Storm, Snow, and Site Access Policy: What Customers Need to Know

 At Wind River Environmental, the safety of our technicians is our top priority. Our teams work in challenging conditions year-round, and during winter weather or after major storms, jobsite conditions can quickly become unsafe. To ensure our technicians can safely access your property, complete your service, and return home safely, we follow a strict storm, snow, and site access policy.

Why This Policy Matters

 Our technicians regularly work around:

• heavy equipment
• uneven terrain
• underground systems
• confined or slippery spaces

Snow, ice, debris, and blocked access paths significantly increase the risk of injury. Like many service industries, including HVAC, plumbing, utility, and waste services, we cannot perform work if conditions are unsafe. This policy exists to protect our people and ensure we can continue serving our customers reliably.

Customer Responsibilities Before Service

 To keep your scheduled service on track, customers are responsible for ensuring safe access to the service area before our technician arrives, including:

✅ Clearing access paths

• Driveways, walkways, and service paths must be cleared of snow, ice, and debris
• Paths should be wide enough for safe foot traffic and equipment
• Steps and slopes must be treated for ice where applicable

✅ Clearing access to covers and service points

• Septic tank lids, cleanouts, ports, and service areas must be fully exposed
• Snow, ice, storm debris, and fallen branches must be removed
• Technicians cannot dig through snow or debris to locate access points

✅ Ensuring safe working conditions

• No standing ice, unstable surfaces, or blocked entry points
• Pets secured and hazards removed
• Adequate space for service vehicles and equipment

Our Policy During Snow and Storm Conditions

If conditions at your property are not safe at the time of arrival, our technician may be unable to complete the service.

This may result in:

• Service delays
• Rescheduling
• A trip or cancellation fee, depending on the circumstances

These decisions are made on-site by the technician and/or operations team and are not negotiable, as they are based on real-time safety assessments.

Why We Are Strict About This Policy

We understand that winter weather and storms are inconvenient, but safety must always come first.

Our technicians are our most important asset. Ensuring they can:

• work safely
• avoid preventable injuries
• return home to their families

is non-negotiable.

This policy is consistent with standards across many field service industries and allows us to continue delivering dependable service without compromising safety.

How to Avoid Delays or Rescheduling

To help your appointment go smoothly:

• Check weather conditions ahead of your service date
• Clear access areas the morning of service if snow or storms occurred overnight
• When in doubt, clear more than you think is necessary

If you have questions about site readiness, please contact our team before your scheduled service so we can help guide you.

Thank You for Helping Us Keep Our Teams Safe

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. By preparing your site properly, you help ensure safe, efficient service for everyone involved.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Storm, Snow, and Site Access

Do I need to clear snow even if the tank cover is usually easy to find?

Yes. All access points (including septic tank lids, cleanouts, ports, and service areas) must be fully exposed at the time of service. Technicians cannot dig through snow, ice, or debris to locate covers.

How wide does the cleared path need to be?

Paths should be wide enough for safe foot traffic and equipment, and free of ice, snow, and tripping hazards. If our technician cannot safely carry equipment to the service area, the job may need to be rescheduled.

What happens if it snows the night before my appointment?

If snow or ice accumulates overnight, it is the customer’s responsibility to re-clear access areas before our technician arrives. Please plan to check conditions the morning of service.

Can the technician clear snow or debris when they arrive?

No. For safety and time constraints, our technicians are not permitted to clear snow, ice, or storm debris or uncover access points. Service can only be performed once the site is fully prepared.

What if only part of the area is cleared?

All required access areas must be clear. If any portion of the service path or access point is unsafe or obstructed, the technician may be unable to complete the job.

Will I be charged if service cannot be completed due to site conditions?

In some cases, yes. If a technician arrives and determines the site is unsafe or inaccessible, a trip or cancellation fee may apply. This helps cover travel time and scheduling impacts.

Why is Wind River Environmental so strict about this policy?

Because technician safety comes first. Snow, ice, and debris significantly increase the risk of injury. Our goal is to ensure every technician can work safely and return home without incident. This policy aligns with safety standards used across many field service industries.

What if I’m unsure whether my site is ready?

If you’re unsure, we recommend clearing more than you think is necessary. You can also contact our team before your scheduled service to confirm readiness and avoid delays.

Does this policy apply year-round or only during winter?

This policy applies anytime storm conditions, snow, ice, or debris create unsafe access, including after major weather events outside of winter.