What Does BMP Stand for in a Winter Management Program?

When a municipality or other agency needs to begin winter management programs and procedures, they use best management practices (BMP). These practices lead to the proper management of the roadways and infrastructure.

Definition

• Best management practices are the decisions made that are the best for a given situation. These best practices are the most cost effective and efficient methods for a given situation after extensive testing.

Types

• For winter management, there are several types of BMPs depending on the situation. There are best management practices for making sure runoff from salt and other chemicals doesn't get into rivers, for the amount of salt to place on roadways and the best times to clear roads. The BMPs for one area may not be the same for another.

Benefits

• BMPs are important to the overall winter management program because there is no guesswork about how well they work. The have become best management practices because they are proven to work.