Salt
The Department of Public Works (DPW) purchases salt via a state contract. Salt is stored in the salt shed at the DPW Yard at 301 Broad Street. DPW requests that deliveries be made between 7:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. to reduce the need for overtime except in case of emergency. Depending on road conditions, DPW purchases about 7,000 cubic yards of salt per year.
Sand
The DPW mines and screens sand at the “Airport Pit” on Crawford Street in Fitchburg. There is about 300,000 cubic yards of material remaining at the pit, but some of it might not be suitable due to clay content. The sand is hauled to the DPW Yard for storage. Depending on road conditions, DPW processes about 35,000 cubic yards of salt per year.
Sand and salt are typically mixed at a ratio of 3 loads of sand to 1 load of salt unless otherwise directed by the Superintendent of Streets.
Chemicals
DPW sprays calcium chloride on the streets when directed by the Superintendent to help minimize the amount of snow that adheres to the pavement. Currently, DPW uses about 3,000 gallons per year.
