Steamboat Springs, Colorado-March 20, 2026-With a mild snow winter and early spring conditions, the city’s street sweepers are out earlier than normal for the traditional spring clean-up. Crews are already moving through neighborhoods to collect scoria that has been exposed much earlier than normal. Residents are reminded that winter parking restrictions, including no overnight parking on city streets, remain in effect through April 30.
“Due to the warmer weather, we’ve been able to jump start our sweeping operations sooner this spring,” said Streets Supervisor Tom Martindale. “Getting a jump on scoria removal helps prevent it from entering our waterways and becoming an air-quality issue.”
With the early melt-off, the Streets Division has expanded its spring sweeping window to begin addressing accumulated scoria on roadways. Residents are encouraged to support cleanup efforts by raking or sweeping any remaining scoria from their property—including the Right-of-Way and culverts—onto the asphalt shoulder. Long, narrow windrows of scoria are easier and more efficient for sweepers to collect than large piles.
Scoria removal is a key component of the city’s Particulate Matter-10 (PM‑10) Air Quality Maintenance Plan. Residents are asked not to mix other materials with scoria, as sweepers cannot process branches, trash, or other debris.
The city utilizes two specialized sweepers for spring operations. The all‑season Dulevo Sweeper handles lighter tasks and tighter areas, while the larger TYMCO DST‑6 Regenerative Air Sweeper provides high‑capacity, heavy‑duty support. Both units collect dirt, sand, gravel, and scoria and perform effectively across uneven surfaces in dry or wet conditions.
“Our crews will make multiple passes through neighborhoods throughout the spring,” Martindale added. “If you have an unusually large amount of scoria on or near your property, please give us a call so we can schedule an additional sweep and get it taken care of quickly.”
Commercial contractors and property management companies providing scoria cleanup are required to remove collected materials themselves. Branches, tree trimmings, and other refuse must be disposed of by residents or contractors and should not be placed with scoria, as sweepers cannot pick up mixed debris.
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Contact
Email Tom Martindale, Streets Supervisor, or call 970-879-1807
Email Alicia Soroka, Administrative Assistant, or call 970-879-1807
Email Michael Lane, Marketing and Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220