BAFB IFS Revegetation Information.pdf

Buckley Air Force Base (AFB) Installation Facility Standards (IFS) for Revegetation

IFS Pre-Final, 14 Feb 2019

1. Analyze soils and provide organic amendments as needed to improve plant growth and conserve water (IFS- Section C06.1.4, #5, #18).

The general rule is to add 3-4 cubic yards of organic matter per 1,000 square feet of area in addition to appropriate 2-4 inches of topsoil. The amendments should be well integrated into the soil at least 6-8 inches to encourage deep root growth.

• Compost (IFS- Section C06.1.4, #9):

Existing topsoil shall be removed during excavation for new construction and stockpiled at the direction of the Project Manager. The Project Manager shall evaluate the topsoil to determine if it is suitable for reapplication after seeding. A soil analysis shall be performed to identify any additional soil amendments that may be required. Pre-planting fertilizer and pH adjusting agents (e.g., lime and sulfur) may be applied before incorporation as necessary.

Organic soil amendments (compost) shall be uniformly applied over the entire landscaped area at a minimum depth of 2 inches and incorporated to a depth of 8 inches (for a 20% to 30% inclusion rate) using a rotary tiller. Compost shall meet or exceed US EPA Class A standard, 40 CFR Section 503. Certificates of Compliance for Compost shall be submitted indicating grade and compliance with state and local regulations.

Rake the soil surface smooth prior to seeding. The soil surface shall be free of large clods, roots, stones greater than 2-inches, and other material which might interfere with planting and subsequent site maintenance.

• Watering (IFS- Section C06.1.4, #9, #16):

Water thoroughly after seeding. Top dress newly seeded turf areas with 0.25” layer of fine compost (0.375” screen, minus) after seeding, then water to protect against hot, dry weather or drying winds.

Where an irrigation system is unavailable, water shall be provided by the Contractor and hand applied by truck.

The Contractor may request permission from the Base to fill water trucks from a Base fire hydrant or from the off-Base reclaimed water station. In either case water usage will be metered and billed to the Contractor.

Water the seeded area during the maintenance period only as necessary to maintain a healthy stand of seeded species. Over-watering will not be permitted.

2. Seeding (IFS- Section C04.1 #2, Section C06.1.4, #10, #11, #13)

• Coordinate with landscaping plans; specifically, the seed mixes for swale, overflow, and detention areas. Seed mix shall be specified by the Project Manager from the Buckley Approved Plant List published in the IFS (Short-grass Prairie Mix; Overflow Seed Mix; Tall-grass Prairie Mix; or Wetland Seed Mix). Seed mixes can be found below. Please use a comparable or similar seed mix if the specified mixes are unavailable.

• All seed shall be drill seeded using a mechanical power drawn drill followed by packer wheels or drag chain.

• Hydraulic seeding or hydraulic mulching is not permitted. The practice of applying grass seed to the surface of the soil along with a slurry of water and cellulose mulch has proven to have a poor performance record at Buckley AFB.

• Seeding shall be restricted according to the following timetable and specifications:

Spring seeding is allowed from Spring thaw to May 15th, where “spring thaw” is defined as the earliest date in which seed can be buried 0.5-inches into the surface topsoil through normal drill seeding methods.

Fall seeding is allowed from September 15th until consistent ground freeze, where “consistent ground freeze” is defined as that date on which frozen surface topsoil prevents burying the seed 0.5-inches through normal drill seeding methods.

Seeding accomplished outside the time intervals listed above may be allowed only when the Contractor's request is approved in writing. The contractor will be responsible for re-seeding, re-mulching, and repairing any areas which fail to produce vegetation.

3. Stabilization (IFS- Section C06.1.4, #14, #15):

• Mulch shall be applied after seeding, consisting of long-stemmed weed-free and seed-free straw or hay, applied at a rate of 2-tons per acre.

Mulch shall be crimped into the soil surface.

• Erosion Control Blankets shall be applied after seeding on all slopes up to 1:4 gradients. Blankets shall be machine-produced mat with a biodegradable agricultural straw matrix (0.5 lbs/sq yd).

The blankets shall have a 12-month typical functional longevity and be designed for use on geotechnically stable slopes and channels with a shear stress up to 0.50 pounds per square foot.

4. Vegetation Establishment (IFS- Section C06.1.4, #16):

• Vegetation will be considered established when all seeded areas are assured of developing a satisfactory stand of growth,

• Dead spots up to 0.5 square feet in size must not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total seeded area. Dead spots greater than 0.5 square feet shall be re-seeded and freshly re-mulched.

• The site shall be free of eroded areas and free from infestation of noxious weeds.

• Upon acceptance of the seeded areas, a 90-day maintenance period will commence. During the maintenance period the Contractor is responsible for all aspects of establishment and maintenance to ensure vigorous and healthy growth of seeded species. The Contractor shall inspect weekly for insect damage, nutrient deficiencies, weeds, and disease and take immediate corrective action.

Note: The IFS and EPA’s Construction General Permit requirements must both be met for construction general permit closeout on Buckley. For additional, more detailed information please refer to pages 70 & 71 of the Buckley Air Force Base IFS 14 February 2019 and the specified seed mixes attached below.

https://www.wbdg.org/FFC/AF/AFIFS/Buckley_AFB_IFS_Pre-Final.pdf https://www.wbdg.org/FFC/AF/AFIFS/Buckley_AFB_IFS_Pre-Final.pdf