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WINTER USE OF DE-ICERS
Its that time of year when Lake Sunapee will begin to freeze. De-icers commonly used include bubblers, agitators or circulators; ideally, they have temperature and timer controls to minimize their power usage and environmental impacts.
Below are some points to keep in mind about operating such devices:
By State Law, de-icers require registration with town offices.
State Statute RSA 270:33 deals with the Safety Hazard posed by de-icers. This law requires that signs be placed to warn of possible danger. Said signs shall read "Danger, Thin Ice" and shall be of sufficient size to be readable at a distance of not less than 150 feet and shall be visible from all directions and shall be equipped with reflectors.
Choose a de-icer that only opens water directly around your dock. Be sure to check it often or have someone check it if you are not here. Use a timer to control operation.
Neither animals or humans can gauge the area of thin ice surrounding open water created by your de-icer. Please keep the water you open to a bare minimum for the safety of all.
The lake needs to rest in the winter. That is part of its natural cycle. The water you open is disruptive to this cycle. Sediment is stirred up, currents created, light is let in. Please keep the open water to a bare minimum for the health of the Lake.
The natural world is very quiet in the winter. Your neighbors will appreciate a de-icer that operates as little and as quietly as possible.
Thank you!
Date published on web site:
12-07-2009
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