works department could be understaffed to the point of service disruptions.
In the event that staff shortages impact winter roads maintenance service delivery, the following
procedures will be followed:
1. Regular weather monitoring and roads patrols shall occur until such time as no staff are
available to do so.
2. A daily prioritization of services will be conducted by the lead Public Works employee on
duty based on the weather forecast, the results of the roads patrol, and staff capacity. This
prioritization will be documented and provided to administrative staff for internal and public
notification (see item 4 below).
3. Services will be delivered based on the daily prioritization exercise.
4. Notification will be provided to the public via the township's website and Facebook page
regarding any service disruptions or delays. Internal notification shall be done via email and
shall include all staff and the Fire Chief.
5. In the event that no Township of Billings staff are available for roads patrols or further
maintenance activities due to illness or self-isolation, the CAO/Clerk will contact Mutual Aid
partners for assistance. Items 2 through 4 will be conducted by/with Mutual Aid partners.
6. As a last resort, the Public Works Superintendent may, in consultation with the CAO/Clerk,
exercise the power delegated to them by section 7 of Township of Billings by-law 2018-49 to
declare a municipal highway(s) or any portion thereof to be temporarily closed until such
time as necessary maintenance activities can be conducted.
a) The Public Works Superintendent shall document the time and reasons for closure of
the highway(s) or portions thereof and provide this information to administrative
staff for internal and public notification.
b) Notification will be provided to the public via the township's website and Facebook
page. Internal notification shall be done via email and shall include all staff and the
Fire Chief.
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Appendix 1
Patrol Routes (a.k.a. Routes of Representative Roads)
RORR 1
Patrol Distance: 16.9 Lane Kilometers
Patrol Routes
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RORR 2
Patrol Distance: 21.15 Lane Kilometers
Patrol Routes 2
Winter Operations Plan
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Appendix 2
Road and Sidewalk Routes
PR 1
Total Length: 52 Lane Kilometers
Plow Route
Winter Operations Plan
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PR 2
Total Length: 57.8 Lane Kilometers
Roadway Route
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Appendix 3
Equipment List
Equipment
Type
Owned
By
Electronic
Controller
Calibration
Date
Pre-Wet
Capability
Anti-
Icing
Capacity
Infrared
Thermometer
installed
2021
International
Tandem
Axle
Township
of Billings
Not
installed N/A
N
N
N
2010
International
Work star
Tandem
Axle
Township
of Billings
Not
installed N/A
N
N
N
2016 Western
Star tandem
Tandem
Axle
Township
of Billings
Not
installed N/A
N
N
N
Equipment
Pre-Wet
Capability
Anti-Icing
Capacity
Other
Features
Comments
2021
International
N
N
Has a
spreader-
Has
mounted
mobile
RWIS
2021 International with Viking Plow, wing
and sander for winter operations,
2010
International
Work star
N
N
Has a
spreader-
Has
mounted
mobile
RWIS
International Work star tandem with
Everest plow and sander
2016 Western
Star tandem
N
N
Has a
spreader-
Has
mounted
mobile
RWIS
Western Star with Viking -Cives plow and
sander
Legend Y = Yes N = No
Winter Operations Plan
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Appendix 4-1
Vulnerable Area
(Main St)
Winter Operations Plan
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Appendix 4-2
Vulnerable Area
(Old Mill Road)
Winter Operations Plan
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Appendix 4-3
Vulnerable Area
(Part of Lakeshore Road)
Winter Operations Plan
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Appendix 4-4
Vulnerable Area
(Manitou Lane)
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Appendix 5-1
Media Release Road Closed
Date __________________________
Time __________________________
Media Release
Due to a severe winter storm Ontario Provincial Police advise that the following roads in the
Township of Billings are impassable due to (reason, e.g. "drifting and blowing snow") and
have been closed to traffic.
Street Name
From
To
Ontario Provincial Police advise that these roads will remain closed until the storm subsides
and driving conditions improve.
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Appendix 5-2
Media Release Severe Weather
Date __________________________
Time __________________________
Media Release
Due to a severe winter storm Ontario Provincial Police advise that many roads in the
Township of Billings are impassable due to drifting and blowing snow. Ontario Provincial
Police advise that you do not drive until the storm subsides and driving conditions improve.
(Sometimes it is physically impossible to place signs and barricades to close a road, in this
instance use this release when the roads have NOT been physically been closed by the
placement of signs and barricades or an officer is present to redirect traffic)
Winter Operations Plan
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Appendix 6
Operating Instructions and Safety Rules
Operating Instructions and Safety Rules
1. WORK HOURS
For a major storm event, one 13-hour shifts may be established at the discretion of the
Public Works Superintendent
2. SAFETY PROCEDURES
Safety is paramount during any snow storm. The following safety rules will be observed by all
equipment operators.
A. Check your snow removal equipment prior to leaving the yard and also the following:
1)
All work lights and emergency lights
2)
Cell Phones
3)
Snow plow and frame for damage
4)
Sander
5)
Rear view mirrors
6)
Flags and reflectors
7)
Windshield wipers
8)
Heater and defroster
9)
All necessary mapping for snow and ice removal
10)
Vehicle Inspection Items
11)
Liquid dispensing apparatus (windshield washer fluid, etc.)
B. Report any non-working equipment to a Supervisor immediately.
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C. Use reasonable caution in operation of snow removal equipment.
D. Drive cautiously.
E. Utilize caution when operating in cramped quarters with parked cars on a street.
F. Know your route and any fixed objects covered by snow.
G. Obey all traffic laws.
H. Do not follow traffic too closely.
I. Slow down prior to turning--your plow will tend to push you where it wants to go.
J. Equipment involved in snow and ice control operations is emergency equipment, but you
as the operator, must obey all traffic laws and provide right-of-way to other vehicles.
K. Do not attempt to tow private automobiles--offer assistance by way of cell phone to your
Supervisor.
L. Utilize caution when operating deicing equipment. Watch for overhead obstructions.
Lower box when necessary.
3. ACCIDENTS
Report all moving vehicle accidents immediately to your Supervisor. Depending on the
severity of the accident and availability due to storm related issues, the O.P.P. will typically be
called to evaluate the accident. Prior to leaving duty on the shift, a Motor Vehicle Accident
Report & Review form and the internal Vehicle Damage Claim Report should be filled out.
Your Supervisor will attempt to interview the driver at the end of the shift or within 24 hours
after return to normal duties. Accident forms should be available from the on-duty
Supervisor.
4. CARE AND USE OF EQUIPMENT
The snow plow operator is responsible for routine maintenance of the vehicle. Report any
maintenance needed to the Supervisor or mechanic on duty. Check vehicle before and after
use for any maintenance needed or damage to equipment. Fill out Operations Daily
Inspection Check Sheet. The vehicle should be refueled at the end of each operator's shift.
5. RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
Operators are to take duty instructions from the Public Works Supervisor on duty. The Police
may report road conditions or other issues to the Public Works Supervisor. It will be the role
of the Public Works Supervisor to direct all winter maintenance related operations.
6. DAILY REPORTS
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Upon completion of the shift, Public Works Supervisor will be required to fill out a Winter
Road Maintenance Report for each Plow Route. This sheet will document location and
date.
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Appendix 7-1
Record of Training
Record of Training
This statement certifies that the below named individual has successfully completed the in-
house Winter Operations Training program as required by The Township of Billings Winter
Operations Plan.
The Winter Operations Training program is comprised of the following modules:
Equipment Circle Check
Equipment Calibration
Record Keeping
Health and Safety
Level of Service - policies, practices and procedures
Identification of Plow Routes - including variations for year to year and issues
identified along the route
De-icing chemicals - application rates, storage and handling
Identification of road salt vulnerable areas and the procedures to follow in those areas
Yard and Equipment maintenance
Employee Name
________________________________
(please print name)
Date of Training
________________________________
Location of Training
________________________________
Trainer Signature
________________________________
Supervisor Signature
________________________________
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Appendix 7-2
Record of Training - Night Patroller
Record of Patroller Training
This certifies that ______________________ (employee name) has successfully completed
the in-house Winter Operations -Patroller Training as required by the Township of Billings
Winter Operations Plan.
The Winter Operations -Patroller Training workshop includes the following modules:
Weather monitoring and forecasting results including: Road Weather Information
System, Value Added Meteorological Service, eutectic temperature, pavement
temperature, dew point
Winter Shift Schedules
Record Keeping
Health and Safety
Level of Service - policies, practices and procedures
Identification of Plow Routes - including variations for year to year and issues
identified along the route
De-icing chemicals - usage, application rates, storage and handling
Identification of road salt vulnerable and/or susceptible areas and the procedures to
follow in those areas
Call-out procedures
Emergency contacts
Yard and Equipment maintenance
Employee Name
________________________________
(please print name)
Date of Training
________________________________
Location of Training
________________________________
Trainer Signature
________________________________
Supervisor Signature
________________________________
Winter Operations Plan
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OGRA and Salt Institute DISCLAIMER: Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) and Salt
Institute DISCLAIMER: The information and statements contained within this document do
not constitute legal advice. They are not intended to take the place of legal advice. All users
are encouraged to consult with their own legal counsel with respect to the information and
statements contained herein. Furthermore, the information and statements contained in this
document are solely the opinion of OGRA and the Salt Institute. They are not intended to
establish, and they should not be viewed as establishing, legal standards, requirements or
policies. They may not be applicable in every situation or circumstance. They are not intended
to cover all proper methods or approaches. OGRA, the Salt Institute, and their members and
officers disclaim all liability for the accuracy and completeness of the information and
statements contained in this document and disclaim all warranties, express or implied, to
incorrect application or usage of the information and statements.