Extend snow removal operation if necessary

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a Brown County Highway Department updated snow removal policy Tuesday.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Brian Braun, seconded by Dave Borchert. The current snow removal policy was approved March 21, 1995. Snow removal and salt/sand use were discussed at previous county board meetings. An amended snow removal policy with suggested changes was reviewed and discussed at a highway committee meeting.

Policy changes include possibly extending snow removal equipment operation into the early evening instead of mid-afternoon, depending on the snow storm.

The objective is to remove snow so roads are passable and clear of snow drifts within 24 hours of a snowfall instead of within 48 hours as the current policy reads. Secondary (snow) cleanup will be done within 48 hours of the end of a storm event.

Under the new policy, salt and sand may not be used in snow removal if it leads to snow buildup when applied to roads.

“We try to make roads passable through storms unless the State of Minnesota says it’s not safe to do so,” said Brown County Highway Engineer Wayne Stevens.