Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Weston

Weston Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Weston's 24-hour snow clearing requirement extends beyond mechanical snow removal to include ice management and anti-icing treatments ensuring safe passage throughout winter weather events. Professional salting services provide precise material application using calibrated equipment, temperature-appropriate de-icer selection, and environmental compliance protocols protecting Weston’s drinking water sources, including the Stony Brook Reservoir, Hobbs Brook, and the Charles River watershed, as well as the urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Weston Department of Public Works - Water Division
190 Boston Post Road Bypass, Weston, MA 02493
Phone: (781) 786-5100
Official Website: Weston Department of Public Works

Massachusetts Wellhead Protection Zones and Storage Restrictions

Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations 310 CMR 22.21(2)(b) impose strict prohibitions and storage requirements for de-icing chemicals within designated wellhead protection zones safeguarding public drinking water supplies.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500
Official Website: MassDEP Wellhead Protection

Zone I Requirements (400-foot radius from wellhead): Storage of sodium chloride, chemically treated abrasives, or de-icing chemicals is prohibited unless contained within completely enclosed, watertight buildings with impermeable floors and spill containment systems.

Zone II Requirements (primary aquifer recharge area): De-icer storage allowed with secondary containment systems, concrete or asphalt impermeable storage pads, covered storage structures preventing rainwater contact, and regular monitoring protocols.

MassDEP guidelines prohibit storage or disposal of snow containing de-icing chemicals within Zone A and Zone II wellhead protection areas. Salt-contaminated snow must be transported to designated disposal sites with controlled drainage.

EPA Clean Water Act and Massachusetts Stormwater Standards

De-icing chemicals entering municipal stormwater drainage systems constitute water quality pollutants regulated under federal Clean Water Act provisions and Massachusetts stormwater management regulations. Weston’s separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, including the Stony Brook Reservoir, Hobbs Brook, and the Charles River system.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1
5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (888) 372-7341
Official Website: EPA Region 1

The Weston Department of Public Works - Water Division operates Weston’s municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to the Stony Brook Reservoir, Hobbs Brook, and ultimately the Charles River. All de-icing chemicals applied to streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways flow untreated into these receiving waters.

310 CMR 10.05(6) requires commercial properties, industrial facilities, and large parking lots to develop Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) documenting winter maintenance practices, de-icer application rates, and pollution minimization strategies.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
100 First Avenue, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02129
Phone: (617) 242-6000
Official Website: Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority manages regional water supply protecting the Stony Brook Reservoir, Hobbs Brook Reservoir, and the Charles River watershed from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to the Weston Department of Public Works at (781) 786-5100. Report illegal dumping or improper disposal to EPA Region 1 at (888) 372-7341 or Massachusetts DEP at (617) 292-5500.

Urban Forest Protection and Vegetation Salt Damage Prevention

De-icing salt causes extensive damage to Weston’s urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. Weston Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Weston Parks and Recreation Department
20 Alphabet Lane, Weston, MA 02493
Phone: (781) 786-6260
Official Website: Weston Parks and Recreation Department

Visible Salt Injury Symptoms:

• Branch dieback starting at twig tips
• Yellowing or browning of evergreen needles
• Delayed spring bud break and reduced leaf size
• Bark splitting and crown thinning

Protective Measures:

• Wrap burlap screens around shrubs near driveways and sidewalks
• Apply heavy irrigation (2-3 inches water) in April-May leaching accumulated salt from root zones
• Broadcast gypsum at 50 pounds per 1,000 square feet in October
• Maintain 2-4 inch mulch layer over root zones
• Select salt-tolerant species: Austrian pine, Japanese black pine, red oak, honey locust, rugosa rose

Weston Planning and Land Use Department
Town Hall, 11 Town House Road, Weston, MA 02493
Phone: (781) 786-5060
Official Website: Weston Planning and Land Use Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Weston Neighborhoods

South Side Residential Districts (Merriam Street, Highland Street, and Ash Street): These areas feature mature tree canopy and proximity to the Stony Brook and Hobbs Brook Reservoirs, necessitating reduced salt application rates and preference for calcium magnesium acetate to minimize chloride runoff into sensitive water supplies.

Weston Center and Town Green: Historic preservation is critical in the town center, with brick sidewalks, historic buildings, and century-old street trees requiring precise application and use of non-chloride de-icers to prevent infrastructure and vegetation damage.

Cherry Brook and Conservation Neighborhoods (Conant Road, Church Street, and adjacent conservation land): Conservation areas and wetlands demand careful management to avoid salt migration into protected habitats. Anti-icing brines and frequent monitoring are essential.

North Weston/Georgetown District: Residential neighborhoods bordering the Charles River and wellhead protection areas require strict compliance with wellhead storage restrictions and minimized salt usage.

Silver Hill and Highland Meadows: Elevated terrain and slopes create drainage challenges, requiring calibrated spreaders and pre-treatment strategies to prevent excessive runoff and localized ponding near storm drains.

Case Estates and Woodland District: Near the Weston Reservoir and arboretum, these neighborhoods require special attention to rare plant species and landscaped areas. Use of salt-tolerant species and protective mulching is recommended.

Weston Estates and Doublet Hill: Low-density residential areas with significant private roadways and proximity to tributaries of Stony Brook demand careful documentation of application rates and regular catch basin inspections.