Amendment_3_specs_for_hydroseeding_and_soil_prep.docx

SECTION 32 91 00 - PLANTING PREPARATION

PLANTING PREPARATION 32 91 00-1

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

A. Section Includes:

1. Ripping

2. Fertilizer

3. Soil Amendment

4. Fine Grading

1.2 PROJECT/SITE CONDITIONS

A. General: Do not perform work when climate and existing site conditions will not provide satisfactory results.

B. Vehicular accessibility on site shall be as directed by the general contractor. Repair damage to prepared ground and surface caused by vehicular movement during work under this section to original condition at no additional cost to the GOVERNMENT.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 MATERIALS

A. TOPSOIL: Existing topsoil shall be conserved on-site. No topsoil from outside the project shall be used. The topsoil shall be screened (1/2” minus) and contain no more than 20 percent of its volume in rock. The topsoil shall be a natural friable soil, possessing characteristics of representative productive soils from the construction site. The topsoil shall be reasonably free from subsoil, clay lumps, stone, or similar objects larger than 1 inch in greatest diameter, brush, stumps, roots, objectionable weeds or litter, excess acid or alkali, or any other material or substance which may be harmful to plant growth or a hindrance to subsequent smooth grading, and maintenance operations. Soil pH shall be 6.5 – 7.2.

B. COMPOST SOIL AMENDMENT: Shall be Instant Landscaping “Garden Mix” Compost or approved equal by the CONTRACTING OFFICER. Compost shall vary in particle sizes, and be a 5-way blend of US Composting Council compost by Deschutes County Land Fill, mint mulch, manure, dark fine fir bark, and nitrogen. Compost shall not contain more than 4 percent nitrogen, and shall have a PH range from 7.1 to 7.6.

C. MYCHORRIZAE FUNGI SOIL AMENDMENT: Shall be Mychorizae Applications Inc. “Myco Apply” Endo Form. The mychorrizae fungi soil amendment shall consist of 4 species of endomychorrizae (Glomus intraradices, G. mosseae, G. aggregatum, G. etunicatum), and shall contain 60,000 propagules/lb.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 PREPARATION

A. Protection:

1. Locate sewer, water, irrigation, gas, electric, phone and other pipelines or conduits and equipment prior to commencing work.

2. Be responsible for proper repair to landscape, utilities, walls, pavements and other site improvements damaged by operations under this section.

B. Weed Control: Remove annual weeds, if any are present, by tilling. Remove perennial weeds, if any are present, by manual pulling. All weeds removed shall be placed in bags, secured, and removed from site.

C. Eliminate uneven areas and low spots. Remove subsoils contaminated with chemical compounds deleterious to healthy plant growth.

D. Remove all foreign matter obtained from site soil cleaning, screening and/or picking process from the site and legally dispose of as required by the appropriate jurisdiction. Dispose of all waste off-site.

E. Runoff: Take measures and furnish equipment and labor necessary to control the flow, drainage, and accumulation of water. Ensure that all water will run off the grades.

F. Erosion Control: Take measures and furnish equipment and labor necessary to control and prevent soil erosion, blowing soil, and accumulation of wind-deposited material on the site throughout duration of work.

3.2 INSTALLATION

A. Topsoil located at all planting/seeding areas shall be conserved on-site. No topsoil shall be brought into the project.

B. Minimum topsoil depths: 12" depth in all new planting areas unless otherwise specified by the CONTRACTING OFFICER.

C. All landscaped fill areas shall be constructed in lifts not exceeding 12 inches in loose depth using site topsoils. Each lift shall be uniformly compacted to the specified density (85% minimum compaction).

D. Amend 2” depth of Compost soil amendment into any on-site topsoil used in the project of all new planting areas. Fully incorporate by discing, tilling, hand spading, or other methods to a minimum depth of 4".

E. Amend at a rate of ½ lb./1,000 s.f. of Michorizae Fungi Soil Amendment into all newly planted areas. Fully incorporate by discing, tilling, hand spading, or other methods to a minimum depth of 4”.

F. Provide notice to the CONTRACTING OFFICER at least 2 days prior to anticipated date of application of soil amendment along with copies of truck measure slips for soil and soil amendment.

G. Finish grade area by floating and hand raking to an acceptable smooth, even grade. Remove high points and fill low pockets to eliminate the possibility of standing water. Surface shall be free of debris, clods, and rocks greater than ½”. Noxious weeds or parts thereof shall not be present in the surface grade prior to landscaping.

1. Establish finish grades to within ± 0.1 foot of grades indicated.

a. Shrub/ Groundcover areas: Allow 3” for mulch.

3.3 CLEANING

A. General: Remove debris and excess materials from site. Clean out drainage inlet structures. Clean paved and finished surfaces soiled as a result of work under this Section, in accordance with direction given by the CONTRACTING OFFICER.

END OF SECTION 32 91 00

SECTION 32 92 00 - TURF AND SEEDING

TURF AND SEEDING 32 92 00-1

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Contractor shall notify the CONTRACTING OFFICER not less than 24 hours in advance of any seeding operation. Do not begin work until the prepared slopes have been approved for seeding. Following approval, begin seeding immediately and continue seeding the project slopes as they become ready. Do not perform seeding when ground is frozen, excessively wet, or otherwise not tillable.

B. Fertilizer: Deliver fertilizers in separate or mixture containers that have the percentage of total nitrogen, available phosphoric acid, and water-soluble potash (NPK) in the amounts specified. Label each container with a quality compliance certificate that includes the container mass (weight), the percentage of each ingredient, and the source of each component in the mixture. Ensure that each container is labeled with a Quality Compliance Certificate. Furnish fertilizer according to State and Federal regulations. Fertilizer is subject to testing by the State Department of Agriculture.

1.2 WARRANTY

A. Seeded areas must be in healthy condition at end of a one-year warranty period, or for one full growing season from Substantial Completion.

B. Contractor assumes liability for all seeded areas against disease, insect infestation, desiccation, sun scald, freeze damage, or any other condition that would cause plants to be unhealthy or to die through substantial completion.

C. Contractor is not responsible for damage to seeded areas due to vandalism, theft, or accidental damage from pedestrians during the warranty period.

D. Maintenance and warranty period shall begin after Substantial Completion and Landscape inspection acceptance.

E. At the time of final inspection, the CONTRACTING OFFICER reserves the right to postpone acceptance until that time in the future when positive acceptance or rejection can be determined.

F. Final Acceptance must be obtained in writing from the CONTRACTING OFFICER at the end of the Warranty period.

G. The minimum living plant coverage standards for acceptance of seeding are as follows. This assessment will occur at or before the end of the first full growing season following hydroseeding:

1. Dry Land (non-irrigated) Seeding – 70% coverage of ground surface.

2. Permanent, Wildflower, and Wetland Seeding – 90% coverage of ground surface.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 MATERIALS

A. Hydro Mulch at a rate of 50 lbs./1,000 s.f.:

1. Material: Virgin wood cellulose fiber containing no growth or germination inhibiting factors.

2. Acceptable Wood Fiber Mulches: Silva-Fiber by Weyerhaeuser, Hydro Mulch by Conwed Corp., Spray Mulch by Spray Mulch Industries or approved equal.

3. Application rates based on dry fiber mass (weight).

B. Seed: Seed mix will be provided by U.S. Forest Service that has been certified by the State and in a quantity that provides a PLS (Pure Live Seed) level that will ensure 70% or greater coverage of site.

C. Fertilizer: Commercial starter fertilizer shall contain the following percentages by weight at a rate of 10 lbs./1,000 s.f.:

10% Nitrogen 30% Phosphorus 10% Potassium E. Tracer – For Hydromulch application, include green dye for visibility.

F. Tackifier – Dry Powder Organic Tackifier. “Supertack” manufactured by Rantec Corporation or approved equal at a rate specified below:

1. Slopes flatter than 1V:3H – Apply at rate of 1 lb./1,000 s.f.

2. Slopes 1V:3H or Steeper – Apply at rate of 2 lbs./1,000 s.f.

G. Lime: Agricultural ground limestone.

2.2 EQUIPMENT

A. Hydro Seeding Equipment:

1. Hydraulic Equipment: Continuous mixing and agitating action to mix water, seed, fertilizer, tackifier, and mulch.

B. Seeding Equipment:

1. Cyclone type, Brillion type drop seeder, or slice seeder.

C. Temporary Fence:

1. Plastic Snow Fence.

2. Warning Signs: 8-1/2 by 11 inches, wrapped in plastic or waterproof, with one inch high letters.

3. Sign Copy: REVEGETATION IN PROGRESS – PLEASE STAY ON THE DESIGNATED PATHS

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 PERFORMANCE

A. Verification of Conditions:

1. Verify compliance with required soil preparation, compaction, grades, slope to drains, and completion of underground utility lines.

B. Protection of Adjacent Surfaces Prior to Seeding:

1. Protect existing utility systems, paving, walks, curbs, and other site improvements from damage during seeding.

C. Surface Preparation for Seeding:

1. Comply with requirements in Section 329100, Planting Preparation.

2. Remove hard or soft topsoil areas and adjust grade of topsoil where required.

D. Hydroseeding:

1. The hydroseeding shall occur between October 15-31.

2. Water all planting areas thoroughly to saturate upper layers of soil prior to the hydro seeding operation. Allow the planting area soil surface to dry out for one day only prior to the hydro seeding application. Exercise care not to allow the soil surface to be overly saturated with water prior to the hydro seeding application. At the same time the soil surface should not become too dry during this period. There should be some residual moisture within the first ¼ inch of the soil surface.

3. Notify the the CONTRACTING OFFICER not less than 24 hours in advance to be present at start of hydroseeding application and to provide the seed for the application.

4. Apply the hydro seeding in the form of a slurry hydromulch, seed, fertilizer, tackifier, and tracer in one application to prepared planting areas.

5. The hydroseeding operation shall be completed within two (2) hours of the addition of the seed to the slurry tank mixture. There is the risk of seed damage or destruction if allowed to stay in the tank any longer.

6. Spray the area with a uniform visible coat, using a green color tracer. The slurry shall be applied in a downward drilling motion via a fan stream nozzle. Insure that all of the slurry components enter and mix with the soil. Insure the uniformity of the hydro seed application.

7. Exercise special care to prevent any of the slurry from being sprayed onto any hardscape areas including concrete walks, fences, walls, buildings, etc. Remove all slurry sprayed onto these surfaces at the contractor’s expense.

8. Do not seed within 18 inches from base of trees.

3.2 COMPLETION

A. Adjusting and Cleaning:

1. Contractor may adjust method of seeding application only when written request is acceptable to the CONTRACTING OFFICER.

3. Repair or replace irrigation system components damaged during seeding operations.

4. At completion of Work in each area, remove debris, equipment, and surplus materials.

5. Wash walks, walls, and paving areas adjacent to seeded areas to remove seed, mulch, and soil materials from exposed surfaces.

B. Installation of Temporary Fence:

1. Install temporary fence at perimeter of seeded areas.

2. Install posts at 10 feet on center maximum, to a depth of 12 inches.

3. Install warning signs on posts at 50 foot intervals with minimum of one sign on each side of each seeded area.

4. Remove fence when seeded areas are established.

PART 4 - MAINTENANCE

4.1 HYDROSEEDING MAINTENANCE

A. Upon acceptance of hydroseeding operations, maintain all hydroseeding areas as follows:

1. Germination/establishment stage and irrigation: This period will be occurring in the spring following the hydroseeding. The specific watering program shall be approved by the Engineer. Repair all erosion areas.

B. Fertilization: Fertilize all hydroseeded areas with an approved commercial fertilizer between April 15 – 30, and once more between June 15 – 30.

C. Weeding: All weed growth appearing in the seed mix planting areas during the maintenance period (the first full growing season after hydroseeding) shall be removed at two (2) week intervals. The contractor shall remove weeds manually. Weeds shall be placed in bags, secured, and removed from site.

D. Minimum Coverage and Acceptance:

1. Minimum coverage: Final acceptance may be given at the end of the first full growing season if acceptable germination and adequate plant establishment has been obtained, as determined by the Engineer.

2. Final approval and acceptance will be given in writing by the Engineer following a final acceptance inspection. The Engineer reserves the option to extend the maintenance period to achieve complete germination of all plant materials with a uniform height, color and density throughout all hydroseeded areas.

4.3 GENERAL MAINTENANCE

A. Ensure that seeded areas have a uniform, healthy and weed-free stand of seeded plants growing at the end of the first full growing season following hydroseeding.

B. Provide maintenance beyond the required maintenance period as necessary to achieve specified results.

END OF SECTION 32 92 00