Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Everett

Everett Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Everett'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 Everett's drinking water sources, including the Mystic River, Malden River, and the Lower Charles River Basin, as well as the city’s urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Everett Department of Public Works - Water Division
19 Norman Street, Everett, MA 02149
Phone: (617) 394-2320
Official Website: Everett 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. Everett's separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, including the Mystic River, Malden River, and Boston Harbor.

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 Everett Department of Public Works - Water Division operates Everett's municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to the Mystic River, Malden River, and Boston Harbor. 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 Quabbin Reservoir, Wachusett Reservoir, and local water sources from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to Everett Department of Public Works - Water Division at (617) 394-2320. 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 Everett's urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. The Everett Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Everett Parks and Recreation Department
47 Elm Street, Everett, MA 02149
Phone: (617) 394-2390
Official Website: Everett Parks and Recreation Department

Visible Salt Injury Symptoms:

• Branch dieback starting at twig tips: Early sign of salt exposure disrupting water uptake.
• Yellowing or browning of evergreen needles: Indicates foliar salt injury during winter months.
• Delayed spring bud break and reduced leaf size: Ongoing soil salt accumulation weakens new growth.
• Bark splitting and crown thinning: Structural decline following repeated chemical exposure.

Protective Measures:

• Wrap burlap screens around shrubs near driveways and sidewalks: Physical barrier against salt spray.
• 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: Ameliorates soil structure and displaces sodium.
• Maintain 2-4 inch mulch layer over root zones: Reduces salt infiltration and insulates roots.
• Select salt-tolerant species: Austrian pine, Japanese black pine, red oak, honey locust, rugosa rose.

Everett Planning and Development Department
484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149
Phone: (617) 394-2334
Official Website: Everett Planning and Development Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Everett Neighborhoods

Commercial Core (Downtown Everett): High-density pedestrian areas with frequent vehicle and foot traffic require rapid ice mitigation, while protecting Mystic River water quality through accurate material application and brine pre-treatment to minimize chloride runoff.

Village (Everett Square): Historic brick sidewalks and mature street trees in Everett Square necessitate use of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) and reduced salt rates to prevent infrastructure deterioration and root zone contamination.

Riverside District (near Malden River): Proximity to the Malden River demands extra vigilance in managing de-icer runoff, with emphasis on storm drain protection and use of alternative de-icing agents to safeguard aquatic habitats.

Glendale: Residential sector with significant tree canopy and landscaped properties; requires careful salt application and tailored anti-icing protocols to protect both private and public vegetation.

Woodlawn: Steeper street grades and dense storm drain networks increase risk of salt-laden runoff entering Mystic River and local wetlands; necessitates calibrated spreading and buffer zones near catch basins.

Lower Broadway/Encore Area: Urban redevelopment zones adjacent to Boston Harbor; large impervious areas and new infrastructure require close coordination with MWRA discharge guidelines and runoff controls to limit environmental impact.

Ferry Street Corridor: Mixed-use corridor with older infrastructure and high pedestrian demand; historic trees and brick surfaces benefit from pre-wetting techniques and limited mechanical abrasion to reduce salt dependency.

Hospital Hill: Elevated terrain with established neighborhoods, older trees, and direct drainage routes to the Mystic River; enhanced vegetation protection and post-storm monitoring are essential for compliance and ecosystem health.