By Terry Murry on Tuesday, August 29th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The city of Walla Walla has instituted a snow berm reduction program for persons with disabilities. The program’s goal is to reduce snow berms across driveways for residents who have physical challenges that make it difficult for them to clear the berm for access to and from their residence.
Roadway snow plowing typically leaves a berm of snow at the end of the plow after it passes by. As berms in front of driveways thaw and refreeze, they can be difficult to remove or drive over.
As the city’s snowplow passes by a qualified resident’s driveway, the plow operator will reduce speed and turn the plow blade to capture the snow that otherwise would have formed the berm. As the plow continues past the driveway, the plow blade will be turned to disperse the captured snow away from the qualified person’s driveway.
To request this service, a resident must complete the city’s standard Persons with Disabilities Berm Reduction Request Form; provide a copy of their temporary or permanent State of Washington Department of Licensing, Individual with Disabilities Parking Privilege card; and provide proof the person lives at the property where the service is requested.
The request form and additional details about the program are available at https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/public-works/streets/snow-and-ice-control/berm-reduction-program.