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Links to FacOp’s snow plan The Facilities Operations
website has detailed information about its plans for dealing with the snow in the winter of 2010-2011. Follow the links below and check the website for updated information through the winter months as needed. Snow removal policy – This information from last winter is accurate except that, under Heavy Equipment Procedure, the Saturday coverage is no longer standard; Saturday and Sunday will be covered by emergency call-in only. Snow plow routes – This map from 2009 is accurate for the 2010-2011 snow removal season. Hand removal of snow – New areas are added each year with the addition of new facilities, roads and parking lots. Updates on the FacOps website will include changes. No-snow-removal areas – These also change some each year. The FacOps website will have information on the changes. If you have questions, concerns or suggestions about FacOps’ snow policy, please contact Dennis Rovetto, 335-9087 or
rovetto@wsu.edu, or Lorrie Arrasmith, 335-9024 or lorriea@wsu.edu. |
PULLMAN – Snow removal on the Pullman campus is provided primarily by Facilities Operations, with Residence Life maintaining areas around student housing.
“Snow removal preparations are made well in advance of the first snow each year,” said Dennis Rovetto, Plant Services and Waste Management director. “This is to address the intricacies of maintaining access to and on campus for both emergency responders and for students, staff and faculty.”
Snow removal priorities are based upon emergency access to main arterials.
Sidewalks, ramps and stairways are cleared according to high usage and handicap access. Every street, road, sidewalk and stairway on campus has been analyzed for type and volume of use and placed on a priority list for coverage.
Priorities change when use and volume change as the campus grows and changes. In cases of continuous snowfall, staff must stay on the priority 1 and 2 areas since it is not possible to keep all areas clear of snow all the time.
Crews begin removing snow at 5 a.m. after an evening storm, with snow removal on the streets lasting until midnight during the work week. For sidewalks, snow removal begins at 5 a.m. and is maintained until 5 p.m. as necessary. Snow removal in parking lots can most efficiently be accomplished after hours and is done after higher priority areas.
“There is a difference between ‘plowing’ and ‘removal’ of snow,” said Rovetto. “Parking lots are plowed based on priority, just like streets and sidewalks. But the snow berms and piles are removed at night when the lots empty out.”
In most cases, snow removal is not provided after hours or on weekends unless special events are taking place on campus.
With continuing budget cuts in recent years, FacOps has implemented no-snow-maintenance areas where select walkways, sidewalks and stairs are signed as having no snow removal. In most cases, alternate access routes are available, although they may not be the most direct routes that users are familiar with. FacOps’ website has a detailed list of those areas that will not be maintained.
“While staff will continue to provide the best possible service, there are things users of our streets and sidewalks can do to help themselves,” Rovetto said. “Use sound judgment and caution when traveling during and immediately after a snowfall and frigid temperatures. Proper footwear, tires and patience will afford you a much better opportunity to navigate campus safely and efficiently.”
FacOps staff and Housing staff deal with snowfall and its aftermath. Rovetto gave special thanks to those working under Kappy Brun, Grounds supervisor; Tom Parrish, Custodial Services director; and Eric Slocum, Heavy Equipment supervisor, as well as those in Housing and Dining who work in adverse weather to keep the campus community safe.Links to FacOp’s snow plan
The Facilities Operations website has detailed information about its plans for dealing with the snow in the winter of 2010-2011. Follow the links below and check the website for updated information through the winter months as needed.