Recommended elements of a community snow management plan
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Plan Element Recommended Practices
Snow Removal and Disposal Approach
Formalize snow removal and disposal goals and objectives (action steps) Adopt community snow removal and disposal goals and objectives so citizens know what to expect under certain conditions; clarify intent of wiser salt use
Develop plowing and removal/ redistribution plan Formalize goals and objectives into an action plan that clearly delineates steps that will be taken under different snow and ice scenarios; target problem areas (such as ice formation)
Salt/Mixed Sand-Salt Storage
Characterization of storage areas Identify areas where both public and private salt and salt-sand mixes are accumulated and stored, and the characteristics of these areas, such as:
  • surface of storage area
  • containment and cover
  • method of operation
  • drainage pattern
Cover exposed chemicals Provide a small containment shelter with full coverage and a 3” lip to stop small flow from even leaving the storage pile. For larger operations, full coverage of both storage and mixing areas, and removal of unused pre-mixed sand/salt back into covered storage is recommended
Chemical Application Practices
Identify the amount and manner of salt use Determine the volume of salt being used, by whom, and where they are storing and applying it
Identify training programs for salt handlers Institute formal training program for all loaders and applicators
Specify methods used to minimize salt application rate Develop protocol for promotion of less salt use through driver training, equipment calibration and maintenance, pre-wetting techniques, antiicing, sand mixing
Initiate record keeping system to track application rates by route and driver Develop log system to track the amount of salt applied by each dri
Opportunities for BMP Adaptation
Map surface water drainage system and BMPs designed to handle runoff Examine existing drainage maps to determine where chloride-laden meltwater runoff will go; identify sensitive water bodies; and assess the effectiveness of BMPs to treat snowmelt runoff
Upgrade BMPs if needed Identify problem BMPs that could be preventing adequate runoff treatment and program to manage them better
Winter Construction Control
Assess current practices used in your community As part of SWPPP, are there any limits on construction or special BMPs required during the winter season
List special provisions Identify possible protective measures that could be adopted to prevent problems associated with winter conditions
Method of Addressing New Site Versus Existing Site
Assess need for construction control program Notify new sites covered under NPDES construction permit process that they are required to address snow in a site SWPPP
Assess need for MS4 program under post-construction elements Address existing sites covered under the umbrella of the MS4 SWPPP or any re-development permitting
Pollution Prevention Efforts
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Develop pollution prevention program focused on winter activities List program elements that could be used to prevent runoff problems from occurring during the winter construction season; adopt ones most appropriate to your community
Identify any measures that show effectiveness Identify other methods that could be used, although not part of previous element