HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.00 General Application Materials_Part20PARTI
Permit -Page 12
Permit No. COR-030000
D. TERMS AND CONDITIONS (cont.)
3) when BMPs are no longer necessary and are removed.
SWMP changes shall be made prior to changes in the site conditions, except as allowed for in paragraph d, below.
SWMP revisions may include, but are not limited to: potential pollutant source identification; selection of
appropriate BMPs for site conditions; BMP maintenance procedures; and interim and final stabilization practices.
The SWMP changes may include a schedule for further BMP design and implementation, provided that, if any
interim BMPs are needed to comply with the permit, they are also included in the SWMP and implemented during
the interim period.
d) Responsive SWMP Changes: SWMP changes addressing BMP installation and/or implementation are often
required to be made in response to changing conditions, or when current BMPs are determined ineffective. The
majority of SWMP revisions to address these changes can be made immediately with quick in-the-field revisions to
the SWMP. In the less common scenario where more complex development of materials to modify the SWMP is
necessary, SWMP revisions shall be made in accordance with the following requirements:
1) the SWMP shall be revised as soon as practicable, but in no case more than 72 hours after the change( s) in
BMP installation and/or implementation occur at the site, and
2) a notation must be included in th~ SWMP prior to the site change(s) that includes the time and date of the
change(s) in the field, an identification of the BMP(s) removed or added, and the location(s) of those BMP(s).
6. Inspections
Site inspections must be conducted in accordance with the following requirements and minimum schedules. The required
minimum inspection schedules do not reduce or eliminate the permittee's responsibility to implement and maintain BMPs
in good and effective operational condition, and in accordance with the SWMP, which could require more frequent
inspections.
a) Minimum Inspection Schedule: The permittee shall, at a minimum, make a thorough inspection, in accordance
with the requirements in l.D.6.b below, at least once every 14 calendar days. Also, post-storm event inspections
must be conducted within 24 hours after the end of any precipitation or snowmelt event that causes surface erosion.
Provided the timing is appropriate, the post-storm inspections may be used to fulfill the 14-day routine inspection
requirement. A more frequent inspection schedule than the minimum inspections described may be necessary, to
ensure that BMPs continue to operate as needed to comply with the permit. The following conditional modifications ·
to this Minimum Inspection Schedule are allowed:
1) Post-Storm Event Inspections at Temporarily Idle Sites -If no construction activities will occur following a
storm event, post-storm event inspections shall be conducted prior to re-commencing construction activities,
but no later than 72 hours following the storm event. The occurrence of any such delayed inspection must be
documented in the inspection record. Routine inspections still must be conducted at least every 14 calendar
days.
2) Inspections at Completed Sites/ Areas -For sites or portions of sites that meet the following criteria, but final
stabilization has not been achieved due to a vegetative cover that has not become established, the permittee
shall make a thorough inspection of their stormwater management system at least once every month, and post-
storm event inspections are not required. This reduced inspection schedule is only allowed if:
i) all construction activities that will result in surface ground disturbance are completed;
ii) all activities required for final stabilization, in accordance with the SWMP, have been completed, with
the exception of the application of seed that has not occurred due to seasonal conditions or the necessity
for additional seed application to augment previous efforts; and
iii) the SWMP has been amended to indicate those areas that will be inspected in accordance with the
reduced schedule allowed for in this paragraph.
PART I
Permit -Page 13
Permit No. COR-030000
D. TERMS AND CONDITIONS (cont.)
3) Winter Conditions Inspections Exclusion -Inspections are not required at sites where construction activities
are temporarily halted, snow cover exists over the entire site for an extended period, and melting conditions
posing a risk of surface erosion do not exist. This exception is applicable only during the period where melting
conditions do not exist, and applies to the routine 14-day and monthly inspections, as well as the post-storm-
event inspections. The following information must be documented in the inspection record for use of this
exclusion: dates when snow cover occurred, date when construction activities ceased, and date melting
conditions began. Inspections, as described above, are required at all other times.
When site conditions make the schedule required in this section impractical, the permittee may petition the Division
to grant an alternate inspection schedule.
b) Inspection Requirements
1) Inspection Scope -The construction site perimeter, all disturbed areas, material and/or waste storage areas that
are exposed to precipitation, discharge locations, and locations where vehicles access the site shall be inspected
for evidence of, or the potential for, pollutants leaving the construction site boundaries, entering the stormwater
drainage system, or discharging to state waters. All erosion and sediment control practices identified in the
SWMP shall be evaluated to ensure that they are maintained and operating correctly.
2) Inspection Report/Records -The permittee shall keep a record of inspections. Inspection reports must
identify any incidents of non-compliance with the terms and conditions of this permit. Inspection records must
be retained for three years from expiration or inactivation of permit coverage. At a minimum, the inspection
report must include:
i) The inspection date;
ii) Name( s) and title( s) of personnel making the inspection;
iii) Location(s) of discharges of sediment or other pollutants from the site;
iv) Location(s) ofBMPs that need to be maintained;
v) Location(s) ofBMPs that failed to operate as designed or proved inadequate for a particular location;
vi) Location(s) where additional BMPs are needed that were not in place at the time of inspection;
vii) Deviations from the minimum inspection schedule as provided in Part l.D.6.a above;
vii) Description of corrective action for items iii, iv, v, and vi, above, dates corrective action(s) taken, and
measures taken to prevent future violations, including requisite changes to the SWMP, as necessary; and
viii) After adequate corrective action(s) has been taken, or where a report does not identify any incidents
requiring corrective action, the report shall contain a signed statement indicating the site is in compliance
with the permit to the best of the signer's knowledge and belief.
c) Required Actions Following Site Inspections-Where site inspections note the need for BMP maintenance
activities, BMPs must be maintained in accordance with the SWMP and Part l.D.7 of the permit. Repair,
replacement, or installation of new BMPs determined necessary during site inspections to address ineffective or
inadequate BMPs must be conducted in accordance with Part I.D.8 of the permit. SWMP updates required as a
result of deficiencies in the SWMP noted during site inspections shall be made in accordance with Part I.D.5.c of the
permit.
7. BMP Maintenance
All erosion and sediment control practices and other protective measures identified in the SWMP must be maintained in
effective operating condition. Proper selection and installation ofBMPs and implementation of comprehensive Inspection
and Maintenance procedures, in accordance with the SWMP, should be adequate to meet this condition. BMPs that are not
adequately maintained in accordance with good engineering, hydrologic and pollution control practices, including removal
of collected sediment outside the acceptable tolerances of the BMPs, are considered to be no longer operating effectively
and must be addressed in accordance with Part l.D.8, below. A specific timeline for implementing maintenance
procedures is not included in this permit because BMP maintenance is expected to be proactive, not responsive.
Observations resulting in BMP maintenance activities can be made during a site inspection, or during general observations
of site conditions.
PART!
Permit -Page 14
Permit No. COR-030000
D. TERMS AND CONDITIONS (cont.)
8. Replacement and Failed BMPs
Adequate site assessment must be performed as part of comprehensive Inspection and Maintenance procedures, to assess
the adequacy of BMPs at the site, and the necessity of changes to those BMPs to ensure continued effective performance.
Where site assessment results in the determination that new or replacement BMPs are necessary, the BMPs must be
installed to ensure on-going implementation ofBMPs as per Part I.D.2.
Where BMPs have failed, resulting in noncompliance with Part I.D.2, they must be addressed as soon as possible,
immediately in most cases, to minimize the discharge of pollutants.
When new BMPs are installed or BMPs are replaced, the SWMP must be updated in accordance with Part I.D.5(c).
9. Reporting
No scheduled reporting requirements are included in this permit; however, the Division reserves the right to request that a
copy of the inspection reports be submitted.
10. SWMP Availability
A copy of the SWMP shall be provided upon request to the Division, EPA, or any local agency in charge of approving
sediment and erosion plans, grading plans or stormwater management plans, and within the time frame specified in the
request. If the SWMP is required to be submitted to any of these entities, it must include a signed certification in
accordance with Part l.F.l of the permit, certifying that the SWMP is complete and meets all permit requirements.
All SWMPs required under this permit are considered reports that shall be available to the public under Section 308(b) of
the CWA and Section 61.5(4) of the Colorado Discharge Permit System Regulations. The permittee shall make plans
available to members of the public upon request. However, the permittee may claim any portion of a SWMP as
confidential in accordance with 40 CFR Part 2.
11. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
If a TMDL has been approved for any waterbody into which the permittee discharges, and stormwater discharges
associated with construction activity have been assigned a pollutant-specific Wasteload Allocation (WLA) under the
TMDL, the Division will either:
a) Ensure that the WLA is being implemented properly through alternative local requirements, such as by a municipal
stormwater permit; or
b) Notify the permittee of the WLA, and amend the permittee's certification to add specific BMPs and/or other
requirements, as appropriate. The permittee may be required to do the following:
1) Under the permittee's SWMP, implement specific management practices based on requirements of the WLA,
and evaluate whether the requirements are being met through implementation of existing stormwater BMPs or
if additional BMPs are necessary. Document the calculations or other evidence that show that the requirements
are expected to be met; and
2) If the evaluation shows that additional or modified BMPs are necessary, describe the type and schedule for the
BMP additions/revisions.
Discharge monitoring may also be required. The permittee may maintain coverage under the general permit provided they
comply with the applicable requirements outlined above. The Division reserves the right to require individual or alternate
general permit coverage.
PARTI
Permit -Page 15
Permit No. COR-030000
E. ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this permit:
1. Best Management Practices (BMPs): schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures, and
other management practices to prevent or reduce the pollution of waters of the State. BMPs also include treatment
requirements, operating procedures, pollution prevention, and practices to control site runoff, spillage or leaks, waste
disposal, or drainage from material storage.
2. Dedicated asphalt plants and concrete plants: portable asphalt plants and concrete plants that are located on or adjacent
to a construction site and that provide materials only to that specific construction site.
3. Final stabilization: when all ground surface disturbing activities at the site have been completed, and uniform vegetative
cover has been established with an individual plant density of at least 70 percent of pre-disturbance levels, or equivalent
permanent, physical erosion reduction methods have been employed. For purposes of this permit, establishment of a
vegetative cover capable of providing erosion control equivalent to pre-existing conditions at the site will be considered
final stabilization.
4. Municipal separate storm sewer system: a conveyance or system of conveyances (including: roads with drainage
systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains), owned or operated
by a State, city, town, county, district, or oth12r public body (created by state law), having jurisdiction over disposal of
sewage, industrial waste, stormwater, or other wastes; designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater.
5. Operator: the entity that has day-to-day supervision and control of activities occurring at the construction site. This can
be the owner, the developer, the general contractor or the agent of one of these parties, in some circumstances. It is
anticipated that at different phases of a construction project, different types of parties may satisfy the definition of
'operator' and that the permit may be transferred as the roles change.
6. Outfall: a point source at the point where stormwater leaves the construction site and discharges to a receiving water or a
stormwater collection system.
7. Part of a larger common plan of development or sale: a contiguous area where multiple separate and distinct
construction activities may be taking place at different times on different schedules.
8. Point source: any discernible, confined and discrete conveyance from which pollutants are or may be discharged. Point
source discharges of stormwater result from structures which increase the imperviousness of the ground which acts to
collect runoff, with runoff being conveyed along the resulting drainage or grading pattern.
9. Pollutant: dredged spoil, dirt, slurry, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, sewage sludge, garbage, trash, chemical
waste, biological nutrient, biological material, radioactive material, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, or
any industrial, municipal or agricultural waste.
10. Process water: any water which, during manufacturing or processing, comes into contact with or results from the
production of any raw material, intermediate product, finished product, by product or waste product. This definition
includes mine drainage.
11. Receiving Water: any classified stream segment (including tributaries) in the State of Colorado into which stormwater
related to construction activities discharges. This definition includes all water courses, even if they are usually dry, such as
borrow ditches, arroyos, and other unnamed waterways.
12. Significant Materials include, but are not limited to: raw materials; fuels; materials such as solvents, detergents, and
plastic pellets; finished materials such as metallic products; raw materials used in food processing or production; hazardous
substances designated under section 101 ( 14) of CERCLA; any chemical the facility is required to report pursuant to
section 313 of title III of SARA; fertilizers; pesticides; and waste products such as ashes, slag and sludge that have the
potential to be released with stormwater discharge.
13. Stormwater: precipitation-induced surface runoff.
PART!
Permit -Page 16
Permit No. COR-030000
F. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Signatory Requirements
a) All reports required for submittal shall be signed and certified for accuracy by the permittee in accordance with the
following criteria:
1) In the case of corporations, by a principal executive officer of at least the level of vice-president or his or her
duly authorized representative, if such representative is responsible for the overall operation of the facility from
which the discharge described in the form originates;
2) In the case of a partnership, by a general partner;
3) In the case of a sole proprietorship, by the proprietor;
4) In the case of a municipal, state, or other public facility, by either a principal executive officer, ranking elected
official, or other duly authorized employee, if such representative is responsible for the overall operation of the
facility from which the discharge described in the form originates.
b) Changes to authorization. If an authorization under paragraph a) of this section is no longer accurate because a
different individual or position has responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, a new authorization
satisfying the requirements of paragraph a) of this section must be submitted to the Division, prior to or together
with any reports, information, or applications to be signed by an authorized representative.
c) Certification. Any person signing a document under paragraph a) of this section shall make the following
certification:
"I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or
supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and
evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or
those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for
submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations."
2. Retention of Records
a) The permittee shall retain copies of the SWMP and all reports required by this permit and records of all data used to
complete the application to be covered by this permit, for three years after expiration or inactivation of permit
coverage.
b) The permittee shall retain a copy of the SWMP required by this permit at the construction site from the date of
project initiation to the date of expiration or inactivation of permit coverage, unless another location, specified by
the permittee, is approved by the Division.
3. Monitoring
The Division reserves the right to require sampling and testing, on a case-by-case basis (see Part I.D. l .e ), for example to
implement the provisions of a TMDL (see Part I.DJ 1 of the permit). Reporting procedures for any monitoring data
collected will be included in the notification by the Division of monitoring requirements.
If monitoring is required, the following defmitions apply:
a) The thirty (30) day average shall be determined by the arithmetic mean of all samples collected during a thirty (30)
consecutive-day period.
b) A grab sample, for monitoring requirements, is a single "dip and take" sample.
PART II
A. MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
1. Amending a Permit Certification
The permittee shall inform the Division (Permits Section) in writing of changes to the information provided in the permit
application, including the legal contact, the project legal description or map originally submitted with the application, or
the planned total disturbed acreage. The permittee shall furnish the Division with any plans and specifications which the
Division deems reasonably necessary to evaluate the effect on the discharge and receiving stream. If applicable, this
notification may be accomplished through submittal of an application for a CDPS process water permit authorizing the
discharge. The SWMP shall be updated and implemented prior to the changes (see Part I.D.5.c).
Any discharge to the waters of the State from a point source other than specifically authorized by this permit or a different
CDPS permit is prohibited.
2. Special Notifications -Definitions
a) Spill: An unintentional release of solid or liquid material which may cause pollution of state waters.
b) Upset: An exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and temporary noncompliance with permit discharge
limitations because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the permittee. An upset does not include
noncompliance to the extent caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, inadequate
treatment facilities, lack of preventative maintenance, or careless or improper operation.
3. Noncompliance Notification
a) The permittee shall report the following instances of noncompliance:
1) Any noncompliance which may endanger health or the environment;
2) Any spill or discharge of hazardous substances or oil which may cause pollution of the waters of the state.
3) Any discharge of stormwater which may cause an exceedance of a water quality standard.
b) For all instances of noncompliance based on environmental hazards and chemical spills and releases, all needed
information must be provided orally to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment spill reporting
line (24-hour number for environmental hazards and chemical spills and releases: 1-877-518-5608) within 24 hours
from the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances.
For all other instances of noncompliance as defined in this section, all needed information must be provided orally to
the Water Quality Control Division within 24 hours from the time the permittee becomes aware of the
circumstances.
For all instances of noncompliance identified here, a written submission shall also be provided within 5 calendar
days of the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. The written submission shall contain a
description of:
1) The noncompliance and its cause;
2) The period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times, and if the noncompliance has not been
corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue;
3) Steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance.
A. MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS (cont.)
4. Submission of Incorrect or Incomplete Information
Where the permittee failed to submit any relevant facts in a permit application, or submitted incorrect information in a
permit application or report to the Division, or relevant new information becomes available, the permittee shall promptly
submit the relevant application information which was not submitted or any additional information needed to correct any
erroneous information previously submitted.
5. Bypass
a) A bypass, which causes effluent limitations (i.e., requirements to implement BMPs in accordance with Parts I.B.3
and I.D.2 of the permit) to be exceeded is prohibited, and the Division may take enforcement action against a
permittee for such a bypass, unless:
1) Bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss oflife, personal injury, or severe property damage;
2) There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment facilities ( e.g.,
alternative BMPs ), retention of untreated wastes, or maintenance during normal periods of equipment
downtime. This condition is not satisfied if the permittee could have installed adequate backup equipment (e.g.,
implemented additional BMPs) to prevent a bypass which occurred during normal periods of equipment
downtime or preventative maintenance; and
3) The permittee submitted notices as required in "Non-Compliance Notification," Part II.A.3.
6. Upsets
a) Effect of an Upset: An upset constitutes an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with permit
limitations and requirements if the requirements of paragraph b of this section are met. (No determination made
during administrative review of claims that noncompliance was caused by upset, and before an action for
noncompliance, is final administrative action subject to judicial review.)
b) Conditions Necessary for a Demonstration of Upset: A permittee who wishes to establish the affirmative defense
of upset shall demonstrate through properly signed contemporaneous operating logs, or other relevant evidence that:
1) An upset occurred and that the permittee can identify the specific cause(s) of the upset;
2) The permitted facility was at the time being properly operated;
3) The permittee submitted notice of the upset as required in Part II.A3. of this permit (24-hour notice); and
4) The permittee complied with any remedial measures required under 40 CFR Section 122.4l(d) of the federal
regulations or Section 61.8(3)(h) of the Colorado Discharge Permit System Regulations.
c) Burden of Proof: In any enforcement proceeding the permittee seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset has
the burden of proof.
7. Removed Substances
Solids, sludges, or other pollutants removed in the course of treatment or control of discharges shall be properly disposed
of in a manner such as to prevent any pollutant from such materials from entering waters of the State.
8. Minimization of Adverse Impact
The permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize any adverse impact to waters of the State resulting from
noncompliance with any terms and conditions specified in this permit, including such accelerated or additional monitoring
as necessary to determine the nature and impact of the noncomplying discharge.
A. MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS (cont.)
9. Reduction. Loss. or Failure of Stormwater Controls
The pennittee has the duty to halt or reduce any activity if necessary to maintain compliance with the pennit requirements.
Upon reduction, loss, or failure of any stormwater controls, the pennittee shall, to the extent necessary to maintain
compliance with its pennit, control production, or remove all pollutant sources from exposure to stormwater, or both, until
· the stormwater controls are restored or an alternative method of treatment/ control is provided.
It shall not be a defense for a permittee in an enforcement action that it would be necessary to halt or reduce the pennitted
activity in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of this pennit.
10. Proper Operation and Maintenance
The pennittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and
related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the pennittee to achieve compliance with the conditions of this
pennit. Proper operation and maintenance includes effective performance, adequate funding, adequate operator staffmg
and training, and adequate laboratory and process controls, including appropriate quality assurance procedures. This
provision requires the operation of back-up or auxiliary facilities or similar systems only when necessary to achieve
compliance with the conditions of the pennit.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Inspections and Right to Entry
The pennittee shall allow the Director of the State Water Quality Control Division, the EPA Regional Administrator,
and/or their authorized representative(s), upon the presentation of credentials:
a) To enter upon the pennittee's premises where a regulated facility or activity is located or in which any records are
required to be kept under the terms and conditions of this pennit;
b) At reasonable times to have access to and copy any records required to be kept under the terms and conditions of
this pennit and to inspect any monitoring equipment or monitoring method required in the pennit; and
c) To enter upon the pennittee's premises to investigate, within reason, any actual, suspected, or potential source of
water pollution, or any violation of the Colorado Water Quality Control Act. The investigation may include, but is
not limited to, the following: sampling of any discharge and/or process waters, the taking of photographs,
interviewing pennittee staff on alleged violations and other matters related to the pennit, and access to any and all
facilities or areas within the pennittee's premises that may have any effect on the discharge, pennit, or any alleged
violation.
2. Duty to Provide Information
The pennittee shall furnish to the Division, within the time frame specified by the Division, any information which the
Division may request to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and reissuing, or inactivating coverage
under this pennit, or to determine compliance with this pennit. The pennittee shall also furnish to the Division, upon
request, copies of records required to be kept by this pennit.
3. Transfer of Ownership or Control
Certification under this pennit may be transferred to a new pennittee if:
a) The current pennittee notifies the Division in writing when the transfer is desired a; outlined in Part I .A. 7; and
b) The notice includes a written agreement between the existing and new pennittees containing a specific date for
transfer of pennit responsibility, coverage and liability between them; and
c) The current pennittee has met all fee requirements of the Colorado Discharge Pennit System Regulations, Section
61.15.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES ( cont.)
4. Modification, Suspension, or Revocation of Permit By Division
All pennit modification, inactivation or revocation and reissuance actions shall be subject to the requirements of the
Colorado Discharge Pennit System Regulations, Sections 61.5(2), 61.5(3), 61.7 and 61.15, 5 C.C.R. 1002-61, except for
minor modifications.
a) This pennit, and/or certification under this pennit, may be modified, suspended, or revoked in whole or in part
during its term for reasons determined by the Division including, but not limited to, the following:
1) Violation of any terms or conditions of the permit;
2) Obtaining a pennit by misrepresentation or failing to disclose any fact which is material to the granting or
denial of a pennit or to the establishment of terms or conditions of the pennit;
3) Materially false or inaccurate statements or information in the application for the pennit;
4) Promulgation of toxic effluent standards or prohibitions ( including any schedule of compliance specified in
such eftluent standard or prohibition) which are established under Section 307 of the Clean Water Act, where
such a toxic pollutant is present in the discharge and such standard or prohibition is more stringent than any
limitation for such pollutant in this pennit.
b) This pennit, and/or certification under this pennit, may be modified in whole or in part due to a change in any
condition that requires either a temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of the pennitted discharge, such as:
1) Promulgation of Water Quality Standards applicable to waters affected by the pennitted discharge; or
2) Eftluent limitations or other requirements applicable pursuant to the State Act or federal requirements; or
3) Control regulations promulgated; or
4) Other available information indicates a potential for violation of adopted Water Quality Standards or stream
classifications.
c) This pennit, or certification under this pennit, may be modified in whole or in part to include new effluent
limitations and other appropriate pennit conditions where data submitted pursuant to Part I indicate that such
effluent limitations and pennit conditions are necessary to ensure compliance with applicable water quality
standards and protection of classified uses.
d) At the request of the pennittee, the Division may modify or inactivate certification under this pennit if the following
conditions are met:
I) In the case of inactivation, the pennittee notifies the Division of its intent to inactivate the certification, and
certifies that the site has been finally stabilized;
2) In the case of inactivation, the pennittee has ceased any and all discharges to state waters and demonstrates to
the Division there is no probability of further uncontrolled discharge(s) which may affect waters of the State.
3) The Division finds that the pennittee has shown reasonable grounds consistent with the Federal and State
statutes and,;regulations for such modification, amendment or inactivation;
4) Fee requirements of Section 61.15 of the Colorado Discharge Pennit System Regulations have been met; and
5) Applicable requirements of public notice have been met.
For small construction sites covered by a Qualifying Local Program, coverage under this pennit is automatically
terminated when a site has been finally stabilized.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES ( cont.)
11. Requiring an Individual CDPS Permit
The Director may require the permittee to apply for and obtain an individual or alternate general CDPS permit if:
a) The discharger is not in compliance with the conditions ofthis general permit;
b) Conditions or standards have changed so that the discharge no longer qualifies for a general permit; or
c) Data/information become available which indicate water quality standards may be violated.
The permittee must be notified in writing that an application for an individual or alternate general CDPS permit is required.
When an individual or alternate general CDPS permit is issued to an operator otherwise covered under this general permit,
the applicability of this general permit to that operator is automatically inactivated upon the effective date of the individual
or alternate general CDPS permit.
Water Quality Control Division
WQCD-P-B2
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, Colorado 80246-1530
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INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
STORMWATER DISCHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
GENERAL PERMIT IN COLORADO
THIRD RENEWAL
COLORADO DISCHARGE PERMIT NUMBER COR-030000
CONTENTS
Introduction
Changes in this General Permit
Background
Stormwater Discharges Associated with
Construction Activity
Coverage Under this Permit
Application and Certification
Qualifying Local Programs
Terms and Conditions of Permit
Public Notice -12/22/06
Public Notice -3/23/07
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This permit is for the regulation of stormwater runoff from construction activities, and specific allowable non-
stormwater discharges in accordance with Part J.D.3 of the permit. The term "construction activity" includes
ground surface disturbing activities, including, but not limited to, clearing, grading, excavation, demolition,
installation of new or improved haul and access roads, staging areas, stockpiling of fill materials, and borrow
areas. "Stormwater" is precipitation-induced surface runoff. This rationale will explain the background of the
Stormwater program, activities which are covered under this permit, how to apply for coverage under this permit,
and the requirements of this permit.
The forms discussed in the rationale and permit are available on the Water Quality Control Division's website
at: www.cdphe.state.eo.us/wqlPermitsUnit
II. CHANGES IN THIS GENERAL PERMIT
Several notable changes from the previous General Permit for Construction Activities have been incorporated into
this permit. Significant changes are listed below. Numerous other minor changes were made for clarification
purposes only.
A. Authority to Discharge
This section has been restructured to list all of the types of activities covered by this permit, and to be
consistent with the definition of "construction activity. " The definition of construction activity has been
expanded to provide clarification. See Part I.A. I of the permit.
PART II
Permit -Page 24
Permit No. COR-030000
II. CHANGES IN THIS GENERAL PERMIT (cont.)
B. Authority to Discharge -Oil and Gas Construction
This section has been added, to take into account a regulatory change. The federal Energy Policy Act of
2005 exempts nearly all oil and gas construction activities from federal requirements under the Clean Water
Act's NP DES stormwater discharge permit program. In January 2006, the Colorado Water Quality Control
Commission held a hearing to determine what effects, if any, the change in federal law would have upon
Colorado's stormwater regulations. The Commission determined that oil and gas construction sites in
Colorado that disturb one or more acres are still required to be covered under Colorado's stormwater
permitting regulations (Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) regulations (5CCR 1002-61)). In
practice, oil and gas construction sites have the same requirements under this permit as do other types of
construction. However, this permit contains some references to the federal Clean Water Act; generally these
references are not applicable to oil and gas construction sites to the extent that the references are limited by
the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005. See Part I.A. I (b) of the permit.
C. Application Requirements
The permit application requirements have changed slightly, including the addition of an email address, if
available. See Part l.A.4(b).
The applicant must be either the owner and/or operator of the construction site. An operator at a
construction site that is not covered by a certification held by an appropriate entity may be held liable for
operating without the necessary permit coverage.
D. Temporary Coverage
Part l.A.5(d) of the previous permit (effective July 1, 2002) dealt with temporarily covering a facility under
the general permit even if an individual permit is more appropriate. This permit section essentially
duplicated the previous section (see Part l.A.5(c)), and so it has been deleted.
E. Reassignment of Permit Coverage
Procedures have been added to clarify the requirements for the transfer of coverage of specific portions of a
permitted site to a second party. See Section VIIJ.1.3 of the rationale and Part l.A.8 of the permit.
F. Individual Permit Criteria
This section has been modified to include situations involving a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). See
Part I.A. I I of the permit.
G. Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)
The Stormwater Management Plan section has been divided into two parts: Stormwater Management Plan
(SWMP) -General Requirements, which provides the basic framework and general requirements for the
SWMP, and Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) -Contents, which specifically identifies each item that
must be addressed in the SWMP. See Parts I.Band l.C of the permit.
H Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) -General Requirements
The SWMP General Requirements section has been modified to require that the SWMP be updated in
accordance with Parts l.D.5(c) and I.D.5(d) of the permit (SWMP Review/Changes). This additional
requirement ensures that the SWMP provisions reflect current site conditions. See Part l.B.2(c) of the
permit.
PART II
Pennit -Page 25
Pennit No. COR-030000
II. CHANGES IN THIS GENERAL PERMIT (cont.)
I. Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) -Contents
The SWMP Contents section has been modified. Some of the changes are limited to organization of
information, which does not require modification of an existing permittee 's current SWMP. Most of the
SWMP changes involve either clarifications, reformatting, or taking recommendations from the Division 's
SWMP guide and making them permit requirements (e.g., vehicle tracking controls, BMP installation
specifications). If an existing permittee (i.e., those with permit coverage before June 30, 2007) followed the
recommendations in the SWMP guide (Appendix A of the permit application), then their SWMP will
presumably meet the new requirements. However, for any existing permittees who did not follow the
applicable SWMP guide recommendations, their SMWP must be amended to include the new required items:
-SWMP Administrator
-Identification of potential pollutant sources
-Best Management Practices descriptions and installation specifications, including dedicated concrete or
asphalt batch plants; vehicle tracking control; and waste management and disposal (including concrete
washout activities).
For existing permittees, any SWMP changes based on the change in permit requirements must be completed
by October 1, 2007. The plan is not to be submitted to the Division unless requested, but must be available
on site as outlined in Part I.D.5(b) of the permit.
The BMP requirement clarifications included in this renewed permit in no way imply that adequate BMPs to
address all pollutant sources at a permitted site were not required in previous permits. The revised
requirements are intended only to better clarify SWMP content requirements and provide improved direction
to permittees.
The SWMP changes are listed below. All new applicants (after June 30, 2007) for permit coverage for their
sites must full}' comply with the new SWMP organization, plan requirements, and implementation.
1. Site Description: The requirement to provide an estimate of the run-off coefficient has been removed.
The run-off coefficient as currently utilized in the SWMP may not contribute sufficiently to permit
compliance to justify the effort in determining accurate values. See Part I. C.1 of the permit. However,
the Division still encourages use of the coefficient as needed to adequately evaluate site-specific BMP
selection and design criteria (e.g., pond capacities, BMP location, etc.) See Section C.2 of the SWMP
guidance (Appendix A of the permit application).
2. Site Map: The requirement to identify boundaries of the JOO-year flood plain has been removed. The
boundaries as currently utilized in the SWMP may not contribute sufficiently to permit compliance to
justify the effort in determining their location. See Part I.C.2 of the permit.
3. Stormwater Management Controls: This section has been modified to require identification of a
SWMP Administrator and all potential pollutants sources in the"SWMP. See Part I. C. 3 of the permit.
a) The SWMP Administrator is a specific individual(s), position or title who is responsible for the
process of developing, implementing, maintaining, and revising the SWMP. This individual
serves as the comprehensive point of contact for all aspects of the facility's SWMP. This
requirement may necessitate changes to existing permittees' SWMPs.
PART II
Permit -Page 26
Permit No. COR-030000
II. CHANGES IN THIS GENERAL PERMIT (cont.)
b) The requirement to identify Potential Pollutant Sources has been expanded to include more
details for the evaluation of such sources. This evaluation allows for the appropriate selection
of BMPs for implementation at a facility or site. Additionally, this section was added to be
consistent with the SWMP guide. This requirement may necessitate changes to existing
permittees' SWMPs.
c) Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Stormwater Pollution Prevention: This section was
modified to require the following items to be addressed in the SWMP. These requirements
may necessitate changes to existing permittees' SWMPs. This section also requires that the
SWMP provide installation and implementation specifications for each BMP identified in the
SWMP. For structural BMPs, in most cases, this must include a technical drawing to provide
adequate installation specifications. See Part I.C.3(c).
i) Dedicated concrete or asphalt batch plants. This section requires that the practices used to
reduce the pollutants in stormwater discharges associated with dedicated concrete or
asphalt batch plants be identified in the SWMP. (Coverage under the construction site
SWMP and permit is. not required for batch plants if they have alternate CDPS permit
coverage.)
ii) Vehicle tracking control. This section requires that practices be implemented to control
sediment from vehicle tracking, and that all such practices implemented at the site be
clearly described in the SWMP.
iii) Waste management and disposal. This section requires that the practices implemented at
the site to control stormwater pollution from construction site waste, including concrete
washout activities, be clearly described in the SWMP. It also requires that concrete
washout activities be conducted in a manner that does not contribute pollutants to surface
waters or stormwater runoff
iv) Concrete Washout Water. Part l.D.3(c) of the permit has been revised to conditionally
authorize discharges to the ground of concrete wash water from washing of tools and
concrete mixer chutes when appropriate BMPs are implemented. The permit prohibits the
discharge of concrete washout water to swface waters and to storm sewer systems. Part
I.C.3(c)(7) of the permit requires that BMPs be in place to prevent suiface discharges of
concrete washout water from the site.
The use of unlined pits to contain concrete washout water is a common practice in
Colorado. The Division has further evaluated the need for a permit for discharge of
concrete washout water to the ground. The Division has determined that the use of
appropriate BMPs for on-site washing of tools and concrete mixer chutes would prevent
any significant discharge to groundwater. BMPs to protect groundwater are required by
Part I.C.3(c)(7) of the permit. Because pH is a pollutant of concern for washout activities,
the soil must have adequate buffering capacity to result in protection of the groundwater
standard, or a liner/containment must be used. The following management practices are
recommended to prevent an impact from unlined pits to groundwater:
(1) the use of the washout site should be temporary (less than 1 year), and
(2) the washout site should be not be located in an area where shallow groundwater may
be present, such as near natural drainages, springs, or wetlands.
PART II
Permit -Page 27
Permit No. COR-030000
II. CHANGES IN THIS GENERAL PERMIT (cont.)
J.
Where adequate management practices are not followed to protect groundwater quality,
the Department may require discharges to unlined pits to cease, or require the entity to
obtain alternate regulatory approval through notice from either the Water Quality Control
Division or the Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division.
In addition, Part I.D. l (b) of the permit has been revised to clearly state that the permit
does not authorize on-site permanent disposal of concrete washout waste, only temporary
containment of concrete washout water from washing of tools and concrete mixer chutes.
Upon termination of use of the washout site, accumulated solid waste, including concrete
waste and any contaminated soils, must be removed from the site to prevent on-site
disposal of solid waste.
v) Construction Dewatering. Part I.D.3(d) of the permit has been revised to conditionally
authorize discharges to the ground of water from construction dewatering activities when
appropriate BMPs are implemented. The permit does not authorize the discharge of
groundwater from construction dewatering to swface waters or to storm sewer systems.
Part I.C.3(c)(8) of the permit requires that BMPs be in place to prevent surface discharges.
The permittee may apply for coverage under a separate CDPS discharge permit, such as
the Construction Dewatering general permit, if there is a potential for discharges to
suiface waters.
The Division has determined that potential pollutant sources introduced into groundwater
from construction dewatering operations do not have a reasonable potential to result in
exceedance of groundwater standards when the discharge is to the ground. The primary
pollutant of concern in uncontaminated groundwater is sediment. Although technology-
based standards for sediment do exist in 5 CCR 1002-41, the discharge of sediment to the
ground as part of construction dewatering does not have the reasonable potential to result
in transport of sediment to the groundwater table so as to result in an exceedance of those
standards.
For a discharge of water contaminated with other pollutants that are present in
concentrations that may cause an exceedance of groundwater standards, separate CDPS
discharge permit coverage is required. Contaminated groundwater may include that
contaminated with pollutants from a landfill, mining activity, industrial pollutant plume,
underground storage tank, or other source of human-induced groundwater pollution and
exceeding the State groundwater standards in Regulations 5 CCR 1002-41 and 42.
Terms and Conditions. General Limitations and Design Standards
This section reiterates the requirement that facilities select, install, implement, and maintain appropriate
BMPs, following good engineering, hydrologic and pollution control practices. In addition, requirements
for protection of water quality standards (see Part I.D.l.(a) of the permit) and requirements to adequately
design BMPs to prevent pollution or degradation of State waters (see Part I.D.2 of the permit) have been
revised and are fully discussed in Part 111.B of the rationale, below. Additional language was also added to
Section 111.B of the rationale further clarifying the expectations for compliance with this permit.
1. Management o(Site Waste
This section has been modified to clarify that on-site waste must be properly managed to prevent
potential pollution of State waters, and that this permit does not authorize on-site waste disposal.
Solid waste disposal is regulated by the Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division.
PART II
Permit -Page 28
Permit No. COR-030000
II. CHANGES IN THIS GENERAL PERMIT (cont.)
K. Terms and Conditions, SWMP Requirements
L.
I. SWMP Review/Changes: This section now requires that when changes are made to site conditions,
the SWMP must be revised immediately, except for some BMP description changes which
conditionally may occur within 72 hours. This requirement is included to both ensure that the SWMP
be kept accurate and up-to-date, and to clarify that stormwater management at a site typically should
be proactive instead of responsive, and be integrated into site management to ensure it is calibrated
with those changes. The section was also clarified to state that only changes in site conditions that do
not require new or modified BMPs do not need to be addressed in the SWMP. See Part I.D.5(c) of the
permit.
2. SWMP Certification: The previous permit was unclear on a requirement that the copy of SWMP that
remains at the facility had to be signed in accordance with permit signatory requirements. This
requirement has been deleted. The signatory requirement of Part I.F. l only applies to the SWMP if it
is to be submitted to the Division or to EPA. See Part I.F. l of the permit.
Terms and Conditions. Post-Storm Inspections
The previous permit required post-storm inspections, but did not specify the timing of inspections. This
section now requires that post-storm event inspections generally be conducted within 24 hours of the event.
An alternative timeline has been allowed, onlyfor sites where there are no construction activities occurring
following a storm event. For this condition, post-storm event inspections shall instead be conducted prior to
commencing construction activities, but no later than 72 hours following the storm event, and the delay
noted in the inspection report.
Any exception from the minimum inspection schedule is temporary, and does not eliminate the requirement
to perform routine maintenance due to the effects of a storm event, including maintaining vehicle tracking
controls and removing sediment from impervious areas. In many cases, maintenance needs will require a
more frequent inspection schedule than the minimum inspections required in the permit, to ensure that BMPs
continue to operate as needed to comply with the permit. See Part I.D.6(a) of the permit.
M. Terms and Conditions. Inspections
1. The Winter Conditions Inspection Exclusion section has been modified to include documentation
requirements for this exclusion. See Part I.D.6(a) of the permit. The Inspection Scope has been
modified to include the requirement to inspect waste storage areas during inspections conducted in
accordance with the permit. See Part I.D.6(b) of the permit.
2. The requirements for sites to qualify for reduced inspection frequencies for completed sites have been
slightly modified (see Part I.D.6(a)(2) of the permit,). The requirement now is that only construction
activities that disturb the ground surface must be completed. Construction activities that can be
conducted without disturbance of the ground surface; for example, interior building construction, and
some oil well activities, would not prohibit a site from otherwise· qualifying for the reduced inspection
frequency. In addition, the requirement for the site to be prepared for final stabilization has been
slightly modified to allow for sites that have not yet been seeded to qualify, as long as the site has
otherwise been prepared for final stabilization, including completion of appropriate soil preparation,
amendments and stabilization practice. This will allow for sites with seasonal seeding limitations or
where additional seed application may be needed in the future to still qualify.
PART II
Permit -Page 30
Permit No. COR-030000
Ill. BACKGROUND
As required under the Clean Water Act amendments of 1987, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
established a framework for regulating municipal and industrial stormwater discharges. This framework is under
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program (Note: The Colorado program is
referred to as the Colorado Discharge Permit System, or CDPS, instead of NPDES.) The Water Quality Control
Division ("the Division'') has stormwater regulations (5CCR 1002-61) in place. These regulations require specific
types of industrial facilities that discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity (industrial stormwater),
to obtain a CDPS permit for such discharge. The regulations specifically include construction activities that
disturb one acre of land or more as industrial facilities. Construction activities that are part of a larger common
plan of development which disturb one acre or ·more over a period of time are also included.
A. General Permits
The Division has determined that the use of general permits is the appropriate procedure for handling most
of the thousands of industrial stormwater applications within the State.
B. Permit Requirements
This permit does not impose numeric ejjluent limits or require submission of ejjluent monitoring data in the
permit application or in the permit itself. The permit instead imposes practice-based ejjluent limitations for
stormwater discharges through the requirement to develop and implement a Stormwater Management Plan
(SWMP). The narrative permit requirements include prohibitions against discharges ofnon-stormwater
(e.g., process water). See Part I.D.3 of the permit.
The permit conditions for the SWMP include the requirement for dischargers to select, implement and
maintain Best Management Practices (BMPs) at a permitted construction site that adequately minimize
pollutants in the discharges to assure compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit. Part I.D.2 of
the permit includes basic design standards for BMPs implemented at the site. Facilities must select, install,
implement, and maintain appropriate BMPs, following good engineering, hydrologic and pollution control
practices. BMPs implemented at the site must be adequately designed to control all potential pollutant
sources associated with construction activity to prevent pollution or degradation of State waters. Pollution
is defined in CDPS regulations (5CCR 1002-61) as man-made or man-induced, or natural alteration of the
physical, chemical, biological, and radiological integrity of water. Utilizing industry-accepted standards for
BMP selection that are appropriate for the conditions and pollutant sources present will typically be
adequate to meet these criteria, since construction BMPs are intended to prevent the discharge of all but
minimal amounts of sediment or other pollutants that would not result in actual pollution of State waters, as
defined above. However, site-specific design, including ongoing assessment of BMPs and pollutant sources,
is necessary to ensure that BMPs operate as intended.
The permit further requires that stormwater discharges from construction activities shall not cause, have the
reasonable potential to cause, or measurably contribute to an excursion above any water quality standard,
including narrative standards for water quality. This condition is the basis for all CDPS Discharge permits,
and addresses the need to ensure that waters of the State maintain adequate water quality, in accordance
with water quality standards, to continue to meet their designated uses. It is believed that, in most cases,
BMPs can be adequate to meet applicable water quality standards. If water quality impacts are noted, or
the Division otherwise determines that additional permit requirements are necessary, they are typically
imposed as follows: 1) at the renewal of this general permit or through a general permit specific to an
industrial sector (if the issue is sector-based); 2) through direction from the Division based on the
implementation of a TMDL (if the issue is watershed-based); or 3) if the issue is site-specific, through a
revision to the certification from the Division based on an inspection or SWMP review, or through an
individual permit.
PART II
Permit -Page 31
Permit No. COR-030000
Ill. BACKGROUND (cont.)
Some construction sites may be required to comply with a Qualifying Local Program in place of meeting
several of the specific requirements in this permit. Sites covered by a Qualifying Local Program may not be
required to submit an application for coverage or a notice of inactivation and may not be required to pay the
Division's annual fee. See Section VII of the rationale.
C. Violations/Penalties
Dischargers of stormwater associated with industrial activity, as defined in the CDPS regulations (5CCR
1002-61), that do not obtain coverage under this or other Colorado general permits, or under an individual
CDPS permit regulating industrial stormwater, will be in violation of the Federal Clean Water Act and the
Colorado Water Quality Control Act, 25-8-101. For facilities covered under a CDPS permit,failure to
comply with any CDPS permit requirement constitutes a violation. As of the time of permit issuance, civil
penalties for violations of the Act or CDPS permit requirements may be up to $10,000 per day, and criminal
pollution of state waters is punishable by fines of up to $25,000 per day.
IV. STORMWATER DISCHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
The stormwater regulations (CDPS regulations (5CCR 1002-61)), require that stormwater discharges associated
with certain industrial activities be covered under the permit program. Construction activity that disturbs one
acre or more during the life of the project is specifically included in the listed industrial activities. This permit is
intended to cover most stormwater discharges from construction facilities required by State regulation to obtain a
permit.
A. Construction Activity
Construction activity includes ground swface disturbing activities including, but not limited to, clearing,
grading, excavation, demolition, installation of new or improved haul and access roads, staging areas,
stockpiling of fill materials, and dedicated borrow/fill areas. Construction does not include routine
maintenance to maintain original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, or original pwpose of the facility. (The
maintenance exclusion is intended for projects such as road resurfacing, and where there will be less than
one acre of additional ground disturbed. Improvements or upgrades to existing facilities or roads, where at
least one acre is disturbed, would not qualify as "routine maintenance. ")
Definitions of additional terms can be found in Part I.E of the permit.
Stormwater discharges from all construction activity require permit coverage, except for operations that
result in the disturbance of less than one acre of total land area and which are not part of a larger common
plan of development or sale. A "larger common plan of development or sale" is a contiguous area where
multiple separate and distinct construction activities may be taking place at different times on different
schedules.
B. Types o(Discharges/Activities Covered
1. Stormwater: This permit is intended to cover most new or existing discharges composed entirely of
stormwater from construction activities that are required by State regulation to obtain a permit. This
includes stormwater discharges associated with areas that are dedicated to producing earthen
materials, such as soils, sand, and gravel, for use at a single construction site. These areas may be
located at the construction site or at some other location. This permit does not authorize the
discharge of mine water or process water from borrow areas. This permit may also cover storm water
discharges associated with dedicated asphalt plants and concrete plants located at a specific
construction site.
PART II
Permit -Page 32
Permit No. COR-030000
IV STORMWATER DISCHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCT/ON ACTIVITY (cont.)
2. Process water: Under certain restrictions, discharges to the ground from construction dewatering,
and from concrete washout activities, are also covered (see Parts I.C.3(c)(7), l.C.3(c)(8), l.D.3(c) and
l.D.3(d) of the permit).
C. Types of Activities NOT Covered
1. Stormwater: Aside from the sources listed in subparagraph B.1, above, this permit does not cover
stormwater discharged from construction sites that is mixed with stormwater from other types of
industrial activities, or process water of any kind. Other types of industrial activities that require
stormwater discharge permits pursuant to different sections of the regulations (Regulation 5 CCR
1002-61, Section 61.2(e)(iii)(A-L K)], are not covered by this permit.
2. Process water: This permit also does not cover any discharge of process water to surface waters. If
the construction activity encounters groundwater, in order to discharge this groundwater to swface
waters, a Construction Dewatering Discharge Permit (permit number COG-070000) must also be
obtained. An application for this permit can be obtained from the Division at the address listed in
Part l.A.4(a) of the permit, or at the website in Section I of the rationale.
V COVERAGE UNDER THIS GENERAL PERMIT
Under this general permit, owners or operators of stormwater discharges associated with construction activity
may be granted authorization to discharge stormwater into waters of the State of Colorado. This includes
stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity from areas that are dedicated to producing earthen
materials, such as soils, sand and gravel, for use at a single construction site, and dedicated asphalt plants and
dedicated concrete plants.
This permit does not pre-empt or supersede the authority of other local, state or federal agencies to prohibit,
restrict or control discharges of stormwater to storm drain systems or other water courses within their
jurisdiction.
Authorization to discharge under the permit requires submittal of a completed application form and a certification
that the SWMP is complete, unless the site is covered by a Qualifying Local Program. Upon receipt of all
required information, the Division may allow or disallow coverage under the general permit.
VI. APPLICATION AND CERTIFICATION
At least ten days prior to the commencement of construction activities, the owner or operator of the construction
site shall submit an original completed application which includes the signed certification that the SWMP is
complete. Original signatures are required for the application to be considered complete. For small construction
sites only, if the site is covered by a Qualifying Local Program (see below), submittal of an application is not
required.
For the purposes of this permit, the "operator" is the person who has day-to-day control over the project. This
can be the owner, the developer, the general contractor or the agent of one of these parties, in some
circumstances. At different times during a construction project, different types of parties may satisfy the definition
of" operator" and the certification may be transferred as roles change.
(Note -Under the Federal regulations, this application process is referred to as a Notice of Intent, or NO/. For
internal consistency with its current program, the Division will continue to use the term "application. ") A
summary of the permit application requirements is found in the permit at Part I.A.4(b).
If coverage under this general permit is appropriate, then a certification will be developed and the applicant will
be certified under this general permit.
PART II
Permit -Page 33
Permit No. COR-030000
VII. QUALIFYING LOCAL PROGRAMS
For siormwater discharges associated with small construction activity (i.e., one to five acre disturbed area sites),
the permit includes conditions that incorporate approved qualifying local erosion and sediment control program
(Qualifying Local Program) requirements by reference. A Qualifying Local Program is a municipal stormwater
program for stormwater discharges associated with small construction activity that has been formally approved
by the Division. The requirements for Qualifying Local Programs are outlined in Part 61.8(12) of the Colorado
Discharger Permit System Regulations (also see the Division's "Qualifying Local Programs for Small
Construction Sites -Application Guidance"). Such programs must impose requirements to protect water quality
that are at least as stringent as those required in this permit.
A. Approval Termination
A Qualifying Local Program may be terminated by either the Division or the municipality. Upon termination
of Division approval of a Qualifying Local Program, any small construction activity required to obtain
permit coverage under Section 61.3(2)(h) of the CDPS regulations (5CCR 1002-61), shall submit an
application form as provided by the Division, with a certification that the Stormwater Management Plan
(SWMP) is complete as required by Part l.A.3 of the permit, within 30 days of Division notification.
B. Approval Expiration
Division approval of a Qualifying Local Program will expire with this general permit on June 30, 2012. Any
municipality desiring to continue Division approval of their program must reapply by March 31, 2012. The
Division will determine if the program may continue as a approved Qualifying Local Program.
VIII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERMIT
A. Coverage under a Qualifying Local Program -For Small Construction Sites Only
For small construction sites (disturbing less than 5 acres) covered under a Qualifying Local Program (see
Section Vil, above), only certain permit requirements apply, as outlined below. The local program must
have been formally designated by the Division to qualify. Most municipalities have some type of local
program and may require permits and fees. However, simply having a program in place does not
necessarily mean that it is a qualifying program and that a State permit is not required. The local
municipality is responsible for notifying operators and/or owners that they are covered by a Qualifying
Local Program. As of May 31, 2007, the only approved Qualifying Local Programs within the state are for
Golden, Durango and Lakewood. An updated list of municipalities with Qualifying Local Programs,
including contact information, is available on the Division's website at:
http://www.cdplze.state.eo.us/ivq/PermitsUnit/stormwater/construction.html.
The Division reserves the right to require any construction owner or operator within the jurisdiction of a
Qualifying Local Program covered under this permit to apply for and obtain coverage under the full
requirements of this permit.
1. Permit Coverage: If a construction site is within the jurisdiction of a Qualifying Local Program, the
owner or operator of the construction activity is authorized to discharge stormwater associated with
small construction activity under this general permit without the submittal of an application to the
Division. The permittee also is not required to submit an inactivation notice or payment of an annual
fee to the Division.
PART II
Permit -Page 34
Permit No. COR-030000
VIII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERMIT (cont.)
2. Permit Terms and Conditions: The permittee covered by a Qualifying Local Program must comply
with the requirements of that Qualifying Local Program. In addition, the following permit sections are
applicable:
a) Parts I.A.I, 1.A.2, and 1.A.3: Authorization to discharge and discussion of coverage under the
permit.
b) Part I.D.1: General limitations that must be met in addition to local requirements.
c) Parts I.D.2, I.D.3, I.D.4: BMP implementation, prohibition of non-stormwater discharges
unless addressed in a separate CDPS permit, and requirements related to releases of reportable
quantities.
d) Part I.D.11: Potential coverage under a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).
e) Part I.E: Additional definitions.
j) Part II (except for Parts II.A.I, 11.B.3, 11.B.8, and 11.B.10): Specifically includes, but is not
limited to, provisions applicable in the case of noncompliance with permit requirements, and
requirements to provide information and access.
B. Stormwater Management Plans (SWMPs)
Prior to commencement of construction, a stormwater management plan (SWMP) shall be developed and
implemented for each facility covered by this permit. A certification that the SWMP is complete must be
submitted with the permit application. The SWMP shall identify potential sourc,es of pollution (including
s cdiment) which may reasonably be expected to affect the quality of stormwater discharges associated with
construction activity from the facility. In addition, the plan shall describe the Best Management Practices
(BMPs) which will be used to reduce the pollutants in stormwater discharges from the construction site.
(Note that permanent stormwater controls, such as ponds, that are used as temporary construction BMPs
must be adequately covered in the SWMP.) Facilities must implement the provisions of their SWMP as a
condition of this permit. The SWMP shall include the following items:
1. Site Description
2. SiteMap
3. Stormwater Management Controls
4. Long-term Stormwater Management
5. Inspection and Maintenance
(See Parts J.B. and I. C of the permit for a more detailed description of SWMP requirements.) The Division
has a guidance document available on preparing a SWMP. The document is included as Appendix A of the
permit application, and is available on the Division's website at www.cdphe.state.co.uslwq!PennitsUnit.
Some changes have been made to the SWMP requirements. See Section II.I of the rationale for a discussion
on permittee responsibilities regarding those changes.
PART II
Permit -Page 35
Permit No. COR-030000
VIII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERMIT (cont.)
MasterSWMP
Often, a large construction project will involve multiple smaller construction sites that are within a common
plan of development, or multiple well pads under construction within an oil and gas well field. Pollutant
sources and the types of BMPs used can be relatively consistent in such cases. A permittee could
significantly streamline the SWMP development process through the use of a master SWMP. SWMP
information must be developed and maintained for all construction activities that exceed one acre (or are
part of a common plan of development exceeding one acre) conducted within the permitted area. By
developing a single master plan, the permittee can eliminate the need to develop repetitive information in
separate plans. Such a plan could include two sections, one containing a reference section with information
applicable to all sites (e.g., installation details and maintenance requirements for many standard BMPs,
such as silt fence and erosion blankets), and the second containing all of the information specific to each site
(e.g., site BMP map, drainage plans, details for BMPs requiring site specific design, such as retention
ponds).
As new activities begin, information required in the SWMP is added to the plan, and as areas become finally
stabilized, the related information is removed. Records of information related to areas that have been finally
stabilized that are removed from the active plan must be maintained for a period of at least three years from
the date that the associated site is finally stabilized.
C. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
If the designated use of a stream or water body has been impaired by the presence of a pollutant(s),
development of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) may be required. A TMDL is an estimate of
allowable loading in the waterbody for the pollutant in question. Types of discharges that are or have the
potential to be a significant source of the pollutant are also identified. If a TMDL has been approved for any
waterbody into which the permittee discharges, and stormwater discharges associated with construction
activity have been assigned a pollutant-specific Wasteload Allocation (WLA) under the TMDL, the Division
will either:
1. Notify the permittee of the TMDL, and amend the permittee's certification to add specific BMPs
and/or other requirements, as appropriate; or
2. Ensure. that the TMDL is being implemented properly through alternative local requirements, such as
by a municipal stormwater permit. (The only current example of this is the Cherry Creek Reservoir
Control Regulation (72.0), which mandates that municipalities within the basin require specific BMPs
for construction sites.)
See Part J.D.11 of the permit for further information.
D. Monitoring
Sampling and testing of stormwater for specific parameters is not required on a routine basis under this
permit. However, the Division reserves the right to require sampling and testing on a case-by-case basis, in
the event that there is reason to suspect that compliance with the SWMP is a problem, or to measure the
effectiveness of the BMPs in removing pollutants in the effluent. See Part J.D.1 (e) of the permit.
E. Facility Inspections
Construction sites typically must inspect their stormwater management controls at least every 14 days and
within 24 hours after the end of any precipitation or snowmelt event that causes suiface erosion. At sites or
portions of sites where ground-disturbing construction has been completed but a vegetative cover has not
been established, these inspections must occur at least once per month. (At sites where persistent snow
cover conditions exist, inspections are not required during the period that melting conditions do not exist.
These ·
PART II
Permit -Page 36
Permit No. COR-030000
VIII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERMIT (cont.)
conditions are only expected to occur at high elevations within the Colorado mountains.) For all of these
inspections, records must be kept on file. Exceptions to the inspection requirements are detailed in Part
I.D. 6 of the permit.
F. SWMP Revisions
The permittee shall amend the SWMP whenever there is a change in design, construction, operation, or
maintenance of the site, which would require the implementation of new or revised BMPs. The SWMP shall
also be amended if it proves to be ineffective in achieving the general objectives of controlling pollutants in
stormwater discharges associated with construction activity. The timing for completion of SWMP changes is
detailed in Parts I.D.5(c) and I.D.5(d) of the permit.
SWMP revisions shall be made prior to change in the field, or in accordance with Part I.D.5(d) of the
permit.
G. Reporting
The inspection record shall be made available to the Division upon request. Regular submittal of an annual
report is not required in this permit. See Part I.D.9 of the permit.
H. Annual Fee
The permittee is required to submit payment of an annual fee as set forth in the Water Quality Control Act.
Permittees will be billed for the initial permit fee within a few weeks of permit issuance and then annually,
based on a July 1 through June 30 billing cycle.
I. Responsibilitv for Permit
The permit certification for a site may be inactivated, once coverage is no longer needed. The certification
may be transferred, if another party is assuming responsibility for the entire area covered by the
certification. In addition, permit responsibility for part of the area covered by the certification may be
reassigned to another party. These actions are summarized below. The Stormwater Program construction
fact sheet explains these actions in further detail under the section on Multiple Owner/Developer Sites, and
is available on the Division website at
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/PermitsUnit!stormwater/ConstFactSheet.PDF, Section F.
1. Inactivation Notice: When a site has been finally stabilized in accordance with the SWMP, the
permittee shall submit an Inactivation Notice that is signed in accordance with Part I.F.J of the
permit. A summary of the Inactivation Notice content is described in Part I.A.6 of the permit. A copy
of the Inactivation Notice form will be mailed to the permittee along with the permit certification.
Additional copies are available from the Division.
For sites where all areas have been removed from permit coverage, the permittee may submit an
inactivation notice and terminate permit coverage. In such cases the permittee would no longer have
any land covered under their permit certification, and therefore there would be no areas remaining to
finally stabilize. Areas may be removed from permit coverage by:
-reassignment of permit coverage (Part I.A.8 of the permit);
-sale to homeowner(s) (Part I.A.9 of the permit); or
-amendment by the permittee, in accordance with Division guidance for areas where permit coverage
has been obtained by a new operator or returned to agricultural use.
PART II
Permit -Page 37
Permit No. COR-030000
VIII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERMIT (cont.)
2. Transfer of Permit: When responsibility for stormwater discharges for an entire construction site
changes from one individual to another, the permit shall be transferred in accordance with Part I.A. 7
of the permit. The permittee shall submit a completed Notice of Transfer form, which is available
from the Division, and at 1,vww.cdphe.state.co.uslwwPermits[h1it. If the new responsible party will
not complete the transfer form, the permit may be inactivated if the permittee has no legal
responsibility, through ownership or contract, for the construction activities at the site. In this case,
the new owner or operator would be required to obtain permit coverage separately.
3. Reassignment of Permit: When a permittee no longer has control of a specific portion of a permitted
site, and wishes to transfer coverage of that portion of the site to a second party, the permittee shall
submit a completed Notice of Reassignment of Permit Coverage form, which is available from the
Division, and at www.cdphe.state.eo.us/wqlPermitsUnit. The form requires that both the existing
permittee and new permittee complete their respective sections. See Part l.A.8 of the permit.
J. Duration of Permit
The general permit will expire on June 30, 2012. The permittee's authority to discharge under this permit is
approved until the expiration date of the general permit. Any permittee desiring continued coverage under
the general permit past the expiration date must apply for recertification under the general permit at least 90
days prior to its expiration date.
IX PUBLIC NOTICE -12/22/06
Kathleen Rosow
December 18, 2006
The permit was sent to public notice on December 22, 2006. A public meeting was requested, and was held on
February 2, 2007. Numerous comments were received on the draft permit. Responses to those comments, and a
summary of changes made to the draft permit, are in a separate document entitled "Division Response To Public
Comments." The permit will be sent to a second public notice on March 23, 2007. Any changes resulting from the
second public notice will be summarized in the rationale.
X PUBLIC NOTICE -3/23/07
Kathleen Rosow
March 22, 2007
The permit was sent to public notice for a second time on March 23, 2007. Numerous comments were received on
the second draft permit. Responses to those comments, and a summary of the additional changes made to the draft
permit, are contained in a separate document entitled "Division Response To Public Comments Part II". This
document is part of the rationale. Any changes based on the Division response are incorporated into the rationale
and permit. The response document is available online at
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/PermitsUnitlstornnvater/construction.html, or by emailing
cdphe.wqstorm@state.co.us, or by calling the Division at 303-692-3517.
Kathleen Rosow
May 31, 2007
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
Water Quality Control Division
WQCD-P-B2
FOR AGENCY USE ONLY
REC ----EFF ___________ _ 4300 Cheny Creek Drive South
Denver, Colorado 80246-1530 YEAR
INACTIVATION NOTICE FOR
MONTH DAY
CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER DISCHARGE GENERAL PERMIT CERTIFICATION
Please print or type. Form must be filled out completely.
Certification Number: COR-03 Taxpayer ID or EIN ________ _
Permittee (Company) Name: _____________________________ _
Permittee Address: ----------------------------------
Phone No. L__) ____ _
Site/Facility Name:----------------------------------
Construction Site Address/Location: ---------------------------
County: _______ _ Contact Person: ------------------------
Summary of work performed and description of final site stabilization: ______________ _
I certify under penalty of law that by the date of my signature below, all disturbed soils at the identified construction
site have been finally stabilized; all temporary erosion and sediment control measures have been removed; all
construction and equipment maintenance wastes have been disposed of properly; and all elements of the Stormwater
Management Plan have been completed.
I understand that by submitting this notice of inactivation, I am no longer authorized to discharge stormwater associated
with construction activity by the general permit. I understand that discharging pollutants in stormwater associated with
construction activities to the waters of the State of Colorado, where such discharges are not authorized by a COPS
permit, is unlawful under the Colorado Water Quality Control Act and the Clean Water Act.
I certify under penalty of law that I have personally examined and am familiar with the information submitted herein.
and based on my inquiry of those individuals immediately responsible for obtaining the information, I believe that the
information is true, accurate and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false
information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment. (See 18 U.S.C 1001 and 33 U.S.C. 1319.)
Signature of Permit Applicant (Legally Responsible Party) Date Signed
Name (pnnted) Title
HIGHLIGHTS
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY (renewal)
STORMWATER GENERAL PERMIT
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS:
* Inspections: Inspection of stormwater management system required at
least every 14 days and after any precipitation or snowmelt event that
causes surface erosion. (See Inspections, page 12 of the pennit.)
* Records: Records of inspections must be kept and be available for
review by the Division.
* Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP): The SWMP requirements
have changed slightly. You may need to amend your SWMP -see the
Rationale, page 3. Any needed changes must be completed by
October 1, 2007.
-A copy of the SWMP must be kept on site at all times.
PERMIT FEE:
* Send payment only when you receive an invoice (sent once a year).
PERMIT TERMINATION AND TRANSFER:
* If the facility is finally stabilized, you may inactivate the permit, using
the enclosed Division form.
* "Final stabilization" is reached when all the construction is complete,
paving is finished, and the vegetation (grass, etc.) is established, not
just reseeded. See permit, page 9.
* If the site changes ownership, you should transfer the permit to the new
owner.
* If part of the site will be sold to a new owner, you will need to reassign
permit coverage.
* Forms for these actions are available on our website, below. Also see
page 5 of the permit.
QUESTIONS?
* www .cdphe.state.co. us/wq/P ermits U nit/stormwater
* Email cdphe.wqstorm@state.co.us
* Or call (303)692-3517, ask for Matt Czahor or Kathy Rosow 6107
...- .....L.. L"__ .L.L. L..L ....... ~L.’ L."" L.U.a.1oI
COLORADO DEPAR1MENT OF PLBLlC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Water Quality Control Division
WQCD-P-B2
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
COR-037787
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY STORMW ATER DISCHARGE PERMIT
RENEWAL FORM
REAPPLlCA TION & RECORD VERIFICATION (or Inactivation Intent)
**RETAIN A COpy OF THIS FORM fOR YOUR RECORDS"’’’’
This fonn is for reapplication for the Skinner Ridge Natual Gas Wells project/development (COR-037787) under the
Construction Activity Storm water Discharge Pennit. You must complete the applicable sections of this form and submit it
to the address in the top left comer by March 30, 2007. Do not send any money with this form - the billing process is
handled separately.
More information about this process is contained in the cover letter and Q&A that accompany this form.
I STEP 1- Intent to Renew or Inactivate I
(fyou are unsure if the project will be finally stabilized by June 30, 2007, check Box A and complete the rest of this fonn
(both sides) to renew your permit coverage. You can still submit the inactivation at a later time (see the Q&A).
BOX A:I’5 RENEW MY PERMIT COVERAGE
Seck this box to renew your penn it certification and maintain permit coverage. Continue on to Steps 2
and 3, and then submit this fonn.
o I WILL BE INACTIVATING MY PERMIT COVERAGE BY JUNE 30, 2007
Check this box if your site will be finally stabilized by June 30, 2007. This will result in your certification
not being renewed. You are still required to submit the Inactivation Form separately prior to June
30,2007, certifying the site has been finally stabilized. See the Q&A for additional instructions (item 2 on
the second question). It is not necessary to complete the rest of this fonn if you have checked Box B; the
form is now ready to submit
I STEP 2 - Reapplication Certification I
Complete this step if you checked Box A, above. An original signature is required. Ifthe legally responsible person has
changed from what is indicated in Step 3, below, the new person must be listed in that section and sign this certification.
BOXB:
To complete tbw Reapplication, the Legally Responsible Person named in Step 3 must sign the following
certification:
I ceniJ Imder penalty of law that I have personally examined and am familiar with the information submitted on this form and
that J believe that the information ;s true, accurate and complete. Further, I understand thai by completing and returning this
form, I have applied for coverage under the revised general permit for Slormwater Discharges Associated with Construction
Activities.
~ L ~ ~bJ.5 fro WOt-
Printed Name ed
I STEP 3 - Record Verification I
The Record Verification section is located on the back or this document. Complete this step if you checked Box A,
above, and write in any new information. Note that if you have submitted amendments to your original application
infonnation previously, they would be reflected in your file at the Water Quality Control Division, but may not have been
recorded in our database. If this is the case, please write in those previously submitted changes in this section.
2007 Renewal Form Page 1 of2
OVER-->
I STEP 3, CONTINUED - Record Verification I
Please review the information below carefuUy, and make whatever changes are necessary, by crossing out the
incorrect information and writing in the new. If any items are blank (e.g., email), please fill in ihvailable.
Permittee information:
Phone
Chevron USA IDe
Ks E th. f ekscft ~(L ~.. CJ!-v 4 i:oS
. (V\..B.a..eJ e ~lj"" j
Reh.... L lil. Ra ~e de... iMgr .L’ S --""" - -- - --"’, .r-’ PI’~(...oper’~
HI/661 .iN ~<f"
q:ro-U~-"Q::>S"
Permittee
Legally Responsible Person
Email
Mailing Address 1’" IIL(zst
P.O. Box 36366
Houston, TX 77099
Name, location and description o(constructlon project:
Plan/Development Name -Skinner Ridge Natural Gas Wells
Tom Creek lD. SklDDer Ridge area.
Garfield County, CO
Garfield
Site Address
Site County
Total Acres Disturb d Area Covered Under this Permit ~ver the Life of the Project)
18.0
Brief Description of Nature of Construction Activities-
The cODstmctioD activity includes the driWng of natural gas
test wells, clearing of well drilling pads, construction of
access roads, and the eventual construction of natural gas
gathering pipeHnes.
Anticipated Cgnstructioll Schedule:
This is only an estimated date and will not result ia term aatioD of your permit coverage if the date is exceeded.
Antic:.pated Date of Completion and Final Stabilization - 6/7/2006
Local contact familior with the site:
Local Contact
Local Contact Phone
Local Contact Email
S..1l II i 90 I,,’; t’AAfst Ge.o~ ~O"I"’o..t’6
978/l:d9 ?8
0 ’tv..h.-O" ~.e<\.J\<;O-l
q 10 .~.s;1-fdb 1..
pe
SlonnHloler Disc/lames to:
Receiving Stream(s)Tom Creek
Make certain this form has been signed. - See Item 2 on page 1 of this form.
2007 Renewal Form Page 2 of2
~cannea 11:~U:J4 1~/~J/~U14
STATE OF COLORADO
Bill Owens, Governor
Douglas H. Benevento, Executive Director
Dedicated to protecting and improving the health and environment of the people of Colorado
4300 Cherry Creek Dr. S. Laboratory and Radiation Services Division
Denver, Colorado 80246-1 S30 8100 Lowry Blvd.
Phone (303) 692-2000 Denver, Colorado 80230-6928
TOO Line (303) 691-7700 (303) 692-3090
Located in Glendale, Colorado
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us
Colorado Department
of Public Health
and Environment
February 17,2005
Robert L. Life, Rockies/CBM Ops. Mgr
Chevron U.S.A. Inc. - Kenneth W. Jackson
11111 S. WilcrestJP .0. Box 36366
Houston, TX 77099
281/561-4991
RE: Final Permit, Colorado Discharge Permit System - Stormwater
Certification No: COR-037787, Garfield County
Skinner Ridge Natural Gas Wells
Local Contact:Sean Norris, Senior Project Geologist, 970/263-7800
Anticipated Activity: 02/07/2005 through 06/07/2006
On 3.4 acres (18.0 acres disturbed)
Dear Sir or Madam:
Enclosed please find a copy of the permit certification that was issued to you under the Colorado Water Quality Control
Act.
Your certification under the permit requires that specific actions be performed at designated times. You are legally
obligated to comply with all terms and conditions of your certification.
Note that the stormwater permit for construction activities now covers construction sites disturbing down to one acre (the
previous threshold was 5 acres). Effective July 1,2002, any construction activity that disturbs at least 1 acre ofland (or is
part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will disturb at least 1 acre) must apply for permit coverage.
Please read the permit and certification. If you have any questions please visit our website at
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/permitsunitlwqcdpmt.html. or contact Matt Czahor at (303) 692-3575.
Sincerely,
~ cC"’--.
Kathryn Dolan
Stormwater Program Coordinator
Permits Unit
WATER QUALITY CONTROL DIVISION
Enclosure
xc: Regional Council of Governments
Local County Health Department
District Engineer, Technical Services, WQCD
Permit File
Fee File
t;j..."’""O:.... J.J."C.D",:;:II J.C.’C.’:’C.DJ.q
Permit No. COR-030000
Facility No. COR-037787
PAGE 1 of17
CERTIFICATION
CDPS GENERAL PERMIT
STORMWATER DISCHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH
CONSTRUCTION
Construction Activity: The construction activity includes the drilling of natural gas test
wells, clearing of well drilling pads, construction of access roads, and the eventual construction
of natural gas gathering pipelines.
This permit specifically authorizes: Chevron U.S.A. Inc. - Kenneth W. Jackson
to discharge stormwater from the facility identified as Skinner Ridge Natural Gas Wells
which is located at: Tom Creek in Skinner Ridge area.
Garfield County, Co
latitude 39.5877, longitude 108.3418 in Garfield County
to: Tom Creek
effective: 02/15/2005
Annual Fee: $449.00 (DO NOT PAY NOW. You will receive a prorated bill.)
..,;I.... 4iLJo LJo-’;;:"-’I. ~ ~ . ’- ~ . ~C ~’-"" ’-.J.... ’-ll ~’1
,.
.
STORMW ATER DISCHARGES
ASSOCIATED WITH:
RECEIVED
FEB 1 4 200S
For Agency Use Only
COR-0322 ~:1
GENERAL PERMIT APPLICATION
Date Received
Year Month
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY WATER QUALITY CONTROL ON/SION f)~ 00-
Day
(Permit No. COR-030000)
Code: 9A 9B 9C(l) 9D(2) 9E(3) 9F(4)
Please print or type. All items must be completed accurately and in their entirety or the application will be deemed incomplete
and processing of the permit will not begin until all information is received. Please refer to the instructions for information about
the required items. An original signature of the application is required.
1. Name and address of the permit applicant:
Company Name Chevron U.S.A. Inc. - Kenneth W. Jackson
Mailing Address 11111 S. Wilcrest/ P.O. Box 36366
City. State and Zip Code Houston. TX 770991 (P.O. Box) 77236
Phone Number (281) 561-4991 Who is applying? Owner I Developer D Contractor D
Entity Type: Private I Federal D State D County D City D Other:
Local Contact (familiar with facility) Sean Norris - Cordilleran Compliance Services (Consultant)
Title Senior Project Geologist Phone Number (970) 263-7800/cell: (970) 270-7517
2. Location of the construct
Street Address: N A $ tt ; ... VI
City. State and Zip Code NIA Gc..... <"{. :--c.{ J C ~
County Garfield Name of plan or development I Skinner Ridge Natural Gas Wells
Latitude and Longitude: 598-25-1 well (39.58770N; 108.34180W); 598-25-2 well
(39.57880N;108.34170W); 598-25-3 well (39.5911oN; 108.34270W); 598-36-1 well (39.5711oN;
108.34230W);
;~c.j~J f(c
3. Briefly describe the nature of the construction activity:
Drillin of natural as test wells’ in the vicini of the Tom Creek drama e of the Skinner Rid e
area. Initially four wells will be tlrilled to evaluate economic viability of natural gas resources of
the area. Construction activities will include the Clearing of well drilling pads. construction of
access roads. and the eventual construction of natural gas gathering pipelines. Although the
individual well pad footprints range from 3.3 acres to 3.5 acres in size. these wells are part of a
larger common plan of development and therefore exceed the 5 acres and require preparation of a
storm water management plan and storm water general permit application for storm water
discharge associated with the construction
activities.
11/04/const -1-
""... Q,.L>L.o;;\.l L L . t..t.. . I:Iq Lt.." t..;)" ’-1:I.Lq
~
.
-’
4. Anticipated construction schedule (SEE INSTRUCTIONS!):
Commencement date: 02/07/05 Completion date:06/07/06
5.Area of the construction site:
Total area of project site (acres)3.4 acres for each of the Tom Creek Area four test well pads
Area of project site to undergo disturbance (acres) 18 acres. 4 well pads. 2 miles of access roads
(20 feet to 40 feet wide). and 2 miles of pipeline right-of-way easements.
If project site is part of a Larger common Plan of Development or Sale, total area of common plan
to undergo disturbance (see Instructions) 26 acres for the Skinner Ridge Area Wells
6. The name of the receiving stream(s). (If discharge is to a ditch or storm sewer, also include the
name of the ultimate receiving water): Tom Creek
7. Stormwater Management Plan Certification:
WI certify under penalty of law that a complete Stormwater Management Plan. as described in
Appendix A of this application. has been prepared for my facility. Based on my inquiry of the
person or persons who manage the system, or those directly responsible for gathering the
information, the Stormwater Management Plan is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true,
accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for falsely certifying the
completion of said SWMP, including the possibility of rme and imprisonment for knowing
viOlatiOn~ ;J-;
Signature of Applicant
0/
Date Signed
Lerll, L ,’~/C/5"">/t1 d~~ ~~
Name (printed) Title l
8. Signature of Applicant (legally responsible person)
WI certify under penalty of law that I have personally examined and am familiar with the
information submitted in this application and all attachments and that, based on my inquiry of
those individuals immediately responsible for obtaining the information, I believe that the
information is true, accurate and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for
submitting false information, including possibility of rme or imprisonment."
~ ~CdS
Date Signed
~ ;’rJ/o/ {J~hQjI(~
Tit ----rT’(
Signature of Applicant
~r! ber 1-1--. L, Ie
Name (printed)
11I04/cons!-2-
Appendix B
NRCS Soils Report and Ecological Site Descriptions
Skinner Ridge
United States
Department of
Agriculture
A product of the National
Cooperative Soil Survey,
a joint effort of the United
States Department of
Agriculture and other
Federal agencies, State
agencies including the
Agricultural Experiment
Stations, and local
participants
Custom Soil Resource
Report for
Douglas-Plateau Area,
Colorado, Parts of Garfield
and Mesa Counties
Natural
Resources
Conservation
Service
July 9, 2013
United States
Department of
Agriculture
A product of the National
Cooperative Soil Survey,
a joint effort of the United
States Department of
Agriculture and other
Federal agencies, State
agencies including the
Agricultural Experiment
Stations, and local
participants
Custom Soil Resource
Report for
Douglas-Plateau Area,
Colorado, Parts of Garfield
and Mesa Counties
Natural
Resources
Conservation
Service
February 25, 2014
Preface
Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas. They
highlight soil limitations that affect various land uses and provide information about
the properties of the soils in the survey areas. Soil surveys are designed for many
different users, including farmers, ranchers, foresters, agronomists, urban planners,
community officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers. Also,
conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, waste disposal,
and pollution control can use the surveys to help them understand, protect, or enhance
the environment.
Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose
special restrictions on land use or land treatment. Soil surveys identify soil properties
that are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions. The information
is intended to help the land users identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on
various land uses. The landowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying
with existing laws and regulations.
Although soil survey information can be used for general farm, local, and wider area
planning, onsite investigation is needed to supplement this information in some cases.
Examples include soil quality assessments (http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/) and certain
conservation and engineering applications. For more detailed information, contact
your local USDA Service Center (http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?
agency=nrcs) or your NRCS State Soil Scientist (http://soils.usda.gov/contact/
state_offices/).
Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are
seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as a
foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as septic
tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to basements or
underground installations.
The National Cooperative Soil Survey is a joint effort of the United States Department
of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the Agricultural
Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) has leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil
Survey.
Information about soils is updated periodically. Updated information is available
through the NRCS Soil Data Mart Web site or the NRCS Web Soil Survey. The Soil
Data Mart is the data storage site for the official soil survey information.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs
and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where
applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual
orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an
individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited
bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means
2
for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a
complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400
Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272
(voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and
employer.
3
Contents
Preface....................................................................................................................2
How Soil Surveys Are Made..................................................................................5
Soil Map..................................................................................................................7
Soil Map................................................................................................................8
Legend..................................................................................................................9
Map Unit Legend................................................................................................10
Map Unit Descriptions........................................................................................10
Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties........13
7—Biedsaw-Sunup gravelly loams, 10 to 40 percent slopes......................13
28—Cumulic Haploborolls, 1 to 3 percent slopes.......................................14
29—Debeque very channery loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes........................15
32—Dominguez clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes.......................................16
42—Grobutte very channery loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes.......................17
44—Happle very channery sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes.................18
45—Happle very channery sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes...............19
46—Happle-Rock outcrop association, 25 to 65 percent slopes.................20
54—Panitchen loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes.................................................21
56—Parachute-Irigul-Rhone association, 25 to 50 percent slopes.............22
67—Tosca channery loam, 25 to 80 percent slopes...................................24
71—Utso-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 90 percent slopes.........................25
75—Wrayha-Rabbitex-Veatch complex, 45 to 65 percent slopes, very
stony.....................................................................................................26
Soil Information for All Uses...............................................................................29
Soil Reports........................................................................................................29
Soil Erosion.....................................................................................................29
RUSLE2 Related Attributes.........................................................................29
Vegetative Productivity...................................................................................31
Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant
Composition..........................................................................................31
References............................................................................................................41
4
Contents
Preface....................................................................................................................2
How Soil Surveys Are Made..................................................................................5
Soil Map..................................................................................................................7
Soil Map................................................................................................................8
Legend..................................................................................................................9
Map Unit Legend................................................................................................10
Map Unit Descriptions........................................................................................10
Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties........12
52—Northwater-Adel complex, 5 to 50 percent slopes...............................12
55—Parachute-Irigul complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes................................13
Soil Information for All Uses...............................................................................15
Soil Reports........................................................................................................15
Soil Erosion.....................................................................................................15
RUSLE2 Related Attributes.........................................................................15
Vegetative Productivity...................................................................................16
Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant
Composition..........................................................................................16
References............................................................................................................20
4
How Soil Surveys Are Made
Soil surveys are made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous areas
in a specific area. They include a description of the soils and miscellaneous areas and
their location on the landscape and tables that show soil properties and limitations
affecting various uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape of
the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops and native plants; and
the kinds of bedrock. They observed and described many soil profiles. A soil profile is
the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends from the
surface down into the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed or from the
surface down to bedrock. The unconsolidated material is devoid of roots and other
living organisms and has not been changed by other biological activity.
Currently, soils are mapped according to the boundaries of major land resource areas
(MLRAs). MLRAs are geographically associated land resource units that share
common characteristics related to physiography, geology, climate, water resources,
soils, biological resources, and land uses (USDA, 2006). Soil survey areas typically
consist of parts of one or more MLRA.
The soils and miscellaneous areas in a survey area occur in an orderly pattern that is
related to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area.
Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind of
landform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and miscellaneous
areas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments of the
landform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they were formed. Thus,
during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict with a considerable
degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location on the
landscape.
Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as their
characteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, soil
scientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only
a limited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented by
an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to verify
predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.
Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied. They
noted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rock
fragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enable them to
identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining their
properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).
Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soil
characteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis for
comparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic
classification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character of
soil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soil
scientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the
5
individual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so that
they could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience and
research.
The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate pure map unit components; the
objective is to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that have
similar use and management requirements. Each map unit is defined by a unique
combination of soil components and/or miscellaneous areas in predictable
proportions. Some components may be highly contrasting to the other components of
the map unit. The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes
the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The delineation of such landforms and
landform segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development of
resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, onsite investigation is
needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.
Soil scientists make many field observations in the process of producing a soil map.
The frequency of observation is dependent upon several factors, including scale of
mapping, intensity of mapping, design of map units, complexity of the landscape, and
experience of the soil scientist. Observations are made to test and refine the soil-
landscape model and predictions and to verify the classification of the soils at specific
locations. Once the soil-landscape model is refined, a significantly smaller number of
measurements of individual soil properties are made and recorded. These
measurements may include field measurements, such as those for color, depth to
bedrock, and texture, and laboratory measurements, such as those for content of
sand, silt, clay, salt, and other components. Properties of each soil typically vary from
one point to another across the landscape.
Observations for map unit components are aggregated to develop ranges of
characteristics for the components. The aggregated values are presented. Direct
measurements do not exist for every property presented for every map unit
component. Values for some properties are estimated from combinations of other
properties.
While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the area generally
are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil scientists interpret
the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed characteristics
and the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the soils under different
uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through observation of the soils
in different uses and under different levels of management. Some interpretations are
modified to fit local conditions, and some new interpretations are developed to meet
local needs. Data are assembled from other sources, such as research information,
production records, and field experience of specialists. For example, data on crop
yields under defined levels of management are assembled from farm records and from
field or plot experiments on the same kinds of soil.
Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also on such
variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable over long
periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soil
scientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will have
a high water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict that a
high water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date.
After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in the
survey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs and
identified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields,
roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately.
Custom Soil Resource Report
6
Soil Map
The soil map section includes the soil map for the defined area of interest, a list of soil
map units on the map and extent of each map unit, and cartographic symbols
displayed on the map. Also presented are various metadata about data used to
produce the map, and a description of each soil map unit.
7
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6
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723000
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728400
728400
731100
731100
733800
733800
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0 8,000 16,000 24,0004,000
Feet02,000 4,000 6,0001,000
Meters±
39° 39' 18''
10
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°
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3
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39° 27' 26''
10
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°
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39° 27' 42''
39° 39' 33''
10
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°
2
6
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10
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°
2
6
'
1
6
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'
Map Scale: 1:105,000 if printed on A size (8.5" x 11") sheet.
Custom Soil Resource ReportSoil Map
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Units
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Gully
Short Steep Slope
Other
Political Features
Cities
PLSS Township and
Range
PLSS Section
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Map Scale: 1:105,000 if printed on A size (8.5" × 11") sheet.
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:24,000.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for accurate map
measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov
Coordinate System: UTM Zone 12N NAD83
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of
the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of
Garfield and Mesa Counties
Survey Area Data: Version 5, Feb 1, 2008
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: 8/24/2005; 9/15/2005;
8/29/2005; 6/30/2005
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were
compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting
of map unit boundaries may be evident.
Custom Soil Resource Report
Map Unit Legend
Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties (CO682)
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
7 Biedsaw-Sunup gravelly loams, 10 to 40 percent
slopes
248.2 4.9%
28 Cumulic Haploborolls, 1 to 3 percent slopes 524.6 10.4%
29 Debeque very channery loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes 71.1 1.4%
32 Dominguez clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes 12.6 0.2%
42 Grobutte very channery loam, 30 to 60 percent
slopes
487.1 9.7%
44 Happle very channery sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent
slopes
182.4 3.6%
45 Happle very channery sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent
slopes
832.6 16.6%
46 Happle-Rock outcrop association, 25 to 65 percent
slopes
1,705.8 33.9%
54 Panitchen loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes 34.6 0.7%
56 Parachute-Irigul-Rhone association, 25 to 50 percent
slopes
19.2 0.4%
67 Tosca channery loam, 25 to 80 percent slopes 538.0 10.7%
71 Utso-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 90 percent slopes 320.6 6.4%
75 Wrayha-Rabbitex-Veatch complex, 45 to 65 percent
slopes, very stony
52.4 1.0%
Totals for Area of Interest 5,029.3 100.0%
Map Unit Descriptions
The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the soils
or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions, along with the
maps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit.
A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or more
major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and named
according to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomic
class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the landscape,
however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the characteristic variability
of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some observed properties may extend
beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of a single taxonomic
class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without including areas of other taxonomic
classes. Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils or miscellaneous areas
for which it is named and some minor components that belong to taxonomic classes
other than those of the major soils.
Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in the
map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are called
Custom Soil Resource Report
10
noncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in a
particular map unit description. Other minor components, however, have properties
and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different
management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They generally
are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the scale used.
Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identified
by a special symbol on the maps. If included in the database for a given area, the
contrasting minor components are identified in the map unit descriptions along with
some characteristics of each. A few areas of minor components may not have been
observed, and consequently they are not mentioned in the descriptions, especially
where the pattern was so complex that it was impractical to make enough observations
to identify all the soils and miscellaneous areas on the landscape.
The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness
or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure taxonomic
classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that
have similar use and management requirements. The delineation of such segments
on the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans. If
intensive use of small areas is planned, however, onsite investigation is needed to
define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.
An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions. Each
description includes general facts about the unit and gives important soil properties
and qualities.
Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for
differences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major horizons
that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.
Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity,
degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis of such
differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on the
detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase commonly
indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Alpha silt loam, 0
to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha series.
Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.
These map units are complexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups.
A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate
pattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps. The
pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all
areas. Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, is an example.
An association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils or
miscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present or
anticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered practical
or necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately. The pattern and
relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar. Alpha-
Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas that
could be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similar
interpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion of
the soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can be
made up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made up
of all of them. Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
Custom Soil Resource Report
11
Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil material
and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.
Custom Soil Resource Report
12
8
Custom Soil Resource Report
Soil Map
43
8
8
9
0
0
43
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9
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9
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732300 732400 732500 732600 732700 732800 732900 733000 733100
732300 732400 732500 732600 732700 732800 732900 733000 733100
39° 37' 25'' N
10
8
°
1
7
'
4
0
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W
39° 37' 25'' N
10
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39° 37' 5'' N
10
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W
39° 37' 5'' N
10
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1
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'
W
N
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 12N WGS84
0 200 400 800 1200
Feet
0 50 100 200 300
Meters
Map Scale: 1:4,230 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet.
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:24,000.
Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause
misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line
placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting
soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map
measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov
Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator
projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts
distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the
Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate
calculations of distance or area are required.
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of
the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of
Garfield and Mesa Counties
Survey Area Data: Version 6, Dec 23, 2013
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000
or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Jun 22, 2010—Sep 2,
2010
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were
compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting
of map unit boundaries may be evident.
Custom Soil Resource Report
9
Map Unit Legend
Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties (CO682)
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
52 Northwater-Adel complex, 5 to
50 percent slopes
25.9 41.7%
55 Parachute-Irigul complex, 5 to
30 percent slopes
36.2 58.3%
Totals for Area of Interest 62.1 100.0%
Map Unit Descriptions
The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the soils
or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions, along with the
maps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit.
A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or more
major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and named
according to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomic
class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the landscape,
however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the characteristic variability
of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some observed properties may extend
beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of a single taxonomic
class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without including areas of other taxonomic
classes. Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils or miscellaneous areas
for which it is named and some minor components that belong to taxonomic classes
other than those of the major soils.
Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in the
map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are called
noncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in a
particular map unit description. Other minor components, however, have properties
and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different
management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They generally
are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the scale used.
Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identified
by a special symbol on the maps. If included in the database for a given area, the
contrasting minor components are identified in the map unit descriptions along with
some characteristics of each. A few areas of minor components may not have been
observed, and consequently they are not mentioned in the descriptions, especially
where the pattern was so complex that it was impractical to make enough observations
to identify all the soils and miscellaneous areas on the landscape.
The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness
or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure taxonomic
classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that
have similar use and management requirements. The delineation of such segments
on the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans. If
Custom Soil Resource Report
10
intensive use of small areas is planned, however, onsite investigation is needed to
define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.
An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions. Each
description includes general facts about the unit and gives important soil properties
and qualities.
Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for
differences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major horizons
that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.
Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity,
degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis of such
differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on the
detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase commonly
indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Alpha silt loam, 0
to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha series.
Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.
These map units are complexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups.
A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate
pattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps. The
pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all
areas. Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, is an example.
An association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils or
miscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present or
anticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered practical
or necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately. The pattern and
relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar. Alpha-
Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas that
could be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similar
interpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion of
the soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can be
made up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made up
of all of them. Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil material
and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.
Custom Soil Resource Report
11
Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
7—Biedsaw-Sunup gravelly loams, 10 to 40 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:5,100 to 6,600 feet
Mean annual precipitation:12 to 14 inches
Mean annual air temperature:46 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period:100 to 150 days
Map Unit Composition
Biedsaw and similar soils:45 percent
Sunup and similar soils:25 percent
Description of Biedsaw
Setting
Landform:Ridges, mountains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Backslope, footslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank
Down-slope shape:Convex, concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Wasatch shale formation colluvium over wasatch shale formation
residuum
Properties and qualities
Slope:10 to 40 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:10 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline to very slightly saline (2.0 to 4.0 mmhos/cm)
Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum:5.0
Available water capacity:Very high (about 26.7 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:C
Ecological site:Juniperus osteosperma-Pinus edulis/Pleuraphis jamesii
(F034XY447CO)
Typical profile
0 to 4 inches:Gravelly loam
4 to 9 inches:Loam
9 to 43 inches:Clay loam, silty clay loam, clay
43 to 60 inches:Silty clay loam, clay
Description of Sunup
Setting
Landform:Mountains, ridges
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Landform position (two-dimensional):Footslope, backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank
Down-slope shape:Concave, convex
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Colluvium derived from shale and/or residuum weathered from
shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:10 to 40 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:10 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:10 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline to very slightly saline (2.0 to 4.0 mmhos/cm)
Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum:5.0
Available water capacity:Very low (about 1.7 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Ecological site:Juniperus osteosperma-Pinus edulis/Pleuraphis jamesii
(F034XY447CO)
Typical profile
0 to 4 inches:Gravelly loam
4 to 11 inches:Very gravelly loam, extremely gravelly loam
11 to 15 inches:Unweathered bedrock
28—Cumulic Haploborolls, 1 to 3 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:5,800 to 7,400 feet
Mean annual precipitation:12 to 18 inches
Mean annual air temperature:40 to 46 degrees F
Frost-free period:80 to 110 days
Map Unit Composition
Cumulic haploborolls and similar soils:90 percent
Description of Cumulic Haploborolls
Setting
Landform:Flood plains
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
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Parent material:Wasatch shale formation alluvium and/or green river shale
formation alluvium
Properties and qualities
Slope:1 to 3 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.20 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table:About 36 to 72 inches
Frequency of flooding:Occasional
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:10 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline to very slightly saline (0.0 to 4.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Low (about 4.6 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Prime farmland if irrigated and either protected from flooding
or not frequently flooded during the growing season
Land capability (nonirrigated):4e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Foothill Swale (R048AY285CO)
Typical profile
0 to 8 inches:Gravelly sandy clay loam
8 to 20 inches:Very channery sandy clay loam
20 to 28 inches:Clay loam
28 to 60 inches:Stratified very gravelly sand to extremely gravelly loamy sand
29—Debeque very channery loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:5,800 to 7,500 feet
Mean annual precipitation:12 to 18 inches
Mean annual air temperature:40 to 45 degrees F
Frost-free period:85 to 110 days
Map Unit Composition
Debeque and similar soils:85 percent
Description of Debeque
Setting
Landform:Stream terraces, alluvial fans, drainageways, mountains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Toeslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank, tread
Down-slope shape:Linear, concave
Across-slope shape:Linear, concave
Parent material:Green river shale formation alluvium and/or green river shale
formation colluvium
Properties and qualities
Slope:5 to 20 percent
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Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):High (1.98 to 6.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:10 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Very low (about 2.7 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):6e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Deep Loam (R048AY292CO)
Typical profile
0 to 4 inches:Very channery loam
4 to 7 inches:Very channery sandy loam
7 to 60 inches:Extremely channery sandy loam
32—Dominguez clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:5,000 to 6,400 feet
Mean annual precipitation:12 to 15 inches
Mean annual air temperature:46 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period:100 to 150 days
Map Unit Composition
Dominguez and similar soils:80 percent
Description of Dominguez
Setting
Landform:Mountains, alluvial fans
Landform position (two-dimensional):Toeslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Wasatch shales alluvium and/or wasatch shales residuum
Properties and qualities
Slope:3 to 8 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:15 percent
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Maximum salinity:Nonsaline to very slightly saline (0.0 to 4.0 mmhos/cm)
Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum:5.0
Available water capacity:High (about 9.1 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Prime farmland if irrigated
Land capability classification (irrigated):3s
Land capability (nonirrigated):4c
Hydrologic Soil Group:C
Ecological site:Semidesert Clay Loam (R034XY328CO)
Typical profile
0 to 3 inches:Clay loam
3 to 60 inches:Clay
42—Grobutte very channery loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:6,000 to 8,000 feet
Mean annual precipitation:16 to 18 inches
Mean annual air temperature:36 to 38 degrees F
Frost-free period:80 to 100 days
Map Unit Composition
Grobutte and similar soils:90 percent
Description of Grobutte
Setting
Landform:Mountainsides, hills
Landform position (two-dimensional):Backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank, side slope
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Mixed material colluvium
Properties and qualities
Slope:30 to 60 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.60 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:15 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum:5.0
Available water capacity:High (about 9.3 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
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Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Pinus edulis-Juniperus osteosperma/Quercus gambelii
(F034XY448CO)
Typical profile
0 to 4 inches:Very channery loam
4 to 60 inches:Very channery loam, extremely channery loam
44—Happle very channery sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:5,200 to 6,000 feet
Mean annual precipitation:12 to 15 inches
Mean annual air temperature:46 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period:100 to 150 days
Map Unit Composition
Happle and similar soils:80 percent
Description of Happle
Setting
Landform:Alluvial fans
Down-slope shape:Convex
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Green river formation alluvium derived from shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:3 to 12 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.57 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:10 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Low (about 3.4 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):4e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Rolling Loam (R034XY298CO)
Typical profile
0 to 7 inches:Very channery sandy loam
7 to 14 inches:Very channery sandy loam
14 to 32 inches:Very channery sandy clay loam
32 to 60 inches:Extremely channery sandy loam
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45—Happle very channery sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:5,400 to 6,200 feet
Mean annual precipitation:12 to 15 inches
Mean annual air temperature:46 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period:100 to 150 days
Map Unit Composition
Happle and similar soils:80 percent
Description of Happle
Setting
Landform:Mountains, alluvial fans
Landform position (two-dimensional):Toeslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank
Down-slope shape:Convex
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Green river formation alluvium derived from shale and/or green river
formation colluvium derived from shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:12 to 25 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.57 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:10 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Low (about 3.4 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):6e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Loamy Slopes (R034XY303CO)
Typical profile
0 to 7 inches:Very channery sandy loam
7 to 14 inches:Very channery sandy loam
14 to 32 inches:Very channery sandy clay loam
32 to 60 inches:Extremely channery sandy loam
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46—Happle-Rock outcrop association, 25 to 65 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:6,200 to 7,200 feet
Mean annual precipitation:12 to 15 inches
Mean annual air temperature:46 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period:100 to 150 days
Map Unit Composition
Happle and similar soils:50 percent
Rock outcrop:35 percent
Description of Happle
Setting
Landform:Canyons, mountains
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank
Down-slope shape:Convex
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Green river formation colluvium derived from shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:25 to 65 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.57 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:10 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Low (about 3.4 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Steep Colluvial Slopes (R034XY445CO)
Typical profile
0 to 7 inches:Very channery sandy loam
7 to 14 inches:Very channery sandy loam
14 to 32 inches:Very channery sandy clay loam
32 to 60 inches:Extremely channery sandy loam
Description of Rock Outcrop
Properties and qualities
Slope:40 to 65 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:0 inches to lithic bedrock
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Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Very low to low (0.00 to
0.00 in/hr)
Available water capacity:Very low (about 0.0 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):8s
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Typical profile
0 to 60 inches:Unweathered bedrock
54—Panitchen loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:4,800 to 5,800 feet
Mean annual precipitation:12 to 16 inches
Mean annual air temperature:48 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period:95 to 130 days
Map Unit Composition
Panitchen and similar soils:85 percent
Description of Panitchen
Setting
Landform:Flood plains, terraces
Landform position (three-dimensional):Tread
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Mixed material alluvium
Properties and qualities
Slope:1 to 6 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high (0.20 to
0.60 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:15 percent
Maximum salinity:Very slightly saline to slightly saline (4.0 to 8.0 mmhos/cm)
Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum:5.0
Available water capacity:Moderate (about 8.3 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Prime farmland if irrigated
Land capability classification (irrigated):3e
Land capability (nonirrigated):4c
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
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Ecological site:Foothill Swale (R034XY285CO)
Typical profile
0 to 7 inches:Loam
7 to 29 inches:Stratified gravelly loam to gravelly clay loam
29 to 60 inches:Stratified sandy loam to loam
56—Parachute-Irigul-Rhone association, 25 to 50 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:7,600 to 8,800 feet
Mean annual precipitation:18 to 22 inches
Mean annual air temperature:36 to 40 degrees F
Frost-free period:65 to 80 days
Map Unit Composition
Parachute and similar soils:35 percent
Irigul and similar soils:30 percent
Rhone and similar soils:20 percent
Description of Parachute
Setting
Landform:Mountains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Summit, shoulder
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountaintop
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Convex
Parent material:Colluvium derived from sandstone and shale and/or residuum
weathered from siltstone
Properties and qualities
Slope:25 to 50 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:20 to 40 inches to paralithic bedrock
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Available water capacity:Low (about 4.0 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Brushy Loam (R048AY238CO)
Typical profile
0 to 10 inches:Loam
10 to 25 inches:Very channery loam, extremely channery loam
25 to 29 inches:Unweathered bedrock
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Description of Irigul
Setting
Landform:Hills
Landform position (two-dimensional):Toeslope, summit, footslope, backslope,
shoulder
Landform position (three-dimensional):Crest
Down-slope shape:Convex
Across-slope shape:Convex
Parent material:Residuum weathered from sandstone and shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:25 to 50 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:5 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Available water capacity:Very low (about 1.3 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Ecological site:Loamy Slopes (R048AY303CO)
Typical profile
0 to 6 inches:Channery loam
6 to 13 inches:Very channery loam
13 to 17 inches:Unweathered bedrock
Description of Rhone
Setting
Landform:Hills, mountains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Backslope, shoulder, summit, footslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank, side slope
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Concave
Parent material:Colluvium derived from sandstone and shale and/or residuum
weathered from sandstone and shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:25 to 50 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:40 to 60 inches to paralithic bedrock
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Available water capacity:Moderate (about 7.5 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
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Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Brushy Loam (R048AY238CO)
Typical profile
0 to 10 inches:Loam
10 to 39 inches:Channery loam
39 to 55 inches:Very channery loam
55 to 59 inches:Unweathered bedrock
67—Tosca channery loam, 25 to 80 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:6,200 to 8,500 feet
Mean annual precipitation:16 to 20 inches
Mean annual air temperature:40 to 46 degrees F
Frost-free period:85 to 110 days
Map Unit Composition
Tosca and similar soils:80 percent
Description of Tosca
Setting
Landform:Mountains
Landform position (three-dimensional):Lower third of mountainflank
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Green river colluvium derived from shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:25 to 80 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.57 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:40 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum:5.0
Available water capacity:Low (about 5.1 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Brushy Loam (R048AY238CO)
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Typical profile
0 to 8 inches:Channery loam
8 to 46 inches:Very channery loam
46 to 60 inches:Very channery loam
71—Utso-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 90 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:6,800 to 8,000 feet
Mean annual precipitation:15 to 20 inches
Mean annual air temperature:43 to 46 degrees F
Frost-free period:85 to 110 days
Map Unit Composition
Utso and similar soils:60 percent
Rock outcrop:25 percent
Description of Utso
Setting
Landform:Mountains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Green river colluvium derived from shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:40 to 65 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.60 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:10 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Moderate (about 8.9 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Typical profile
0 to 4 inches:Channery loam
4 to 11 inches:Very channery loam
11 to 60 inches:Very channery loam, extremely channery loam
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Description of Rock Outcrop
Setting
Landform:Mountains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Properties and qualities
Slope:40 to 90 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:0 inches to lithic bedrock
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Very low to low (0.00 to
0.00 in/hr)
Available water capacity:Very low (about 0.0 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):8s
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Typical profile
0 to 60 inches:Unweathered bedrock
75—Wrayha-Rabbitex-Veatch complex, 45 to 65 percent slopes, very
stony
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:5,800 to 7,600 feet
Mean annual precipitation:14 to 16 inches
Mean annual air temperature:40 to 45 degrees F
Frost-free period:85 to 105 days
Map Unit Composition
Wrayha and similar soils:35 percent
Veatch and similar soils:20 percent
Rabbitex and similar soils:20 percent
Description of Wrayha
Setting
Landform:Canyons
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Localized, marine colluvium derived from sandstone and shale and/
or deeply truncated, marine residuum weathered from sandstone and shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:45 to 65 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
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Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:10 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Very high (about 16.4 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Ecological site:Pinus edulis-Juniperus osteosperma/Quercus gambelii
(F048AY448CO)
Typical profile
0 to 4 inches:Gravelly sandy loam
4 to 28 inches:Clay loam
28 to 60 inches:Silty clay loam, clay
Description of Rabbitex
Setting
Landform:Canyons
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Colluvium derived from sandstone and siltstone and/or residuum
weathered from sandstone and siltstone
Properties and qualities
Slope:45 to 65 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.60 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:30 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum:5.0
Available water capacity:Very high (about 14.2 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Pinus edulis-Juniperus osteosperma/Quercus gambelii
(F048AY448CO)
Typical profile
0 to 7 inches:Loam
7 to 15 inches:Loam, sandy clay loam
15 to 60 inches:Channery loam, channery sandy clay loam
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Description of Veatch
Setting
Landform:Canyons
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Colluvium derived from sandstone and siltstone and/or residuum
weathered from sandstone and siltstone
Properties and qualities
Slope:45 to 65 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:20 to 40 inches to lithic bedrock
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:15 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Low (about 3.0 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Pinus edulis-Juniperus osteosperma/Quercus gambelii
(F048AY448CO)
Typical profile
0 to 6 inches:Loam
6 to 11 inches:Loam
11 to 32 inches:Very channery sandy loam
32 to 36 inches:Unweathered bedrock
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
52—Northwater-Adel complex, 5 to 50 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:7,700 to 8,400 feet
Mean annual precipitation:18 to 25 inches
Mean annual air temperature:36 to 40 degrees F
Frost-free period:45 to 75 days
Map Unit Composition
Northwater and similar soils:50 percent
Adel and similar soils:40 percent
Description of Northwater
Setting
Landform:Mountainsides
Landform position (two-dimensional):Toeslope, footslope, backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Colluvium derived from sedimentary rock and/or residuum
weathered from sedimentary rock
Properties and qualities
Slope:5 to 50 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.60 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Available water capacity:Moderate (about 7.0 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Typical profile
0 to 28 inches:Loam
28 to 48 inches:Very channery loam
48 to 60 inches:Extremely channery loam
Description of Adel
Setting
Landform:Swales, hills
Landform position (two-dimensional):Footslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Base slope
Down-slope shape:Concave
Across-slope shape:Concave, linear
Parent material:Colluvium derived from sedimentary rock
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Properties and qualities
Slope:5 to 50 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high
(0.57 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:5 percent
Available water capacity:Very high (about 17.9 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Typical profile
0 to 20 inches:Clay loam
20 to 31 inches:Clay loam, loam
31 to 60 inches:Clay loam, loam
55—Parachute-Irigul complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:7,600 to 8,800 feet
Mean annual precipitation:18 to 22 inches
Mean annual air temperature:36 to 40 degrees F
Frost-free period:65 to 90 days
Map Unit Composition
Parachute and similar soils:60 percent
Irigul and similar soils:30 percent
Description of Parachute
Setting
Landform:Mountains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Summit, shoulder
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountaintop
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Convex
Parent material:Residuum weathered from shale and siltstone and/or residuum
weathered from sandstone and shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:5 to 30 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:20 to 40 inches to paralithic bedrock
Drainage class:Well drained
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Available water capacity:Low (about 4.0 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):6e
Hydrologic Soil Group:C
Ecological site:Mountain Loam (R048AY228CO)
Typical profile
0 to 10 inches:Loam
10 to 25 inches:Very channery loam, extremely channery loam
25 to 29 inches:Unweathered bedrock
Description of Irigul
Setting
Landform:Hills
Landform position (two-dimensional):Toeslope, footslope, backslope, shoulder,
summit
Landform position (three-dimensional):Crest
Down-slope shape:Convex
Across-slope shape:Convex
Parent material:Residuum weathered from sandstone and shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:5 to 30 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:5 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately low to
moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Available water capacity:Very low (about 1.3 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Ecological site:Loamy Slopes (R048AY303CO)
Typical profile
0 to 6 inches:Channery loam
6 to 13 inches:Very channery loam
13 to 17 inches:Unweathered bedrock
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Soil Information for All Uses
Soil Reports
The Soil Reports section includes various formatted tabular and narrative reports
(tables) containing data for each selected soil map unit and each component of each
unit. No aggregation of data has occurred as is done in reports in the Soil Properties
and Qualities and Suitabilities and Limitations sections.
The reports contain soil interpretive information as well as basic soil properties and
qualities. A description of each report (table) is included.
Soil Erosion
This folder contains a collection of tabular reports that present soil erosion factors and
groupings. The reports (tables) include all selected map units and components for
each map unit. Soil erosion factors are soil properties and interpretations used in
evaluating the soil for potential erosion. Example soil erosion factors can include K
factor for the whole soil or on a rock free basis, T factor, wind erodibility group and
wind erodibility index.
RUSLE2 Related Attributes
This report summarizes those soil attributes used by the Revised Universal Soil Loss
Equation Version 2 (RUSLE2) for the map units in the selected area. The report
includes the map unit symbol, the component name, and the percent of the component
in the map unit. Soil property data for each map unit component include the hydrologic
soil group, erosion factors Kf for the surface horizon, erosion factor T, and the
representative percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the surface horizon.
Report—RUSLE2 Related Attributes
29
RUSLE2 Related Attributes– Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map symbol and soil name Pct. of
map unit
Slope
length
(ft)
Hydrologic group Kf T factor Representative value
% Sand % Silt % Clay
7—Biedsaw-Sunup gravelly
loams, 10 to 40 percent slopes
Biedsaw 45 —C .37 5 39.2 37.3 23.5
Sunup 25 —D .37 1 39.8 37.7 22.5
28—Cumulic Haploborolls, 1 to 3
percent slopes
Cumulic haploborolls 90 —B .17 3 57.0 18.0 25.0
29—Debeque very channery
loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes
Debeque 85 —B .28 2 42.1 37.9 20.0
32—Dominguez clay loam, 3 to 8
percent slopes
Dominguez 80 —C .24 5 33.2 36.3 30.5
42—Grobutte very channery
loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes
Grobutte 90 —B .28 5 38.5 36.5 25.0
44—Happle very channery
sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent
slopes
Happle 80 —B .28 5 65.1 18.9 16.0
45—Happle very channery
sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent
slopes
Happle 80 —B .28 5 65.1 18.9 16.0
46—Happle-Rock outcrop
association, 25 to 65 percent
slopes
Happle 50 —B .28 5 65.1 18.9 16.0
Rock outcrop 35 —D —————
54—Panitchen loam, 1 to 6
percent slopes
Panitchen 85 —B .37 5 44.3 40.7 15.0
56—Parachute-Irigul-Rhone
association, 25 to 50 percent
slopes
Parachute 35 —B .20 3 42.1 37.9 20.0
Irigul 30 —D .28 1 39.8 37.7 22.5
Rhone 20 —B .20 4 39.2 37.3 23.5
67—Tosca channery loam, 25 to
80 percent slopes
Tosca 80 —B .28 2 44.3 40.7 15.0
Custom Soil Resource Report
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RUSLE2 Related Attributes– Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map symbol and soil name Pct. of
map unit
Slope
length
(ft)
Hydrologic group Kf T factor Representative value
% Sand % Silt % Clay
71—Utso-Rock outcrop
complex, 40 to 90 percent
slopes
Utso 60 —B .28 5 39.8 37.7 22.5
Rock outcrop 25 —D —————
75—Wrayha-Rabbitex-Veatch
complex, 45 to 65 percent
slopes, very stony
Wrayha 35 —D .24 5 67.2 15.3 17.5
Rabbitex 20 —B .24 5 41.6 37.4 21.0
Veatch 20 —B .28 2 44.3 40.7 15.0
Vegetative Productivity
This folder contains a collection of tabular reports that present vegetative productivity
data. The reports (tables) include all selected map units and components for each
map unit. Vegetative productivity includes estimates of potential vegetative production
for a variety of land uses, including cropland, forestland, hayland, pastureland,
horticulture and rangeland. In the underlying database, some states maintain crop
yield data by individual map unit component. Other states maintain the data at the
map unit level. Attributes are included for both, although only one or the other is likely
to contain data for any given geographic area. For other land uses, productivity data
is shown only at the map unit component level. Examples include potential crop yields
under irrigated and nonirrigated conditions, forest productivity, forest site index, and
total rangeland production under of normal, favorable and unfavorable conditions.
Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification,
Productivity, and Plant Composition
In areas that have similar climate and topography, differences in the kind and amount
of rangeland or forest understory vegetation are closely related to the kind of soil.
Effective management is based on the relationship between the soils and vegetation
and water.
This table shows, for each soil that supports vegetation, the ecological site, plant
association, or habitat type; the total annual production of vegetation in favorable,
normal, and unfavorable years; the characteristic vegetation; and the average
percentage of each species. An explanation of the column headings in the table
follows.
An ecological site, plant association, or habitat type is the product of all the
environmental factors responsible for its development. It has characteristic soils that
have developed over time throughout the soil development process; a characteristic
hydrology, particularly infiltration and runoff that has developed over time; and a
characteristic plant community (kind and amount of vegetation). The hydrology of the
Custom Soil Resource Report
31
site is influenced by development of the soil and plant community. The vegetation,
soils, and hydrology are all interrelated. Each is influenced by the others and
influences the development of the others. The plant community on an ecological site,
plant association, or habitat type is typified by an association of species that differs
from that of other ecological sites, plant associations, or habitat types in the kind and/
or proportion of species or in total production. Descriptions of ecological sites are
provided in the Field Office Technical Guide, which is available in local offices of the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Descriptions of plant associations
or habitat types are available from local U.S. Forest Service offices.
Total dry-weight production is the amount of vegetation that can be expected to grow
annually in a well managed area that is supporting the potential natural plant
community. It includes all vegetation, whether or not it is palatable to grazing animals.
It includes the current year's growth of leaves, twigs, and fruits of woody plants. It does
not include the increase in stem diameter of trees and shrubs. It is expressed in pounds
per acre of air-dry vegetation for favorable, normal, and unfavorable years. In a
favorable year, the amount and distribution of precipitation and the temperatures make
growing conditions substantially better than average. In a normal year, growing
conditions are about average. In an unfavorable year, growing conditions are well
below average, generally because of low available soil moisture. Yields are adjusted
to a common percent of air-dry moisture content.
Characteristic vegetation (the grasses, forbs, shrubs, and understory trees that make
up most of the potential natural plant community on each soil) is listed by common
name. Under rangeland composition and forest understory, the expected percentage
of the total annual production is given for each species making up the characteristic
vegetation. The percentages are by dry weight for rangeland. Percentages for forest
understory are by either dry weight or canopy cover. The amount that can be used as
forage depends on the kinds of grazing animals and on the grazing season.
Range management requires knowledge of the kinds of soil and of the potential natural
plant community. It also requires an evaluation of the present range similarity index
and rangeland trend. Range similarity index is determined by comparing the present
plant community with the potential natural plant community on a particular rangeland
ecological site. The more closely the existing community resembles the potential
community, the higher the range similarity index. Rangeland trend is defined as the
direction of change in an existing plant community relative to the potential natural plant
community. Further information about the range similarity index and rangeland trend
is available in the "National Range and Pasture Handbook," which is available in local
offices of NRCS or on the Internet.
The objective in range management is to control grazing so that the plants growing
on a site are about the same in kind and amount as the potential natural plant
community for that site. Such management generally results in the optimum
production of vegetation, control of undesirable brush species, conservation of water,
and control of erosion. Sometimes, however, an area with a range similarity index
somewhat below the potential meets grazing needs, provides wildlife habitat, and
protects soil and water resources.
Reference:
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,
National range and pasture handbook.
Custom Soil Resource Report
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RUSLE2 Related Attributes–Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map symbol and soil name Pct. of
map unit
Slope
length
(ft)
Hydrologic group Kf T factor Representative value
% Sand % Silt % Clay
52—Northwater-Adel complex, 5
to 50 percent slopes
Northwater 50 —B .28 4 43.0 38.5 18.5
Adel 40 —B .20 5 35.4 33.6 31.0
55—Parachute-Irigul complex, 5
to 30 percent slopes
Parachute 60 —C .20 3 42.1 37.9 20.0
Irigul 30 —D .28 1 39.8 37.7 22.5
Vegetative Productivity
This folder contains a collection of tabular reports that present vegetative productivity
data. The reports (tables) include all selected map units and components for each
map unit. Vegetative productivity includes estimates of potential vegetative production
for a variety of land uses, including cropland, forestland, hayland, pastureland,
horticulture and rangeland. In the underlying database, some states maintain crop
yield data by individual map unit component. Other states maintain the data at the
map unit level. Attributes are included for both, although only one or the other is likely
to contain data for any given geographic area. For other land uses, productivity data
is shown only at the map unit component level. Examples include potential crop yields
under irrigated and nonirrigated conditions, forest productivity, forest site index, and
total rangeland production under of normal, favorable and unfavorable conditions.
Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification,
Productivity, and Plant Composition
In areas that have similar climate and topography, differences in the kind and amount
of rangeland or forest understory vegetation are closely related to the kind of soil.
Effective management is based on the relationship between the soils and vegetation
and water.
This table shows, for each soil that supports vegetation, the ecological site, plant
association, or habitat type; the total annual production of vegetation in favorable,
normal, and unfavorable years; the characteristic vegetation; and the average
percentage of each species. An explanation of the column headings in the table
follows.
An ecological site, plant association, or habitat type is the product of all the
environmental factors responsible for its development. It has characteristic soils that
have developed over time throughout the soil development process; a characteristic
hydrology, particularly infiltration and runoff that has developed over time; and a
characteristic plant community (kind and amount of vegetation). The hydrology of the
site is influenced by development of the soil and plant community. The vegetation,
soils, and hydrology are all interrelated. Each is influenced by the others and
influences the development of the others. The plant community on an ecological site,
Custom Soil Resource Report
16
plant association, or habitat type is typified by an association of species that differs
from that of other ecological sites, plant associations, or habitat types in the kind and/
or proportion of species or in total production. Descriptions of ecological sites are
provided in the Field Office Technical Guide, which is available in local offices of the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Descriptions of plant associations
or habitat types are available from local U.S. Forest Service offices.
Total dry-weight production is the amount of vegetation that can be expected to grow
annually in a well managed area that is supporting the potential natural plant
community. It includes all vegetation, whether or not it is palatable to grazing animals.
It includes the current year's growth of leaves, twigs, and fruits of woody plants. It does
not include the increase in stem diameter of trees and shrubs. It is expressed in pounds
per acre of air-dry vegetation for favorable, normal, and unfavorable years. In a
favorable year, the amount and distribution of precipitation and the temperatures make
growing conditions substantially better than average. In a normal year, growing
conditions are about average. In an unfavorable year, growing conditions are well
below average, generally because of low available soil moisture. Yields are adjusted
to a common percent of air-dry moisture content.
Characteristic vegetation (the grasses, forbs, shrubs, and understory trees that make
up most of the potential natural plant community on each soil) is listed by common
name. Under rangeland composition and forest understory, the expected percentage
of the total annual production is given for each species making up the characteristic
vegetation. The percentages are by dry weight for rangeland. Percentages for forest
understory are by either dry weight or canopy cover. The amount that can be used as
forage depends on the kinds of grazing animals and on the grazing season.
Range management requires knowledge of the kinds of soil and of the potential natural
plant community. It also requires an evaluation of the present range similarity index
and rangeland trend. Range similarity index is determined by comparing the present
plant community with the potential natural plant community on a particular rangeland
ecological site. The more closely the existing community resembles the potential
community, the higher the range similarity index. Rangeland trend is defined as the
direction of change in an existing plant community relative to the potential natural plant
community. Further information about the range similarity index and rangeland trend
is available in the "National Range and Pasture Handbook," which is available in local
offices of NRCS or on the Internet.
The objective in range management is to control grazing so that the plants growing
on a site are about the same in kind and amount as the potential natural plant
community for that site. Such management generally results in the optimum
production of vegetation, control of undesirable brush species, conservation of water,
and control of erosion. Sometimes, however, an area with a range similarity index
somewhat below the potential meets grazing needs, provides wildlife habitat, and
protects soil and water resources.
Reference:
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,
National range and pasture handbook.
Custom Soil Resource Report
17
Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant Composition– Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map unit symbol and soil
name
Ecological Site, Plant
Association, or Habitat
Type
Total dry-weight production Characteristic rangeland or
forest understory
vegetation
Composition
Favorable
year
Normal year Unfavorable
year
Rangeland Forest
understory
Forest
understory
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Pct dry wt Pct dry wt Pct cover
7—Biedsaw-Sunup gravelly
loams, 10 to 40 percent
slopes
Biedsaw Juniperus osteosperma-
Pinus edulis/Pleuraphis
jamesii (F034XY447CO)
450 300 200 bluebunch wheatgrass —15 —
galleta —15 —
Indian ricegrass —15 —
bottlebrush squirreltail —10 —
other perennial forbs —10 —
Sunup Juniperus osteosperma-
Pinus edulis/Pleuraphis
jamesii (F034XY447CO)
450 300 200 bluebunch wheatgrass —15 —
galleta —15 —
Indian ricegrass —15 —
bottlebrush squirreltail —10 —
Mormon tea —5 —
needleandthread —5 —
Sandberg bluegrass —5 —
Wyoming big sagebrush —5 —
28—Cumulic Haploborolls, 1
to 3 percent slopes
Cumulic Haploborolls Foothill Swale
(R048AY285CO)
1,200 1,000 800 western wheatgrass 25 ——
Great Basin wildrye 20 ——
basin big sagebrush 10 ——
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant Composition– Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map unit symbol and soil
name
Ecological Site, Plant
Association, or Habitat
Type
Total dry-weight production Characteristic rangeland or
forest understory
vegetation
Composition
Favorable
year
Normal year Unfavorable
year
Rangeland Forest
understory
Forest
understory
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Pct dry wt Pct dry wt Pct cover
29—Debeque very channery
loam, 5 to 20 percent
slopes
Debeque Deep Loam (R048AY292CO)2,000 1,500 900 western wheatgrass 20 ——
mountain big sagebrush 15 ——
muttongrass 10 ——
other perennial forbs 10 ——
other shrubs 10 ——
prairie Junegrass 10 ——
Gambel oak 5 ——
32—Dominguez clay loam, 3
to 8 percent slopes
Dominguez Semidesert Clay Loam
(R034XY328CO)
900 700 500 saline wildrye 15 ——
western wheatgrass 15 ——
Wyoming big sagebrush 15 ——
Sandberg bluegrass 10 ——
Indian ricegrass 5 ——
shadscale saltbush 5 ——
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant Composition– Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map unit symbol and soil
name
Ecological Site, Plant
Association, or Habitat
Type
Total dry-weight production Characteristic rangeland or
forest understory
vegetation
Composition
Favorable
year
Normal year Unfavorable
year
Rangeland Forest
understory
Forest
understory
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Pct dry wt Pct dry wt Pct cover
42—Grobutte very channery
loam, 30 to 60 percent
slopes
Grobutte Pinus edulis-Juniperus
osteosperma/Quercus
gambelii (F034XY448CO)
650 550 400 Gambel oak —15 —
western wheatgrass —15 —
bluebunch wheatgrass —10 —
bottlebrush squirreltail —10 —
mountain big sagebrush —10 —
muttongrass —5 —
other perennial forbs —5 —
other perennial grasses —5 —
true mountain mahogany —5 —
44—Happle very channery
sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent
slopes
Happle Rolling Loam
(R034XY298CO)
1,000 800 500 western wheatgrass 20 ——
Wyoming big sagebrush 15 ——
bottlebrush squirreltail 10 ——
Sandberg bluegrass 10 ——
Indian ricegrass 5 ——
needleandthread 5 ——
other perennial forbs 5 ——
prairie Junegrass 5 ——
yellow rabbitbrush 5 ——
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant Composition– Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map unit symbol and soil
name
Ecological Site, Plant
Association, or Habitat
Type
Total dry-weight production Characteristic rangeland or
forest understory
vegetation
Composition
Favorable
year
Normal year Unfavorable
year
Rangeland Forest
understory
Forest
understory
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Pct dry wt Pct dry wt Pct cover
45—Happle very channery
sandy loam, 12 to 25
percent slopes
Happle Loamy Slopes
(R034XY303CO)
900 750 500 Indian ricegrass 30 ——
bluebunch wheatgrass 10 ——
needleandthread 10 ——
other perennial grasses 10 ——
western wheatgrass 10 ——
Wyoming big sagebrush 10 ——
other perennial forbs 5 ——
true mountain mahogany 5 ——
46—Happle-Rock outcrop
association, 25 to 65
percent slopes
Happle Steep Colluvial Slopes
(R034XY445CO)
1,000 850 600 Indian ricegrass 30 ——
shadscale saltbush 20 ——
bottlebrush squirreltail 15 ——
other perennial grasses 10 ——
western wheatgrass 10 ——
other perennial forbs 5 ——
Wyoming big sagebrush 5 ——
Rock outcrop ————————
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant Composition– Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map unit symbol and soil
name
Ecological Site, Plant
Association, or Habitat
Type
Total dry-weight production Characteristic rangeland or
forest understory
vegetation
Composition
Favorable
year
Normal year Unfavorable
year
Rangeland Forest
understory
Forest
understory
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Pct dry wt Pct dry wt Pct cover
54—Panitchen loam, 1 to 6
percent slopes
Panitchen Foothill Swale
(R034XY285CO)
3,000 2,000 1,000 Great Basin wildrye 30 ——
basin big sagebrush 10 ——
streambank wheatgrass 10 ——
western wheatgrass 10 ——
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant Composition– Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map unit symbol and soil
name
Ecological Site, Plant
Association, or Habitat
Type
Total dry-weight production Characteristic rangeland or
forest understory
vegetation
Composition
Favorable
year
Normal year Unfavorable
year
Rangeland Forest
understory
Forest
understory
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Pct dry wt Pct dry wt Pct cover
56—Parachute-Irigul-Rhone
association, 25 to 50
percent slopes
Parachute Brushy Loam
(R048AY238CO)
3,000 2,000 1,500 Saskatoon serviceberry 15 ——
elk sedge 10 ——
mountain brome 10 ——
western wheatgrass 10 ——
Columbia needlegrass 5 ——
Letterman's needlegrass 5 ——
mountain big sagebrush 5 ——
mountain snowberry 5 ——
Irigul Loamy Slopes
(R048AY303CO)
1,200 900 500 bluebunch wheatgrass 10 ——
bottlebrush squirreltail 10 ——
mountain big sagebrush 10 ——
prairie Junegrass 10 ——
Saskatoon serviceberry 10 ——
western wheatgrass 10 ——
Rhone Brushy Loam
(R048AY238CO)
3,000 2,000 1,500 Saskatoon serviceberry 15 ——
elk sedge 10 ——
mountain brome 10 ——
nodding brome 10 ——
slender wheatgrass 10 ——
Letterman's needlegrass 5 ——
mountain snowberry 5 ——
rose 5 ——
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant Composition– Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map unit symbol and soil
name
Ecological Site, Plant
Association, or Habitat
Type
Total dry-weight production Characteristic rangeland or
forest understory
vegetation
Composition
Favorable
year
Normal year Unfavorable
year
Rangeland Forest
understory
Forest
understory
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Pct dry wt Pct dry wt Pct cover
67—Tosca channery loam, 25
to 80 percent slopes
Tosca Brushy Loam
(R048AY238CO)
2,500 1,800 1,400 Saskatoon serviceberry 30 ——
elk sedge 10 ——
Gambel oak 10 ——
mountain brome 10 ——
mountain snowberry 10 ——
slender wheatgrass 10 ——
71—Utso-Rock outcrop
complex, 40 to 90 percent
slopes
Utso —600 500 400 other perennial forbs —15 —
mountain brome —10 —
mountain snowberry —10 —
nodding brome —10 —
other perennial grasses —10 —
other shrubs —10 —
common chokecherry —5 —
elk sedge —5 —
kinnikinnick —5 —
Rock outcrop ————————
Custom Soil Resource Report
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Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant Composition– Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map unit symbol and soil
name
Ecological Site, Plant
Association, or Habitat
Type
Total dry-weight production Characteristic rangeland or
forest understory
vegetation
Composition
Favorable
year
Normal year Unfavorable
year
Rangeland Forest
understory
Forest
understory
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Pct dry wt Pct dry wt Pct cover
75—Wrayha-Rabbitex-
Veatch complex, 45 to 65
percent slopes, very stony
Wrayha Pinus edulis-Juniperus
osteosperma/Quercus
gambelii (F048AY448CO)
650 550 400 Gambel oak —15 —
western wheatgrass —15 —
bluebunch wheatgrass —10 —
muttongrass —10 —
other perennial grasses —10 —
other shrubs —10 —
prairie Junegrass —10 —
other perennial forbs —5 —
Rabbitex Pinus edulis-Juniperus
osteosperma/Quercus
gambelii (F048AY448CO)
650 550 400 Gambel oak —15 —
western wheatgrass —15 —
bluebunch wheatgrass —10 —
muttongrass —10 —
other perennial grasses —10 —
other shrubs —10 —
prairie Junegrass —10 —
other perennial forbs —5 —
Veatch Pinus edulis-Juniperus
osteosperma/Quercus
gambelii (F048AY448CO)
650 500 350 Gambel oak —15 —
muttongrass —15 —
bluebunch wheatgrass —10 —
elk sedge —10 —
Saskatoon serviceberry —5 —
true mountain mahogany —5 —
Custom Soil Resource Report
40
Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant Composition–Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map unit symbol and soil
name
Ecological Site, Plant
Association, or Habitat
Type
Total dry-weight production Characteristic rangeland or
forest understory
vegetation
Composition
Favorable
year
Normal year Unfavorable
year
Rangeland Forest
understory
Forest
understory
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Pct dry wt Pct dry wt Pct cover
52—Northwater-Adel
complex, 5 to 50 percent
slopes
Northwater —3,500 2,800 2,000 slender wheatgrass —15 —
Columbia needlegrass 10
mountain snowberry 5
nodding brome
blue wildrye
Adel —400 300 200 elk sedge —20 —
grouse whortleberry 5
heartleaf arnica
silvery lupine
Custom Soil Resource Report
18
Rangeland and Forest Vegetation Classification, Productivity, and Plant Composition–Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Map unit symbol and soil
name
Ecological Site, Plant
Association, or Habitat
Type
Total dry-weight production Characteristic rangeland or
forest understory
vegetation
Composition
Favorable
year
Normal year Unfavorable
year
Rangeland Forest
understory
Forest
understory
Lb/ac Lb/ac Lb/ac Pct dry wt Pct dry wt Pct cover
55—Parachute-Irigul
complex, 5 to 30 percent
slopes
Parachute Mountain Loam
(R048AY228CO)
1,800 1,500 1,200 Letterman's needlegrass 15 ——
slender wheatgrass 10
Arizona fescue 5
Columbia needlegrass
mountain big sagebrush
mountain snowberry
Sandberg bluegrass
Saskatoon serviceberry
yellow rabbitbrush
Irigul Loamy Slopes
(R048AY303CO)
1,200 900 500 bluebunch wheatgrass 10 ——
mountain big sagebrush
prairie Junegrass
Saskatoon serviceberry
western wheatgrass
Custom Soil Resource Report
19
References
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). 2004.
Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling and
testing. 24th edition.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2005. Standard classification of
soils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D2487-00.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of
wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
FWS/OBS-79/31.
Federal Register. July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States.
Federal Register. September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States.
Hurt, G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0, 2006. Field indicators of hydric soils
in the United States.
National Research Council. 1995. Wetlands: Characteristics and boundaries.
Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service. U.S.
Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://soils.usda.gov/
Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making
and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436. http://soils.usda.gov/
Soil Survey Staff. 2006. Keys to soil taxonomy. 10th edition. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. http://soils.usda.gov/
Tiner, R.W., Jr. 1985. Wetlands of Delaware. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Wetlands
Section.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of
Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Waterways Experiment Station Technical
Report Y-87-1.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National forestry manual. http://soils.usda.gov/
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National range and pasture handbook. http://www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. http://soils.usda.gov/
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the
Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296.
http://soils.usda.gov/
41
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Land
capability classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210.
Custom Soil Resource Report
42
South Canyon
Federal 4-17
Federal 12-16
Federal 23-12
Federal 27-11
Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and
Mesa Counties
15—Cameo fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:5,800 to 7,000 feet
Mean annual precipitation:12 to 16 inches
Mean annual air temperature:50 to 54 degrees F
Frost-free period:100 to 125 days
Map Unit Composition
Cameo and similar soils:90 percent
Description of Cameo
Setting
Landform:Terraces, flood plains
Landform position (three-dimensional):Tread
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Calcareous, stratified, mixed material alluvium
Properties and qualities
Slope:1 to 6 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):High (2.00
to 5.95 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:Rare
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:15 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline to very slightly saline (0.0 to 4.0 mmhos/
cm)
Available water capacity:Moderate (about 6.7 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Prime farmland if irrigated
Land capability classification (irrigated):3e
Land capability (nonirrigated):6c
Hydrologic Soil Group:B
Ecological site:Saltdesert Overflow (R034XY407CO)
Typical profile
0 to 4 inches:Fine sandy loam
Map Unit Description: Cameo fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes–Douglas-
Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/10/2013
Page 1 of 2
4 to 60 inches:Stratified loamy sand to loam
Data Source Information
Soil Survey Area: Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa
Counties
Survey Area Data: Version 5, Feb 1, 2008
Map Unit Description: Cameo fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes–Douglas-
Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/10/2013
Page 2 of 2
Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and
Mesa Counties
61—Rock outcrop-Torriorthents complex, 15 to 90 percent
slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:5,100 to 8,500 feet
Mean annual precipitation:8 to 18 inches
Mean annual air temperature:40 to 50 degrees F
Frost-free period:70 to 130 days
Map Unit Composition
Rock outcrop:65 percent
Torriorthents and similar soils:30 percent
Description of Rock Outcrop
Setting
Landform:Canyons, hills, mountains, ridges
Landform position (two-dimensional):Footslope, backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank, side slope
Down-slope shape:Concave, linear
Across-slope shape:Linear, convex
Properties and qualities
Slope:15 to 90 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:0 inches to lithic bedrock
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Very low
to low (0.00 to 0.00 in/hr)
Available water capacity:Very low (about 0.0 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):8s
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Typical profile
0 to 60 inches:Unweathered bedrock
Description of Torriorthents
Setting
Landform:Canyons, hills, mountains, ridges
Landform position (two-dimensional):Backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank, side slope
Down-slope shape:Concave, linear
Across-slope shape:Linear, convex
Parent material:Colluvium derived from sandstone and siltstone and/
or colluvium derived from sandstone and shale and/or residuum
weathered from sandstone and shale and/or residuum
weathered from sandstone and siltstone
Map Unit Description: Rock outcrop-Torriorthents complex, 15 to 90 percent
slopes–Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/10/2013
Page 1 of 2
Properties and qualities
Slope:35 to 90 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:5 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water
(Ksat):Moderately low to high (0.06 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:15 percent
Maximum salinity:Very slightly saline to slightly saline (4.0 to 8.0
mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Very low (about 1.6 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Typical profile
0 to 2 inches:Channery loam
2 to 13 inches:Very channery loam, channery loam
13 to 17 inches:Weathered bedrock
Data Source Information
Soil Survey Area: Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa
Counties
Survey Area Data: Version 5, Feb 1, 2008
Map Unit Description: Rock outcrop-Torriorthents complex, 15 to 90 percent
slopes–Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/10/2013
Page 2 of 2
Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and
Mesa Counties
65—Torriorthents, cool-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90
percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:6,200 to 8,500 feet
Mean annual precipitation:16 to 20 inches
Mean annual air temperature:42 to 44 degrees F
Frost-free period:85 to 100 days
Map Unit Composition
Torriorthents, cool, and similar soils:50 percent
Rock outcrop:40 percent
Description of Torriorthents, Cool
Setting
Landform:Canyons, ridges, hills, mountains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank, side slope
Down-slope shape:Concave, linear
Across-slope shape:Linear, convex
Parent material:Colluvium derived from limestone and siltstone and/
or colluvium derived from sandstone and shale and/or residuum
weathered from limestone and siltstone and/or residuum
weathered from sandstone and shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:35 to 90 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:4 to 60 inches to lithic bedrock
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water
(Ksat):Moderately low to high (0.06 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:15 percent
Maximum salinity:Very slightly saline to slightly saline (4.0 to 8.0
mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Very low (about 1.6 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Typical profile
0 to 2 inches:Channery loam
2 to 13 inches:Very channery loam, channery loam
13 to 17 inches:Weathered bedrock
Map Unit Description: Torriorthents, cool-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90
percent slopes–Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa
Counties
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/10/2013
Page 1 of 2
Description of Rock Outcrop
Setting
Landform:Canyons, hills, mountains, ridges
Landform position (two-dimensional):Backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Free face, free face
Down-slope shape:Concave, linear
Across-slope shape:Linear, convex
Properties and qualities
Slope:35 to 90 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:0 inches to lithic bedrock
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Very low
(0.00 to 0.00 in/hr)
Available water capacity:Very low (about 0.0 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):8s
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Typical profile
0 to 60 inches:Unweathered bedrock
Data Source Information
Soil Survey Area: Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa
Counties
Survey Area Data: Version 5, Feb 1, 2008
Map Unit Description: Torriorthents, cool-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90
percent slopes–Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa
Counties
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/10/2013
Page 2 of 2
Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and
Mesa Counties
66—Torriorthents, warm-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90
percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:5,100 to 6,200 feet
Mean annual precipitation:9 to 16 inches
Mean annual air temperature:48 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period:95 to 130 days
Map Unit Composition
Torriorthents, warm, and similar soils:50 percent
Rock outcrop:40 percent
Description of Torriorthents, Warm
Setting
Landform:Canyons, ridges, hills, mountains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Mountainflank, side slope
Down-slope shape:Concave, linear
Across-slope shape:Linear, convex
Parent material:Colluvium derived from limestone and siltstone and/
or colluvium derived from sandstone and shale and/or residuum
weathered from limestone and siltstone and/or residuum
weathered from sandstone and shale
Properties and qualities
Slope:35 to 90 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:4 to 60 inches to lithic bedrock
Drainage class:Well drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water
(Ksat):Moderately low to high (0.06 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:None
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:15 percent
Maximum salinity:Very slightly saline to slightly saline (4.0 to 8.0
mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Very low (about 1.6 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7e
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Typical profile
0 to 2 inches:Channery loam
2 to 13 inches:Very channery loam, channery loam
13 to 17 inches:Weathered bedrock
Map Unit Description: Torriorthents, warm-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90
percent slopes–Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa
Counties
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/10/2013
Page 1 of 2
Description of Rock Outcrop
Setting
Landform:Canyons, hills, mountains, ridges
Landform position (two-dimensional):Shoulder
Landform position (three-dimensional):Free face, free face
Down-slope shape:Concave, linear
Across-slope shape:Linear, convex
Properties and qualities
Slope:35 to 90 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:0 inches to paralithic bedrock
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Very low
to low (0.00 to 0.00 in/hr)
Available water capacity:Very low (about 0.0 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):8s
Hydrologic Soil Group:D
Typical profile
0 to 60 inches:Unweathered bedrock
Data Source Information
Soil Survey Area: Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa
Counties
Survey Area Data: Version 5, Feb 1, 2008
Map Unit Description: Torriorthents, warm-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90
percent slopes–Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa
Counties
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/10/2013
Page 2 of 2
Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and
Mesa Counties
68—Trail loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
Elevation:4,800 to 5,800 feet
Mean annual precipitation:7 to 10 inches
Mean annual air temperature:49 to 52 degrees F
Frost-free period:115 to 130 days
Map Unit Composition
Trail and similar soils:90 percent
Description of Trail
Setting
Landform:Terraces, flood plains
Landform position (three-dimensional):Tread
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Stratified, sandy alluvium derived from sandstone
Properties and qualities
Slope:1 to 5 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Somewhat excessively drained
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):High to
very high (5.95 to 20.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table:More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding:Rare
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:15 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water capacity:Low (about 5.8 inches)
Interpretive groups
Farmland classification:Not prime farmland
Land capability (nonirrigated):7c
Hydrologic Soil Group:A
Ecological site:Salt Flats (R034XY262CO)
Typical profile
0 to 5 inches:Loamy sand
5 to 60 inches:Stratified loamy sand to sandy loam
Data Source Information
Soil Survey Area: Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa
Counties
Survey Area Data: Version 5, Feb 1, 2008
Map Unit Description: Trail loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes–Douglas-Plateau
Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/10/2013
Page 1 of 1
Appendix C
BLM Gold Book, Chapters 4 & 6
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Chapter 4 – Construction
and Maintenance
This chapter provides guidance for the operator
about the basic requirements for safe and envi-
ronmentally sound construction and maintenance
of oil and gas-related infrastructure. Construction
and maintenance must be performed to standards
that ensure the long-term health and productivity
of the land. The operator’s representative must
ensure compliance with all plans and designs.
The representative should be designated prior to
construction; be accessible to the surface
management agency authorized officer; have immedi-
ate access to an approved copy of the Application for
Permit to Drill (APD), including all maps, drawings,
templates, and construction standards; and have the
authority to make changes at the request or order of
the BLM or surface management agency.
Well Sites
Site Selection and Design
To the extent permitted by the geologic target,
well spacing, and drilling and production technology,
the locations selected for well sites, tank batteries,
pits, and compressor stations should be planned so
as to minimize long-term disruption of the surface
resources and existing uses, and to promote success-
ful reclamation. Design and construction techniques
and other practices should be employed that would
minimize surface disturbance and the associated
effects of proposed operations and maintain the
reclamation potential of the site. The following
guidelines can be used to assist in meeting these
objectives and reducing the overall undesirable
impacts from well sites and other construction areas.
The site layout should be located and staked in
the most level area, off narrow ridges, and set back
from steep slopes, while taking into consideration
the geologic target, technical, economic, and op-
erational feasibility, spacing rules, natural resource
concerns, and safety considerations. Well locations
constructed on steep slopes cost more to construct,
maintain, and reclaim and result in greater resource
impacts. Locations on steep slopes that require deep,
nearly vertical cuts and steep fill slopes should be
avoided where possible or appropriately mitigated.
Operations should also be avoided or properly
mitigated in riparian areas, floodplains, playas,
lakeshores, wetlands, and areas subject to severe
erosion and mass soil movement. In visually sensi-
tive areas, locations should be selected that provide
for vegetative and topographic screening. The well
site or production facility location should also be re-
viewed to determine its effect on the location of the
access road. The advantages gained by a good well
site or tank battery location should not be negated
by the adverse effects of the access road location.
Construction
Construction procedures must conform to the
approved Surface Use Plan of Operations. In order to
minimize surface disturbance, construction equipment
appropriately sized to the scope and scale of the
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
proposed operation should be used. All surface soil
materials (topsoil) are to be removed from the entire
cut and fill area and temporarily stockpiled for reuse
during interim and final reclamation. The depth of
topsoil to be removed and stockpiled should be deter-
mined at the onsite inspection and should be stated
either in the proposed Surface Use Plan of Operations
or specified in the APD conditions of approval.
Topsoil should be segregated and stored sepa-
rately from subsurface materials to avoid mixing
during construction, storage, and interim reclamation.
Subsurface materials should never be placed on top
of topsoil material at any point in the operation.
Stockpiles should be located and protected so
that wind and water erosion are minimized and
reclamation potential is maximized.
Excavation of the cut and fill slopes is normally
guided by information on the slope stakes. Fills
should be compacted to minimize the chance of slope
failure. If excess cut material exists after fill areas
have been brought to grade, the excess material
will be stockpiled at approved locations. Snow and
frozen soil material is not to be used in construction
of fill areas and dikes or berms. To reduce areas of
soil disturbance, the surface management agency
may allow mowing or brush beating of vegetation
for parts of the well location or access road where
excavation is not necessary.
The area of the well pad where the drilling
rig substructure is located should be level and
capable of supporting the rig. The drill rig, tanks,
heater-treater, and other production equipment are
not to be placed on uncompacted fill material. The
area used for mud tanks, generators, mud storage,
and fuel tanks should be at a slight slope, where
possible, or a suitable alternative, such as ditching,
should be used to provide surface drainage from the
work area to the pit.
To reduce erosion and soil loss, it may be
appropriate to divert storm water away from the
well location with ditches, berms, or waterbars
above the cut slopes and to trap well location runoff
and sediments on or near the location through the
use of sediment fences or water retention ponds.
Reserve Pits
Reserve pits are generally used for storage or
disposal of water, drill mud, and cuttings during
drilling operations. The pit should normally be
located entirely in cut material. Avoid constructing
reserve pits in areas of shallow groundwater.
Reserve pits should not be constructed in natural
watercourses. Water courses include lake beds, gul-
lies, draws, streambeds, washes, arroyos, or channels
that are delineated on a 1:24,000 USGS quadrangle
map or have a hydrologic connection to streams,
rivers, or lakes.
For reserve pit construction on steeply sloping
sites, the preferred method is to locate the pit on the
drill pad next to the high wall. Pits are constructed
totally in cut at such locations. If this is not possible,
at least 50 percent of the reserve pit should be con-
structed below original ground level to help prevent
failure of the pit dike. Fill dikes should be properly
compacted in lifts. The necessary degree of compac-
tion depends on soil texture and moisture content.
The pit should be designed to contain all anticipated
drilling muds, cuttings, fracture fluids, and precipita-
tion while maintaining at least 2 feet of freeboard.
Pits improperly constructed on slopes or poor
soil types may leak along the plane between the
natural ground level and the fill. There is a significant
potential for pit failure in these situations. When
constructing dikes for pits or impoundments with
fill embankment, a keyway or core trench should be
excavated to a minimum depth of 2 to 3 feet below
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
the original ground level. The core of the embankment
can then be constructed with compacted, water-
impervious material.
To prevent contamination of ground water and
soils or to conserve water, it is recommended that
operators use a closed-loop drilling system or line
reserve pits with an impermeable liner, particularly
when it is anticipated that pits will contain moderate
or high levels of hydrocarbons and chloride, or the
pits are located in areas of shallow groundwater or
porous soils over fractured bedrock aquifers.
Pits can be lined with synthetic liners or other
materials such as bentonite or clay. Impermeable
liners should have a permeability of less than
10-7cm/sec. Liners must be installed so that they
will not leak and must be composed of materials
compatible with all substances to be placed in the
pit. Synthetic liners with a minimum thickness of
12 mils and resistance to ultraviolet radiation,
weathering, chemicals, punctures, and tearing are
most commonly used, although some States may
require liners that are thicker. Suitable bedding
material, such as sand, clay, or felt liners should
be used in areas where the base rock might
puncture the liner.
Depending on the proposed contents of the
pit and sensitivity of the environment, the surface
management agency may require a leak detection
system or the use of self-contained mud systems
with the drilling fluids, mud, and cuttings being
transported to approved disposal areas.
Reserve pits should be appropriately fenced
to prevent access by persons, wildlife, or livestock.
During drilling in active livestock areas, the reserve
pit must be fenced with an exclosure fence on
three sides and then fenced on the fourth side once
drilling has been completed. Refer to Figure 1 for
recommended fence construction standards in active
livestock areas. In areas where livestock will not be
present, other types of fences may be appropriate.
The fence should remain in place until pit
reclamation begins. After cessation of drilling and
completion operations, any visible or measurable
layer of oil must be removed from the surface of
the reserve pit and the pit kept free of oil. In some
situations and locations, precautions, such as net-
ting, may be required in order to prevent access and
mortality of birds and other animals.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Figure 1. Recommended construction standards for exclosure fences in livestock areas.
see mortise detail
7' minimum 7' minimum
9 – ga. smooth galv. wire
line post
(wood or steel)Add a rock deadman (min. weight 50 lbs.) when
space between bottom wire and ground exceeds 20"
L
7' minimum 7' minimum
7' minimum
twisted wire or wood stay
wood line post
1"
1"
spike (spiking
or toe nailing
as specified)
L
42
"
7' minimum brace
spike
Mortise Detail
Line Panels
Stress Panel Panel at Minor Depression
End Panel–Type 1 End Panel–Type 2
steel line
post
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Roads and Access Ways
This section provides the minimum guidelines
for oil and gas operators on BLM and FS policy and
standards relative to the planning, location, design,
construction, maintenance, and operation of roads
and access ways on public and National Forest
System lands. Contact the local BLM or FS office for
specific requirements. Exception to or modification
of these guidelines is at the surface management
agency’s discretion based on the physical conditions
at the site and the project proposal. Figure 2 illustrates
commonly used terms in road design and should be
referred to when reviewing this section.
right-of-way
Note: Shapes and dimensions will vary to fit local conditions
See drawings for typical sections
x and y denote clearing outside of roadway
ri
g
h
t
-
o
f
-
w
a
y
l
i
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To ensure public safety and the protection of
Federal resources, BLM and FS roads must be
constructed to an appropriate standard no higher
than necessary to accommodate the intended use.
In many cases, the construction of a lower-class
road will meet the operator’s access needs, while
minimizing the effects on other important
resource values.
Roads used to access oil and gas locations are
typically constructed for that primary purpose, are
rarely permanent, and exist only as long as neces-
sary to complete exploration and production opera-
tions. They are authorized with an accompanying
reclamation plan and are to be reclaimed after well
and field operations are completed. In relatively rare
cases, the surface management agency or surface
owner may assume responsibility for the continued
operation and maintenance of roads deemed necessary.
The authorized officer has the option of deter-
mining whether professional engineering design
and construction oversight is necessary or whether
the road can be constructed by the operator con-
sistent with site-specific standards and approved
road design templates (Figures 2 and 3). The need
for professional engineering design and oversight
should be based on factors such as topography, soils,
Figure 2. Illustration of commonly used terms in road design
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development0
Figure 3. Cross-sections and plans for typical road sections representative of BLM resource or FS local and higher-class roads.
Typical Turnout Plan
Embankment Section
Side Hill Section
transition transition
Intervisible turnouts shall be constructed on
all single lane roads on all blind curves with
additional tunouts as needed to keep spacing
below 1000 feet.
height of fill
at shoulder
embankment
slope
0' – 4'
above 4'
Depth measured from
the bottom of the ditch
1. Salvage topsoil
2. Construct road
3:1
2:1
shoulder
center line of roadway
25'25'100'
turnout 10'
full turnout width
top width
2" crown
natural groun
d
natural ground
3:1 ero
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1
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1
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c
k
road
type crown
earth surface
aggregate surface
paved surface
.03 – .05 ft/ft
.02 – .04 ft/ft
.02 – .03 ft/ft
Typical Outsloped Section
natur
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k
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center
line
travel surface
(slope 2 – 4% )
Typical Inslope Section
natur
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fill
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center
line
travel surface
(slope 2 – 4% )
Construction Steps 3. Redistribute topsoil
4. Revegetate slopes
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
hydrology, safety, and levels and types of use by the
operator and general public. For oil and gas roads
on National Forest System lands, a qualified FS
engineer reviews all project design drawings,
officially attesting to their technical adequacy.
To meet the requirements of Onshore Order No.
1 (Surface Use Plan of Operations, 2a and b) for new
or reconstructed roads, the operator must provide
information such as:
n Road width, maximum grade, and crown design
n Location of turnouts
n Plans for soils-, hydrology-, and topography-
dependent drainage, including ditches and
locations and sizes of culverts and bridges
n On- and off-site erosion control
n Plans for revegetation of disturbed areas
n Fence cuts and cattle guards
n Major cuts and fills
n Source and storage sites for topsoil
n Types of surfacing materials, if any
n Plans for maintaining or improving existing roads
All roads must be designed, constructed, and
maintained by the operator in a safe and environ-
mentally responsible manner. Oil and gas roads
that are not closed to public use (through the use
of gates or other traffic control devices) have the
potential to serve secondary uses, such as providing
access for hunters and other recreational users who
may not be familiar with the road and area. There-
fore, safety is a primary design consideration.
Roads also have the potential to cause environ-
mental harm through erosion, air pollution, stream
degradation, habitat alteration, and increased public
use of an area. Careful attention to the proposed
road location and design can significantly minimize
environmental harm. For example, shorter roads
constructed on steep slopes may cost more to
construct, maintain, and reclaim and can also result
in greater environmental impacts than would longer
roads constructed along the contours of the land or
constructed in flatter terrain. In areas of high envi-
ronmental sensitivity, special road location, design,
and construction and maintenance techniques may
be required, as well as seasonal vehicular closures to
the general public.
It is always a good practice to consult with the
surface management agency or private landowner
prior to submitting the road design. Helpful design
information can also be found on agency websites.
For the BLM, guidance can be found in BLM 9113–
Roads Manual; and BLM 9130–Sign Manual. For the
FS, information is available in EM-7100-15: Sign and
Poster Guidelines for the FS or the FS Water/Road
Interaction Series of publications.
Transportation Planning
The goal of transportation planning is to
identify and analyze feasible alternatives for access
that meet the objectives of the surface management
agency, private surface owner, and the needs of the
diverse users of Federal lands. The transportation
planning process:
n Considers future road use needs, including
public access and resource development or use
n Considers affected resource values and safety
n Avoids haphazard or unnecessary development
of roads and utility corridors
Road location and design criteria are also
developed and documented during the transpor-
tation planning process. Transportation planning
can prevent unnecessary expenditures of time and
money and prevent unnecessary surface disturbance.
Therefore, it is important for the operator to become
involved in the transportation planning process.
Road Location
Road location is critical to the long-term
maintenance and environmental success of a road
construction project. Proper road location can
significantly reduce or eliminate impacts to cultural,
scenic, biological, and other environmental resources.
Operators are strongly encouraged to contact the
surface management agency or private surface
owner about possible route locations before survey-
ing and staking. This early communication between
the operator and the surface management agency or
private surface owner can minimize changes made
at the onsite inspection and reduce project delays.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Existing roads should be considered for use
as access routes and may be used when they meet
agency standards, transportation and development
needs, and environmental objectives. When access
involves the use of existing agency roads, operators
must obtain agency approval and may be required
to upgrade the roads, contribute to road maintenance
funds, or participate in road maintenance agreements.
When selecting a location for new roads, con-
sider following topographic contours. While laying
out roads in a point-to-point approach minimizes
the length of road, it often increases soil erosion,
maintenance costs, long-term loss of vegetation,
and visual contrast. Following natural topographic
contours preserves natural drainage patterns and
usually makes it possible to design a more
aesthetically pleasing road with lower construction,
maintenance, and reclamation costs and less
impact on the environment.
Initial steps in road location include:
n Determination of the intended use of the road,
planned season of use, type of vehicles to
be used, road class, and needs of the surface
owner or agency
n Examination of the surface management agency’s
transportation plan, which may already have
identified feasible routes for the area
n Examination of existing data, including maps and
aerial photos, land use plan decisions, and
biological, physical, and cultural conditions of
the area
n Determination of oil and gas lease obligations,
future development needs, and safety
considerations.
Once these steps have been taken, an appropriate
route can be identified. This process is critical to ensuring
that the safest and least intrusive route is chosen.
Geotechnical Factors
In complex terrain or conditions, it is recom-
mended that the operator look at various route
alternatives before selecting the preferred route.
Field reconnaissance of alternative routes may be
necessary in order to provide information on such
factors as soil types, construction/reclamation
limitations, type of excavation, landslide areas,
subgrade conditions indicating the need for surfacing,
potential cut slope problems, surface or subsurface
water problem areas, suitability of fill material,
potential gravel pits or quarries for road aggregate,
and potential borrow and waste sites. A good road
location analysis may avoid costly problems and
identify cost-saving opportunities.
Other Factors
Other factors to consider that are unique to the
oil and gas industry include:
n The potential for encountering sour gas (H2S).
Note the prevailing wind direction and identify
a clear escape route from the drill site.
n The potential for year-round operation. Drill
sites and producing locations may require
all-weather access and special maintenance
considerations for snow removal.
n The potential for exploratory drilling to result in
a producing operation. Select initial road align-
ments and road classes based on the potential for
upgrade if the wells are completed for production.
When the road location information is submitted
to the surface management agency, the acceptability
of the proposed route, and if applicable, alternative
routes, can be evaluated. The preferred road location
will be identified by the authorized officer at the
onsite inspection in coordination with the private
surface owner on non-Federal surface.
Road Design and
Construction
Construction and Reclamation
Considerations
New road construction or reconstruction by the
operator must be suitable for the intended use and
must comply with BLM road and safety standards,
such as those found in BLM’s 9113–Roads Manual.
Roads constructed within the jurisdiction of the
FS must comply with applicable FS road and
safety standards.
Roads should be designed and constructed to
allow for successful interim and eventual final recla-
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
mation. Revegetation of road ditches and cut and fill
slopes will help stabilize exposed soils and reduce
sediment loss, reduce the growth of noxious weeds,
reduce maintenance costs, maintain scenic quality
and forage, and protect habitat. To ensure successful
growth of plants and forbs, topsoil must be salvaged
where available during road construction and
respread to the greatest degree practical on cut
slopes, fill slopes, and borrow ditches prior to seeding.
To ensure the stability of freshly topsoiled slopes
during revegetation, the application of mulch or
other sediment control measures may be appropriate.
Construction with saturated or frozen soils
results in unstable roads and should be avoided.
Vehicular travel under wet conditions can produce
significant rutting of unsurfaced roads resulting in
soil loss and safety concerns. If road use is anticipated
during saturated soil conditions, the surface manage-
ment agency may require road surfacing to provide
safe vehicle access, ensure uninterrupted operations,
and reduce road damage and sediment loss.
Nonconstructed Roads and Routes
When site conditions are appropriate, the sur-
face management agency may approve the creation
or use of “primitive,” two-track roads or overland
route corridors to meet the operator’s access needs.
Primitive roads and route corridors may serve as
appropriate access to exploration drilling locations
where it is not certain if the well will be productive,
or to producing wells where vehicle traffic is infre-
quent due to the use of off-site production facilities
and automated well monitoring.
The appropriateness of primitive roads or routes
is both site-specific and use-specific and is typically
based on many factors, such as anticipated dry or
frozen soil conditions, seasonal weather conditions,
flat terrain, low anticipated traffic, or driller’s or
operator’s access needs. Primitive roads or routes
necessitate low vehicle speed and are typically lim-
ited to four-wheel drive or high clearance vehicles.
They can consist of existing or new roads with minor
or moderate grading; two-track roads created by the
operator’s direct vehicle use with little or no grading;
overland routes within a defined travel corridor
leaving no defined roadway beyond crushed
vegetation; or any combination along the route.
Operators should not flat-blade roads. Drainage
must be maintained, where appropriate, to avoid
erosion or the creation of a muddy, braided road.
These roads and routes must be used and main-
tained in a safe and environmentally responsible
manner and are not intended for use as all-weather
access roads. Resource damage must be repaired as
soon as possible and the operator must consult with
the surface management agency to determine if all
A minimum disturbance, primitive,
two-track road winds its way to a
drilling operation. To further reduce
disturbance, most of the well
location has not been stripped of
vegetation or topsoil.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development4
or a portion of the road needs to be upgraded to an
all-weather access road. When used and maintained
appropriately, nonconstructed roads and routes have
the advantage of reducing construction, maintenance,
and reclamation costs and reducing resource
impacts. The use of nonconstructed roads must be
approved by the surface management agency.
Constructed Roads
The surface management agency determines
the appropriate road type and associated road
design standards based on the expected traffic
volume and other factors, such as seasonal or year-
round use, the design vehicle, soil types, rainfall,
topography, construction costs, compatibility with
other resource values, and safety. This information
is documented during the transportation planning
process and onsite meeting. Road types may vary
along the same route depending on the operator’s
or the surface management agency’s access or
resource protection needs. In some cases, explora-
tion drilling may warrant a lower design standard or
primitive road, mentioned previously, which could be
upgraded if the well becomes a producing well.
BLM Resource or FS Local Roads
BLM resource or FS local roads are low-volume,
single-lane roads. They normally have a 12 to14 foot
travelway with “intervisible turnouts,” as appropriate,
where approaching drivers have a clear view of the
section of road between the two turnouts and can
pull off to the side to let the approaching driver
pass. They are usually used for dry weather, but may
be surfaced, drained, and maintained for all-weather
use. These roads connect terminal facilities, such as a
well site, to collector, local, arterial, or other higher-
class roads. They serve low average daily traffic
(ADT) and are located on the basis of the specific
resource activity need rather than travel efficiency.
BLM Local or FS Collector Roads
BLM local or FS collector roads may be single-
lane or double-lane with travelways 12 to 24 feet
in width and intervisible turnouts. They are normally
graded, drained, and surfaced and are capable of
carrying highway loads. These roads provide access to
large areas and for various uses. They collect traffic
from resource or local roads or terminal facilities and
are connected to arterial roads or public highways.
The location and standards for these roads are based
on both long-term resource needs and travel efficiency.
They may be operated for either constant or inter-
mittent service, depending on land use and resource
management objectives for the area being served.
BLM Collector or FS Arterial Roads
BLM collector or FS arterial roads are usually
double-lane, graded, drained and surfaced, with a 20
to 24 foot travelway. They serve large land areas and
are the major access route into development areas
General Design Specifications
for Different Types of Roads
Definitions
Design Criteria are requirements that govern the selection of elements and standards for a road, such as
resource management objectives, road management objectives, safety requirements, and traffic characteristics.
Design Elements are the physical characteristics of a road, such as the ditches, culverts, travelway clearing limits,
curve widening, slopes, and drainage characteristics that, when combined, comprise the planned facility.
Design Standards comprise the lengths, widths, and depths of design elements, such as a 14-foot-wide travelway,
2-foot shoulders, 2:1 cut slopes, 3-foot curve widening, and 6 inches of crushed aggregate. Design terms are
illustrated in Figure 2.
Design Vehicle is the vehicle most frequently using the road that determines the minimum standard for a
particular design element. No single vehicle, however, controls the standards for all the design elements for a road.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
with high average daily traffic rates. The locations
and standards are often determined by a demand for
maximum mobility and travel efficiency rather than
a specific resource management service. They usually
connect with public highways or other arterials to
form an integrated network of primary travel routes
and are operated for long-term land and resource
management purposes and constant service.
BLM Resource and FS Local Roads
Basic Design Requirements
The surface management agency will provide
requirements specific to proposed oil and gas roads
during project planning and/or at the onsite review
with consideration of safety, impacts on land and
resources, and cost of transportation. Requirements
for specific proposals may vary somewhat from the
generalized requirements that follow.
• Design speed specific to oil and gas roads is 10 to
30 miles per hour. For the FS, this should generally
be less than 15 miles per hour.
• Preferred travelway width is 14 feet with turnouts.
For the FS, this can vary from two parallel vehicle
tracks, bladed 12-foot sections with turnouts, or a
broader defined overland corridor approved by the
surface management agency.
• Recommended minimum horizontal curve radii is
determined by the design vehicle and design speed.
Where terrain will not allow the proper curve radii,
curve widening is necessary. Specifications are
available from the surface management agency.
• Road gradient has a major effect on the environ-
mental and visual impact of a road, particularly in
terms of erosion. The gradient should fit as closely
as possible to the natural terrain, considering
vehicle operational limitations, soil types, environ-
mental constraints, and traffic service levels. The
gradient should not exceed 8 percent except for
pitch grades (300 feet or less in length) in order to
minimize environmental effects. In mountainous
or dissected terrain, grades greater than 8 percent
up to 16 percent may be permissible with prior
approval of the surface management agency.
• The primary purpose of turnouts is for user con-
venience and safety and to maintain user speed.
Turnouts are generally naturally occurring, such
as additional widths on ridges or other available
areas on flat terrain. On roads open to the public,
turnouts must be located at 1,000-foot intervals
or be intervisible, whichever is less.
• Drainage control must be ensured over the entire
road through the use of drainage dips, insloping,
natural rolling topography, ditch turnouts, ditches,
or culverts. Ditches and culverts may be required
in some situations, depending on grades, soils, and
local hydrology. If culverts or drainage crossings
are needed, they should be designed for a 25-year
or greater storm frequency, without development
of a static head at the pipe inlet.
• Gravel or other surfacing is not always required,
but may be necessary for “soft” road sections,
steep grades, highly erosive soils, clay soils, or
where all-weather access is needed.
• At times, a limited number of oil field vehicles
(critical vehicles) larger than the design vehicle
may make occasional use of the road. The operator
should consider these needs in road design.
Field Survey Requirements
Field survey requirements vary with topography,
geologic hazard, potential for public and recreational
use, or other concerns. Each surface management
agency has survey requirements based on design
requirements and concerns specific to the area. The
surface management agency should be contacted as
early as possible to determine the survey requirements.
The following general requirements are imposed to
control work and produce the desired road.
• A flagline is established along the construction
route. Flags should be placed approximately every
100 feet, or be intervisible, whichever is less.
• Construction control staking may be required
depending on conditions of the site.
• Culvert installations are located and staked.
Design Drawings and Templates
• On side slopes of 0 to 20 percent, where horizontal
and vertical alignment can be worked out on the
ground, a plan and profile drawing may not be
required. Standard templates, drainage dip spacing,
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
culvert locations, and turnout spacing guides
would be acceptable.
• A plan and profile view would be the minimum
drawing required on steeper slopes and in areas
of environmental concern. The drawing should
identify grade, alignment, stationing, turnouts, and
culvert locations.
• Standard templates of road cross-sections and
drainage dips are required for all resource, local,
and higher-class roads. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate
these sections.
• Additional information may be required in areas
of environmental or engineering concern.
Construction
The operator must take all necessary precautions
for protection of the work and safety of the public
during construction of the road. Warning signs must
be posted during blasting operations.
Clearing and Grubbing
Clearing and grubbing will normally be required
on all sections of the road. Exceptions would be
allowed in areas of sparse, non-woody vegetation.
All clearing and grubbing should be confined
to a specified clearing width (Figure 2), which is
usually somewhat wider than the limits of actual
construction (roadway). Branches of all trees
extending over the roadbed should be trimmed
to provide a clear height of 14 feet above the
roadbed surface. All vegetative debris must be
disposed of as specified by the surface
management agency.
Excavation
All soil material and fragmented rock
removed in excavation is to be used as directed in
the approved plan. Excess cut material shall not
be wasted unless specified in the approved plan.
Roadbed Construction
Roadbed material should not be placed when
the materials or the surface are frozen or too wet
for satisfactory compaction. Equipment should
be routed over the layers of roadbed material
already in place to help avoid uneven compaction
anywhere along the travel route. Borrow material
shall not be used until material from roadway
excavation has been placed in the embankments,
unless otherwise permitted. Borrow areas used by
the operator must be approved prior to the start
of excavation.
Roadside ditches should conform to the slope,
grade, and shape of the required cross-section
with no projections of roots, stumps, rocks, or
similar debris. Side ditches must be excavated to a
depth of 1-foot minimum below the finished road
surface. Drainage turnout spacing on these ditches
should not exceed 500 feet; slopes greater than
5 percent may require closer spacing of turnout
furrows (wing ditches or relief ditches).
BLM Local and FS Collector Roads
Basic Design Requirements
• Design speed is generally 15 to 50 miles per
hour. For the FS, it is 15 to 25 miles per hour. The
selected design speed establishes the minimum
sight distance for stopping and passing, and road
geometrics such as minimum radius of curvature,
the gradient, and type of running surface.
• Travelway minimum is 14 feet (single lane) and
24 feet (double lane) with intervisible turnouts, as
may be required.
• Recommended minimum horizontal curve radius
is 220 feet. Where terrain will not allow 220-foot
curve radii, curve widening is necessary. Super-
elevation should be considered at speeds greater
than 20 miles per hour. Specifications are
available from surface management agency
engineering offices.
• Vertical curves should be designed with an appro-
priate “k” value (rate of vertical curvature length
per percent of “A”, the algebraic difference in
grade) based on design speed (for example on FS,
crest vertical curves, 30 mph k=9; 40 mph k=22;
50 mph k = 45).
• Maximum grades should not exceed 8 percent.
Pitch grades for lengths not to exceed 300 feet
may be allowed to exceed 8 percent in some cases.
• All culverts must be sized in accordance with
accepted engineering practices and any special
environmental concerns. The minimum size culvert
in any installation is 18 inches. Drainage crossings
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
and culverts should be designed for a 25-year or
greater storm frequency and allow fish passage in
perennial streams where fish are present.
• Turnouts are required on all single-lane roads.
Turnouts must be located at 1000-foot intervals or
be intervisible, whichever is less. The length should
not be less than 100 feet, with additional 50-foot
transitional tapers at each end.
• Surfacing may be required to provide all-weather
access. If surfacing is needed, aggregate size, type,
amount, and application method will be specified
by the local office of the surface management
agency. Subgrade analysis may be required to
determine load-bearing capacities.
Field Survey Requirements
Generally, the survey requirements for these
roads are similar to those for BLM resource and
FS local roads. These roads, however, are designed
for higher average daily traffic rates and greater
speeds. Thus, in addition to flagline and culvert
survey requirements, an instrument or topographic
survey with preliminary centerline staking and slope
staking is usually required on steep terrain and in
areas requiring special engineering. Specific survey
requirements are available at the local office of the
surface management agency.
Design Drawings and Templates
• Generally, the required drawings for this road
class would include a plan and profile (Figure 4).
The drawing should identify grade, location,
stationing, surfacing, turnouts, culvert locations,
and drainage dip spacing.
• Standard templates of the proposed road cross-
section(s) (Figures 2 and 3) and drainage dip
design are required for this type of road.
• Additional information may be required in areas
of environmental or engineering concern.
Construction
• Drainage dips, construction, and spacing are the
same as for BLM resource and FS local roads.
• Culvert cross-drains should be used in lieu of
drainage dips for road grades in excess of 10
percent. Culvert installation is discussed in the
Drainage and Drainage Structure Section.
• Construction standards are the same as given in
the BLM Resource and FS Local Roads Section.
BLM Collector and FS Arterial Roads
Basic Survey and Design Requirements
• Vertical, horizontal, and topographic data, as
well as significant features should be plotted on
standard plan and profile sheets to a scale of
1 inch = 100 feet horizontal and 1 inch = 20 feet
vertical, or as otherwise directed by the surface
management agency. The design shall conform to
the most current edition of the AASHTO, Guide-
lines for Geometric Design of Very Low-Volume
Local Roads, for access roads with an anticipated
average daily traffic of less than 400 vehicles.
• Plot “L” (layout) line along “P” (preliminary) line
using the following design standards criteria:
- Design speed is 30 miles per hour or greater
unless otherwise directed.
- Travel width-minimum is 20 feet, maximum is
24 feet.
- Minimum horizontal curve radius is 460 feet
unless shorter radii are approved. The curve
radius must take into account super-elevation.
- Design vertical curves with an appropriate “k”
value based on design speed.
- Maximum grade is 8 percent (except pitch
grades not exceeding 300 feet in length and
10 percent in grade).
- Mass diagrams and earthwork balancing may
be required. Obvious areas of waste or borrow
shall be noted on the plan and profile as well as
proposed locations of borrow or waste disposal
areas.
- All culverts should be designed for a minimum
25-year storm frequency with an allowable
head that does not overlap the roadway or
cause damage. However, the minimum accept-
able size culvert diameter is 18 inches. Show all
culverts planned to accurate vertical scale on
plan profile sheets.
- Slope staking is required.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Design Drawings and Templates
• Complete plan and profile drawings are required
for any BLM collector or FS arterial road (Figure 4).
These drawings should identify grade, location,
stationing, and all culvert sizes and locations (see
Figure 7 for examples).
• Standard templates of road cross-sections, drain-
age design, and culvert location and installation
are required (Examples in Figures 3 through 6).
• Mass diagrams and materials investigation and
classification may be required.
Construction
Except for the specific items that follow, con-
struction standards are given in the BLM Resource/
FS Roads or the BLM Local/FS Collector Roads
Sections. Construction shall be performed under
the direction of a licensed, professional engineer
as required by the BLM, or a qualified engineer for
roads on FS lands.
Excavation and fill construction will be per-
formed to secure the greatest practicable degree of
roadbed compaction and stability. Roadbed materials
shall be placed parallel to the axis of the roadway in
even, continuous, approximately horizontal layers
not more than 8 inches in thickness. The full cross-
section of the fill must be maintained as each
successive layer is placed. Place successive layers of
material on embankment areas to produce the best
practical distribution of the material. The materials
throughout the roadbed shall be free from lenses,
pockets, streaks, or layers of material differing sub-
stantially in texture, gradation, or compaction from
the surrounding material. Ordinarily, stones coarser
than a 3-inch-square mesh opening should be
buried at least 4 inches below the finished surface
of the roadway.
The operator should route construction equip-
ment over the layers of roadbed material already
in place and distribute the gravel evenly over the
entire width of the embankment to obtain maximum
compaction while placing the material and to avoid
uneven compaction anywhere along the travel route.
Use excess excavation material, where practical,
to improve the road grade line or to flatten fill
slopes. Other waste areas must be approved prior to
placement of waste material.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
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Figure 4. Typical road plan and profile drawing for an oil and gas road.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development0
Road Maintenance
When required, the operator shall submit a
road maintenance plan for all roads that will be
constructed or used in conjunction with the drilling
program. The maintenance plan will contain provi-
sions for maintaining the traveled way, protection
of the roadway features, requirements for road
management, and the method to be used in carrying
out maintenance activities.
Maintenance activities normally required include
monitoring, blading, surface replacement, dust
abatement, spot repairs, slide removal, ditch cleaning,
culvert cleaning, litter cleanup, noxious weed control,
and snow removal. When applicable, specific areas
shall be identified in the road maintenance plan for
disposal of slide material, borrow or quarry sites,
stockpiles, or other uses that are needed for the project.
Key maintenance considerations include regular
inspections; reduction of ruts and holes; maintenance
of crowns and outslopes to keep water off the road;
replacement of surfacing materials; clearing of sedi-
ment blocking ditches and culverts; maintenance of
interim reclamation; and noxious weed control.
Conduct additional inspections following
snowmelt or heavy or prolonged rainfall to look
for drainage, erosion, or siltation problems. Blade
only when necessary and avoid blading established
grass and forb vegetation in ditches and adjacent to
the road. Ensure that maintenance operators have
proper training and understand the surface manage-
ment agency’s road maintenance objectives.
Authorized users may perform their share of
road maintenance, enter into road maintenance
agreements administered by the users, or may be
required to deposit sufficient funds with the surface
management agency to provide for their share of
maintenance. If the road has only one permitted
user, other than incidental use by others, that user
may have total responsibility for maintenance.
This example of interim road reclamation shows that reapplying topsoil and the regrowth of vegetation along
the road borrow ditches of this resource road reduces the loss of forage, habitat, and sediment, decreases
maintenance costs, and helps maintain the scenic quality.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Drainage and Drainage
Structures
The proper design and construction of structures
for the drainage of water from or through the
roadway often contributes the most to the long-term
success of the road and structure and minimizes
maintenance and adverse environmental effects,
such as erosion and sediment production. It is vitally
important to keep the water off the road.
Road Drainage Design
The most economical control measure should be
designed to meet resource and road management
objectives and constraints. The economic consid-
erations should include both construction and
maintenance costs. The need for drainage structures
can be minimized by proper road location. However,
adequate drainage is essential for a stable road.
A proper drainage system should include the best
combination of various design elements, such as
ditches, culverts, drainage dips, crown, in-slope or
out-slope, low-water crossings, subsurface drains,
and bridges.
Surface Drainage
Surface drainage provides for the interception,
collection, and removal of water from the surface of
roads and slope areas. The design may need to allow
for debris passage, mud flows, and water heavily
laden with silt, sand, and gravel. Culverts should be
designed in accordance with applicable practices
adopted by State and Federal water quality regula-
tors under authority of the Federal Clean Water Act
(CWA). Culverts should accommodate a 10-year
flood without development of a static head and
avoid serious velocity damage from a 25-year flood.
Subsurface Road Drainage
Subsurface drainage is provided to intercept,
collect, and remove groundwater that may flow into
the base course and subgrade; to lower high water
tables; or to drain locally saturated deposits or soils.
Drainage Structures
Proper location and design can provide eco-
nomical and efficient drainage in many cases.
However, structural measures are often required to
ensure proper and adequate drainage. Some of the
most common structures are drainage dips, ditches,
road crowning, culverts, and bridges.
Drainage Dips
The primary purpose of a drainage dip is to
intercept and remove surface water from the travel-
way and shoulders before the combination of water
volume and velocity begins to erode the surface
materials. Drainage dips should not be confused with
water bars, which are normally used for drainage
and erosion protection of closed or blocked roads.
See Figure 5 for an illustration of a typical drainage
dip and construction specifications. Spacing of
drainage dips depends upon local conditions such
as soil material, grade, and topography. The surface
management agency should be consulted for
spacing instructions.
Ditches
The geometric design of ditches must consider
the resource objectives for soil, water, and visual
quality; maintenance capabilities and associated
costs; and construction costs. Ditch grades should be
no less than 0.5 percent to provide positive drainage
and to avoid siltation. The types of ditches normally
used are drainage, trap, interception, and outlet.
Road Crowning
Roads that use crowning and ditching are com-
mon and can be used with all road classes, except
non-constructed roads. This design provides good
drainage of water from the surface of the road.
Drainage of the inside ditch and sidehill runoff
is essential if the travelway is to be kept dry and
passable during wet weather.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Culverts
Culverts are used in two applications: in
streams and gullies to allow normal drainage to
flow under the travelway and to drain inside road
ditches. The latter may not be required if drainage
dips are used. The location of culverts should be
shown on the plan and profile or similar drawings or
maps submitted with the APD.
All culverts should be laid on natural ground
or at the original elevation of any drainage crossed,
except as noted for ditch relief culverts. See Figures
6 and 7 for installation details.
Spacing depends upon grade,
soil, and precipitation
Road Grade d h a b
2%
4%
6%
8%
0.6'
1.0'
1.2'
2.0'
0.4'
0.8'
1.4'
2.2'
10'
14'
16'
22'
10'
14'
18'
24'
a
road gr
a
d
e
road gradeabb
dh
Cross-Section of Waterdip on Center Line
60˚
ch
a
n
n
e
l
g
r
a
d
e
gr
e
a
t
e
r
t
h
a
n
ro
a
d
g
r
a
d
e
Culverts should have a minimum diameter of
18 inches. The diameter should be determined by
the anticipated amount of water that would flow
through the culvert. Factors to be considered include
the geographic area being drained, soils and slopes
in the drainage area, annual precipitation, and likely
storm events.
The outlet of all culverts should extend at least 1
foot beyond the toe of any slope. It may be necessary
to install rip-rap or other energy dissipation devices
at the outlet end of the culvert to prevent soil erosion
or trap sediment (see example in the photograph).
Figure 5. Typical drainage dip and construction specifications.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Properly sized rock rip-rap at culvert outlets helps reduce water velocity and resulting soil erosion.
Figure 6. Culvert spacing.
Soil Type Road Grade
2–4%
Road Grade
5–8%
Maximum Recommended Culvert Spacing (ft)
Road Grade
9–12%
Highly erosive
granitic or sandy
Intermediate
erosive clay or load
Low erosive shale
or gravel
240
310
400
180
260
325
140
200
250
All culverts used in the construction of access
roads should be concrete, corrugated metal pipe
made of steel, or properly bedded and backfilled cor-
rugated plastic pipe. Only undamaged culverts are
to be used, and any culvert should be inspected for
damage prior to installation. All spots on the pipes
where the zinc coating has been injured should
be painted with two coats of zinc-rich paint or
otherwise repaired as approved by the surface
management agency.
Excavation, bedding, and backfilling of culverts
should be conducted according to requirements of
the surface management agency and good engineer-
ing practices. Compliance with applicable Clean
Water Act Best Management Practices and require-
ments for passage of aquatic species is required.
Ditch Relief Culverts
Ditch relief culverts are installed to periodically
relieve the ditch line flow by piping water to the
opposite side of the road where the flow can be dis-
persed away from the roadway. The spacing of ditch
relief culverts (Figure 6) is dependent on the road
gradient, soil types, and runoff characteristics.
A culvert with an 18-inch diameter is the
minimum for ditch relief to prevent failure from
debris blockage.
The depth of culvert burial must be sufficient to
ensure protection of the culvert barrel for the design
life of the culvert. This requires anticipating the
amount of material that may be lost due to road use
and erosion.
4
Figure 7. Diagrams for proper culvert installation
Culvert Construction Details
Type 1
Type 2
naturalchannelsurface
In live fish bearing streamslower bottom of culvert 6"below natural channel surface
normal road backslope
elbow
imbedded rocks
minimum 2' or
1 1/2 pipe diameters
Do not raise outletabove stream bed
Type 3
Skew Diagram Sidefill
Special Anchoring Type 2 Downdrains
normal road backslope
must discharge
on naturalground
Note:
Bedding blanket to be suitable
granular material roughly
shaped to fit bottom of pipe
Note:
Minimum cover for paved
surface is 12" minimum
cover for dirt surface is 18"
Provide 3 wraps of#9 galvanized wire
around the pipe and
around each post
2 - 6' metal fence posts
15'
m
a
x
i
m
u
m
Special archoring to be provided
when called for in the culvert listing
existing ground
6" compacted layersto density
specified
side fill
3D
1 dia.
2D
1/
1
0
d
i
a
.
1 dia.1 dia.
12' max.12' max.
riprap as required
skew 56˚skew 115˚
115˚
56˚
road
centerline
minimum 2' or1 1/2 pipe diameters
water
carrying
strata
water
carrying
strata
select backfill
D
B + 1/3 H Line and grade shall be as shown on
plans or as staked on the ground
Place perforations on
lower side of pipe
3/4"
No. 4
No. 16
No. 50
No. 100
100
95–100
45–80
10–80
2–10
sieve
designation
percent
passing
ground line
select backfill graduation
B = D + 2' – 0"
Type 1
6"
H=
3
'
–
0
"
m
i
n
.
B + 1/3 H
12
"
6"
H
=
3
'
–
0
"
m
i
n
.
impervious
material
select backfill
B = D + 2' – 0"
Type 2
D
Perforated Underdrains
in narrow channels
adjust to fit original
stream banks
Suitable granular
materials uniformly
compacted6"6"
1/2" per foot of fill above top pipe
12" minimum 24" maximum
1/
1
0
D
minimum 2' – 0" or 1/3 D
D = pipe diameter or span
minimum 1' – 0" or 1/3 D
slope as staked minimum 1' – 0" or 1/3 D
1' – 0" or 1/3D
minimum 2' – 0" or 1/3 D
natural
ground
D D
D
D
2D 2D
Front View Side View
inlet D
outlet 2D
Hand–Laid Rock Headwalls
Rock Foundation
Typical Bedding Details
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Ditch relief culverts can provide better flow
when skewed with an entrance angle of 45 to
60 degrees with the side of the ditch. The culvert
gradient should be greater than the approach ditch
gradient. This improves the flow hydraulics and
reduces siltation and debris plugging the culvert
inlet. Culverts placed in natural drainages can also
be used for ditch relief.
Bridges and Major Culverts
Federal Highway Administration (FHA) regula-
tions and BLM and FS road manuals require that on
roads open to public travel, all bridges and culverts
that in combination span at least 20 feet horizontal
distance, must comply with the National Bridge
Inspection and Reporting Standards. Thus, BLM
and FS manuals require that all such facilities have
engineering approval from Regional or State offices.
Operators are encouraged to prepare applications
requiring major culverts or bridges to allow suf-
ficient time for agency engineering evaluations.
Construction of some stream crossings may require
a Section 404 Corps of Engineers permit in addition
to the approval of the surface management agency.
Wetland Crossings
Wetlands are especially sensitive areas and
should be avoided, if possible. Generally, these areas
require crossings that prevent unnatural fluctuations
in water level. Marshy and swampy terrain may
contain bodies of water with no discernible current.
The design of culverts for roads crossing these loca-
tions requires unique considerations. Construction of
some wetland crossings may require a Section 404
Corps of Engineers permit in addition to the
approval of the surface management agency.
The culvert should be designed with a flat
grade so water can flow either way and maintain
its natural water level on both sides. The culvert
may become partially blocked by aquatic growth
and should be installed with the flowline below the
standing water level at its lowest elevation. Special
attention must be given to the selection of culvert
materials that will resist corrosion.
Low-Water Crossings
Roads may cross small drainages and intermittent
streams where culverts and bridges are unnecessary.
The crossing can be effectively accomplished by
dipping the road down to the bed of the drainage.
Site-specific designs and the construction of gravel,
rip-rap, or concrete bottoms may be required in
some situations. In no case should the drainage be
filled so that water will be impounded. Low-water
crossings that are not surfaced should not be used
in wet conditions. Low-water crossings, in combina-
tion with culverts, may be utilized if the crossing is
designed such that the structure is stable and self
cleaning.
Subdrainage
If water is not removed from the subgrade or
pavement structure, it may create instability, reduce
load-bearing capacity, increase possible damage
from frost action, and create a safety hazard by
freezing on the road surface.
Perforated pipe drains and associated filter
fabric or aggregate filters may be used when neces-
sary to provide subdrainage. Other methods may be
approved by the authorized officer.
Subdrainage systems may effectively reduce
final road costs by decreasing the depth of base
course needed, thereby reducing subgrade widths.
This, in turn, results in less clearing and excavation.
Maintenance savings may also be realized as the
result of a more stable subgrade.
The solutions to subdrainage problems can be
expensive. Road management techniques, such as
reducing traffic loads or removing traffic until a sub-
grade dries out, may be considered as an alternative.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Pipelines and Flowlines
Construction
Steep hillsides and water courses should be
avoided in the location of pipelines and flowlines.
Flowline routes should take advantage of road
corridors wherever possible to minimize surface
disturbance and provide better leak detection and
access for installation and repair operations.
Consider maintenance needs and safety when
burying power and pipelines in or immediately
adjacent to the road.
When clearing is necessary, the width disturbed
should be kept to a minimum. Topsoil material must
be stockpiled to the side of the routes where cuts
and fills or other surface disturbances occur during
pipeline construction. Topsoil material must be seg-
regated and not be mixed or covered with
subsurface material. Bladed materials must be
placed back into the cleared route upon completion
of construction and returned back to the original
contour before reapplying topsoil.
Pipelines and flowlines should be tested for
leaks before backfilling trenches. Pipeline trenches
should be compacted during backfilling. After
construction, cut-and-fill slopes must be regraded
to conform to the adjacent terrain and reclaimed.
Pipeline rights-of-way must be maintained in order
to correct backfill settling and prevent erosion.
Pipeline construction should not block, dam, or
change the natural course of any drainage. Sus-
pended pipelines should provide adequate clearance
for high-flow events, floating debris, wildlife, or
livestock. Pipelines buried across stream crossings
should be buried below the scouring depth.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 4
Chapter 6 – Reclamation
and Abandonment
Reclamation Objective
Oil and gas development is one of many uses of
the public lands and resources. While development
may have a short- or long-term effect on the
land, successful reclamation can ensure the
effect is not permanent. During the life of the
development, all disturbed areas not needed for
active support of production operations should
undergo “interim” reclamation in order to
minimize the environmental impacts of
development on other resources and uses. At final
abandonment, well locations, production facilities,
and access roads must undergo “final” reclamation
so that the character and productivity of the land
and water are restored.
Planning for reclamation prior to construction
is critical to achieving successful reclamation in the
future. Reclamation becomes significantly more
difficult, more expensive, and less effective if suf-
ficient topsoil is not salvaged, interim reclamation
is not completed, and if proper care is not taken to
construct pads and roads in locations that minimize
reclamation needs.
The long-term objective of final reclamation is
to set the course for eventual ecosystem restoration,
including the restoration of the natural vegetation
community, hydrology, and wildlife habitats. In most
cases, this means returning the land to a condition
approximating or equal to that which existed prior
to the disturbance. The operator is generally not
responsible for achieving full ecological restoration
of the site. Instead, the operator must achieve the
short-term stability, visual, hydrological, and productivity
objectives of the surface management agency and
take the steps necessary to ensure that long-term
objectives will be reached through natural processes.
The reclamation process involves restoring
the original landform or creating a landform that
approximates and blends in with the surrounding
landform. It also involves salvaging and reusing all
available topsoil (whatever soil is on top) in a timely
manner, revegetating disturbed areas to native
species, controlling erosion, controlling invasive
non-native plants and noxious weeds, and monitor-
ing results. Reclamation measures should begin as
soon as possible after the disturbance and continue
until successful reclamation is achieved. With proper
reclamation measures, over time, local native
species will become re-established on the site and
the area will regain its original productive and
scenic potential.
Reclamation generally can be judged suc-
cessful when a self-sustaining, vigorous, diverse,
native (or otherwise approved) plant community is
established on the site, with a density sufficient to
control erosion and non-native plant invasion and
to re-establish wildlife habitat or forage production.
Erosion control is generally sufficient when ad-
equate groundcover is reestablished, water naturally
infiltrates into the soil, and gullying, headcut-
ting, slumping, and deep or excessive rilling is not
observed. The site must be free of State- or county-
44 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
listed noxious weeds, oil field debris, contaminated
soil, and equipment. The operator should inform the
surface management agency that reclamation has
been completed and that the site is ready for final
inspection when these requirements have been met.
Reclamation Plan
A reclamation plan is included in the Surface
Use Plan of Operations and should discuss plans for
both interim and final reclamation. Reclamation is
required of any surface previously disturbed that is
not necessary for continued production operations.
The operator should submit a new plan with the
Notice of Intent to Abandon (NIA) or Subsequent
Report Plug and Abandon (SRA) using the Sundry
Notices and Reports on Wells Form 3160-5 when
abandoning wells and other facilities that do not
have an approved reclamation plan. The BLM will
forward the request to the FS or other surface
management agency as appropriate. Additional
reclamation measures may be required based on the
conditions existing at the time of abandonment and
made a part of the conditions of approval of the NIA
or SRA. Earthwork for interim and final reclamation
generally must be completed within 6 months of
well completion or plugging (weather permitting).
The following information includes components of
the reclamation plan.
Plugging the Well
Well abandonment operations may not be
started without the prior approval of the Sundry
Notices and Reports on Wells, Form 3160-5, by the
authorized officer. The Sundry Notice serves as the
operator’s NIA. In the case of newly drilled dry holes,
failures, and emergency situations, oral approval may
be obtained from the authorized officer subject to
written confirmation by application. The operator must
contact the BLM prior to plugging a well to allow for
approval and witnessing of the plugging operations.
Pit Reclamation
All pits must be reclaimed to a natural condition
that blends with the rest of the reclaimed pad area.
In addition, the reclaimed pit must be restored to
a safe and stable condition. In most cases, if it was
necessary to line the pit with a synthetic liner, the
pit should not be trenched (cut) or filled (squeezed)
while still containing fluids. Pits must be free of oil
and other liquid and solid wastes, allowed to dry,
be pumped dry, or solidified in-situ prior to filling.
The pit liner must be removed to the solids level or
treated to prevent its reemergence to the surface or
its interference with long-term successful revegeta-
tion. If necessary, the pit area should usually be
mounded slightly or restored to the original contour
to allow for settling and positive surface drainage.
The concentration of nonexempt hazardous
substances in the reserve pit at the time of pit
backfilling must not exceed the standards set forth
in the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA),
42 USC 9605, as amended by the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
(SARA), PL 99-499. All oil and gas drilling-related
CERCLA hazardous substances removed from a
location and not reused at another drilling location
must be disposed of in accordance with applicable
Federal and State regulations. {(Refer to 42 USC
9601(14)(Definition of “hazardous substances”); 42
USC 6921(2)(A)(exclusion of certain wastes associated
with exploration and production); EPA 530-95-003,
Crude Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and
Production Wastes: Exemption from RCRA Subtitle C
Regulation (May 1995)}.
Site Preparation and Revegetation
Disturbed areas should be revegetated after the
site has been satisfactorily prepared. Site preparation
will include respreading topsoil to an adequate
depth, and may also include ripping, tilling, disking
on contour, and dozer track-imprinting. The operator
will usually be advised of the revegetation methods,
objectives, and seasons to plant, unless this informa-
tion is included in the Application for Permit to Drill
(APD) reclamation plan. Native perennial species or
other plant materials specified by the surface man-
agement agency or private surface owner will be
used. Seeding should be accomplished by drilling on
the contour whenever practical or by other approved
methods such as dozer track-walking followed by
broadcast seeding. Seeding or planting should
be repeated until revegetation is successful, as
determined by the surface management agency.
4Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
When conditions are not favorable for the
establishment of vegetation, such as periods of
drought or the lack of sufficient salvaged topsoil,
the surface management agency may allow for
subsequent reseedings to be delayed until soil
moisture conditions become favorable or may
require additional cultural techniques such as mulch-
ing, fertilizing, fencing, or other practices. It is the
operator’s responsibility to monitor the site, take
the necessary steps to ensure reclamation success,
and to notify the surface management agency when
success is achieved.
Reclamation is most effective when the ecology
of the site is considered. The previous plant com-
munity or potential plant community native to the
site should be identified to help determine the plant
communities that can exist on the reclaimed site.
Revegetation efforts will be hampered and costs
increased if the site contains conditions detrimental
to revegetation, such as heavy grazing pressure,
insufficient salvaged topsoil, erosion, and compacted
or contaminated soil. (Refer to Figure 1 for exclosure
fence standards.)
Additional Guidelines
Supplemental guidelines and methods may be
available that reflect local site and geographic
conditions. These guidelines or methods may be
obtained from the local surface management
agency. Technical advances in reclamation practices
are continually being developed that may be
successfully applied to lands affected by oil and
gas development.
Pipeline and Flowline
Reclamation
Pipeline routes and roads should be co-located
as much as possible to reduce reclamation needs
and impacts to other resources. Pipeline trenches
are to be compacted during backfilling and must be
maintained to correct backfill settling and prevent
erosion. Reclamation involves placing fill in the
trench, compacting the fill, regrading cut-and-fill
slopes to restore the original contour, replacing
topsoil, installing temporary waterbars only where
necessary to control erosion, and revegetating in
accordance with a reclamation plan. Waterbars and
other erosion control devices must be maintained
and repaired as necessary.
Following successful revegetation, surviving
waterbars must be flattened to blend with the slope
and then revegetated. If berms of topsoil were
originally placed over the trench to accommodate
settling, the surviving berms should also be flattened
to blend with the surrounding landform and
revegetated.
Final abandonment of pipelines and flowlines
will involve flushing and properly disposing of any
fluids in the lines. All surface lines and any lines that
are buried close to the surface that may become ex-
posed due to water or wind erosion, soil movement,
or anticipated subsequent use, must be removed.
Deeply buried lines may remain in place unless
otherwise directed by the authorized officer.
Well Site Reclamation
Well site reclamation includes both interim and
final reclamation.
Interim Reclamation
Interim reclamation consists of minimizing the
footprint of disturbance by reclaiming all portions of
the well site not needed for production operations.
The portions of the cleared well site not needed for
operational and safety purposes are recontoured to
a final or intermediate contour that blends with the
surrounding topography as much as possible. Suf-
ficient level area remains for setup of a workover rig
and to park equipment. In some cases, rig anchors
may need to be pulled and reset after recontouring to
allow for maximum reclamation. Topsoil is respread
over areas not needed for all-weather operations.
When practical, the operator should respread topsoil
over the entire location and revegetate to within
a few feet of the production facilities, unless an
all-weather, surfaced, access route or turnaround
is needed. In order to inspect and operate the well
or complete workover operations, it may be neces-
sary to drive, park, and operate on restored, interim
vegetation within the previously disturbed area. This
is generally acceptable provided damage is repaired
and reclaimed following use. Under some situations,
such as the presence of moist, clay soils, the operator
or surface management agency may prefer that
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development4
vegetation and topsoil be removed during workover
operations and restored following operations to
prevent soil compaction.
To reduce final reclamation costs; maintain
healthy, biologically active topsoil; and to minimize
habitat, visual, and forage loss during the life of the
well, the salvaged topsoil should be spread over the
area of interim reclamation, rather than stockpiled.
Where the topography is flat and it is, therefore, un-
necessary to recontour the well location at the time
of final reclamation, the operator should set aside
sufficient topsoil for final reclamation of the small,
unreclaimed area around the wellhead. Any topsoil
pile set aside should be revegetated to prevent it
from eroding and to help maintain its biological
viability. On sloped ground, during final reclama-
tion, the topsoil and interim vegetation must be
restripped from portions of the site that are not at
the original contour, the well pad recontoured, and
the topsoil respread over the entire disturbed site to
ensure successful revegetation.
During the start of well production, this well pad was recontoured, revegetated, and shaped to blend in with the
surrounding natural forest openings. Well production facilities were constructed off-site and out of view.
Final Reclamation
Following well plugging, well sites that do not
blend seamlessly with the surrounding landform
(contour) should not be left in place, even if there
has been successful regrowth of vegetation on the
site. Revegetation alone does not constitute successful
reclamation. Restoration of the original landform is
a key element in ensuring that the effects of oil and
gas development are not permanent.
To achieve final reclamation of a recently
drilled dry hole, the well site must be recontoured to
original contour or a contour that blends with the
surrounding landform, stockpiled topsoil redis-
tributed, and the site revegetated. To achieve final
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 4
reclamation of a formerly producing well, all topsoil
and vegetation must be restripped from all por-
tions of the old well site that were not previously
reshaped to blend with the surrounding contour. All
disturbed areas are then recontoured back to the
original contour or a contour that blends with the
surrounding landform, topsoil is redistributed, and
the site revegetated.
In recontouring areas that have been surfaced
with gravel or similar materials, the material must
be removed from the well location or buried deep
in the recontoured cut to prevent possible surface
exposure. All excavations and pits must be closed by
backfilling when they are dry and free of waste and
graded to conform to the surrounding terrain.
Salvaged topsoil must be respread evenly over
the surfaces to be revegetated. The topsoiled site
should be prepared to provide a seedbed for rees-
tablishment of desirable vegetation. Site preparation
may include gouging, scarifying, dozer track-walking,
mulching, fertilizing, seeding, and planting.
Water breaks and terracing should only be
installed when absolutely necessary to prevent
erosion of fill material and should be removed when
the site is successfully revegetated and stabilized.
The well pad and access road are constructed to the minimum size necessary to safely conduct drilling and
completion operations.
Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development4
Road Reclamation
Interim reclamation consists of reclaiming
portions of the road not needed for vehicle travel.
Wherever possible, cut slopes, fill slopes, and borrow
ditches should be covered with topsoil and reveg-
etated to restore habitat, forage, scenic resources,
and to reduce soil erosion and maintenance costs.
At abandonment, roads must be reclaimed by the
operator unless the surface management agency or
surface owner requests that they be left unreclaimed.
Final reclamation includes recontouring the
road back to the original contour, seeding, control-
ling noxious weeds, and may also include other
techniques to improve reclamation success, such as
ripping, scarifying, replacing topsoil, placing water-
bars, pitting, mulching, redistributing woody debris,
and barricading.
The well pad and access road have been recontoured back to the original contour, the topsoil respread, and the
site revegetated.
Seeds of native, perennial species or other plant
materials specified by the surface management
agency or surface owner must be used. If waterbars
were used, they should be removed and seeded
following successful revegetation.
Reclamation of Other
Associated Facilities
Other facilities and areas of surface disturbance
associated with Federal oil and gas lease develop-
ment, including water impoundments, power lines,
metering buildings, compression facilities, and tank
batteries must be removed and reclaimed in accor-
dance with the standards identified previously and
with the requirements of the surface management
agency or surface owner.
4Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Water Well Conversion
In some instances, the surface management
agency or private landowner may wish to acquire a
well that has encountered usable fresh water. Refer
to 43 CFR 3162.3-4(b). In those cases, the operator
has no further abandonment responsibility if the
private landowner or surface management agency
accepts all liability for the final plugging and
reclamation of the water well and wellsite.
Documentation of liability release will be issued to
the responsible party.
Inspection and Final
Abandonment Approval
The operator must file a Subsequent Report
Plug and Abandon (SRA) following the plugging of
a well. A Final Abandonment Notice (FAN) must be
filed upon completion of reclamation operations,
which indicates that the site meets reclamation
objectives and is ready for inspection. Upon re-
ceipt of the Final Abandonment Notice, the surface
management agency will inspect the site to ensure
reclamation is fully successful.
BLM must approve the Final Abandonment No-
tice, even when the surface is managed by another
surface management agency. Final abandonment
will not be approved by the BLM until the surface
reclamation work required by the APD, Notice of
Intent to Abandon, or Subsequent Report Plug and
Abandon has been completed and the required
reclamation is acceptable to the surface management
agency. The operator is responsible for monitoring
reclamation progress and taking the necessary
actions to ensure success.
Release of Bonds
If the well and associated facilities are covered
by an individual lease bond, the period of liability on
that bond can be terminated once the final aban-
donment has been approved. The principal (operator
or lessee) can request termination of the period of
liability from the BLM State Office holding the bond.
If the well is covered by a statewide or nationwide
bond, termination of the period of liability of these
bonds is not approved until final abandonment of
all activities conducted under the bond have been
approved. The operator may request termination of
the bond on the Final Abandonment Notice.
Appendix D
Control Measures Manual
Stormwater Control Measure Manual
Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Table of Contents
Erosion Controls
EC-1 Surface Roughening (SR)
EC-2 Temporary and Permanent Seeding (TS/PS)
EC-3 Soil Binders (SB)
EC-4 Mulching (MU)
EC-5 Compost Blanket and Filter Berm (CB)
EC-6 Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECP) (multiple types)
EC-7 Temporary Slope Drains (TSD)
EC-8 Rock Lined Channel (RLC)
EC-9 Rough Cut Street Control (RCS)
EC-10 Earth Dikes and Drainage Swales (ED/DS)
EC-11 Terracing (TER)
EC-12 Check Dams (CD) (multiple types)
EC-13 Streambank Stabilization (SS)
EC-14 Wind Erosion / Dust Control (DC)
EC-15 Culvert (C)
EC-16 Culvert Protection (CP)
EC-17 Diversion (D)
EC-18 Drainage Dip (DD)
EC-19 Riprap (R)
EC-20 Roadside Ditch (RSD) and Turnout (TO)
EC-21 Water Bar (WB)
EC-22 Trench Breakers (TB)
EC-23 Berm (B)
EC-24 Drainage Liner (DL)
Materials Management
MM-1 Concrete Washout Area (CWA)
MM-2 Stockpile Management (SP) (multiple types)
MM-3 Good Housekeeping Practices (GH)
Sediment Controls
SC-1 Silt Fence (SF)
SC-2 Sediment Control Log (SCL)
SC-3 Straw Bale Barrier (SBB)
SC-4 Brush Barrier (BB)
SC-5 Rock Sock (RS)
SC-6 Filter Berm (FB)
SC-7 Sediment Basin (SB)
SC-8 Sediment Trap (ST)
SC-9 Vegetative Buffers (VB)
SC-10 Chemical Treatment (CT)
SC-11 Sediment Retention Device (WattleFence) (SRD)
Site Management and Other Specific Practices
SM-1 Construction Phasing/Sequencing (CP)
SM-2 Protection of Existing Vegetation (PV)
SM-3 Construction Fence (CF)
SM-4 Vehicle Tracking Control (VTC) (multiple types)
SM-5 Stabilized Construction Roadway (SCR)
SM-6 Stabilized Staging Area (SSA)
SM-7 Land Grading (LG)
SM-8 Temporary Diversion Channel (TDC)
SM-9 Dewatering Operations (DW)
SM-10 Temporary Stream Crossing (TSC) (multiple types)
SM-11 Temporary Batch Plant (TBP)
SM-12 Paving and Grinding Operations (PGO)
SM-13 Retaining Wall (RW)
Surface Roughening (SR)EC-1
November 2010 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District SR-1
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Description
Surface roughening is an erosion control
practice that involves tracking,
scarifying, imprinting, or tilling a
disturbed area to provide temporary
stabilization of disturbed areas. Surface
roughening creates variations in the soil
surface that help to minimize wind and
water erosion. Depending on the
technique used, surface roughening may
also help establish conditions favorable
to establishment of vegetation.
Appropriate Uses
Surface roughening can be used to Photograph SR-1. Surface roughening via imprinting for temporary
provide temporary stabilization of stabilization.
disturbed areas, such as when
revegetation cannot be immediately established due to seasonal planting limitations. Surface roughening
is not a stand-alone control measure, and should be used in conjunction with other erosion and sediment
controls.
Surface roughening is often implemented in conjunction with grading and is typically performed using
heavy construction e quipment to track the surface. Be aware that tracking with heavy equipment will also
compact soils, which is not desirable in areas that will be revegetated. Scarifying, tilling, or ripping are
better surface roughening techniques in locations where revegetation is planned. Roughening is not
effective in very sandy soils and cannot be effectively performed in rocky soil.
Design and Installation
Typical design details for surfacing roughening on steep and mild slopes are provided in Details SR-1 and
SR-2, respectively.
Surface roughening should be performed either after final grading or to temporarily stabilize an area
during active construction that may be inactive for a short time period. Surface roughening should create
depressions 2 to 6 inches deep and approximately 6 inches apart. The surface of exposed soil can be
roughened by a number of techniques and equipment. Horizontal grooves (running parallel to the
contours of the land) can be made using tracks from equipment treads, stair-step grading, ripping, or
tilling.
Fill slopes can be constructed with a roughened surface. Cut slopes that have been smooth graded can be
roughened as a subsequent operation. Roughening should
follow along the contours of the slope. The tracks left by truck
mounted equipment working perpendicular to the contour can
leave acceptable horizontal depressions; however the equipment
will also compact the soil.
Surface RougheningFunctions
Erosion Control Yes
Sediment Control No
Site/Material Management No
EC-1 Surface Roughening (SR)
SR-2 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District November 2010
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Maintenance and Removal
Care should be taken not to drive vehicles or equipment over areas that have been surface roughened.
Tire tracks will smooth the roughened surface and may cause runoff to collect into rills and gullies.
Because surface roughening is only a temporary control, additional treatments may be necessary to
maintain the soil surface in a roughened condition.
Areas should be inspected for signs of erosion. Surface roughening is a temporary measure, and will not
provide long-term erosion control.
Surface Roughening (SR)EC-1
November 2010 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District SR-3
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
EC-1 Surface Roughening (SR)
SR-4 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District November 2010
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Temporary and Permanent Seeding (TS/PS)EC-2
June 2012 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District TS/PS-1
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Photograph TS/PS -1. Equipment used to drill seed. Photo courtesy of
Douglas County.
Description
Temporary seeding can be used to
stabilize disturbed areas that will be
inactive for an extended period.
Permanent seeding should be used to
stabilize areas at final grade that will not
be otherwise stabilized. Effective seeding
includes preparation of a seedbed,
selection of an appropriate seed mixture,
proper planting techniques, and protection
of the seeded area with mulch, geotextiles,
or other appropriate measures.
Appropriate Uses
When the soil surface is disturbed and
will remain inactive for an extended
period (typically 30 days or longer),
proactive stabilization measures should be implemented. If the inactive period is short-lived (on the order
of two weeks), techniques such as surface roughening may be appropriate. For longer periods of
inactivity, temporary seeding and mulching can provide effective erosion control. Permanent seeding
should be used on finished areas that have not been otherwise stabilized.
Typically, local governments have their own seed mixes and timelines for seeding. Check jurisdictional
requirements for seeding and temporary stabilization.
Design and Installation
Effective seeding requires proper seedbed preparation, selection of an appropriate seed mixture, use of
appropriate seeding equipment to ensure proper coverage and density, and protection with mulch or fabric
until plants are established.
The USDCM Volume 2 Revegetation Chapter contains detailed seed mix, soil preparations, and seeding
and mulching recommendations that may be referenced to supplement this Fact Sheet.
Drill seeding is the preferred seeding method. Hydroseeding is not recommended except in areas where
steep slopes prevent use of drill seeding equipment, and even in these instances it is preferable to hand
seed and mulch. Some jurisdictions do not allow hydroseeding or hydromulching.
Seedbed Preparation
Prior to seeding, ensure that areas to be revegetated have
soil conditions capable of supporting vegetation. Overlot
grading can result in loss of topsoil, resulting in poor quality
subsoils at the ground surface that have low nutrient value,
little organic matter content, few soil microorganisms,
rooting restrictions, and conditions less conducive to
infiltration of precipitation. As a result, it is typically
necessary to provide stockpiled topsoil, compost, or other
Temporary and Permanent Seeding
Functions
Erosion Control Yes
Sediment Control No
Site/Material Management No
EC-2 Temporary and Permanent Seeding (TS/PS)
TS/PS-2 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District June 2012
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
soil amendments and rototill them into the soil to a depth of 6 inches or more.
Topsoil should be salvaged during grading operations for use and spread on areas to be revegetated later.
Topsoil should be viewed as an important resource to be utilized for vegetation establishment, due to its
water-holding capacity, structure, texture, organic matter content, biological activity, and nutrient content.
The rooting depth of most native grasses in the semi-arid Denver metropolitan area is 6 to 18 inches. At a
minimum, the upper 6 inches of topsoil should be stripped, stockpiled, and ultimately respread across
areas that will be revegetated.
Where topsoil is not available, subsoils should be amended to provide an appropriate plant-growth
medium. Organic matter, such as well digested compost, can be added to improve soil characteristics
conducive to plant growth. Other treatments can be used to adjust soil pH conditions when needed. Soil
testing, which is typically inexpensive, should be completed to determine and optimize the types and
amounts of amendments that are required.
If the disturbed ground surface is compacted, rip or rototill the surface prior to placing topsoil. If adding
compost to the existing soil surface, rototilling is necessary. Surface roughening will assist in placement
of a stable topsoil layer on steeper slopes, and allow infiltration and root penetration to greater depth.
Prior to seeding, the soil surface should be rough and the seedbed should be firm, but neither too loose
nor compacted. The upper layer of soil should be in a condition suitable for seeding at the proper depth
and conducive to plant growth. Seed-to-soil contact is the key to good germination.
Seed Mix for Temporary Vegetation
To provide temporary vegetative cover on disturbed areas which will not be paved, built upon, or fully
landscaped or worked for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), plant an annual grass
appropriate for the time of planting and mulch the planted areas. Annual grasses suitable for the Denver
metropolitan area are listed in Table TS/PS-1. These are to be considered only as general
recommendations when specific design guidance for a particular site is not available. Local governments
typically specify seed mixes appropriate for their jurisdiction.
Seed Mix for Permanent Revegetation
To provide vegetative cover on disturbed areas that have reached final grade, a perennial grass mix should
be established. Permanent seeding should be performed promptly (typically within 14 days) after
reaching final grade. Each site will have different characteristics and a landscape professional or the local
jurisdiction should be contacted to determine the most suitable seed mix for a specific site. In lieu of a
specific recommendation, one of the perennial grass mixes appropriate for site conditions and growth
season listed in Table TS/PS-2 can be used. The pure live seed (PLS) rates of application recommended
in these tables are considered to be absolute minimum rates for seed applied using proper drill-seeding
equipment.
If desired for wildlife habitat or landscape diversity, shrubs such as rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus
nauseosus), fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) and skunkbrush sumac (Rhus trilobata) could be
added to the upland seedmixes at 0.25, 0.5 and 1 pound PLS/acre, respectively. In riparian zones,
planting root stock of such species as American plum (Prunus americana), woods rose (Rosa woodsii),
plains cottonwood (Populus sargentii), and willow (Populus spp.) may be considered. On non-topsoiled
upland sites, a legume such as Ladak alfalfa at 1 pound PLS/acre can be included as a source of nitrogen
for perennial grasses.
Temporary and Permanent Seeding (TS/PS)EC-2
June 2012 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District TS/PS-3
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Seeding dates for the highest success probability of perennial species along the Front Range are generally
in the spring from April through early May and in the fall after the first of September until the ground
freezes. If the area is irrigated, seeding may occur in summer months, as well. See Table TS/PS-3 for
appropriate seeding dates.
Table TS/PS-1. Minimum Drill Seeding Rates for Various Temporary Annual Grasses
Speciesa
(Common name)
Growth
Seasonb
Pounds of
Pure Live Seed
(PLS)/acrec
Planting
Depth
(inches)
1.Oats Cool 35 - 50 1 - 2
2. Spring wheat Cool 25 - 35 1 - 2
3. Spring barley Cool 25 - 35 1 - 2
4.Annual ryegrass Cool 10 - 15 ½
5.Millet Warm 3 - 15 ½ - ¾
6. Sudangrass Warm 5–10 ½ - ¾
7. Sorghum Warm 5–10 ½ - ¾
8.Winter wheat Cool 20–35 1 - 2
9.Winter barley Cool 20–35 1 - 2
10.Winter rye Cool 20–35 1 - 2
11.Triticale Cool 25–40 1 - 2
a Successful seeding of annual grass resulting in adequate plant growth will
usually produce enough dead-plant residue to provide protection from
wind and water erosion for an additional year. This assumes that the cover
is not disturbed or mowed closer than 8 inches.
Hydraulic seeding may be substituted for drilling only where slopes are
steeper than 3:1 or where access limitations exist. When hydraulic
seeding is used, hydraulic mulching should be applied as a separate
operation, when practical, to prevent the seeds from being encapsulated in
the mulch.
b See Table TS/PS-3 for seeding dates. Irrigation, if consistently applied,
may extend the use of cool season species during the summer months.
c Seeding rates should be doubled if seed is broadcast, or increased by 50
percent if done using a Brillion Drill or by hydraulic seeding.
EC-2 Temporary and Permanent Seeding (TS/PS)
TS/PS-4 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District June 2012
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Table TS/PS-2. Minimum Drill Seeding Rates for Perennial Grasses
Commona
Name
Botanical
Name
Growth
Seasonb
Growth
Form
Seeds/
Pound
Pounds of
PLS/acre
Alkali Soil Seed Mix
Alkali sacaton Sporobolus airoides Cool Bunch 1,750,000 0.25
Basin wildrye Elymus cinereus Cool Bunch 165,000 2.5
Sodar streambank wheatgrass Agropyron riparium 'Sodar' Cool Sod 170,000 2.5
Jose tall wheatgrass Agropyron elongatum 'Jose' Cool Bunch 79,000 7.0
Arriba western wheatgrass Agropyron smithii 'Arriba' Cool Sod 110,000 5.5
Total 17.75
Fertile Loamy Soil Seed Mix
Ephriam crested wheatgrass Agropyron cristatum
'Ephriam' Cool Sod 175,000 2.0
Dural hard fescue Festuca ovina 'duriuscula' Cool Bunch 565,000 1.0
Lincoln smooth brome Bromus inermis leyss
'Lincoln' Cool Sod 130,000 3.0
Sodar streambank wheatgrass Agropyron riparium 'Sodar' Cool Sod 170,000 2.5
Arriba western wheatgrass Agropyron smithii 'Arriba' Cool Sod 110,000 7.0
Total 15.5
High Water Table Soil Seed Mix
Meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis Cool Sod 900,000 0.5
Redtop Agrostis alba Warm Open sod 5,000,000 0.25
Reed canarygrass Phalaris arundinacea Cool Sod 68,000 0.5
Lincoln smooth brome Bromus inermis leyss
'Lincoln' Cool Sod 130,000 3.0
Pathfinder switchgrass Panicum virgatum
'Pathfinder' Warm Sod 389,000 1.0
Alkar tall wheatgrass Agropyron elongatum
'Alkar' Cool Bunch 79,000 5.5
Total 10.75
Transition Turf Seed Mixc
Ruebens Canadian bluegrass Poa compressa 'Ruebens' Cool Sod 2,500,000 0.5
Dural hard fescue Festuca ovina 'duriuscula' Cool Bunch 565,000 1.0
Citation perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne 'Citation' Cool Sod 247,000 3.0
Lincoln smooth brome Bromus inermis leyss
'Lincoln' Cool Sod 130,000 3.0
Total 7.5
Temporary and Permanent Seeding (TS/PS)EC-2
June 2012 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District TS/PS-5
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Table TS/PS-2. Minimum Drill Seeding Rates for Perennial Grasses (cont.)
Common
Name
Botanical
Name
Growth
Seasonb
Growth
Form
Seeds/
Pound
Pounds of
PLS/acre
Sandy Soil Seed Mix
Blue grama Bouteloua gracilis Warm Sod-forming
bunchgrass 825,000 0.5
Camper little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
'Camper' Warm Bunch 240,000 1.0
Prairie sandreed Calamovilfa longifolia Warm Open sod 274,000 1.0
Sand dropseed Sporobolus cryptandrus Cool Bunch 5,298,000 0.25
Vaughn sideoats grama Bouteloua curtipendula
'Vaughn' Warm Sod 191,000 2.0
Arriba western wheatgrass Agropyron smithii 'Arriba' Cool Sod 110,000 5.5
Total 10.25
Heavy Clay, Rocky Foothill Seed Mix
Ephriam crested wheatgrassd Agropyron cristatum
'Ephriam' Cool Sod 175,000 1.5
Oahe Intermediate wheatgrass Agropyron intermedium
'Oahe' Cool Sod 115,000 5.5
Vaughn sideoats gramae Bouteloua curtipendula
'Vaughn' Warm Sod 191,000 2.0
Lincoln smooth brome Bromus inermis leyss
'Lincoln' Cool Sod 130,000 3.0
Arriba western wheatgrass Agropyron smithii 'Arriba' Cool Sod 110,000 5.5
Total 17.5
a All of the above seeding mixes and rates are based on drill seeding followed by crimped straw mulch. These rates should be
doubled if seed is broadcast and should be increased by 50 percent if the seeding is done using a Brillion Drill or is applied
through hydraulic seeding. Hydraulic seeding may be substituted for drilling only where slopes are steeper than 3:1. If
hydraulic seeding is used, hydraulic mulching should be done as a separate operation.
b See Table TS/PS-3 for seeding dates.
c If site is to be irrigated, the transition turf seed rates should be doubled.
d Crested wheatgrass should not be used on slopes steeper than 6H to 1V.
e Can substitute 0.5 lbs PLS of blue grama for the 2.0 lbs PLS of Vaughn sideoats grama.
EC-2 Temporary and Permanent Seeding (TS/PS)
TS/PS-6 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District June 2012
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Table TS/PS-3. Seeding Dates for Annual and Perennial Grasses
Annual Grasses
(Numbers in table reference
species in Table TS/PS-1)
Perennial Grasses
Seeding Dates Warm Cool Warm Cool
January 1–March 15
March 16–April 30 4 1,2,3
May 1–May 15 4
May 16–June 30 4,5,6,7
July 1–July 15 5,6,7
July 16–August 31
September 1–September 30 8,9,10,11
October 1–December 31
Mulch
Cover seeded areas with mulch or an appropriate rolled erosion control product to promote establishment
of vegetation. Anchor mulch by crimping, netting or use of a non-toxic tackifier. See the Mulching
Control Measure Fact Sheet for additional guidance.
Maintenance and Removal
Monitor and observe seeded areas to identify areas of poor growth or areas that fail to germinate. Reseed
and mulch these areas, as needed.
An area that has been permanently seeded should have a good stand of vegetation within one growing
season if irrigated and within three growing seasons without irrigation in Colorado. Reseed portions of
the site that fail to germinate or remain bare after the first growing season.
Seeded areas may require irrigation, particularly during extended dry periods. Targeted weed control may
also be necessary.
Protect seeded areas from construction equipment and vehicle access.
Soil Binders (SB)EC-3
November 2010 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District SB-1
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Description
Soil binders include a broad range of
treatments that can be applied to exposed
soils for temporary stabilization to reduce
wind and water erosion. Soil binders may
be applied alone or as tackifiers in
conjunction with mulching and seeding
applications.
Acknowledgement: This Control
Measure Fact Sheet has been adapted
from the 2003 California Stormwater
Quality Association (CASQA)
Stormwater BMP Handbook:
Construction
(www.cabmphandbooks.com).
Appropriate Uses
Soil binders can be used for short-term, temporary stabilization of soils on both mild and steep slopes.
Soil binders are often used in areas where work has temporarily stopped, but is expected to resume before
revegetation can become established. Binders are also useful on stockpiled soils or where temporary or
permanent seeding has occurred.
Prior to selecting a soil binder, check with the state and local jurisdiction to ensure that the chemicals
used in the soil binders are allowed. The water quality impacts of some types of soil binders are relatively
unknown and may not be allowed due to concerns about potential environmental impacts. Soil binders
must be environmentally benign (non-toxic to plant and animal life), easy to apply, easy to maintain,
economical, and should not stain paved or painted surfaces.
Soil binders should not be used in vehicle or pedestrian high traffic areas, due to loss in effectiveness
under these conditions.
Site soil type will dictate appropriate soil binders to be used. Be aware that soil binders may not function
effectively on silt or clay soils or highly compacted areas. Check manufacturer's recommendations for
appropriateness with regard to soil conditions. Some binders may not be suitable for areas with existing
vegetation.
Design and Installation
Properties of common soil binders used for erosion control
are provided in Table SB-1. Design and installation
guidance below are provided for general reference. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and
procedures.
Soil Binders
Functions
Erosion Control Yes
Sediment Control No
Site/Material Management Moderate
Photograph SB-1. Tackifier being applied to provide temporary soil
stabilization. Photo courtesy of Douglas County.
EC-3 Soil Binders (SB)
SB-2 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District November 2010
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Table SB-1. Properties of Soil Binders for Erosion Control (Source: CASQA 2003)
Evaluation Criteria
Binder Type
Plant Material
Based
(short lived)
Plant Material
Based
(long lived)
Polymeric
Emulsion Blends
Cementitious-
Based Binders
Resistance to Leaching High High Low to Moderate Moderate
Resistance to Abrasion Moderate Low Moderate to High Moderate to High
Longevity Short to Medium Medium Medium to Long Medium
Minimum Curing Time
before Rain 9 to 18 hours 19 to 24 hours 0 to 24 hours 4 to 8 hours
Compatibility with
Existing Vegetation Good Poor Poor Poor
Mode of Degradation Biodegradable Biodegradable Photodegradable/
Chemically
Degradable
Photodegradable/
Chemically
Degradable
Specialized Application
Equipment
Water Truck or
Hydraulic
Mulcher
Water Truck or
Hydraulic
Mulcher
Water Truck or
Hydraulic Mulcher
Water Truck or
Hydraulic Mulcher
Liquid/Powder Powder Liquid Liquid/Powder Powder
Surface Crusting Yes, but
dissolves on
rewetting
Yes Yes, but dissolves on
rewetting Yes
Clean Up Water Water Water Water
Erosion Control
Application Rate Varies Varies Varies 4,000 to 12,000
lbs/acre Typ.
Soil Binders (SB)EC-3
November 2010 Urban Drainage and Flood Control District SB-3
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3
Factors to consider when selecting a soil binder generally include:
Suitability to situation: Consider where the soil binder will be applied, if it needs a high resistance
to leaching or abrasion, and whether it needs to be compatible with existing vegetation. Determine
the length of time soil stabilization will be needed, and if the soil binder will be placed in an area
where it will degrade rapidly. In general, slope steepness is not a discriminating factor.
Soil types and surface materials: Fines and moisture content are key properties of surface
materials. Consider a soil binder's ability to penetrate, likelihood of leaching, and ability to form a
surface crust on the surface materials.
Frequency of application: The frequency of application can be affected by subgrade conditions,
surface type, climate, and maintenance schedule. Frequent applications could lead to high costs.
Application frequency may be minimized if the soil binder has good penetration, low evaporation,
and good longevity. Consider also that frequent application will require frequent equipment clean up.
An overview of major categories of soil binders, corresponding to the types included in Table SB-1
follows.
Plant-Material Based (Short Lived) Binders
Guar: A non-toxic, biodegradable, natural galactomannan-based hydrocolloid treated with dispersant
agents for easy field mixing. It should be mixed with water at the rate of 11 to 15 lbs per 1,000
gallons. Recommended minimum application rates are provided in Table SB-2.
Table SB-2. Application Rates for Guar Soil Stabilizer
Slope (H:V)
Flat 4:1 3:1 2:1 1:1
Application Rate (lb/acre) 40 45 50 60 70
Psyllium: Composed of the finely ground muciloid coating of plantago seeds that is applied as a wet
slurry to the surface of the soil. It dries to form a firm but rewettable membrane that binds soil
particles together but permits germination and growth of seed. Psyllium requires 12 to 18 hours
drying time. Application rates should be from 80 to 200 lbs/acre, with enough water in solution to
allow for a uniform slurry flow.
Starch: Non-ionic, cold-water soluble (pre-gelatinized) granular cornstarch. The material is mixed
with water and applied at the rate of 150 lb/acre. Approximate drying time is 9 to 12 hours.
Plant-Material Based (Long Lived) Binders
Pitch and Rosin Emulsion: Generally, a non-ionic pitch and rosin emulsion has a minimum solids
content of 48 percent. The rosin should be a minimum of 26 percent of the total solids content. The
soil stabilizer should be a non-corrosive, water dilutable emulsion that upon application cures to a
water insoluble binding and cementing agent. For soil erosion control applications, the emulsion is
diluted and should be applied as follows:
o For clayey soil: 5 parts water to 1 part emulsion