Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Bourne

Bourne Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Bourne’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 Bourne’s drinking water sources, including the Cape Cod Canal, Buttermilk Bay, Back River, and local reservoirs, as well as the urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Bourne Department of Public Works - Water Division
24 Perry Avenue, Buzzards Bay, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 563-2294
Official Website: Bourne 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. Bourne’s separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, including the Cape Cod Canal, Buttermilk Bay, Buzzards Bay, and local estuaries.

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 Bourne Department of Public Works - Water Division operates Bourne’s municipal separated storm sewer system, collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff, and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to the Cape Cod Canal, Buttermilk Bay, and connected water bodies. 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.

Bourne Water District
24 Perry Avenue, Buzzards Bay, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 563-2294
Official Website: Bourne Water District

The Bourne Water District manages regional water supply protection for local groundwater wells, reservoirs, and the Cape Cod Canal, maintaining strict oversight to prevent contamination. Report clogged catch basins to Bourne Department of Public Works - Water Division at (508) 563-2294. 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 Bourne’s urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. The Bourne Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Bourne Parks and Recreation Department
239 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x5300
Official Website: Bourne 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

Bourne Planning and Community Development Department
24 Perry Avenue, Buzzards Bay, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0615
Official Website: Bourne Planning and Community Development Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Bourne Neighborhoods

Buzzards Bay Village: High-density commercial and residential area directly adjacent to the Cape Cod Canal, requiring strict control of salt application to protect canal water quality and prevent chloride runoff into the marine environment. Elevated pedestrian traffic and proximity to rail infrastructure necessitate rapid ice management and careful brine selection.

Monument Beach: Coastal residential neighborhood with sandy soils and direct access to Buttermilk Bay. Sensitive to over-application due to groundwater recharge areas and proximity to recreational beaches. Emphasis on reduced rates and alternative de-icers to minimize impact on local shellfish beds and dune vegetation.

Pocasset: Suburban community bordering Buzzards Bay and Red Brook Harbor, with many properties near wetlands and conservation land. Requires environmentally responsible salting practices to protect groundwater wells, nearby salt marshes, and rare plant habitats.

Sagamore Beach: Steep terrain and sandy, well-drained soils increase the risk of salt leaching into groundwater. Infrastructure includes mature tree canopy and proximity to coastal bluffs, necessitating careful application to protect vegetation and prevent erosion along slopes.

Gray Gables: Historic waterfront neighborhood with older trees, narrow roads, and direct drainage to the Cape Cod Canal. Special attention needed for brick sidewalks, stormwater outfalls, and preservation of historic landscaping features.

Bournedale: Upland area adjacent to Great Herring Pond and critical groundwater recharge zones. Many properties use well water, so salting is limited and monitored to prevent chloride intrusion into drinking water supplies. Storm drain maintenance is essential to avoid direct runoff into freshwater resources.

Cataumet: Village with a mix of residential streets and conservation land near Squeteague Harbor. Emphasis on salt-tolerant species for streetscaping, careful salt storage, and protection of wetlands and bay water quality during winter maintenance operations.

Brookside: Residential neighborhood bordering golf courses and wooded buffers. Sensitive landscaped areas and tree preservation ordinances require use of low-sodium de-icers and careful plow operations to minimize damage to turf and ornamental plantings.