Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Woburn

Woburn Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Woburn'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 Woburn's drinking water sources, including the Horn Pond Reservoir and Aberjona River, as well as the city's urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Woburn Department of Public Works - Water & Sewer Division
50 North Warren Street, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 897-5940
Official Website: Woburn 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. Woburn's separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment.

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 Woburn Department of Public Works - Water & Sewer Division operates Woburn's municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to the Aberjona River, Horn Pond, and Shaker Glen Brook. 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.

Woburn Water & Sewer Division
50 North Warren Street, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 897-5940
Official Website: Woburn Water & Sewer Division

The Woburn Water & Sewer Division manages the municipal water supply, protecting Horn Pond Reservoir and local aquifers from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to the Woburn Water & Sewer Division at (781) 897-5940. 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 Woburn's urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. Woburn Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Woburn Recreation Department
10 Common Street, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 897-5805
Official Website: Woburn 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

Woburn Planning Department
10 Common Street, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 897-5817
Official Website: Woburn Planning Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Woburn Neighborhoods

Downtown Woburn: Higher pedestrian traffic and historic infrastructure require careful application of de-icing materials to protect brick sidewalks, mature street trees, and to minimize runoff into the Aberjona River.

Horn Pond Area: Proximity to Horn Pond Reservoir necessitates strict adherence to water protection protocols. Reduced salting rates and alternative de-icers are recommended to prevent chloride migration into drinking water sources.

Montvale: Residential neighborhood with substantial tree canopy and sloped streets. Targeted anti-icing minimizes salt exposure to roots and prevents runoff into Shaker Glen Brook.

North Woburn: Close to key wellhead protection zones and industrial properties. Requires secondary containment practices for salt storage and transport, as well as SWPPP documentation for large parking lots.

West Woburn: Features parks and conservation land, including the Shaker Glen Conservation Area. Emphasis on vegetation protection and use of salt-tolerant plantings along roadways.

South End/Green Street Area: Dense residential area with aging stormwater infrastructure. Prioritizes storm drain cleanliness and rapid removal of salt-laden snow to prevent flooding and protect Aberjona River water quality.

Central Square: Mixed-use district with elevated impervious surfaces and significant catch basin density. Requires calibrated equipment for optimal salt application and compliance with discharge regulations.

East Woburn: Contains both commercial and wetland-adjacent zones. Limits on salt usage and careful monitoring prevent contamination of adjacent wetlands and promote responsible winter maintenance practices.