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NYC Says ‘Hot Tub’ Snow Melters Have Processed 23 Million Pounds Citywide

A prolonged freeze forced a 24/7 deployment of eight units that discharge meltwater into sewers under DEP approval.

Overview

  • City Hall said eight snow-melting sites, at least one in each borough, have melted about 23 million pounds of snow since Tuesday.
  • Each machine melts roughly 60 to 120 tons per hour at about 38°F, with trucks and loaders feeding piles and discharge routed to the sewer system with DEP permission.
  • Crews have cleared more than 13,800 crosswalks, 12,600 bus stops, and 4,400 fire hydrants, and officials say all bus stops with shelters are now cleared.
  • About 2,500 sanitation workers are rotating 12-hour shifts alongside 500-plus emergency snow shovelers, with 100 additional operators breaking up frozen ridges.
  • DSNY expects the operation to continue for several weeks and warns timing could stretch if another storm arrives; alternate side parking is suspended through Sunday, and the city remains under enhanced Code Blue with warming centers open.