Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Carver

Carver Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Carver’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 Carver’s drinking water sources, including Sampson’s Pond, Wenham Pond, and the Weweantic River watershed, as well as the town’s urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Carver Department of Public Works – Water Division
60 Lakeview Street, Carver, MA 02330
Phone: (508) 866-3420
Official Website: Carver Department of Public Works – Water 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. Carver’s separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, including Sampson’s Pond, Vaughn Pond, Wenham Pond, and tributaries of the Weweantic River.

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

Carver Department of Public Works – Water Division operates Carver’s municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to Sampson’s Pond, Wenham Pond, Fresh Meadow Pond, and associated tributaries. 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.

Carver Water and Sewer Commissioners
60 Lakeview Street, Carver, MA 02330
Phone: (508) 866-3420
Official Website: Carver Water and Sewer Commissioners

Carver Water and Sewer Commissioners manage regional water supply protecting key surface water bodies and groundwater wells from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to Carver Water and Sewer Commissioners at (508) 866-3420. 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 Carver’s urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. Carver Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Carver Parks and Recreation Department
108 Main Street, Carver, MA 02330
Phone: (508) 866-5631
Official Website: Carver Parks and Recreation Department

Visible Salt Injury Symptoms:

• Branch dieback starting at twig tips: Early sign of salt exposure in deciduous and evergreen trees.
• Yellowing or browning of evergreen needles: Particularly noticeable in white pine and spruce.
• Delayed spring bud break and reduced leaf size: Affects tree vigor and growth rates.
• Bark splitting and crown thinning: Chronic salt injury leads to structural decline.

Protective Measures:

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

Carver Planning & Community Development Department
108 Main Street, Carver, MA 02330
Phone: (508) 866-3450
Official Website: Carver Planning & Community Development Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Carver Neighborhoods

North Carver: Proximity to Sampson’s Pond and large wetland complexes requires strict adherence to water quality protection protocols and reduced chloride application rates to prevent runoff contamination.

South Carver: Neighborhoods near Myles Standish State Forest and the Weweantic River headwaters demand careful use of de-icing products to protect sensitive wetland ecosystems and rare plant habitats.

East Carver: Residential areas adjacent to Wenham Pond and agricultural zones require minimized salt use to safeguard both surface water resources and local irrigation wells.

Center Carver: The town’s historic core, including the Town Green and Main Street corridor, features mature street trees and historic sidewalks necessitating alternative de-icers and precise anti-icing strategies to reduce infrastructure and vegetation damage.

South Meadow Village: Senior residential community with high pedestrian activity, requiring diligent walkway salting and storm drain protection to maintain accessibility while preventing over-application near aging stormwater infrastructure.

John’s Pond Area: Lakeside homes and recreational properties demand environmental sensitivity to prevent direct salt migration into the pond and associated groundwater recharge zones.

Indian Street Corridor: Commercial and residential mix with elevated storm drain density; requires targeted salting practices to minimize chloride entry into local waterways.

Federal Road/Industrial Park: Industrial properties with large impervious surfaces must comply with SWPPP requirements and implement best management practices for de-icer storage and runoff control due to proximity to public water supply wells.