Snow Removal

Snow removal equipment such as plow trucks, snowblowers, and skid steers often relies on fuel-powered equipment. Poorly managed operations can lead to excessive emissions from idling, leaks, or equipment failure. These emissions contribute to air pollution and may trigger complaints or enforcement actions. Contractors may face liability if emissions are linked to environmental or health impacts.

Snow removal trucks and equipment may be washed at a company’s facility or a third-party washing facility. Wash water may contain oil and grease, fuel residues, or chloride deicers. If not properly controlled, contained, and pre-treated before discharge into sanitary or storm drainage systems, surface water or groundwater pollution and violations of water quality standards could occur.

Off-season operations, such as site-applied fertilizers, can contaminate ground or surface water and pose risks to human health, particularly if nitrification inhibitors such as nitrapyrin, dicyandiamide, or carbamoyl methylpyrazole are present. Over-application, shallow water tables, and stormwater run-off may cause this. Additionally, phosphorus, a main ingredient in synthetic fertilizers, encourages the growth of algae, which depletes oxygen in lakes, rivers, and streams and can harm aquatic life or lead to the growth of toxic blue-green algae.

Vehicles and equipment for snow removal and lawn mowing use fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, and other automotive fluids that pose environmental risks if released. Spills may occur during fueling or maintenance activities, and leaks from hoses, lines, fittings, or valves can occur while stored or in transport. These releases can contaminate soil and groundwater or discharge into surface waters through drains or stormwater run-off. On-site storage of fuel, oil, lubricants/grease, and automotive fluids in storage tanks and drums can also leak during containment or be spilled during loading, resulting in environmental liability.

Snow piles collect oil, fuel residue, heavy metals, trash, and other pollutants from paved surfaces. If stockpiles are placed in uncontained areas, melting snow can carry these contaminants into stormwater systems. This polluted run-off may discharge directly into waterways without treatment. Contractors can be held responsible for cleanup costs and third-party damages caused by improper snow storage.

Improperly operated snow removal equipment can cause physical damage to the client or third-party property. In addition, the repeated application and accumulation of de-icing agents over time may lead to corrosion and deterioration of concrete, asphalt, vehicles, and other surfaces. As a result, property damage claims may arise from both mechanical operations and chemical exposure.

De-icing salts can accumulate in snow piles and run-off, increasing soil salinity as snow melts. Elevated salt levels may damage turf, plants, and trees by burning foliage, harming roots, and disrupting water uptake. Chloride can persist in soil after winter, potentially resulting in vegetation loss and property damage claims for landscape repair or replacement.

Soil Destabilization may occur when snow removal activities disturb soils through repeated plowing, snow piling, and the use of de-icing chemicals. Meltwater and run-off can oversaturate soils, while elevated salt levels degrade soil structure and reduce cohesion. These conditions may lead to erosion and potentially damage landscaping, exposing snow removal contractors to property damage or restoration claims.

Improper disposal of contaminated yard debris can occur during off-season maintenance or spring and fall cleanup when vegetation, soil, or other debris contains sediments, petroleum residues, pet waste, or other pollutants. Improper disposal can lead to violations of local, state, or federal environmental regulations and expose contractors to cleanup costs.