DEM advises to plan ahead for snow removal

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – As winter approaches, The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) have set up guidelines to assist Rhode Island organizations to begin preparations for snow disposal sites.

Authorities say the guidelines are there to help minimize impacts on public health and the environment, due to harmful chemicals that may be found in snow collected from roads, parking lots, and bridges that can compromise water supplies.

 To minimize the risks, the DEM advises organizations to:

·       Locate snow collection sites adjacent to or on pervious 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-gradient side of the site; maintaining a vegetative buffer between the site and adjacent water bodies; and clearing away debris prior to and after using the area for snow disposal.

·       Under normal winter conditions, store and dispose of snow exclusively in upland areas and not in or adjacent to waterbodies or wetlands.  DEM’s Snow Disposal Policyincludes guidance on emergency disposal of snow under extraordinary circumstances when upland snow storage options are exhausted.

Additional information on preparation tips, as well as snow removal sites can be found at: www.dem.ri.gov 

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