Professional Ice Management & Salting Services in Cohasset

Cohasset Ice Management & Salting Regulations

Cohasset’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 Cohasset’s drinking water sources, including Cohasset Harbor, James Brook, Little Harbor, and key groundwater aquifers, as well as the urban forest canopy from chemical contamination while maintaining legally-required pedestrian safety standards.

Cohasset Water Department
91 Cedar Street, Cohasset, MA 02025
Phone: (781) 383-0057
Official Website: Cohasset Water Department

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. Cohasset’s separated storm sewer system discharges runoff directly to receiving waters without treatment, including Cohasset Harbor, James Brook, and Little Harbor.

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 Cohasset Water Department operates Cohasset’s municipal separated storm sewer system, collecting rainwater, snowmelt, and ice melt runoff and conveying this drainage without treatment directly to Cohasset Harbor, James Brook, and Little 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.

Cohasset Water Department
91 Cedar Street, Cohasset, MA 02025
Phone: (781) 383-0057
Official Website: Cohasset Water Department

The Cohasset Water Department manages the regional water supply protecting surface and groundwater sources from contamination. Report clogged catch basins to the Cohasset Water Department at (781) 383-0057. 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 Cohasset’s urban forest through root zone contamination, foliar spray injury, and soil structure degradation. The Cohasset Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately thousands of street trees requiring protection from winter maintenance chemical damage.

Cohasset Parks and Recreation Department
100 Sohier Street, Cohasset, MA 02025
Phone: (781) 383-4109
Official Website: Cohasset 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

Cohasset Planning Department
41 Highland Avenue, Cohasset, MA 02025
Phone: (781) 383-4100
Official Website: Cohasset Planning Department

Professional Salting Services Throughout Cohasset Neighborhoods

Village District: Central Cohasset’s historic commercial core features brick sidewalks, mature street trees, and high pedestrian activity, requiring reduced application rates, use of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) alternatives, and careful protection of heritage infrastructure.

Jerusalem Road Corridor: Coastal properties along Jerusalem Road demand careful ice management to prevent chloride runoff entering Cohasset Harbor and Little Harbor, with liquid brine treatments minimizing material usage and safeguarding sensitive marine environments.

Beechwood Neighborhood: This area is defined by proximity to the Aaron River Reservoir and extensive woodlands. Salting operations must emphasize water quality protection for aquifer recharge areas and minimize impacts on abundant native vegetation.

Black Rock Beach: Oceanfront homes face challenging salt exposure from both marine spray and road salting; specialized chloride management and drainage controls are critical to protect groundwater and maintain healthy coastal plantings.

North Main Street / Border Street Area: Residential zones near James Brook and wetlands require strict compliance with stormwater and wetland protection standards, employing secondary containment and targeted de-icer application to reduce watershed contamination.

King Street / Sohier Street: Proximity to Cohasset schools, athletic fields, and parks necessitates vegetation-friendly de-icing strategies, storm drain protection, and buffer zones to preserve recreational green spaces.

Atlantic Avenue / Sandy Cove: This scenic shoreline district combines sensitive dune ecology and historic homes. Salting must be minimized near conservation land and implemented with consideration for rare species and fragile soils.

South Main Street / Ledgewood: Hilly terrain and older infrastructure increase drainage and slip hazards, requiring precise application, runoff controls, and infrastructure-friendly de-icers to protect both roadways and adjacent private wells.