Winter-Storm-Procedures-2011-12

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PURPOSE AND GOAL

SNOW AND ICE (WINTER STORM) PROCEDURES

The purpose of this document is to establish standard operating procedures for the City of Black Jack Public Works (PW) Department, which will provide for the maintenance of public streets during winter storms, in the safest possible conditions in the most effective, productive, and economical manner, with the least environmental impact.

A snow storm affects the total community and results in upsetting the normal routines of individuals, adversely effects businesses, causes hardship to schools, and causes hazards to the public safety. The function of the Public Works Department is probably one of the most visible operations of City government, and the public is very hesitant of failure to clear streets during and immediately after the storms.

The Public Works Department is given the following task:

•

To provide safe streets and roadway pavement.

•

To minimize least inconvenience.

•

To clear all snow and ice from the traveled portion of those dedicated streets.

In order to:

•

Allow for safe passage for emergency vehicles.

•

To reduce accidents.

•

Provide safe means for traffic movements.

•

Least inconvenience to school operations.

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Residents and businesses could interact.

The Public Works Department shall provide and maintain safe and clear roads during and after snow and ice storms. The public should be provided the most effective storm control program possible to provide safe roads at an economical overall cost.

The goals of these procedures shall be to provide for safe, passable conditions on all City maintained streets in the most effective, expeditious manner during winter storms.

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WINTER STORM OPERATING PROCEDURES

ACTIVATION PROCEDURES

Normal Activation

i.)

Regular working hours:

During normal working hours, the P.W. Director or his authorized representative shall activate this. The director will notify the Street Supervisor, the Mayor, Police Department and the Staff Manager of the activation of these operations.

ii.)

Off duty hours:

The Mayor, the P.W. Director, or their authorized representative shall activate this during off-duty hours.

In the event of police activation, the Street Supervisor is notified by the commanding Police Officer (of duty). The Street Supervisor will then notify his crew to assist in determining the type and amount of response necessary for this operation. Workers are contacted by phone for service to the City by street supervisor or his assigned representative. The Supervisor will notify the Director, at an appropriate time about the activation of program.

II.

PERSONNEL CALL OUT

Equal Distribution of Time

i.)

The order of call-out is determined by response necessary by the Supervisor or his assigned representative.

ii.)

All efforts will be make to provide equal distribution of additional over time/comprehensive time.

III.

ROTATION AND HOURS WORKED

Normal Circumstances

i.)

Unless extra ordinary circumstances exist, workers are rotated, or relieved, according to available resources, situation and equipment.

ii.)

During the normal work week, but between normal working hours, workers are assigned in such a manner -

a.)

To provide rest to the employees as a safeguard to their bodily stress.

b.)

Not cause excessive over burden to the workers.

c.)

Provide a very safe working environment.

iii.)

On holidays or weekends, extra work will be compensated according to the City’s current rules and regulations. All efforts will be made to provide equal distribution of work.

iv.)

If at all possible, the snow/ice removal time will be scheduled in shifts of not more than 16 hours, including the normal workday. If for whatever reason a worker is on duty for 16 hours or longer, an effort will be made to provide minimum of 40 hours/week to all workers. If the emergency situation exists, the City can require the workers to work until the emergency conditions cease. Workers must be available to share their responsibility during the inclement weather. Failure to return to work, if called out during this time or under the emergency situations, will result in loss of pay for the remaining portion of 40/hours week. This topic is explained elsewhere in City’s regulations.

v.)

All efforts are to be provided that workers do not work more than 16 hours without an 8-hour break. This provision is for the safety of the employees, equipment, public and the City. The intent of this document is to be supplementing the City’s rules and regulations.

IV.

OPERATIONS FOR WINTER STORMS

At the onset of snow or ice storms, trucks (2-tons, 1-ton, pick-ups) equipped with spreaders and plows with assigned drivers will be available for each section of the City. The priority of assignments includes:

i.)

The main drags or collector streets, City Hall parking lots (during the normal assigned workday), hilly locations, and snow routes are salted first. The salting allows the movement of traffic. It also produces brine, which minimizes the adhesion of snow and ice to the pavement surface. When plowing operations begin, the snow and ice will come off easily. The Public Works crew will do City Hall parking lots, but the areas in front of entrance doors are cleaned by Maintenance Workers allotted to City Hall.

ii.)

All remaining residential streets are done after item (i) is completed and followed by clearing of all the cul-de-sacs and dead end streets. (Note: Parker Road, Old Jamestown Road and Old Halls Ferry Road are cleaned by other agencies).

NOTE:

All efforts will be made to conserve salt, as the total stored quantity of salt may not be

enough due to availability and costs. The crew will push snow and use salt and

chemicals very, very sparingly.

iii.)

Salting and plowing operations are different when expected snow is less than two (2) inches or if the accumulation is expected to be 4 to 6 inches. In the later case, i.e., with higher accumulations expected, the main objective is to plow as many side streets as possible while keeping the main arterial streets passable. Once the snow has ended all streets are plowed and salted (lightly) one final time. The operation usually could take 6-10 hours to complete after snow stops. Before the next business day when possible, at least one lane in each direction is plowed and salted.

iv.)

After snows of heavy accumulations or after a succession of smaller snowstorms, the street department may, at the direction of the Public Works Director or Street Supervisor, push the snow towards the front of the properties. Because of the traffic conditions, this part of work is best done between midnight and 6:00 a.m. This operation is stressful and physically draining on the already tired street department crew.

This approach can be modified by the Supervisor due to manpower, equipment, down time considerations, immediate needs of the City with expected forecast for future weather situations.

Whitney Chase North - Zone 1 (truck no. 12 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/Hills Cul-De-Sacs

Centerbrook

Bahamabby

Calderabby

Craigmont

Kennewick

Shafleet

Rollingsford

Kimbrough

Streatley

Winterset

Welwyn

Wensley

Branridge N.

Whitney Chase South - Zone 1 (truck no. 12 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/Hills Cul-De-Sacs

Bristol Rock

Brampton Hunt

Chalfont

Abington

Barden Tower

Thorton Abby

Branridge S.

Beckett Falls

Bridekirk

Edgemere

Colby Chase

Brixworth

Elk Trail

Cheltenham

Wickham Fen

Priorybrook

Carolview

Florence Hill

Evelynaire

Helenoak

Edgemere Court

Rollingsford

Hazeloak

Patriciaridge

LaTonka

Sherwood Creek - Zone 2 (truck no. 18 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/Hills Cul-De-Sacs

Vanderwood

Talleywood

Blythewood

Tanglebrook

Hiddenbrook

Canoebrook

Alderwood

Alderwood Court

Cloverbrook

Silverbrook

Paddock Point - Zone 2 (truck no. 18 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/HillsCul-De-Sacs

Paddock Point Drive

None

Paddock Ridge

Wildridge - Zone 2 (truck no. 18 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/HillsCul-De-Sacs

Bielefeld Drive

None

Bielefeld Lane

Bielefeld Court

Single Streets - Zone 2 (truck no. 18 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/Hills Cul-De-Sacs

Rolling Hills

Northview Hills

None

Black Jack Court

Country Club Court

Thadene Lane

Nordell Court

Afshari Estates - Zone 3 (truck no. 19 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/Hills Cul-De-Sacs

Meuse

Stoneridge

Broadridge Court

Broadridge

Marne

Orley

Kemp Development - Zone 3 (truck no. 19 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/Hills Cul-De-Sacs

Jamestown Ridge Road

Highcrest

Country Lane Woods

Parkton Place

Jamestown Ridge Lane

Trees Edge Court

Wheat Bridge

Jamestown Ridge Court

Trees Edge Lane

Mourville

Brendanwood

Demarillac

Northview Heights

Mystic Bend

Trailwoods - Zone 3 (truck no. 19 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/HillsCul-De-Sacs

Jerries Lane

Springtrail

Trailoaks Court

Trailbend

Suntrail

Parktrail Lane

Sandy Creek

Trailforest

Trailview

Trailoaks

Willowtrail

Old Jamestown Forest - Zone 3 (truck no. 19 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/Hills Cul-De-Sacs

None

Old Jamestown Forest Dr.

None

Early Morning Drive

Evening Shade Drive

Midday Drive

Marne

Single Streets - Zone 3 (truck no. 20 assigned)

Snow Routes/CollectorsSecondary/HillsCul-De-Sacs

Parkwood

Wolverton

Note: Zone 1 – Truck #12Zone 2 – Truck #18Zone 3 – Truck #19

Back-up – Truck #17Truck #20 – 4-Wheel Pick-up Truck

TWO-WAY RADIO PROCEDURES

During snow/ice removal operations, all trucks and employees will keep their two-way radios in the “On” position. All calls for service or information will go through the Supervisor or his assigned representative. Some employees utilize the cell phones.

During evening hours and/or weekends, the Supervisor will keep in touch with the Police Commander. All weather related emergency situations would be handled by the Supervisor or his representative.

The supervisor is provided with a mobile phone for better communications with the crew, Director of Public Works and or the appropriate people.

VI.

CONDITION OF WORKERS

i.)

If the employee is not physically fit to drive the truck, please advise the Supervisor of your situation.

ii.)

During the holidays, or on weekend or after normal hours, if the forecast of snow and ice is expected, please refrain from indulging with alcohol products. This is for the employees’ safety and safety of the public.

iii.)

Any other reasons including medicine, which can cause inability to drive trucks or operating other heavy equipment should be discussed with the Supervisor.

iv.)

In case of inclement weather forecast, please listen to weather channel/reports. Also, each employee to provide the latest and correct telephone numbers (including cell phone numbers) so the crew can be contacted. The City is not expecting for the crew to sit next to the phone, but be watchful of weather as the street department crew is expected to provide services during snow/ice storm.

VII.

DEICERS AND ICE CONTROL CHEMICALS

Several alternatives to salt have been tested, but none has proved completely satisfactory. The best way to satisfy the demand for wintertime mobility and safety is to determine salt use with regard to the site-specific environmental situation. The Salt Institute and several professional organizations have been working and training in regards to sensible salting during the time of demand. Other chemicals like Calcium and Sodium Formate (17x)*, Calcium and Magnesium Acetates (35x), Ethylene Glycol (28x) Magnesium Chloride (7x), Methanol (10x), Urea (7x), Propylene Glycol (28x) have been tested for similar purposes but the cost gets very expensive. Therefore use of Calcium Chloride in limited quantities with mostly salt is the most preferred choice of material.

Contrary to popular belief, potholes that plague motorists in early spring are not caused by deicing salt. Potholes are the result of water entering the road base below the concrete or asphalt pavement surface. These week spots can’t support traffic during winter/spring freeze thaw cycle, and result in structural failures.

VIII.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESPONDING TO WINTER STORMS

Most ice and snowstorms occur between 20-32° F. Often after the storm breaks, high-pressure systems move in and temperatures plummet, sometimes to well below freezing. So it is important to apply salt early during the storm when salt will be most effective as a melting agent and will prevent ice and hard pack from bonding to the pavement.

Condition I

Temperature----------------------------------------Near 30° F.

Precipitation---------------------------------------Snow, Sleet, Freezing Rain

Pavement Surface---------------------------------Wet

i.)

If freezing rain occurs, apply salt at a rate of 150 pounds per lane mile. Repeat as necessary.

ii.)

If snow or sleet is expected, apply salt at a rate of 250 pounds per lane mile.

iii.)

If snow continues, plow and apply salt simultaneously.

Condition II

Temperature---------------------------------------30° and falling

Precipitation---------------------------------------Snow, Sleet and Freezing Rains

Pavement Surface---------------------------------Wet or Slick

* Numbers in brackets indicate the costs when compared with rock salt. For example, Sodium Formate will be approximately 17 times the price of rock salt.

i.)

Increase salt application by 50% more. Apply at least 200 pounds up to 400 pounds per lane mile for item A(i) and A(ii) above.

Condition III

Temperature----------------------------------------Below 20° F.

Precipitation-----------------------------------------Snow, Sleet and Freezing Rain

Pavement Surface----------------------------------Wet

i.)

If freezing rain is expected, apply salt at a rate of 200-300 pounds per lane mile. Also, coat with Calcium Chloride * at the rate of 3 ½ gallons/ton of salt used. Repeat as needed.

ii.)

If snow or sleet is expected, apply salt at the rate of 200-300 pounds/lane mile. Also, coat with Calcium Chloride at the rate of 7 gallons/ton of salt used. Repeat as needed.

iii.)

If snow continues to accumulate, plow and salt simultaneously.

* Calcium Chloride helps to melt ice better at much lower temperatures and is used for more rapid and effective melting when temperatures really dip.

Condition IV

Temperature-----------------------------------------Below 10° F.

Precipitation-----------------------------------------Snow and Freezing Rain

Pavement Surface-----------------------------------Packed Snow or Ice

i.)

If freezing rain is coming down, apply salt at the rate of 250-300 pounds per lane mile and coat with Calcium Chloride at the rate of 10 gallons/ton of salt used. Repeat as needed.

ii.)

If snow is falling heavy, apply salt at a rate of 400 pounds/lane mile and coat with Calcium Chloride at a rate of 10 gallons/ton of salt use.

iii.)

If snow continues to accumulate, plow and salt simultaneously.

iv.)

Abrasives such as cinders, clunkers, millrugs and sand, are used when salt supplies are low. Although, the abrasives have the advantage of being seen on streets, they cause excessive storm sewer clogging and must be swept as soon as possible in the springtime.

IX.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Using street salt involves trade-offs; reducing the risk of accidents and injury to users/drivers/citizens and the economic consequences of weather related shutdown versus the risk of injury to roadside vegetation, wildlife and water quality. Fortunately, with rigorous training and other experiences, the crew is expected to use sensible methods of salting, and results could be cost-effective and environmentally acceptable at current levels.

WIND CHILL CHART

See attached document.

XI.

CALIBRATION CHART

For the benefit of appropriate quantity use, it is advisable to properly calibrate the salt spreader. This helps in not over treating the material and keeps the costs and wastage of material under control