Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Snow Removal Guidelines

Best Management Practices for Snow Disposal

Commissioner Katie Dykes and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) are notifying municipal leaders of a temporary shift in snow management protocols. To assist towns facing extreme winter weather challenges, DEEP is now offering additional flexibility for in-water snow disposal options.

While upland disposal remains the preferred environmental practice, this expanded flexibility ensures that public safety and road clearing operations can continue unimpeded during severe accumulations.

Requirements for In-Water Disposal

To utilize these expanded options, municipalities must adhere to the following:

  • Mandatory Notification: Towns intending to use in-water disposal must submit a complete notification form to DEEP prior to or immediately following the commencement of disposal activities.
  • Environmental Oversight: Disposal should be managed to minimize the discharge of salt, sand, and debris into protected waterways.

Important Note: In-water disposal is considered a last-resort measure. Municipalities are encouraged to exhaust all available upland storage sites before transitioning to water-based disposal

Submit a Snow Disposal Notification for the February 2026 Winter Storm
Towns are required to notify DEEP's Water Permitting and Enforcement Division by submitting this survey: February 2026 Winter Storm Snow Disposal Notification Form or via email (deep.waterpermittingenforcement@ct.gov) prior to disposing of snow and ice in waterways. If advance notification is not possible, then the Department must be contacted as soon as possible after snow disposal has begun.

Image of heavy equipment removing snowOverview

These guidelines provide recommendations for state and municipal officials regarding the removal and disposal of snow accumulations from roadways, bridges, and parking lots. Snow accumulations include snow banks and piles removed by loader or truck and do not include routine plowing activities that will eventually melt into watercourse.

General Guidance

Snow should be placed in upland areas only, where sand and debris can be collected after snowmelt. When snow melts under normal conditions, most contaminants remain on paved surfaces or are captured in stormwater systems for later removal. When snow is dumped into water bodies, however, sand and debris can smother aquatic life, degrade water quality and appearance, obstruct drainage systems, and increase the risk of localized flooding.

Snow should not be deposited:

  • In freshwater or tidal wetlands or adjacent areas
  • On storm drain catch basins or in drainage swales
  • On sloped stream or riverbanks
  • Within 100 feet of public or private drinking water wells
  • Disposal of snow directly into surface waters is discouraged due to sand, salt, and debris that may harm aquatic resources, obstruct drainage, and increase flooding risk.

Extraordinary Winter Conditions

During extraordinary winter conditions, limited in-water snow disposal may be allowed when all upland disposal options and snow management methods have been exhausted to address public safety needs. When authorized:

  • Only snow contaminated with sand and salt may be disposed
  • Environmentally sensitive areas must be avoided
  • Preference should be given to saltwater disposal where available
  • Rivers and streams must have adequate flow and open water
  • Disposal must not interfere with navigation or infrastructure
  • Disposal in ponds and lakes is discouraged
  • Local laws and requirements must be followed
  • Measures must be taken to prevent shoreline or streambank damage 

Notification Requirement

Governmental entities must notify the Water Permitting and Enforcement Division before disposing of snow in waterways, or as soon as possible if advance notice is not feasible.

  • Notifications must include:
  • Name of the governmental entity
  • Contact name, email, and phone number
  • Disposal location and receiving waterbody
  • Estimated quantity of snow
  • Disposal dates
  • A statement confirming all disposal alternatives have been exhausted and best efforts will be made to follow these guidelines

Submit notifications using the survey link:
February 2026 Winter Storm Snow Disposal Notification Form or by email to: deep.waterpermittingenforcement@ct.gov

Additional Information

For questions, contact the Water Permitting and Enforcement Division at the email address above.

 

Content Last Updated February 23, 2026