Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Framingham

Framingham Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Framingham's 10-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 Framingham's drinking water sources, including the Sudbury River, Baiting Brook Reservoir, and Farm Pond, as well as the urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Framingham Department of Public Works – Water & Sewer Division
100 Western Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 532-6050
Official Website: Framingham Water & Wastewater 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. Framingham's separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, including the Sudbury River, Farm Pond, and Beaver Dam Brook.

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 Framingham Department of Public Works – Water & Sewer Division operates Framingham's municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to the Sudbury River, Farm Pond, and local tributaries. 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.

Framingham Water & Sewer Commission
100 Western Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 532-6050
Official Website: Framingham Water & Wastewater Division

The Framingham Water & Sewer Commission manages the regional water supply protecting the Sudbury River, Baiting Brook Reservoir, and reservoir watershed areas from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to Framingham Water & Sewer Commission at (508) 532-6050. 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 Framingham's urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. Framingham Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Framingham Parks and Recreation Department
475 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 532-5960
Official Website: Framingham 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

Framingham Division of Planning & Community Development
150 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 532-5455
Official Website: Framingham Division of Planning & Community Development

Professional Salting Services Throughout Framingham Neighborhoods

Downtown Framingham: High-density commercial district requiring precise anti-icing application to minimize runoff into the Sudbury River and protect historic brick paving. Increased pedestrian traffic necessitates strict adherence to city de-icer application standards.

Nobscot: Residential area near Baiting Brook Reservoir and Nobscot Conservation Land with sensitive groundwater recharge zones. De-icer use must be minimized and storage prohibited near wellhead protection areas to prevent contamination.

Saxonville: Riverfront neighborhood along the Sudbury River with steep slopes and direct storm drain discharge. Brine pretreatment and reduced sodium application are essential to protect aquatic habitats and prevent chloride spikes.

Framingham Centre: Historic core with mature street trees, historic stone walls, and aging infrastructure. Careful calibration of equipment and use of calcium magnesium acetate alternatives safeguard both vegetation and historic surfaces.

Tripps Corner: Mixed-use area adjacent to Farm Pond and wetlands. Special attention to wetland buffer zones, storm drain proximity, and runoff controls helps protect sensitive ecosystems.

Learned Pond Area: Proximity to pond, sandy soils, and recreational trails requires reduced de-icer application and timing treatments to limit adverse effects on surface water quality and winter wildlife habitat.

Salem End Road / Stony Brook: Suburban neighborhood with significant tree canopy, steep gradients, and local brooks. De-icing protocols must be adjusted to prevent salt migration into groundwater recharge areas and maintain tree health.

East Framingham: Densely developed area with high storm drain density and proximity to Beaver Dam Brook. Frequent monitoring and use of best management practices reduce chloride loading to urban streams.