Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Mansfield

Mansfield Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Mansfield’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 Mansfield’s drinking water sources, including the Canoe River Aquifer, Rumford River, and local reservoirs, as well as the urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards. This section details critical regulations, compliance procedures, and best practices for responsible salting and ice management throughout Mansfield, MA.

Mansfield Department of Public Works – Water Division
500 East Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: (508) 261-7376
Official Website: Mansfield 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. Compliance is essential to prevent contamination of Mansfield’s groundwater and surface water used for municipal supply.

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. Mansfield’s separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, with stormwater ultimately flowing to the Canoe River, Rumford River, and associated 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 Mansfield Department of Public Works – Water Division operates Mansfield’s municipal separated storm sewer system, collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to the Canoe River, Rumford River, and local wetlands. All de-icing chemicals applied to streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways flow untreated into these receiving waters, making careful material management and application essential for environmental protection.

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.

Mansfield Water Division
500 East Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: (508) 261-7376
Official Website: Mansfield Water Division

The Mansfield Water Division manages the regional water supply, protecting the Canoe River Aquifer and local reservoirs from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to the Mansfield Department of Public Works – Water Division at (508) 261-7376. 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 Mansfield’s urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. The Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage to preserve canopy health and urban biodiversity.

Mansfield Parks & Recreation Department
10 Essex Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: (508) 851-6458
Official Website: Mansfield Parks & Recreation

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

Mansfield Planning Department
6 Park Row, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: (508) 261-7363
Official Website: Mansfield Planning Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Mansfield Neighborhoods

Downtown Mansfield: High pedestrian traffic and proximity to the Rumford River require precise salting to minimize runoff and protect water quality, especially near historic brick sidewalks and mature street trees.

West Mansfield: Residential areas with significant tree canopy and landscaped buffers necessitate reduced salt application rates and increased use of salt-tolerant de-icers to prevent vegetation damage.

East Mansfield: Neighborhoods adjacent to the Canoe River Aquifer Zone II must follow strict de-icer storage and application protocols to protect groundwater recharge areas and comply with wellhead protection requirements.

Maple Park District: The presence of conservation land and wetlands demands careful anti-icing strategies, with special attention to storm drain locations and the use of environmentally responsible materials.

Pratt Farm and Twin Brooks: Low-lying residential communities near wetlands require minimized chloride usage and regular drainage monitoring to prevent salt-laden runoff from impacting sensitive habitats.

Cabot Industrial Park: Large parking areas and industrial facilities must maintain SWPPPs, monitor de-icer storage, and protect downstream water quality in accordance with 310 CMR 10.05(6).

Robinson School Area: School grounds and adjacent residential streets demand minimal salt usage to safeguard children’s health and protect nearby athletic fields and play areas from chemical exposure.

Old Colony Road Historic Corridor: Historic homes, stone walls, and established canopy trees require careful selection of alternative de-icers and reduced application rates to preserve infrastructure and landscape character.