Conservation commission ratifies emergency certificate authorizing snow hauling to Merrimack River

Andy Ford introduced an emergency authorization request after heavy February storms that exceeded available upland snow-storage capacity. Kim Turner of the Department of Public Services explained the operation used this winter: a truck-mounted snowblower collects relatively clean snow (not pavement scrapings) into dump trucks; crews timed hauling with outgoing tides to minimize impacts to the Merrimack River.

Staff described a sequence of storage areas used this season—Cashman Park and Cherry Hill—and said crews shifted piles to manage available capacity. Turner said the city contracted the snowblower and would consider contracting for the same equipment in future seasons because of its cleaner collection method. Commissioners asked about DEP emergency-cert guidance, endangered-species checks, and whether MassWildlife or other signoffs would be appropriate in future incidents; staff said they will prepare a ‘‘ready-to-go’’ package for subsequent seasons that documents exhausted upland options and monitoring commitments.

Several commissioners suggested the city explore alternative storage options (private business parking lots, partnerships such as historical precedent with private firms) or snow-melting solutions; staff noted melting equipment is expensive. Commissioners also recommended installing sediment controls (straw wattles or siltsocks) at Cashman Park piles to reduce the short-term runoff of suspended solids when the piles melt. Following discussion the commission took a roll-call vote and ratified the emergency certification by unanimous vote.

The commission directed staff to follow up on upstream communities’ practices, to document exhausted alternatives and to consider adding best-management practices or contract language requiring cleaner collection methods and sediment controls for future events.