Snow Disposal from Snow Clearing Operations

Snow which is removed from streets or parking lots and deposited in temporary storage areas awaiting spring melt, contains sand, salt (chlorides ) and miscellaneous debris.

Because the majority of chlorides entering the surface waters of the province originate from melt water off roads through storm sewers systems, the most effective method to minimize chloride losses is to control the amount of salt applied. The controlled use of salted sand, appropriate application rates and application timing are methods by which the amount of chloride loss can be reduced, while still ensuring public road safety.

The primary concern associated with depositing snow relates to the sand, litter and foreign objects which are collected during snow removal. These materials become undesirable additions to the waters of the province during the spring melt period.

The policy for winter storage of snow removed from streets and parking lots is as follows:

• Persons collecting snow for deposit at disposal sites should take all reasonable efforts to minimize the amount of foreign matter collected with the snow.
• Snow removed from streets and parking lots should not be deposited directly onto ice surfaces or dumped directly into water bodies. Collected snow should be placed at designated areas far enough from surface waters to ensure that sand and foreign materials can be collected prior to flood waters washing them into the watercourse. Locations selected should have enough separation from the water body so that all foreign material will remain collected after snow melt. Regular patrols of snow dumping areas should be undertaken by the operator during snow melt conditions to collect and properly dispose of loose debris. Fencing may be required to prevent the debris from being blown from the site.
• Snow deposit locations should be selected in areas where groundwater is not used for drinking or which are sufficiently separated so there is no danger of groundwater contamination from chlorides. Snow deposit locations which are directly upstream of surface drinking water systems should be avoided.
• Snow should not be deposited in a manner that may block, impede or alter the normal flow pattern of the watercourse. Locations should be selected and snow should be deposited so that melt water flows at a low rate to the water body and does not cause local flooding, bank erosion or disturbance of neighbouring properties.
• Municipalities and other third parties, providing locations for private snow removal contractors to deposit snow, should require the contractor to follow this guideline.

Additional information and assistance can be obtained by contacting DELG Authorizations Branch, or a Department of Environment and Local Government Regional Office in your area.