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Public Works Officials Hoping for a Mild Winter

With a first substantial snowfall under their belts, officals in Chester, Deep River, and Essex say their Public Works departments are ready for whatever winter sends their way—though none would complain if this winter is mild.

“You never know what you are going to get here in New England,” said John Divis, the Public Works Department foreman in Chester. “This past snow fall last week was a good test run for the winter and we are all set here in Chester.”

Divis explained that the town uses a mixture of sand and salt to treat the roads and keep them safe when there is inclement weather, but he also explained that there is a third mixture of salt and molasses that’s called “magic salt” used primarily in the downtown area and on dead-end streets where there’s no room for a large snow plowed area for snow.

“The magic salt melts the snow more and at a different temperature, so we use it downtown because there is no real place for us to put the snow there,” said Divis.

The mixture is more expensive, Divis explained, which is why it is only used in certain designated areas.

“Our Public Works Department did a great job of getting all the necessary fall clean-up done in town and we are ready for winter,” said Chester First Selectman Lauren Gister. “We are well stocked and our equipment is well maintained. Our Public Works Department does an excellent job of taking good care of the town and the residents all know they can count on them to keep our roads safe and passable during winter weather.”

Deep River also reports it is ready for the cold weather.

“I love the snow. I think its beautiful, but I am hoping that it only snows north of 1-84 this year,” said Deep River Selectman Angus McDonald. “Deep River is ready for whatever we get this year; we have a good supply of sand and salt and our trucks and personnel are ready if we need them.”

Deep River, like the surrounding towns of Chester and Essex, has not purchased any new equipment to be used for the winter weather this year.

“Our trucks are all in good shape and well maintained so we are all set,” said McDonald.

Essex First Selectman Norm Needleman said the Town of Essex is in great shape going into the winter season this year.

“We have not purchased any new major equipment for this year as ours is all in good shape. We have plenty of sand and salt and we have a full staff ready go,” said Needleman.