Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Medfield

Medfield Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Medfield’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 Medfield’s drinking water sources, including the Charles River, Vine Lake, and local groundwater wells, as well as the town’s urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Medfield Water and Sewer Department
55 North Meadows Road, Medfield, MA 02052
Phone: (508) 906-3004
Official Website: Medfield Water and Sewer Department

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. Medfield’s separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, including the Charles River and adjacent 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

The Medfield Water and Sewer Department operates Medfield’s municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to the Charles River, Stop River, and Vine 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.

Medfield Water and Sewer Department
55 North Meadows Road, Medfield, MA 02052
Phone: (508) 906-3004
Official Website: Medfield Water and Sewer Department

The Medfield Water and Sewer Department manages regional water supply protecting the Charles River watershed and local groundwater wells from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to the Medfield Water and Sewer Department at (508) 906-3004. 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 Medfield’s urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. Medfield Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Medfield Parks and Recreation Department
120 North Meadows Road, Medfield, MA 02052
Phone: (508) 359-2715
Official Website: Medfield 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

Medfield Planning Department
459 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052
Phone: (508) 906-3027
Official Website: Medfield Planning Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Medfield Neighborhoods

Downtown Medfield: High pedestrian traffic and proximity to the Charles River require precise application rates and the use of liquid brine to minimize salt runoff into local waterways. Special care is taken around historic brick sidewalks and mature street trees to prevent infrastructure and vegetation damage.

Harding Street Corridor: Residential areas near Vine Lake and Stop River demand minimized chloride use to protect drinking water wells and sensitive groundwater recharge zones. Reduced application rates and alternative de-icers are prioritized in these wellhead protection areas.

Hospital Hill: Steep slopes and dense storm drain networks necessitate careful calibration of salting equipment to reduce the risk of excess runoff entering the Charles River. Enhanced monitoring prevents salt migration into hillside soils and nearby wetlands.

North Medfield (North Street, Plain Street): Larger lots and rural character present challenges for snow storage and runoff control. Buffer zones and salt-tolerant plantings protect wooded areas and isolated wetland habitats from salt contamination.

Medfield Green/Noon Hill Area: Proximity to Noon Hill Reservation and conservation land requires strict adherence to stormwater best practices and minimal use of chemical de-icers to preserve sensitive ecosystems and native vegetation.

Rocky Lane/Brook Street: Close proximity to Vine Brook and local tributaries increases the need for runoff containment and rapid snow removal to prevent salt-laden meltwater from entering waterways. Permeable surfaces and bioswales are used where feasible.

Indian Hill Neighborhood: Elevated terrain and mature tree canopy necessitate reduced de-icer use and increased mechanical clearing to prevent salt accumulation in root zones and damage to rare or specimen trees.

South Medfield (Bridge Street, Elm Street): Wetland adjacency and lower elevation areas face high groundwater tables, requiring careful storage of snow piles and strict exclusion of salt-laden snow from drainage ways to protect local habitat and downstream water quality.