Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Marshfield

Marshfield Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Marshfield’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 Marshfield’s drinking water sources, including Green Harbor River, South River, Marshfield’s coastal estuaries, and urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Marshfield Department of Public Works – Water Division
876 E Main Street, Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: (781) 834-5586
Official Website: Marshfield 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. Marshfield’s separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment.

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 Marshfield Department of Public Works – Water Division operates Marshfield’s municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to Green Harbor River, South River, and the Atlantic coastal estuaries. 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.

Marshfield Department of Public Works – Water Division
876 E Main Street, Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: (781) 834-5586
Official Website: Marshfield Department of Public Works – Water Division

The Marshfield Department of Public Works – Water Division manages the town’s water supply, protecting the Green Harbor River watershed and aquifer recharge areas from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to Marshfield Department of Public Works – Water Division at (781) 834-5586. 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 Marshfield’s urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. The Marshfield Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Marshfield Recreation Department
900 Ferry Street, Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: (781) 834-5543
Official Website: Marshfield 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

Marshfield Planning Department
870 Moraine Street, Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: (781) 834-5554
Official Website: Marshfield Planning Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Marshfield Neighborhoods

Brant Rock: Coastal exposure and proximity to tidal saltwater require special attention to minimize additional chloride inputs and protect Green Harbor and the local estuary. Salt application is reduced in areas adjacent to shellfish beds and storm drains discharging directly to the Atlantic Ocean.

Rexhame: Neighborhoods bordering the South River and salt marshes require calibrated anti-icing to prevent runoff contamination of sensitive wetlands and river habitats. Permeable surfaces and vegetated buffers are prioritized to absorb meltwater.

Green Harbor: Close proximity to harbor waters and dune ecosystems demands the use of alternative de-icers and reduced sodium chloride rates to protect marine life and groundwater recharge areas.

Marshfield Center: Historic properties with brick walks and mature street trees necessitate cautious application of chemical de-icers. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) and sand are often used to protect infrastructure and vegetation.

Ocean Bluff: Elevated wind exposure and sloped roads increase the risk of runoff into the Atlantic. Enhanced monitoring and targeted liquid brine treatments lower overall salt use while maintaining safety.

North Marshfield: This area’s proximity to wellhead protection zones and drinking water supply recharge areas requires strict adherence to containment and storage regulations, with salt application kept to minimum effective rates.

Humarock: Surrounded by tidal rivers and sensitive barrier beach environments, Humarock neighborhoods require environmentally sensitive salting practices and reduced chloride discharge to protect both freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Blackmount: Residential streets with significant tree canopy and landscaped properties are managed with low-salt and salt-tolerant de-icer alternatives, preserving soil health and long-term vegetation vitality.