Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Hull

Hull Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Hull'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 Hull's drinking water sources, Weir River, Hull Bay, and Boston Harbor, as well as the urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Hull Water and Sewer Commission
1111 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-4432
Official Website: Hull 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. Hull'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 Hull Water and Sewer Commission operates Hull's municipal separated storm sewer system collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to Weir River, Hull Bay, and Boston Harbor. 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.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
100 First Avenue, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02129
Phone: (617) 242-6000
Official Website: Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority manages regional water supply protecting Boston Harbor, Weir River, and associated water sources from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to Hull Water and Sewer Commission at (781) 925-4432. 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 Hull's urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. Hull Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Hull Parks and Recreation Department
299A Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-0817
Official Website: Hull 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

Hull Planning Department
253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-2110
Official Website: Hull Planning Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Hull Neighborhoods

Nantasket Beach District: Coastal salt spray combines with de-icing applications, increasing chloride concentrations impacting marine ecosystems and dune grasses; requires brine-based application and minimized salt use to protect Hull Bay and Boston Harbor.

Kenberma: Dense residential zone with proximity to Weir River and high storm drain density; salting must prioritize water quality protection to prevent untreated runoff into local waterways.

Sunset Point: Waterfront neighborhood adjacent to tidal flats and salt marshes; sensitive habitat necessitates reduced de-icer application rates and careful selection of salt-tolerant landscaping.

Fort Revere Historic District: Historic brick walkways, mature tree stands, and heritage plantings; de-icing must utilize calcium magnesium acetate and avoid sodium chloride to prevent infrastructure and vegetation damage.

Atlantic Hill: Steep slopes with rapid drainage to Hull Bay; operational protocols focus on pre-treatment and spot applications to minimize chemical migration into marine environments.

Allerton Hill: Elevated residential area with scenic overlooks and significant tree canopy; salting plans must protect mature oaks and minimize root zone salt infiltration.

Straits Pond Area: Residential neighborhood bordering a freshwater pond and Weir River; strict compliance with wellhead and surface water protection standards, including secondary containment for salt storage.

Village (Town Center): Mixed-use district with high pedestrian activity, public facilities, and historic infrastructure; requires rapid ice control, careful monitoring, and alternative de-icers to protect both safety and sensitive urban vegetation.