Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Medford

Medford Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Medford's 6-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 Medford's drinking water sources, the Mystic River, Upper and Lower Mystic Lakes, and the city’s urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Medford Water & Sewer Division
100 Main Street, Medford, MA 02155
Phone: (781) 393-2403
Official Website: Medford Water & Sewer Division

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. Medford's separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, primarily the Mystic River and its tributaries.

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

Medford Water & Sewer Division operates Medford's municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to the Mystic River, Alewife Brook, and Upper and Lower Mystic Lakes. 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

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority manages regional water supply protecting the Quabbin Reservoir, Wachusett Reservoir, and the Mystic River watershed from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to Medford Water & Sewer Division at (781) 393-2403. 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 Medford's urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. Medford Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Medford Parks and Recreation Department
30 Forest Street, Medford, MA 02155
Phone: (781) 393-2486
Official Website: Medford 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

Medford Office of Planning, Development & Sustainability
85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155
Phone: (781) 393-2480
Official Website: Medford Office of Planning, Development & Sustainability

Professional Salting Services Throughout Medford Neighborhoods

West Medford: Proximity to the Mystic River and Upper Mystic Lake requires careful material selection and precise application to minimize chloride runoff impacting aquatic habitats.

Medford Square: High pedestrian traffic, historic brick sidewalks, and mature street trees necessitate reduced salt application rates and use of de-icers less damaging to infrastructure and vegetation.

Wellington: Close to the Mystic River and wetlands, this area demands strict runoff management and minimized use of traditional sodium chloride to protect nearby sensitive water bodies.

South Medford: Dense residential and commercial mix with older urban trees and moderate slopes, requiring attention to both slip prevention and salt-sensitive root zones.

The Heights: Elevated terrain and unique drainage patterns increase the risk of salt-laden runoff entering storm drains. Targeted brine applications and rapid post-storm cleanup are vital.

Lawrence Estates: Significant tree canopy and landscaped properties emphasize the need for vegetation-friendly de-icing agents and safeguarding root health.

Glenwood: Abundant parks, conservation areas, and proximity to the Mystic River call for environmentally responsible anti-icing practices and careful monitoring of storm drain inlets.

Tufts University Area: High foot traffic, historic trees, and close proximity to stormwater outfalls near Alewife Brook require integrated salt management strategies balancing safety and environmental stewardship.