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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.12 Revegetation planReclamation Plan 1. INTRODUCTION This Reclamation Plan (plan) describes measures to be taken by EnCana Oil & Gas (U.S.A.) Inc. (Company) and its construction contractors (Contractor) for topsoil restoration, reseeding, planting, noxious weed control and reclamation monitoring, 1.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this plan is to describe in text and on drawings the prescribed methods for topsoil replacement, reseeding, planting noxious weed control, and monitoring for reclamation success. This plan is applicable to the construction on right-of-way (ROW) and extra workspace locations. 1.2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The short-term goals 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 goals 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. 1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING The Company will conduct environmental training for all project personnel. Training will include topsoil protection measures and methods for controlling the spread of noxious weeds (e.g,, maintaining clean vehicles and equipment). 1.4 RELATED PLANS / MAPS The following documents include additional requirements specifically related to the reclamation of the ROW and ancillary areas: ♦ Soil Conservation, Sedimentation and Erosion Control Plan 1 Stream Crossing and Wetland Protection Plan • Hazardous Materials Management and Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Plan t Alignment Sheets 1,5 RESPONSIBILTIES Responsibilities are detailed below: 1.5.1 The Company The Company will be responsible for ensuring that the Contractor meets the standards defined in this plan to restore all disturbed areas to pre -construction conditions and to ensure long-term monitoring of restoration success, The Company will take remedial actions as necessary to restore and maintain a stable vegetative cover on the ROW. The Company will provide the Contractor with the appropriate blended seed mixes developed through consultation with agency representative and landowners. 1.5.2 The Contractor The pipeline Contractor will be responsible for post -construction re -seeding of the ROW, extra workspaces, and off -ROW ancillary sites following their construction activities. Reclamation will be conducted according to this plan as specified for the Contractor. 1.5.3 The Environmental Inspector The Environmental Inspector will have the responsibility to ensure field activities are performed in accordance with this reclamation plan by the Contractor and in compliance with all other permits and agreements. The Environmental Inspector will have the authority to make site-specific field changes in certain reclamation procedures within the guidelines of this plan in consultation with the landowner or BLM. 2. RECLAMEITION PROCESS The following sections outline the pre -construction planning and sequential steps for restoring the ROW and extra workspaces following installation of the pipe and backfilling of the trench. However, one of the most important factors relating to successful reclamation takes place during the initial grading of the ROW. Topsoil salvage requirements and methods are discussed in detail in the Soil Conservation, Sedimentation, and Erosion Control Plan. 2.1 RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES The Environmental Inspectors with the BLM, Soil Conservation Authority and Landowners will work to determine depth of topsoil, salvage, appropriate seed mixes, and seeding methods. 2.2 ROCK DISPOSAL "Excess rock" is defined as all rock that cannot he returned to the existing rock profile in the trench or graded cuts, or is not needed to restore the ROW surface to a condition comparable to that found adjacent to the ROW. This does not include tailings from boring operations. (NOTE* Absolutely no tailings from the proposed boring areas will be spread or stored on federal land.) Excess rock will be randomly distributed across the ROW, piled or windrowed to create or enhance wildlife habitat, or arranged to block use of the ROW by motor vehicles. If not practical, the Contractor will remove other excess rock from the ROW and haul it to an approved disposal site. The Company will coordinate with landowners or the BLM regarding the methods of disposal. 2.3 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. If circumstances prevent achieving cleanup within 60 days on federal lands, the Company will apply for a variance from the BLM. The ROW and other project -related areas where soil has been disturbed will be restored as close to pre -excavation grades, compaction, and other conditions as possible, unless a specific exemption has been granted by the landowner or BLM. No solid waste, trash, or vegetative matter will be buried on the ROW. Final compaction of disturbed areas will be returned to approximate pre -construction conditions. In cases where this is not possible, e.g., steep slopes or rocky areas where full -ROW width topsoil salvage was not required, compaction will not vary more than 1O percent from adjacent off -ROW conditions. The Company will test soil compaction to a depth of 18 inches, if possible, at regular intervals using hand-held penetrometers or equivalent testing equipment and procedures. The Contractor will take remedial action as directed by the Company at all locations where compaction is not within the previously described lO-percent limit. The Contractor will decompact excessively compacted areas with a paraplow, "Vibrashank," or other deep tillage implement. In areas where topsoil has been segregated, the subsoil will be decompacted prior to re -spreading the topsoil. In areas with a pre-existing rocky surface material, the Contractor will spread rock over the ROW to maintain a surface appearance similar to that of adjacent undisturbed terrain. Spreading rock on the surface will not be used as a method to dispose of excess rock except as described in Section .2.2. Where approved by the landowner or BLM and environmental Inspector, the Contractor will randomly distribute any windrowed shrubs or other remaining vegetation debris over the ROW. However, this must be accomplished by hand or light equipment (e.g., all - terrain vehicles) after seeding of the ROW so the spread material will not interfere with the performance of seeding equipment and to prevent disturbance of the seedbed. 2.4 TOPSOIL RESTORATION After the trench has been backfilled and the ROW regarded, 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 as determined by the Environmental or Construction Inspector. Topsoil will be redistributed as close to original salvage depths as possible. Salvage methods are discussed in Section 2.2 of the Soil Conservation, Sedimentation, and Erosion Control Plan. 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 Company -approved and weed -free source. Additional erosion control and soil stabilization will be required in areas adjacent to or within drainages. See the Soil Conservation, Sedimentation, and Erosion Control Plan and Stream Crossing and Wetland Protection Plan for additional information. 2.5 MISCELLANEOUS AGRICULTURAL FEATURES All irrigation ditches, drain tiles, cattle guards, fences, and artificial and natural livestock/wildlife water sources will be maintained and repaired to at least pre - construction conditions. Temporary measures will be provided, as agreed with the landowner or BLM, for any of these facilities that are disrupted during the construction or reclamation process. All drain tiles crossed by the trench line will be located and restored to the satisfaction of the landowner. Since the exact location or even the existence of drainage system may not be known prior to excavation, all drain tiles unearthed during excavation by the Contractor will be reported to the Company in writing. 2.6 SEEDBED PREPARATION The Contractor will scarify, till, or harrow the seedbed to a depth of 3 to 4 inches or as determined by the Environmental Inspector prior to seeding where needed to improve revegetation potential. Those sites where seedbed preparation is not practical (e.g., steep lopes, rocky areas, etc.) will be left with adequate roughness following topsoil placement to create micro -environments for seed germination and growth, and to reduce the potential for soil movement. 2.7 SOIL SUPPLEMENTS Generally, fertilizer will not be used unless requested by the landowner or recommended by either the Environmental Inspector or a soil conservation authority. At this time, no areas have been identified that require fertilizer. 2.8 REVEGETATION The Contractor will be responsible for seeding the ROW and off -ROW ancillary sites using Company -supplied seed mixes, appropriate seeding methods, and approved application rates. The seeding requirements and scheduling of reclamation activities will be determined in coordination with BLM, Soil Conservation Authority or the appropriate landowner. 2.8.1 Species Selection and Sources 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, commercial availability of regional varieties, post -construction land use objectives, and agency recommendations. Native species will be utilized to the extent possible unless non -natives are specifically requested by a private landowner or land managing agency. Project seed will be purchased from the blended by qualified producers and dealers. Certified weed -free or "blue -tagged" seed will be purchased for use on the project, but this status is only available for those native species with named varieties. All other seed will be free of primary noxious weeds. EnCana Oil & Gas (U.S.A.) Inc. will submit the seed for independent testing prior to its use. The Contractor will be responsible for providing all seed tags to the Environmental or Construction Inspector at the end of each day. On BLM, the following seed mix will be used: Pounds pure live seed (PLS)/Acre Luna Pubescent Wheatgrass 3.0 Paloma Indian Ricegrass 3.0 Arriba Western Wheatgrass 2.0 Rincon Rour-wing Saltbrush 1.0 Shadscale 1.0 Total 10.0 lbs PLS/Acre 2.8.2 Seed Application Rates and Viability Species ratios and Pure Live Seed (PLS) application rates will be developed in consultation with landowners, agency specialists and other regional revegetation consultants. 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 test will be conducted to determine any need for adjustment of application rates. The Contractor will seed wetlands, when necessary as determined by the Environmental Inspector and BLM. Successful recolonization by wetland species is generally related to effective topsoil salvage methods and sources of seed and rhizomes in adjacent areas. Streambanks will be seeded immediately upon completion of final cleanup as described in the Stream Crossing and Wetland Protection Plan and independent of other reclamation activities 2.8.3 Seeding Methods and Procedures The Contractor will employ broadcast or drill seeding as determined in the field by the Company. Seeding activities will be contingent upon weather and soil conditions, and subject to evaluation by the Environmental Inspector. Seeding will not be permitted if there is more than 2 inches of snow on the ground unless approved by the Environmental Inspector and BLM field representative. Where approved by the landowner or land managing agency, the Contractor will randomly distribute any windrowed shrubs or other remaining vegetation debris over the ROW by hand or light equipment so as not to disturb the seedbed. 2.8.3.1 Drill Seeding Drill seeding will be employed wherever soil characteristics and slope allow effective operation of a range drill. Drill seeding will be performed perpendicular to the slope unless otherwise directed by the Environmental Inspector and BLM field representative. The drill will have a seed release mechanism sufficient to allow seeds of various sizes and densities to be planted at the proper seeding depth. 2.8.3.2 Broadcast Seeding Broadcast seeding will be employed in all areas where drill seeding cannot be performed. Seed will be applied using manually operated cyclone - bucket spreaders, mechanical spreaders, blowers or hydroseeders. Seed will be uniformly broadcast over disturbed areas. Immediately after broadcasting, the seed will be uniformly raked, chained, harrowed, or cultipacked to ineorporate seed to a sufficient seeding depth. If it is not possible to cover the seed with mechanical methods, the seeding rates will be doubled, 2.9 PERMANENT EROSION CONTROL Permanent erosion control methods will be utilized as needed for stabilization of slopes and soils as described in the Soil Conservation, Sedimentation, and Erosion Control Plan. Permanent erosion control measures will be installed within 30 days after the trench is backfilled to aid in site stabilization wherever required. 3. NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL Noxious weeds are spread through the dispersal of seeds or the transport of propagative plant parts. It is therefore important to reduce the sources of seed and viable plant material prior to construction disturbance and to prevent its transport or importation during construction. The combination of methods described below will be employed to minimize the potential for expansion of noxious weed populations via the pipeline route. 3.1 WEED CONTROL MEASURES DURING CONSTRUCTION The Company will require that all Contractor vehicles and equipment arrive at the work site clean, to prevent the importation of noxious weeds from a previous work site. Only after the Environmental Inspector has determined it to be free of soil, debris, or other potential sources of noxious weeds will any piece of equipment be allowed initial transport or access to the ROW. 4. WORKER SAFETY ANIS SPILL REPOR'T'ING All contracted herbicide contractors will obtain and have readily available copies of the appropriate application permits and the Environmental Protection Agency Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the herbicides being used. All reasonable precautions will be taken to avoid spilling herbicides. However, a spill kit will be carried in all herbicide applicator's vehicles to facilitate quick and effective response to a spill, should one occur. Ilerbicide spills will be reported in accordance with the requirements described in the project's Hazardous Material Management and Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Plan 5. RECLAMATION ASCHEDULE AND DOCUMENTATION Reclamation activities will be determined in part by construction schedules and seasonal climatic conditions. Seeding and planting will be coordinated with other reclamation activities to occur as soon after seedbed preparation as possible. Ideally, the Contractor will complete permanent reclamation activities prior to the end of the typical fall planting season (September 1st October 31st ). Upon completion of reclamation, the Company's Construction Inspector, Environmental Inspector, and Land Agents, and BLM representatives will perform a final inspection of the ROW and ancillary facilities to verify that pre -construction commitments have been satisfied. A copy of the post -reclamation inspection form will be transmitted to the Contractor is any deficiencies or a need for remedial action is noted. 6. POST -CONSTRUCTION MONITORING AND EVALUATION 6.1 REVEGETATION AND EROSION CONTROL MONITORING During the first growing season following construction and reclamation, qualified specialists will conduct intensive surveys to assess revegetation success and determine the need for further reclamation. Revegetation monitoring will include evaluation of the following parameters as compared to adjacent (off -ROW) vegetation: ♦ percent total herbaceous cover (seeded species plus desirable volunteers), and t species composition Where applicable, the following will be evaluated: • new or expanded populations of noxious weeds. Areas with poor germination anchor growth will be evaluated to 'determine, if possible, the cause of the problem. Reclamation techniques will be modified as necessary to address any identified problems and appropriate remedial measures will be undertaken. The Contractor will be responsible for remediating any problem areas identified by the Company for the first growing season following construction. Thereafter, the Company will be responsible for obtaining a reclamation contractor to perform any necessary work. 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. Success criteria for both are discussed in Section 6.2. Both erosion control and revegetation monitoring will be conducted routinely throughout the life of the pipeline to evaluate long-term survival of reestablished vegetation and the effectiveness of erosion control measures with specific attention to problem sites. 6.2 EVALUATING RECLAMATION SUCCESS The Company is responsible for the stability and revegetation of all areas disturbed as a result of construction for the life of the pipeline. As discussed in Section 6.1, the Company will conduct intensive monitoring after the first growing season and routinely thereafter to assess soil stability and revegetation success. The Contractor will reseed any portion of the ROW that does not exhibit 50 percent total herbaceous cover (comprised of seeded species plus desirable volunteers) relative to adjacent (off -ROW) vegetation after the first complete growing season. Additional seeding will be completed during the next seeding season (fall or spring). In the event that first year revegetation is affected by precipitation amounts significantly below the annual average, the Company may request deferment of additional seeding activities until the following seeding window. The reclaimed ROW will be considered stable when the surface appears similar to adjacent undisturbed land and the following accelerated erosion indicators do not exist: • Perceptible soil movement (exceeding pre -construction conditions) * Head cutting in drainages t Flow pattern development resulting in large (greater than 12 inches in depth) rills or gullies • Trench subsidence or slumping Revcgetation will be considered successful when the following criteria are met: • Total herbaceous (seeded species plus desirable volunteers) cover is at least 75 percent of that on adjacent land, $ Species composition comprised of a mix of seeded species and desirable volunteers from adjacent communities, and