Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Sharon

Sharon Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Sharon'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 Sharon's drinking water sources, including Lake Massapoag, Beaver Brook, and the Canoe River watershed, as well as the town's urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Sharon Department of Public Works, Water Division
217R South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: (781) 784-1525
Official Website: Sharon DPW 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. Sharon's separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, including Lake Massapoag, Beaver Brook, and the Canoe 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

Sharon Department of Public Works, Water Division operates Sharon's municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to Lake Massapoag, Beaver Brook, and the Canoe River. 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.

Sharon Water Department
217R South Main Street, Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: (781) 784-1525
Official Website: Sharon DPW Water Division

Sharon Water Department manages regional water supply protecting Lake Massapoag, Beaver Brook, and groundwater wells from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to Sharon Water and Sewer Division at (781) 784-1525. 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 Sharon's urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. Sharon Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Sharon Parks and Recreation Department
219 Massapoag Avenue, Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: (781) 784-1530
Official Website: Sharon 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

Sharon Planning and Community Development Department
29 Depot Street, Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: (781) 784-1525
Official Website: Sharon Planning Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Sharon Neighborhoods

Town Center: High pedestrian and vehicular traffic with proximity to Lake Massapoag requires precision salting to minimize chloride runoff into surface water and groundwater recharge zones. Extra care is taken near storm drains and public gathering areas.

East Sharon (Bordering Massapoag Brook and Lake Massapoag): Sensitive watershed area with homes near the reservoir demands reduced application rates, alternative de-icers, and buffer zones to protect aquatic ecosystems and drinking water supplies.

Moose Hill Area: Adjacent to conservation land and the Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, this neighborhood requires careful use of environmentally benign de-icers and strict avoidance of salt storage or snow piling near wetland boundaries to protect rare plant habitats.

Sharon Heights: Hilly terrain with mature trees and developed stormwater infrastructure necessitates targeted anti-icing to prevent runoff into Beaver Brook and to protect the established urban tree canopy from salt spray and root zone contamination.

South Sharon (Canoe River Corridor): Proximity to Canoe River and Zone II wellhead protection areas requires strict adherence to MassDEP de-icer storage protocols, including secondary containment and frequent monitoring to prevent groundwater contamination.

Stable Ridge and Lakeview: Residential neighborhoods with historic homes and landscaped properties require the use of calcium magnesium acetate or sand as alternatives to sodium chloride to protect stonework, masonry, and ornamental vegetation.

Borderland Park Vicinity: Areas near Borderland State Park and town-owned open spaces use reduced application rates and buffer zones to protect parkland, recreational trails, and native species from salt intrusion.

Bay Road Corridor: Commercial and mixed-use development along Bay Road, with dense storm drain infrastructure, necessitates coordinated salting schedules and rapid post-storm street sweeping to prevent de-icer accumulation in catch basins and downstream waterways.