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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.06 Soil conservation, sedimentation & erosion planSoil Conservation, Sedimentation & Erosion Plan I. Introduction l.l Objectives 1.2 Responsibilities 1.2.1 Company 1.2.2 Contractor 1.3 Coordination 1.4 Related Plans and Drawings 2. Soil Conservation 2.1 General Consideration 2.1.1 Flagging 2.1.2 Environmental Training 2.1.3 Clearing 2.2 Topsoil Conservation 2.2.1 Trench Line Only Topsoil Salvage 2.2.2 Trench and Spoil Side Topsoil Salvage 2.2.3 Full-width Topsoil Salvage 2.2.4 General Requirements 3. Erosion and Sediment Control 3.1 General Considerations 3.2 Erosion Control Methods 3.2.1 Sediment Barriers 3.2.1.1 General Requirements 3.2.1.2 Straw Bales 3.2.1.3 Silt Fences 3.2.2 Waterbars 3.2.3 Trench Breakers 3.2.4 Trench Dewatering 3.2.5 Mulching 3.2.5.1 Mulch as Temporary Erosion Control 3.2.5.2 Mulch as Permanent Erosion Control 3.2.5.3 Straw Mulch 3.2.5.4 Wood Fiber Mulch 3.3 Dust Control 4. Monitoring and Maintenance 4.1 Construction Monitoring 4.2 Post-Construction Monitoring 4.2.1 Post-Construction Maintenance of Temporary Erosion Control Measures I. INTRODUCTION This Soil Conservation, Sedimentation, and Erosion Control Plan (Plan) describes measures to be taken by the ETC Canyon Pipeline, LLC (Company) and its contractors (Contractor) to protect topsoil; to control and minimize soil erosion and resulting sedimentation, to encourage revegetation, restoration, and stabilization of disturbed soils on the project; and to protect the pipeline from erosion during and after pipeline construction and restoration. Measures identified in this plan apply to work within the defined project right-of-way (ROW), access roads, all work and storage areas, and other areas used during construction of the project. This plan was developed as the implementing document for relevant mitigation measures for the ETC Canyon Pipeline, LLC project. This plan was also prepared as part of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan as required under Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 122-124. (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit for Storm Water Discharges. ) l.l OBJECTIVES Short-term objectives of this plan are to conserve and protect topsoil, to control erosion and sedimentation, to protect water quality and aquatic resources, to encourage exclamation/revegetation success, and to minimize impacts to adjacent land uses and ecological resources. Properly executed construction practices, and ongoing evaluation by environmental and construction inspectors, and Contractor personnel, will ensure the continued functioning of erosion and sediment control measures. Long-term objectives include control of erosion and sedimentation, as well as restoration of topography, water resources, soils, and vegetation to a condition similar to that, which existed prior to construction. Monitoring activities during the construction, operations, and maintenance phases will evaluate the success of the erosion control and revegetation efforts. In addition, as described in the Plan of Development (Section 5.2) and the Reclamation Plan (Section 6.3). 1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES 1.2.1 Company The Company will be responsible for ensuring that the Contractor meets the standards defined in this plan to retain topsoil where required and to install and maintain sediment and erosion control measures. Additionally, the Company will be responsible for meeting the long-term restoration and soil stabilization standards after the project is completed. 1.2.2 Contractor The Contractor will be responsible for conducting grading and topsoil separation activities, installing and maintaining temporary and permanent erosion control measures, and restoring original contours on the ROW according to the standards detailed in this plan and related plans listed in Section 1.4. The Contractor is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the installed devices and correcting any conditions that do not meet the specifications of this plan. ETC's Environmental and Construction Inspectors will ensure that the Contractor properly installs and maintains erosion control measures. Installation of most erosion control devices will be performed during the construction phase. Erosion control measures implemented during construction may include waterbars, trench breakers, silt fence sediment barriers, straw bale sediment barriers, interim mulching, tackifier application, and culvert installation. Work related to permanent erosion control measures implemented during restoration may include seedbed preparation, seeding, planting, waterbars, trench breakers, permanent mulching, erosion control matting, silt fence sediment barriers, and straw bale sediment barriers. 1.3 COORDINATION This plan has been prepared through consultation and coordination with the Company, regulatory agencies, and landowners. The Company will be responsible for distributing copies of this plan to all appropriate agencies, construction personnel, BLM and, on request, to private landowners. It will be the responsibility of the Company to maintain coordination and communication with the BLM. 1.4 RELATED PLANS AND DRAWINGS This plan is related to other plans contained in the Plan of Development (POD). The Contractor will be responsible for complying with the requirements of all these plans, including: • Construction Alignment Sheets • Stream Crossing and Wetland Protection Plan • Reclamation Plan • Hazardous Material Management and Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Plan 2. SOIL CONSERVATION MEASURES 2.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 2.1.1 Flagging As described in Section 4.2.2, "Construction Phase", of the POD, the Company will flag and/or stake the boundaries of the ROW, extra workspace, ancillary areas and any sensitive areas prior to construction. The Contractor will install additional flagging or fencing as determined by ETC's Environmental Inspectors and the BLM field representatives to protect sensitive resources located near the ROW, and will ensure that the construction crews clearly understand and respect the flagging, fencing, and/or staking. Flagging spacing intervals, also described in Section 4.2.2 of the POD, will be shortened if necessary to ensure that flagging is visible, especially in areas with rabidly changing topography or dense vegetation. Conversely the BLM's field representative may issue a variance allowing the Company to increase flagging spacing requirements, especially in areas where there are only low shrubs or grasses, and the stakes are easily visible. 2.1.2 Environmental Training All workers taking part ion the project will attend an environmental training program that will include discussion of general erosion and sediment control requirements, proper clearing and grading methods, and the importance of protecting sensitive resources on the project. Crews specializing in erosion control tasks will be given additional training on installation and maintenance methods. 2.1.3 Clearing Clearing requirements are defined in Section 4.3.1, "Clearing and Grading", of the POD. Trees will be cut with chain saws and/or mechanical shears/saws. Brush will generally be cut with a hydro-axe or similar equipment. Vegetation cut during clearing operations will be removed from the ROW (merchantable timber, posts, etc.) or will be chipped or shredded within the ROW. In some cases trees, stumps, or slash may be scattered back over the ROW after seeding to aid in erosion control, and to block access along the ROW. The Company and land management agency representatives will coordinate in the field to designate areas where unmerchantable timber can be made available to the public for firewood. This wood will be cut in 6 to 8 ft. lengths, and stockpiled on the ROW or within approved temporary extra workspaces at points where the ROW crosses access roads (in a manner such that the stockpiled wood will not hinder reclamation efforts). ETC Canyon Pipeline, LLC may require approval of additional extra workspace in areas where the land management agency or the landowner requests stacking of firewood especially in areas where construction workspace is limited. Disposition of vegetation (timber, firewood, brush, slash) will meet the requirements of the landowner or BLM. No material will be placed outside the approved work limits on federal land unless a variance is granted by the BLM. Approved work limits are defined as the legal ROW plus approved extra workspace. Clearing, grading and other disturbance of soil and vegetation will be limited to the minimum area required for safe construction operations within the approved ROW. Root systems will be left in place where feasible and where they do not pose a safety concern for workers or an impediment to equipment or rubber-tired vehicle access. The herbaceous vegetative crown will be maintained to the extent possible where blading of the ROW is not necessary. In areas of special resource concern as determined in the field by the BLM and Environmental Inspectors during pre-construction reviews, clearing of the ROW may be limited to less than 75 feet to protect significant vegetation. 2.2 TOPSOIL CONSERVATION Topsoil will be salvaged and protected along the pipeline route to facilitate revegetation of the ROW after construction is complete. Areas where the majority of surface material is rock, will not be topsoiled. All topsoil will be removed up to a depth of 6 inches in accordance with the topsoil method specified in each reclamation with, or as directed by the land manager or landowner. 2.2.1 Trench Line Only Topsoil Salvage As detailed in the Stream Crossing and Wetland Protection Plan, topsoil will be salvaged from over the trench line only in wetlands and where subsoil grading is not necessary. This topsoil will be stored separately from trench subsoil and will be replaced over the trench line once backfilling is complete. 2.2.2 Trench and Spoil Side Topsoil Salvage Topsoil will be stripped from over the trench line and the adjacent subsoil storage areas. This method will be specified when subsoil grading is not necessary. 2.2.3 Full-Width Topsoil Salvage This topsoil salvage method will be used if ROW grading is needed to create a level work area (e.g., for a side hill cut, etc.), or if requested by the landowner or BLM. In general, on the BLM, topsoil (or the top 6 inches) will be stripped and separated from trench spoil, for the width of the ROW, or 60 feet. Topsoil will first be stripped from the entire area to be graded and then stored separately from the subsoil. NO TOPSOIL WILL BE USED FOR PIPELINE PADDING. 2.2.4 General Requirements The following guidelines apply to salvaging topsoil, unless otherwise approved by the Environmental and Construction Inspector, and the BLM field representative. • All available topsoil will be salvaged, up to a maximum of 12 inches, unless otherwise directed by the landowner or BLM. • Salvaged topsoil will be kept separate from subsoil and protected throughout subsequent construction activities to prevent mixing that could potentially inhibit reclamation of the ROW. • To protect topsoil, dry drainages or washes that cross the ROW will not be blocked with spoil piles. This will be accomplished by placing spoil on the banks of the drainage or by leaving adequate gaps in the spoil piles of wider dry drainages so that the ROW can drain. Where dictated by slope and the proximity of a dry drainage running parallel (or nearly so) to the ROW, either within or immediately adjacent tot he ROW, and if deemed necessary by the Environmental Inspector and BLM representative, sediment barriers may be installed to prevent spoil and topsoil from entering the drainage. 2.3 RESTORATION After the final installation of the pipeline, all disturbed portions of the construction areas (including the ROW, travel routes, and staging areas) will be returned to pre-construction grades and contours. Topsoil will then be replaced over the ROW from the area in which it was stripped. Revegetation will be the primary method to stabilize soils and ensure permanent erosion control over the long term. Revegetation techniques, including decompaction and seeding are presented in detail in the Reclamation Plan. Every effort will be made to complete final cleanup and installation of permanent erosion control measures within 30 days after final backfilling is completed. Permanent waterbars, berms and/or sediment barriers (e.g., straw bales and/or silt fences) will be installed across the ROW up slope of streams, rivers, and wetlands. Mulch or fiber matting will be applied to disturbed surfaces within 100 feet of the crossing unless otherwise directed by the BLM. Additional details relevant to waterbody and wetland restoration are discussed in the Stream Crossing and Wetland Protection Plan. Information on revegetation procedures at waterbody crossings is presented in the Reclamation Plan. 3. EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL 3.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS The following general environmental protection measures will be implemented to minimize environmental impacts during construction and operation of the project. • All personnel, vehicles, and equipment will stay in the designated construction area. Access roads outside of the construction area will be designated by the Company. All staking, flagging and exclusion fencing will be respected. • Temporary erosion/sediment control devices will be installed immediately after initial soil disturbance and will be maintained throughout construction and restoration, as necessary, until replaced by permanent erosion control measures. If possible, cleanup will be completed and permanent erosion control measures will be installed within 30 days after the trench is backfilled to aid in site stabilization. If circumstances prevent achieving cleanup within 30 days on federal lands, the Company will apply for a variance from the managing agency. • An Environmental Inspector will be employed in the field during construction to verify compliance with the environmental protection measures. • Disturbance during construction will be limited to the minimum necessary to safely and efficiently complete construction activities. • Construction, clean up, and reclamation will be completed as quickly as possible to keep the time period between grading, trench excavation, backfilling, and final restoration/reclamation to a minimum. If weather conditions preclude final reclamation of a site (excluding woody plantings, if applicable) immediately following construction, the Company will meet with agency representatives to discuss viable reclamation altematives. • A stockpile of erosion control materials including straw bales, silt fences, erosion control matting and geotextile fabric will be stored at each of the staging areas during the entire period that construction disturbances are taking place. Materials will be stored for planned use during construction, and additional quantities will be maintained for maintenance and emergency use. 3.2 EROSION CONTROL METHODS Temporary control measures are designed to effectively reduce erosion and sedimentation to sensitive resources during construction. These temporary erosion control measures will be installed concurrently with construction earthwork and will be maintained throughout the course of construction. When necessary, these measures may be left in place along with permanent measures during the post construction period until effective revegetation has been reestablished. Sediment barriers and waterbars (as described below) will be the primary measures for temporary erosion control used on the project. Interim erosion control measures are designed to temporarily stabilize portions of the disturbed construction area near sensitive resources if construction is delayed for significant periods following disturbance. If final clean up of pipeline construction areas and installation of permanent erosion control measures is not completed in an area within 30 days following backfilling, mulch will be applied on slopes within 100 feet of water bodies (as defined in Section 1.3 of the Stream Crossing and Wetland Protection Plan) and wetlands. Mulch or erosion control matting will also be applied on slopes greater than 30 percent and as determined by the Environmental and Construction Inspector, and BLM field representative if construction or restoration is interrupted for extended periods. Additional discussion of interim mulching is included I the Upland Erosion control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan and Section 3.2.5.1 of this plan. • Permanent erosion control measures are designed to minimize erosion and sedimentation after construction until revegetation efforts have effectively stabilized the construction area. Installation of permanent erosion control measures should be performed within 30 days following backfilling of the trench. In general, temporary erosion control measures will be removed after permanent erosion control measures have been installed. The following sections review materials, installation requirements, and performance criteria for temporary, interim and permanent erosion and sediment control measures. 3.2.1 Sediment Barriers Straw bale sediment barriers and silt fence sediment barriers are temporary sediment barriers designed to slow down water flow and to intercept suspended sediment conveyed by sheet slow, while allowing runoff to continue down gradient. These installations are used to prevent sediment delivery off of the construction area as well as to divert water off the construction area. Temporary sediment barriers will be installed at the following locations immediately after initial ground disturbance: o Across the ROW at the base of slopes where the ROW crosses roadways, waterbodies, springs, wetlands, impoundments and other sensitive resources; o Along the edge of the ROW adjacent to and up slope of roadways waterbodies, springs, wetlands, impoundments, or other sensitive resources; o Around topsoil or subsoil piles where necessary (e.g., adjacent to waterbodies or wetlands). The requirement to install a sediment barrier is dependent on the slope angle (when a hillside slopes in multiple directions, the slopes can offDset each other and reduce the need for sediment barriers), slope length, and soil type (texture and course fragments content). While typically used only during construction, silt fences and straw bale sediment barriers may be left in place following seeding possibly for a complete growing season. 3.2.1.1 General Requirements Straw bale or silt fence sediment barriers placed at the toe of a slope will be at least 6 feet from the toe of the slope, where possible, in order to increase ponding volume. The ends of the sediment barrier will be turned upslope to capture sediment. Sediment barriers will be placed so as not to hinder construction activities and outside of (above the high water mark) active stream channels. If silt fences or straw bale sediment barriers are placed across the construction area (adjacent to waterbodies, wetlands, or roads) where construction traffic is allowed to cross, provisions will be made for traffic flow. An approximately IS-foot-wide gap will be provided along the silt fence or straw bale row, with the ends of the sediment barrier turned slightly upslope. A drivable earth berm, if approved by the 8LM field representative will be installed and maintained across the gap immediately upslope of the sediment barrier (ends of the sediment barrier will tie into the drivable earth berm). Alternately, straw bales will be installed across the gap with 24 inches of overlap with the adjacent sediment barrier at the end of each day. If sediment loading is noted during regular inspections of temporary sediment barriers to be at or greater than 40 percent of barrier capacity, sediment behind the barrier will be spread on the disturbed ROW uphill of the sediment barrier. Loose stakes, loosely abutted bales, damaged bales, or damaged or undermined sections of silt fence will be repaired or replaced as necessary. 3.2.1.2 Straw Bales Straw bale sediment barriers consist of a row of tightly abutted straw bales placed perpendicular to the runoff direction with the ends turned upslope. The barriers are typically one bale high, placed on the fiber-cut edge in a 4-inch trench (tie not in contact with the ground), and anchored securely with two wooden stakes driven through each bale. A small amount of soil is then piled across the upslope side of the straw bale barrier. When straw bales are used as a temporary substitute for waterbars, the same spacing noted for waterbars will be used (see Section 3.2.2). 3.2.1.3 Silt Fences Commercial filter fabrics, with sufficient strength to prevent failure will be provided by the Contractor. The height of a silt fence will not exceed 36 inches and the fabric will be cut from a continuous roll of fabric with splices only at support posts, with a minimum 6-inch overlap and both ends of fabric securely attached to the post. Support posts will be a maximum of 10 feet apart. The bottom edge of silt fences will be installed in a trench excavated approximately 4 inches wide by 6 inches deep and refilled with compacted soil, unless on-site constraints dictate otherwise (e.g., rock). Silt fences will be attached to supporting posts by staples or wire. If additional support is needed to contain we spoil, or to provide added protection near a sensitive resource (as determined by the Environmental Inspector and BLM representative), either wire mesh or straw bales may be placed immediately behind the silt fence on the down-gradient side. If wire mesh is used, the wire will be attached tot he support posts, prior to installation of the fabric, with heavy duty wire staples at least I inch long, wire ties, or hog rings. The wire will be keyed into the trench at least 2 inches, and extended up the posts to the top of the filter fabric. 3.2.2 Waterbars Water bars are utilized in various forms (e.g., drivable berms across travel ways, water bars on slopes) during project construction and after final grade restoration. Waterbars are intended to intercept water traveling down a disturbed slope and divert water off disturbed soil into stable, well-vegetated, or adjacent rocky areas. Temporary waterbars will be installed concurrently with initial grading operations and will be maintained throughout construction. Permanent waterbars will be installed after the ROW grade is restored. Waterbars will also be installed near the base of slopes adjacent to wetlands and watercourses except at those specific sites where, in the judgment of the Environmental Inspector and BLM representative, waterbars are not necessary to prevent discharge of sediment into a wetland or watercourse. On slopes, the spacing for temporary and permanent waterbars will be as follows: Slope (%) 5-15 >15-30 >30 Spacing (feet) 300 200 100 Alternative spacing may be requested by the landowner or BLM for isolated, sitespecific areas and conditions (i.e., in areas of highly erodible soils). Waterbar spacing is based on a site-specific evaluation of the ROWand standard construction protective measures. This spacing takes into account the soils, timing of construction, and area of disturbance anticipated for construction of the project. Waterbars will be sited so that they do not outlet into sensitive resource areas (cultural sites, rare plants sites, etc.). On federal land, if water bar outlet into a sensitive resource area is unavoidable, a variance to this requirement must be obtained. On private and state lands, if a waterbar outlet into a sensitive resource is unavoidable, an Environmental Inspector will ensure that measures are implemented to minimize impacts. If the situation warrants an increase to the waterbar spacing intervals, variances will be coordinated by the Environmental Inspector with the BLM of landowner, as appropriate. Criteria to be considered for variances will include: + slope angle (slopes with effective side-slopes may not require waterbars) + slope length (broken terrain may reduce effective slope length) + soil type (texture and coarse fragment content) + visual sensitivity + landowner requests Except for site-specific situations as determined by the Environmental and Construction Inspector, BLM representative (e.g., extremely long slopes with highly erodible soils), temporary waterbars will not be constructed on slopes with less than five-percent gradient. Waterbars are not typically installed in residential or active agricultural areas. Waterbars will be constructed of existing suitable material (compacted soil), a series of tightly abutted straw bales, excelsior logs, or burlap bags filled with native soil. The installation angle will be approximately 2 to 5 percent downslope (as measured by a hand-held clinometer or level) and will extend beyond the edge of the disturbed construction area. Where possible, waterbars will discharge into stable, non-erosive (vegetated or rocky) receiving areas. In isolated instances where waterbars discharge into unstable or highly erosive areas without rock or vegetation, as approved by the Environmental and Construction Inspector, and BLM representative, flow energy dissipaters or "Jhook" shaped sediment barriers will be positioned at the waterbar outlet. However, decreasing waterbar spacing or adjusting the spacing to locate outlets onto a stable site is preferable to using outlet energy dissipaters. Additionally, in highly erodible soils, waterbar spacing may be decreased, as approved by the Environmental or Construction Inspector, and as requested by the BLM. When allowed by existing topographic conditions, and as requested by the Environmental Inspector, the flow energy dissipaters will be offset (staggered) on slopes greater than 20 percent. The Contractor will regularly inspect and repair waterbars during construction to maintain their effectiveness. Waterbars worn down by heavy construction traffic, or filled with sediments will be repaired as needed, and the sediments will be spread on the disturbed ROW uphill of the waterbar. 3.2.3 Trench Breakers Trench breakers will be installed in the trench to restrict or slow ground water flow along the trench line. Trench breakers will be installed in the trench prior to backfilling on the slopes that drain into waterbodies (natural or artificial stream, river, or drainage with perceptible flow at the time of crossing, and ponds or lakes), wetlands, and improved roads. Trench breakers should also be constructed immediately downslope of any location where groundwater could enter and migrate along the trench at any time or year. • Trench breakers will be constructed to the specifications contained in the FERC Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation and Maintenance Plan. • At the base of slopes adjacent to road crossing until disturbed vegetation has been reestablished. • Install temporary sediment barriers at appropriate locations to prevent siltation into waterbodies or wetlands crossed by or near the construction work area. Trench breakers can be constructed from sandbags or polyurethane foam. If the sandbag method is selected, topsoil will not be used as a fill material. 3.2.4 Trench Dewatering The Contractor will be responsible for proper dewatering of the trench, where necessary. Dewatering discharge will be directed onto a stable surface and will utilize a section of geotextile fabric or plywood to prevent scouring during overland discharges (where no sensitive resources are located nearby), or a sediment bag and/or dewatering structure to minimize sediments when dewatering operations take place near waterbodies or wetlands. A number of strategies will be implemented to prevent heavily sediment-laden water from reaching sensitive resources. These strategies include: o Dewatering discharges will be located as far as practicable from waterbodies and wetlands. o Duration of dewatering discharges will be minimized by scheduling dewatering operation immediately prior to lowering in, tie-ins, or backfilling. o Disturbance of the trench (i.e., additional digging) will be minimized to the extent practicable until the majority of the water is pumped out. o Dewatering structures and/or sediment bags will be used to remove heavy sediments from discharges when dewatering near (within approximately 200 feet of) waterbodies, wetlands, or other sensitive resources. -Typical Straw Bale Dewatering Structure. STEP 1 ON LEVEL LAND, DIG A SUMP DEPENDING ON ACTUAL FLOW RATES APPROXIMATELY 200 SQ. FT., WHICH IS 2' DEEP AT THE CENTER. LAY A LAYER OF STRAW BALES AS SHOWN, TO COMPLETELY SURROUND THE SUMP. STEP 2 INSTALL SIL TFENCE ALL AROUND THE HAY BALES (IF LAND IS LEVEL) DIG IN SILT FENCE 6' STEP 3 INSTALL AN OUTER LAYER OF BALES AROUND THE SILT FENCE, AND SECURE EACH BALE USING EITHER A REBAR OR WOODEN STAKE. COVER THE ENTIRE SUMP WITH HI-VELOCITY EROSION CONTROL FABRIC ICURLEX OR EQUAL BEFORE PUMPING THE WATER INTO THIS FACILITY. NOTE: PUMP INTAKE HOSE MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO REST ON THE TRENCH BOTTOM THROUGHOUT DEWATERING. PROVISIONS MUST BE MADE TO ELEVATE THE INLET HOSE TO AT LEAST ONE FOOT ABOVE THE TRENCH BOTTOM UNTIL BOTTOM DEWATERING IS NECESSARY. EROSION CONTROL DURING PIPELINE DITCH AND HYDROSTATIC TEST DEWATERING FOR LEVEL AREAS WITH SPARSE VEGETATION 3.2.5 Mulching Mulching is the application of straw or wood fiber to disturbed soils to minimize the effects of wind or rain on exposed soils. During rainy condition, mulch reduces the impact of rainfall and slows the flow of water down the slope. Mulch (as opposed to erosion control mats described in Section 3.2.6) would typically be used across large sections of the ROW to reduce wind erosion and raindrop impact. On the BLM portion of the project, mulching of the disturbed surface may not be desirable, and its use declined, at the discretion of the Authorized Officer. 3.2.5.1 Mulch as Temporary Erosion Control Application of mulch for temporary erosion control is based on slope surface type and condition (i.e., sand, clay, rock, etc.), slope steepness, and the amount of exposed surface area not covered by plant residue. During construction, water or non-toxic, organic tackifier will be applied, at the Environmental Inspector's direction, to topsoil storage mounds composed of soils with high wind erodibility. Tackifier will not be applied within 100 feet of a watercourse or wetland. Stored topsoil will be tackified at 120 pounds/acre with a non-toxic, organic tackifier, where determined by the Environmental or Construction Inspector. If reclamation and seeding is deferred more than 30 days after final grade restoration near waterbodies or wetlands, all disturbed slopes above the waterbody or wetland will be temporarily stabilized by applying 2000 pounds/acre of straw mulch (crimped or tackified) for a minimum distance of 100 feet above the edge of the waterbody or wetland. Similar temporary stabilization may be used on slopes steeper than 30 percent. Interim seeding may be performed as determined by the Environmental Inspector in consultation with the BLM representative. Seedbed preparation, including thinning or removal of the mulch, will be repeated as necessary prior to application of the final seed mix. 3.2.5.2 Mulch as Permanent Erosion Control After final restoration and seeding, permanent mulch applications will be applied to slopes greater than 30 percent, slopes within 100 feet of waterbodies and wetlands, and other sensitive sites (dry, sandy, steep slopes, etc.) to control erosion as determined by the BLM field representative, or the Environmental and Construction Inspectors. Where approved by the landowner or BLM and Environmental Inspector, the Contractor will randomly distribute any windrowed shrubs or other remaining vegetation debris over the ROW. Large unmerchantable trees on federal lands may be, as directed by the agency representative, placed on the ROW to provide slope stabilization and erosion control benefits. On steep slopes and other areas where broadcast rather than drill seeding must be employed, trees and shrubs will be spread or placed during final cleanup and prior to seeding. Where redistribution of adequate mulch from re-spread woody debris occurs, mulch rates may be reduced or eliminated at the direction of the Environmental Inspector and BLM field representative. 3.2.5.3 Straw Mulch Straw will be anchored into the seedbed using a mechanical crimper specifically designed to crimp mulch to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. The straw will be crimped perpendicular to slope unless otherwise detennined by the Environmental Inspector and BLM field representative. Acceptable straw mulch crimpers include: o Mechanical crimper, o Backhoe with crimper forks, o Tracked equipment tracking across slopes (restricted to areas where other methods will not work), o Hand-punching with round-pointed shovel, or o Equivalent approved by the Environmental Inspector and agency field representative. Organic liquid mulch binders may be used in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. If a straw mulch blower is used, strands of the mulching material will be at least 8 inches long to allow anchoring. 3.2.5.4 Wood Fiber Mulch Wood fiber mulches will be made of 100 percent wood fiber or equivalent approved by the Environmental Inspector. These will be applied by a hydro seeder with non-toxic, organic tackifier (except within 100 feet of a waterbody or wetland) such as a gnar-based tackifier, or equivalent approved by the Environmental Inspector. 3.2.6 Erosion Control Matting Erosion control matting will be installed after final grade restoration to reduce rain impacts on soils, to control erosion, and to stabilize steep slopes and waterbody banks, where detennined by the Environmental or Construction Inspector. Erosion control matting will typically be used on streambanks and short, extremely steep sections of the ROW where aggressive erosion control is required. On all installations, mat will be furnished in continuous rolls of 30 feet or greater with a minimum width of 4 feet. Staples will be made of wire, 0.091 inch in diameter or greater, and have a "U" shape with legs 8 inches in length and a 2-inch crown. Wire staples will be driven into the ground for the full length of the staple legs. Alternately, wood pegs (I12-inch diameter) may be used to secure the erosion control fabric. In areas of livestock grazing, other measures must be taken (see Reclamation Plan). Installation and stapling of erosion control matting will follow procedures as approved by the Environmental Inspector and 8LM field representative. For streambank installations, mats will be laid parallel (upper mat overlapping lower mat in a shingle pattern) to the waterbody to a point above the top of the bank. The erosion control mats identified above for streambank stabilization are designed to handle flow and can be placed under the ordinary high water mark of the streambank. However, matting should not be placed below this mark on federal lands unless it is part of an overall design using other materials to rebuild the streambank. Native materials (rocks, logs, etc.) may be used in conjunction with the matting to aid in stabilization of banks. During regular erosion control monitoring, erosion control matting will be inspected for washouts, adequate staking, and loss of matting. Damaged or undermined matting will be repaired or replaced as necessary. 3.3 DUST CONTROL Dust control will be implanted by the Contractor in areas of active construction within 500 feet of highways and residences (unless waived by the owner). Dust control will also be implemented on access roads, and as determined by the Company or as required by the Contractor for the health and safety of employees. Dust control will be achieved primarily through application of water or an approved dust palliative. Application rates for the dust palliative will follow the manufacturer's recommendations. All dust palliatives used should be biodegradable unless the only way to achieve adequate dust control is by using a non-biodegradable palliative such as magnesium chloride (MC70). Magnesium chloride will not be used in areas where prohibited by the landowner. 4. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that erosion control measures are fully functional and for continually monitoring erosion control measures along the ROWand completing timely repairs of erosion control structures as needed. In addition, the Environmental Inspectors will be trained and knowledgeable in erosion and sedimentation control methodologies, and will inspect erosion control measures along the ROW as a part of normal daily inspection tasks. The Environmental Inspectors will identify needed repairs and notify the Contractor who will then complete the repairs within 24 hours of notification. 4.1 CONSTRUCTION MONITORING Throughout construction, temporary erosion control structures will be inspected daily in areas of active construction or equipment operation, and in all areas within 24 hours of each 0.5-inch or greater rainfall event, soil and weather condition permitting. The Environmental Inspector will monitor U.S. Weather Bureau reports and notity the Contractor of impending storm advisories. In the event of impending heavy precipitation (e.g., the U.S. Weather Bureau issues a storm advisory for the work area), the Contractor will reinstate temporary erosion control devices where needed (e.g., areas considered to have greater potential for erosion, areas where cattle may have damaged erosion control measures, and areas of active construction) to ensure that erosion control measures have not been damaged since the last inspection. All temporary erosion control devices found needing repair or new installation will be repaired immediately. During this period, the Contractor will provide additional personnel, vehicles, and materials to repair erosion control structure damage where noted during the inspection. Should structures clog, deteriorate, fail, be damaged, or require maintenance, the Contractor will conduct repairs or replacements within 24 hours after problems have been identified, weather and soil conditions permitting. 4.2 POST-CONSTRUCTION MONITORING Prior to the completion of construction, the Contractor and Company will verify that all erosion control devices are in place and functional. During the first spring following construction (after snow melt), the Company will conduct surveys to evaluate the stability of the ROW, revegetation progress, and the success of the erosion and sediment control structures. Assessments will be done to evaluate revegetation success and the presence of erosion indicators such as rills, gullies, etc. If erosion control structures fail or require maintenance, of if accelerated erosion is observed, the Company will conduct remedial actions as soon as possible, recognizing weather and soil conditions, and site accessibility. Remedial actions could include supplemental seeding, installation of additional erosion/sediment control materials, maintenance of existing erosion control measures, additional mulching or use of matting. 4.2.1 Post-Construction Maintenance of Temporary Erosion Control Measures Temporary sediment devices not removed by the Contractor during subsidence and/or reseeding activities in the spring and/or summer of 2008 will be maintained by the Company until revegetation has been determined successful. Erosion control monitoring and maintenance efforts will continue after project construction until successful revegetation is achieved as defined in the Reclamation Plan. Throughout the first year following construction, erosion control devices will be checked at all locations along the ROW in combination with reclamation and revegetatioOn surveys. Permanent erosion control structures and materials including waterbars, rock rip-rap, and matting will be monitored and maintained to ensure successful stabilization of steep slopes and stream crossings.