Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Dover

Dover Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Dover’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 Dover’s drinking water sources, including the Charles River, Trout Brook, and local aquifers, as well as the town’s urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Dover Water and Sewer Commission
5 Springdale Avenue, Dover, MA 02030
Phone: (508) 785-0032
Official Website: Dover Water and Sewer Commission

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. Dover’s separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, including the Charles River, Trout Brook, and surrounding wetlands.

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 Dover Water and Sewer Commission operates Dover’s municipal separated storm sewer system, collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to the Charles River, Trout Brook, and local wetlands. All de-icing chemicals applied to streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways flow untreated into 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.

Dover Water and Sewer Commission
5 Springdale Avenue, Dover, MA 02030
Phone: (508) 785-0032
Official Website: Dover Water and Sewer Commission

Dover Water and Sewer Commission manages regional water supply, protecting the Charles River watershed, Trout Brook, and underlying aquifers from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to Dover Water and Sewer Commission at (508) 785-0032. 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 Dover’s urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. Dover Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Dover Parks and Recreation Department
3 Holloway Lane, Dover, MA 02030
Phone: (508) 785-0476
Official Website: Dover 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

Dover Planning Department
5 Springdale Avenue, Dover, MA 02030
Phone: (508) 785-0032
Official Website: Dover Planning Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Dover Neighborhoods

Town Center: High pedestrian and vehicular traffic areas surrounding Dover Town Common, requiring careful application of low-chloride de-icers to protect sidewalks and adjacent Charles River water quality.

Chase Estates: Residential neighborhood adjacent to Trout Brook and wellhead protection areas, necessitating strict adherence to wellhead zone containment protocols and minimized salt usage.

Springdale Avenue Corridor: Proximity to major aquifer recharge zones and water supply wells calls for reduced application rates, use of alternative de-icers, and careful management of salt-laden snow piles.

Powissett Neighborhood: Bordering conservation land and Powisset Farm, this area requires sensitive application to avoid salt runoff into protected wetlands and agricultural soils.

Centre Street Historic District: Historic homes, mature tree canopy, and original stonework demand the use of calcium magnesium acetate and reduced chloride exposure to preserve infrastructure and vegetation.

Dedham Street Area: Sloped topography and dense storm drain network increase risk of rapid runoff to the Charles River, requiring pre-treatment and anti-icing strategies to minimize overall salt application.

Glen Ridge: Residential enclave with extensive landscaping and ornamental plantings, where vegetation salt sensitivity necessitates careful spot applications and protective screening for vulnerable shrubs.

Noanet Woodlands Vicinity: Bordering a major conservation and recreation area, this neighborhood requires environmentally responsible salting to prevent chemical migration into forest soils and sensitive wildlife habitats.