Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Norwood

Norwood Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Norwood’s 12-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 Norwood’s drinking water sources, Neponset River, Willett Pond, and the Meadow Brook Reservoir, as well as the urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Norwood Department of Public Works – Water & Sewer Division
200 Vernon Street, Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: (781) 762-1413
Official Website: Norwood Department of Public Works – 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. Norwood’s separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, including the Neponset River, Hawes Brook, and local wetlands.

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

Norwood Department of Public Works – Water & Sewer Division operates Norwood’s municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to the Neponset River, Meadow Brook, and Willett Pond. All de-icing chemicals applied to streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways flow untreated into 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 and Wachusett Reservoirs, as well as the Neponset River watershed, from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to Norwood Department of Public Works – Water & Sewer Division at (781) 762-1413. 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 Norwood’s urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. Norwood Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Norwood Parks and Recreation Department
165 Nahatan Street, Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: (781) 762-0466
Official Website: Norwood 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

Norwood Planning and Economic Development Department
566 Washington Street, Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: (781) 762-1240
Official Website: Norwood Planning and Economic Development Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Norwood Neighborhoods

Downtown Norwood: High-density commercial core with significant pedestrian traffic and dense storm drain infrastructure requiring rapid anti-icing response and careful calibration to prevent runoff to the Neponset River and Meadow Brook.

South Norwood: Residential and mixed-use area adjacent to Hawes Brook and conservation land, demanding strict water quality protection and reduced material usage near sensitive wetlands.

East Norwood: Neighborhoods bordering Willett Pond and urban woodlands, where special attention is given to preserving mature tree canopy and preventing sodium contamination of surface water and groundwater recharge areas.

Westover: Suburban district with rolling terrain, slopes, and significant street tree plantings, requiring targeted de-icer application to minimize salt migration and protect both vegetation and stormwater quality.

Norwood Centre (Historic District): Features historic brick sidewalks, 19th-century street trees, and period infrastructure; mandates calcium magnesium acetate alternatives and reduced salt application to preserve heritage assets.

Winslows and Prescott: Residential areas near Norwood Hospital and close to water protection zones, requiring careful material management and regular monitoring to avoid contamination of nearby wellheads.

Washington Street Corridor: Major transportation route with high traffic volumes and numerous catch basins feeding directly to the Neponset River, necessitating pre-wetting and brine usage to minimize overall chloride load while ensuring public safety.

Shattuck Park Area: Proximity to parkland and playgrounds demands extra monitoring for vegetation salt tolerance and use of physical barriers to protect landscaped beds from salt spray and accumulation.