BMPs.xps

2.11 - Control of Sidecast Material (PRACTICE: 2-11)

1. Objective. To minimize sediment production originating from sidecast material during road construction or maintenance.

2. Explanation. Unconsolidated sidecast material can be difficult to stabilize and is susceptible to erosion and/or mass instability. Site-specific limits or controls for the sidecasting of uncompacted material should be developed through interdisciplinary input, and shown on the plans. Loose, unconsolidated sidecast material should not be permitted to enter streamside management zones, as directed by the references. Sidecasting is not an acceptable construction alternative in areas where it will adversely affect water quality. Prior to commencing construction or maintenance activities, waste areas should be located where excess material can be deposited and stabilized. During road maintenance operations, care shall be taken to elimuinate the deposition of sidecast material and shall be done so as not to weaken stabilized slopes. Disposal of slide debris shall be done only at designated waste areas, which may include on the road surface.

The roadway shall be constructed in reasonable close conformity within the lines, grades, and dimensions, shown on the drawings or designated on the ground. Provisions for waste material disposal are a part of every road construction and maintenance contract.

3. Implementation. Project location, selected disposal areas, and mitigative measures are developed through the EA process, using an interdisciplinary approach.

Forest Service foremen and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that force account projects meet design standards and project EA criteria. Road Maintenance Plans are developed for each Forest which include needed slide and slump repairs, and, in critical areas, disposal site location for excess material.

Contracted projects are implemented by the contractor or timber sale operator. Compliance with project criteria, contract specifications, and operating plans is assured by the Forest Service COR, ER, or FSR.

Standard Maintenance Specifications have been prepared which include disposal site operation, disposal methods, and surface treatment.

Timber Sale contracts include C5.4 and T-Road Maintenance Specifications which address Slide and Slump Repair, Surface Blading, and sidecasting of road maintenance material.

2.12 - Servicing and Refueling of Equipment (PRACTICE: 2-12)

1. Objective. To prevent pollutants such as fuel, lubricants, bitumens, raw sewage, wash water and other harmful materials from being discharged into or near rivers, streams, and impoundments or into natural or man-made channels leading thereto.

2. Explanation. During servicing or refueling, pollutants from logging or road construction equipment may enter a watercourse. This threat is minimized by selecting service and refueling areas well away from wet areas and surface water, and by using berms around such sites to contain spills.

Spill prevention and countermeasures plans are required if the volume of fuel exceeds 660 gallons in a single container or if total storage at a site exceeds 1320 gallons (see BMP 7-4).

3. Implementation. The COR/ER or SA will designate the location, size and allowable uses of service and refueling areas. They will also be aware of actions to be taken in case of a hazardous substance spill, as outlined in the Forest Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan.

2.22 - Maintenance of Roads (PRACTICE: 2-22)

1. Objective. To maintain roads in a manner which provides for water quality protection by minimizing rutting, failures, sidecasting, and blockage of drainage facilities (all of which can cause sedimentation and erosion).

2. Explanation. Roads normally deteriorate because of use and weather impacts. This deterioration can be minimized through adequate maintenance and/or restriction of use. All system roads will be maintained to at least the following level: Provide the basic custodial care required to protect the road investment and to see that damage to adjacent land and resources is held to minimum. This level of maintenance often requires an annual inspection to detemine what work, if any, is needed to keep drainage functional and the road stable. This level is the normal prescription for roads that are closed to traffic. As a minimum measure, maintenance must protect drainage facilities and runoff patterns.

Higher levels of maintenance may be chosen to reflect greater use or resource administrative needs.

Additional maintenance measures could include resurfacing, outsloping, clearing debris from dips and cross drains, armoring of ditches and spot rocking.

For maintenance of roads on active timber sales, the Forest Service and the Purchaser shall annually agree at the beginning of the operating season on an Annual Road Maintenance Plan outlining responsibilities and timing. If the road is subjected to commercial use, the Forest Service may collect deposits to facilitate road maintenance and equitably assess maintenance cost of each user.

3. Implementation. The work is controlled by the Forest Engineer who develops a road maintenance plan and a road condition survey. Maintenance levels are declared for each road in a timber sale area, as part of the TSPP, and the road maintenance levels are documented in the sale plan. On timber sales, maintenance is a Purchaser responsibility, compliance with standards is assured by the COR/ER. On system roads outside of active timber sales, Forest Service crews or contract crews perform road maintenance under supervision of an ER.

This practice is required by the referenced directive.