Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.03 Reclamation and Weed Management Plan Kobe Pumping Plant and Pipeline Project Reclamation and Weed Management Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 0 1.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 0 1.2 Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................................... 0 2.0 Vegetative Clearing and Topsoil Salvage ......................................................................................... 0 2.1 Clearing ........................................................................................................................................ 0 2.2 Topsoil Conservation ................................................................................................................... 0 3.0 Reclamation Process ........................................................................................................................ 1 3.1 Agricultural Features ................................................................................................................... 1 3.2 Rock Disposal ............................................................................................................................... 1 3.3 Final Cleanup ............................................................................................................................... 1 3.4 Topsoil Restoration...................................................................................................................... 2 3.5 Permanent Erosion Control ......................................................................................................... 2 3.6 Rock and Vegetative Debris ......................................................................................................... 2 3.7 Seedbed Preparation ................................................................................................................... 2 3.8 Revegetation ............................................................................................................................... 2 3.8.1 Species Selection and Sources ........................................................................................ 3 3.8.2 Seed Application Rates and Viability .............................................................................. 3 3.8.3 Seeding Methods and Procedures.................................................................................. 3 3.8.3.1 Drill Seeding .................................................................................................................... 3 3.8.3.2 Broadcast Seeding .......................................................................................................... 3 3.8.3.3 Mulch .............................................................................................................................. 3 4.0 Noxious Weed Management ........................................................................................................... 4 4.1 Identification and Treatment of Problem Areas ......................................................................... 4 4.2 Preventive Measures ................................................................................................................... 4 4.3 Monitoring ................................................................................................................................... 4 4.4 Grazing ......................................................................................................................................... 4 5.0 Reclamation Schedule and Documentation .................................................................................... 4 6.0 Post-Construction Monitoring and Evaluation ................................................................................ 5 6.1 Revegetation and Erosion Control Monitoring ........................................................................... 5 1.0 INTRODUCTION This Reclamation Plan describes measures for vegetative clearing, topsoil salvage and restoration, reseeding, and reclamation monitoring for the Kobe Pumping Plant and Pipeline Project (project). Measures identified in this plan apply to work within the project area defined as the construction workspace, temporary use areas, and other areas used during construction of the project. 1.1 Purpose The purpose of this plan is to describe prescribed methods for vegetative clearing, topsoil salvage, topsoil replacement, reseeding, and monitoring for reclamation success. 1.2 Goals and Objectives The short-term objectives of reclamation are to control erosion and sedimentation and to minimize impacts to adjacent land uses. Properly executed construction practices and optimum scheduling will mitigate short-term impacts. Long-term objectives include controlling erosion and sedimentation, protecting water resources and soils, limiting the introduction and spread of noxious weeds, and returning disturbed areas to pre-existing condition. Monitoring during construction and post- construction will ensure that these goals are achieved. 2.0 VEGETATIVE CLEARING AND TOPSOIL SALVAGE 2.1 Clearing Vegetation will be cleared and the construction workspace graded to provide for safe and efficient operation of construction equipment and inspection vehicles. This will also provide space for the storage of subsoil and topsoil. Construction activity and ground disturbance will be limited to approved, staked areas. Trees will be cut with a chain saw and/or mechanical shears, and brush will be generally cut with a hydro-axe or similar equipment. Trees and brush will be cut as close to the ground as possible, and brush would be generally cut with a hydro-axe to avoid disturbance of root systems. Vegetative material will typically be chipped or shredded and incorporated into the topsoil. Stumps that are not shredded or chipped and incorporated into the topsoil will be removed and disposed of at an approved disposal facility. 2.2 Topsoil Conservation Topsoil will be salvaged where required by the landowner and protected along most of the pipeline route to facilitate revegetation of the construction workspace after construction is complete. Topsoil will be segregated using one of the following methods: from either the full-work area (full-construction workspace method), from the trenchline only (trenchline only method), or from the trenchline and working side (trench and working side method). On any lands requiring grading, the topsoil will be stripped from the entire portion of the construction workspace that requires grading. Topsoil will generally be stripped up to a depth of 6 inches from the trench line. On any lands requiring grading, the topsoil will be stripped from the entire portion of the construction workspace that requires grading. Up to 12 inches of topsoil will be stripped across the full-width of the construction workspace in irrigated agricultural lands. Topsoil will be stockpiled separate from subsoil and will not be used to pad the trench or construct trench breakers. Dry drainages or washes that cross the construction workspace will not be blocked with topsoil or subsoil piles. Topsoil and subsoil will be placed on the banks of the drainage. Gaps will be left periodically in the topsoil and subsoil windowed to avoid ponding and excess diversion of natural runoff during storm events. 3.0 RECLAMATION PROCESS After the final installation of the pipeline, all disturbed portions of the construction workspace (including the construction workspace, travel lane, and temporary use areas) will be returned to pre-construction grades and contours. Topsoil will then be replaced over the right-of-way in the approximate area from which it was stripped. Revegetation will be the primary method to stabilize soils and ensure permanent erosion control over the long term. Every effort will be made to complete final cleanup and installation of permanent erosion control measures within 30 days after final backfilling is completed. The following sections outline the pre-construction planning and sequential steps for restoring the construction workspace and temporary use areas following installation of the pipe and backfilling of the trench. 3.1 Agricultural Features All irrigation ditches, cattle guards, fences, and artificial and natural livestock and wildlife water sources will be maintained and repaired to at least pre-construction conditions. Temporary measures will be provided, as agreed with the landowner, for any of these facilities that are disrupted during the construction or reclamation process. 3.2 Rock Disposal Excess rock is defined as all rock that cannot be returned to the existing rock profile in the trench or graded cuts, or is not needed to restore the construction workspace to a condition comparable to that found adjacent to the construction workspace. Excess rock will be randomly distributed across the construction workspace, piled or windrowed to create or enhance wildlife habitat, or arranged to block use of the reclaimed construction workspace by motor vehicles. If these options are not practical, the Contractor will remove other excess rock from the construction workspace and haul it to an approved disposal site. 3.3 Final Cleanup Within 30 days after backfilling the trench, the Contractor will make every effort to complete final cleanup and installation of permanent erosion control structures. The construction workspace and other project-related areas where soil has been disturbed will be restored as close to pre-construction grades, compaction, and other conditions as possible. No solid waste, rock, trash, or vegetative debris will be buried on the construction workspace. Irrigated agricultural lands are of special concern and require precise re-contouring and trench compaction to return fields to pre-construction conditions. The Contractor will work closely with the landowner to ensure irrigated agricultural lands are effectively restored. 3.4 Topsoil Restoration After the trench has been backfilled and the construction workspace regraded, the Contractor will redistribute topsoil to the approximate location from which it was originally removed. Restored topsoil will be left in a roughened condition to discourage erosion and enhance the quality of the seedbed. Topsoil will not be handled during excessively wet or frozen conditions. Topsoil will be redistributed as close to original salvage depths as possible. Segregation of subsoil and topsoil will be maintained throughout final cleanup procedures. The Contractor will be responsible for replacement of lost or degraded (mixed) topsoil with topsoil imported from a certified weed-free source. 3.5 Permanent Erosion Control Permanent erosion control methods will be utilized as needed for stabilization of slopes and soils as described in the Stormwater Management Plan. Permanent erosion control measures will be installed within 30 days after the trench is backfilled to aid in site stabilization wherever required. 3.6 Rock and Vegetative Debris Vegetative mulch and excess rock may be used to reduce erosion potential by providing additional surface relief structure. In areas with a pre-existing rocky surface material, the Contractor will spread rock over the construction workspace to maintain a surface appearance similar to that of adjacent undisturbed terrain. Suitable sites include naturally rocky slopes and areas that have a natural gravel, cobble, or boulder veneer on the surface. Suitable sites will be determined in conjunction with the BLM or the fee-landowner. Rocks saved during construction shall be placed “white side down” on the pipeline corridor during interim reclamation to reduce the amount of color contrast with the surrounding landscape and to deter off-road travel. Rocks and woody debris shall be replaced on the pipeline corridor to emulate the texture closer to that of the native landscape and to encourage vegetation growth. 3.7 Seedbed Preparation The Contractor will scarify, till, or harrow the seedbed to a depth of 3 inches prior to seeding where needed to improve revegetation potential. Those sites where seedbed preparation is not practical (e.g., steep slopes, rocky areas, etc.) will be left with adequate roughness following topsoil replacement to create micro-environments for seed germination and growth, and to reduce the potential for soil movement. 3.8 Revegetation The Contractor will be responsible for seeding the construction workspace, temporary use areas, and off-construction workspace ancillary sites using appropriate seed mixes, appropriate seeding methods, and approved application rates. 3.8.1 Selection of grass and shrub species for revegetation will be based on pre-construction community composition and soil types, as well as establishment potential, soil stabilizing qualities, post-construction land use objectives, and landowner recommendations. To the extent possible, native species will be used. Project seed will be state-certified weed-free and will be purchased from and blended by qualified producers and dealers. Species Selection and Sources 3.8.2 Seeding rates will be determined in PLS pounds per acre and seeds per square foot based on drilled application rates. Broadcast seeding rates will be twice the drill rate. Seed will be used within 12 months of testing to assure seed viability. If additional seeding is required in the year following construction, additional viability tests will be conducted to determine any need for adjustment of application rates. Seed Application Rates and Viability 3.8.3 The Contractor will employ broadcast or drill seeding. Seeding activities will be contingent upon weather and soil conditions and will not be permitted if there is more than two inches of snow on the ground. Seeding Methods and Procedures 3.8.3.1 Drill Seeding Drill seeding is the preferred seeding method and will be employed wherever soil characteristics and slope allow effective operation of a rangeland seed drill. Drill seeding will be performed perpendicular to the slope. Seed will be placed in direct contact with the soil at an average depth of 0.25 to 0.5 inches, covered with soil, and firmed to eliminate air pockets around the seeds. Seed will be applied using a rangeland seed drill with a seed release and agitation mechanism sufficient to allow seeds of various sizes and densities to be planted at the proper seeding depth. 3.8.3.2 Broadcast Seeding Broadcast seeding will be employed only in areas where drill seeding is unsafe or physically impossible. Seed will be applied using manually operated cyclone-bucket spreaders, mechanical spreaders, or blowers. Seed will be uniformly broadcast over disturbed areas. Broadcast application rates will be twice that of drill rates. Immediately after broadcasting, the seed will be uniformly raked, chained, dragged, or cultipacked to incorporate seed to a sufficient seeding depth. If the area is seeded prior to a soil crust forming, harrowing or raking may not be necessary. Hydroseeding and hydromulching will be conducted in two separate applications to ensure adequate contact of seeds with the soil. 3.8.3.3 Mulch Mulch shall be applied within 24 hours following completion of seeding. Mulch may consist of either hydromulch or of certified weed-free straw or certified weed-free native grass hay crimped into the soil. NOTE: Mulch is not required in areas where erosion potential mandates use of a biodegradable erosion- control blanket (straw matting). 4.0 NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT 4.1 Identification and Treatment of Problem Areas Depending upon the species and the time of construction, methods of pre-treatment may include: • Mechanical—mowing or pulling by hand and • Chemical—application of an approved herbicide by a licensed applicator. Herbicides will be selected based on recommendations by the Mesa County weed control district 4.2 Preventive Measures The following preventive measures will be implemented to prevent the spread of noxious weeds: • Vehicles and equipment will be required to arrive at the work site clean, power-washed, and free of soil and vegetative debris capable of transporting weed seeds or other propagules. • Materials used for erosion control and reclamation (i.e., straw bales and seed mixes) will be obtained from sources that are certified weed-free. • Disturbed areas will be reseeded in accordance with the Reclamation Plan as soon as possible after construction activities have been completed. 4.3 Monitoring Surveys will be conducted concurrently with reclamation monitoring and will occur as early in the year as feasible to identify and control noxious weeds before they produce seed. Monitoring data collected will include the noxious weed species, location, and extent of infestation. At those locations where new populations have been identified or pre-existing populations have expanded, the project will take action to eradicate the population or control its spread. The selection of control methods will be based on the available technology and information of the weed species. Methods of control may include those listed above. Noxious weed problems identified after reclamation criteria have been met will be addressed. 4.4 Grazing Prior to and during construction, Chevron will keep grazing lessees informed regarding schedules to allow them ample opportunity to move livestock away from the construction workspace. Gates and fences will be installed along the construction workspace as required. Hard or soft plugs will be left or installed to allow livestock to cross to either side of the construction workspace during construction. Gates, fences, and cattle guards will be left in as good as or better shape than the pre-construction condition. Reclamation activities will be coordinated with the grazing lessees to avoid cattle grazing new seedlings until the revegetation is established. 5.0 RECLAMATION SCHEDULE AND DOCUMENTATION Reclamation, including seeding, of temporarily disturbed areas along roads and pipelines, and of topsoil piles and berms, shall be completed within 30 days following completion of construction. Any such area on which construction is completed prior to December 1 shall be seeded during the remainder of the early winter season instead of during the following spring. 6.0 POST-CONSTRUCTION MONITORING AND EVALUATION 6.1 Revegetation and Erosion Control Monitoring During the first growing season following construction and reclamation, surveys will be conducted to assess revegetation success, evaluate erosion control measures, and determine the need for further reclamation. Revegetation monitoring will include evaluation of the following parameters as compared to adjacent (off-construction workspace) vegetation: • percent total herbaceous cover (seeded species plus desirable volunteers), • new or expanded populations of noxious weeds, and • species composition. Erosion control monitoring will be performed in response to significant weather events and/or concurrently with the revegetation monitoring during the first year following construction.