Plan Ahead To Ensure Safe Snow Disposal This Winter: DEM

As we head into snow season in Southern New England, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management reminded businesses, local and state governments and community groups to plan ahead when it comes to snow removal to ensure it is safe for both public health and the environment. Snow plowed from roads, parking lots, bridges and sidewalks is often contaminated with chemicals such as salt, sand or litter that can be harmful to water supplies.

With this in mind, the department asked leaders to choose snow collection sites in advance and follow these tips:

• Locate snow collection sites near or on permeable (porous) surfaces in upland areas, away from water resources and wells. This will allow snow melt to filter into the soil, leaving behind sand and debris. The latter should be removed as soon as possible but no later than springtime.

• Prepare and maintain snow collection sites to maximize their effectiveness – such as installing a silt fence or sediment barriers on the down-sloping side of the site; maintaining a vegetative buffer between the site and adjacent water bodies; and clearing away debris before and after using the area for snow disposal.

• Under normal winter conditions, store and dispose of snow only in upland areas and not in or near waterbodies or wetlands. DEM’s Snow Disposal Policy includes guidance on emergency disposal of snow under extraordinary circumstances when upland snow storage options are exhausted.