DEP issues revised snow disposal guidelines

On Dec. 22, the Department of Environmental Protection issued revised guidance for snow disposal.
 
The guidelines apply to federal, state, regional and local agencies as well as private businesses. They are meant to assist with snow management, and clarify policy after cities and towns dealt with record-breaking snowfall last winter.
 
The guidelines cover snow disposal site selection, site preparation and maintenance, and emergency snow disposal options, keeping in mind the protection of wetlands, drinking water and water bodies. The policy encourages care in the disposal of snow in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment.
 
The DEP has also created an online mapping tool to help communities to identify appropriate snow disposal sites. This will allow local officials to see local wetland resources and public water supplies so they can seek site approval from the conservation commission or the DEP, if needed.
 
Local conservation commissions are authorized to issue emergency certification for disposal in certain areas near wetlands and open water if there is no remaining capacity for snow disposal. For large-scale severe weather events, the DEP may issue an emergency declaration, which would allow greater flexibility for municipalities.
 
The DEP may allow the disposal of snow in certain water bodies under extraordinary conditions, and the DEP guidance streamlines the process to gain authorization. The guidance lays out steps for contacting Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency personnel and getting approval.
 
The DEP’s snow disposal guidance is available at the DEP website.