Geneva was one of 85 communities in the United States and Canada to be named a 2017 Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting Award winner from the Salt Institute.

The city has received national recognition for the fifth consecutive year for excellence in environmental consciousness and effective management in the storage of winter road salt.

Geneva again earned high marks on the Salt Institute’s checklist that graded safety and service, equipment, materials usage, snow plowing performance, tactical operations before and during a storm, storage and safety, and environmental measures.

The city put those procedures into practice in 2016-17 when the Public Works Department team plowed 20 inches of snow during 13 various winter weather events. Plow operators used 1,426 tons of salt to keep Geneva’s 244 lane miles safe for motorists.

While last year’s winter was relatively mild, Geneva’s Public Works Department already has plowed 32 inches of snow to date during 15 events this season.

Having enough road salt on hand before storms hit requires advance planning and facilities that provide safe and efficient storage, according to the Salt Institute. The winning communities must also display proper maintenance and good housekeeping practices.

The Salt Institute is a non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the many benefits of salt, particularly to ensure winter roadway safety, quality water and healthy nutrition.

SOURCE: city of Geneva news release