attachment_G_grass_seeding_32_93_33.pdf

ATTACHMENT G

Section 32 92 33

GRASS SEEDING AND EROSION CONTROL

Table of Contents

Part 1 – GENERAL

1.1 Description

1.2 References

1.3 Lump Sum Payment Items

1.4 Unit Price Payment Items

1.5 Performance Standards

1.6 Submittals

1.7 Delivery, Storage, and Handling

1.8 Times and Conditions

1.9 Warranty

Part 2 – PRODUCTS

2.1 Backfill Soil

2.2 Grass Seed

2.3 Wood Fiber Mulch

2.4 Fertilizer

2.5 Tackifier

2.6 Straw Mulch

2.7 Bonded Fiber Matrix

2.8 Straw Wattles

2.9 Wooden Wedge Stakes

2.10 Erosion Control Blankets

2.11 Composite Fiber Matrix Turf Reinforcement Mats

2.12 3-D Monofilament Matrix Turf Reinforcement Mats

2.13 Coir Fiber Rolls

2.14 Tests, Inspections, and Verifications

Part 3 – EXECUTION

3.1 Applications

3.2 Layout

3.3 Soil Preparation

3.4 Trenching

3.5 Seeding and Mulching

3.6 Installing Straw Wattles

3.7 Installing Erosion Control Blankets and TRMs

3.8 Installing Check Dams

3.9 Repair of Damaged or Unsuccessful Grass Stands

3.10 Establishment

3.11 Cleanup

Section 32 92 33

GRASS SEEDING AND EROSION CONTROL

Part 1 – GENERAL

1.1 DESCRIPTION

The work covered in this section consists of furnishing all material, equipment and labor for the seeding of grass for long-term soil stability and habitat value. This specification addresses the work required to be undertaken and completed to provide grass seed as designated in the PWS, plans and other specification sections. It is the intent of this specification that the areas requiring established grass will be protected with temporary erosion and sediment control measures that will help ensure grass becomes established to a sufficient density to provide long-term erosion control.

Provide all temporary and long-term erosion control measures and materials to ensure soil does not erode during inclement weather and migrate during grass establishment. These erosion and sediment controls shall provide soil protection for a period of time from contract award until the contract is completed. The long-term grass seeding and erosion and sediment control measures and materials required herein shall provide protection in addition to the temporary storm water pollution control measures required in specification Section 01 57 23.01 TEMPORARY STORM WATER POLLUTION CONTROL, Risk Level 1 and Section 01 57 23.02 TEMPORARY STORM WATER POLLUTION CONTROL, Risk Level 2.

1.2 REFERENCES

The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are referred to within the text by the basic designation only.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (CDFA)

CDFA Guide 5101 and 5205 Guidelines under California Food and Agriculture Code

Section 5101 and 5205 For The Certification of Weed Free Forage, Hay, Straw And Mulch

STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CDT)

CDT SS 20-2.11 (2006) Standard Specifications, SECTION 20: EROSION

CONTROL AND HIGHWAY PLANTING, 20-2

MATERIALS, 20-2.11 STABILIZING EMULSION

TECHNICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY (TAPPI)

TAPPI T423 OM (2002) Ash in Wood, Pulp, Paper and Paperboard:

Combustion at 900 Degrees Celsius

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

AMS Seed Act (1940; R 1988) Federal Seed Act

U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA)

CID A-A 1909 (Basic Notice 1; Canc. Notice 2) Fertilizer

1.3 UNIT PRICE PAYMENT ITEMS

Payment items for the work of this contract for which contract payments will be made are listed in the PRICING SCHEDULE. All costs for items of work shall be included in the listed item most closely associated with the work involved. The price and payment made for each item listed shall constitute full compensation for furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment, and performing any associated Contractor quality control, environmental protection, meeting safety requirements, tests and reports, and for performing all work required for which separate payment is not otherwise provided.

1.3.1 Grass Seeding

1.3.1.1 Payment

Payment will be made for costs associated with operations necessary for grass seeding in accordance with plans and specifications and as directed by the Contracting Officer. Payment will include, but not be limited to delivery, layout, slope preparation, seed, application of seed, wood mulch fiber, fertilizer, tackifier, straw mulch and cleanup.

1.3.1.2 Measurement

Unit of measure: Unit price as per Pricing Schedule.

1.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

1.4.1 Weed Stand Performance Standards

The successful establishment of weeds on all bare, disturbed, or damaged soil is the short term goal of the requirements indicated herein for temporary erosion control. In some cases, upon approval by the Contracting Officer, short-term erosion control measures, such as, temporary erosion control seeding, blankets and fabrics shall be required in lieu of achieving an acceptable weed stand. If weed stand performance standards have not been met, the contractor is required to have completed, as per requirements indicated herein, installation of appropriate erosion control materials that protect and stabilize the soil short-term.

The successful establishment of a weed stand is defined as having a minimum of 25 plants per square foot. The total bare spot areas (those areas with less than 25 plants per square foot) shall not exceed 30% percent of the disturbed area. No visible erosion is to exist within the disturbed areas, or anywhere within the project area If there are erosion rills, ruts, gullies, or other erosion occurring, repair the rills, ruts and gullies, reseed, and install appropriate long-term erosion control materials.

Weeds will eventually be killed during weed control herbicide applicatons. Leave the residual weeds in place to provide erosion protection until permanent native grass erosion protection is in place. The weeds shall be mowed if weeds grow to larger than 6 inches in height. During the rainy season new crops of weeds will emerge and will serve as temporary erosion protection, replacing the decaying weeds from the prior season, which in turn will be killed by herbicide application. Weed residue may be removed just prior to native grass seeding to facilitate seeding of permanent native grass erosion control. Residue removal shall not cause soil disturbance.

Coordinate weed control efforts with erosion control needs, timing herbicide application to allow sufficient weed growth to provide adequate erosion protection. Do not use pre-emergent herbicides prior to adequate numbers of weeds germinating such as to provide adequate erosion protection when grown to 4-6” in height.

A weed plant is defined as any plant that will grow from the existing seedbank without seed being applied.

1.4.2 Grass Performance Standards

The successful establishment of grass on all bare, disturbed, or damaged soil is the ultimate long-term goal of the requirements indicated herein. In some cases, upon approval by the Contracting Officer, long-term erosion control measures, such as, blankets and fabrics shall be required in lieu of achieving an acceptable grass stand. If at the end of the contract, the grass performance standard has not been met, the contractor is required to have completed, as per requirements indicated herein, installation of appropriate erosion control materials that protect and stabilize the soil long-term.

The successful establishment of grass is defined as having a minimum of 25 grass plants per square foot. The total bare spot areas (those areas with less than 25 grass plants per square foot) shall not exceed one percent of the total seeded project area. No erosion is to exist within one percent of the bare areas, or anywhere within the project area If there are erosion rills, ruts, gullies, or other erosion occurring, repair the reels, ruts and gullies, reseed, and install appropriate long-term erosion control materials.

A grass plant is defined as being made up of many tillers that are bound together by their intertwined roots. A tiller consists of a shoot, with 3-4 leaves, and roots.

1.5 SUBMITTALS

Government approval is required for submittals with a "G" designation; submittals not having a "G" designation are for information only. When used, a designation following the "G" designation identifies the office that will review the submittal for the Government. The following shall be submitted:

SD-03 Product Data

Fertilizer; Straw Mulch; Tackifier; Seed; Wood Fiber;

Straw Wattles; Erosion Control Blankets;

Material that provides current factual information as to the manufacturer’s and suppliers classifications.

Equipment

A listing of equipment to be used for the application of erosion control materials.

SD-07 Certificates

Fertilizer; Straw Mulch; Tackifier; Straw Wattles; Seed;

Wood Fiber

Prior to delivery of materials, certificates of compliance attesting that materials meet the specified requirements. Certified copies of the material certificates shall include the following: a) Certification of origin including the name, address and telephone number of manufacturer.

Installer’s Qualifications

The installer’s company name and address, training and experience and/or certification.

Seed

Classification, botanical name, common name, percent pure live seed, minimum percent germination and hard seed, maximum percent weed seed content, and date tested.

Wood Fiber

Certification stating that wood components are of 100% wood fiber and were obtained from managed forests.

1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

1.6.1 Delivery

Preparation for shipment shall be performed in a manner that will not cause damage to seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and all other material. Seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and all other material shall be protected from weather and contamination during delivery. Furnish erosion control blankets and fiber rolls in rolls with suitable wrapping to protect against moisture and extended ultraviolet exposure prior to placement. Label erosion control blankets and fiber rolls to provide identification sufficient for inventory and quality control purposes.

1.6.2 Storage

Material shall be stored in areas approved by the Contracting Officer. Seed and fertilizer shall be stored in cool, dry locations out of direct sunlight and away from contaminants. Chemical and pesticide material shall not be stored with other landscape materials and shall be stored in a spillage contained area. Mulch shall be kept covered from rain.

1.6.3 Handling

Except for bulk deliveries, material shall not be dropped or dumped from vehicles.

1.7 TIMES AND CONDITIONS

1.7.1 Grass Seeding Times

Provide temporary erosion and sediment control measures to all bare and disturbed soil so that sediment discharge in excess of limitations is prevented.. Provide permanent native grass seed to all bare and disturbed soil as identified in the Performance Work Statement for long-term stability. See PWS for timing requirements. See specification Section 01 57 23.01 TEMPORARY STORM WATER POLLUTION CONTROL, Risk Level 1 and Section 01 57

23.02 TEMPORARY STORM WATER POLLUTION CONTROL, Risk Level 2 for specific requirements. A desirable stand of weeds and grass is as indicated herein in paragraph 1.4.1 Performance Standards. No variance to the start date will be allowed unless given in writing by the Contracting Officer.

All long-term erosion and sediment control measures shall be in-place and approved prior to the completion of this contract. Long-term erosion control is defined as having an established stand of grass that meets the performance standards and is capable of protecting the soil against an average yearly rainfall. Where repairs have been made, and/or the grass is not yet established, install erosion and sediment control materials prior to the acceptance of this contract.

1.7.2 Grass Seeding Conditions

Seeding operations shall be performed only during periods when beneficial results can be obtained. When excessive moisture, winds or other unsatisfactory conditions prevail, the work shall be stopped when directed by the Contracting Officer. Schedule planting in the mornings to avoid stressing plants during seeding, if the planting schedule calls for installation when the temperature is expected to be 90 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Submit, in writing to the Contracting Officer, a proposed seeding time variance when special conditions warrant it.

Prepare to seed at the earliest time when all conditions (weather, moisture, temperature, tides and river flows, etc…) are acceptable.

1.8 WARRANTY

All equipment and material used shall meet all State and local codes and regulations and guaranteed to function properly for the duration of the contract period.

Part 2 – PRODUCTS

2.1 BACKFILL SOIL

All fill shall be free of rubbish, organic material (except select fill), frozen soil, muck, other perishable compressible debris which would prevent dense, uniform compaction or any substance that can be harmful to plant growth; no woody material cleared from the site is allowed in the fill. Rock and other hard, durable fragments shall be limited to particles displaying a maximum dimension of four inches for random fill and two inches for select fill.

The rock fragments shall not exceed 10 percent of the total volume and shall be uniformly distributed throughout the material.

Muddy over-saturated soils, which otherwise meet these requirements is not suitable materials until they have been dried to workable moisture content. Heavy clays to be used as select fill material shall be mixed with sandy and/or organic soils to increase porosity. Any excess soil, and soil found to be unsuitable and any work activity debris shall be wasted off-site.

Acceptability of materials used as fill shall be based on visual inspection by the Contracting Officer. Any questionable materials may require testing to check for conformance.

2.2 GRASS SEED

Provide seed for the species, at the quantity, and at the rate as specified below.

2.2.1 Seed Classification

State-certified seed mix of the latest season’s crop shall be provided in original sealed packages bearing the producer’s guaranteed analysis for percentages of mixture, purity, germination, hard seed, weed seed content, and inert material. All labels shall conform to the AMS Seed Act and applicable state seed laws.

2.2.2 Seed Quality

Weed seed shall not exceed 1 percent by weight of the total of each species. Wet, moldy, insect infested or otherwise damaged seed will be rejected and removed from project site. Open containers of seed or improperly tagged containers will be rejected and removed from project site.

2.2.3 Seed Species and Seeding Rate

Provide seed species at the quantity and rate as specified below. Several types of seed mix are required for the various habitat types and also for erosion control. The tables below indicate rates for each type of seed mix. All rates are as per pounds of pure live seed (PLS). Apply seed mix as per the PWS and Attachment D. The Mix type (Seed Mixes A through Seed Mix D) for each planting zone is specified in Attachment D, Planting Schedule. The weights of seed shown in Attachment D for each planting zone with woody plants have been adjusted to account for the unseeded portion of each planting row. Approximately 4 to 6 feet of each 30 foot row along the line the plants are planted will not be seeded.

TABLE A1 – NATIVE GRASS SEED MIXTURE

Botanical Name Ecotype Common Name

Seeding Rates:

lbs PLS per Acre

Drill Seeding Seed Mix A

Elymus glaucus Llano Seco (Parrott) blue wildrye 3.90 Hordeum brachyantherum californicum Colusa Co. california barley 7.00 Leymus triticoides Yolo Co. creeping wildrye 4.60 Nassella pulchra Llano Seco Purple Needlegrass 4.50 Grindelia camphorum Yolo Bypass Gum Plant 0.4

TOTAL SEED MIXTURE 20.40

Seed Mix B

Elymus glaucus Llano Seco (Parrott) blue wildrye 2.50 Hordeum brachyantherum californicum Colusa Co. california barley 8.80 Leymus triticoides Yolo Co. creeping wildrye 4.40 Nassella pulchra Llano Seco Purple Needlegrass 4.30 Grindelia camphorum Yolo Bypass Gum Plant 0.4

TOTAL SEED MIXTURE 20.40

Seed Mix C Elymus glaucus Llano Seco (Parrott) blue wildrye 3.60 Hordeum brachyantherum californicum Colusa Co. california barley 7.90 Leymus triticoides Yolo Co. creeping wildrye 7.40 Nassella pulchra Llano Seco Purple Needlegrass 1.10 Grindelia camphorum Yolo Bypass Gum Plant 0.4

TOTAL SEED MIXTURE 20.40

Seed Mix D Elymus glaucus Llano Seco (Parrott) blue wildrye 4.70 Hordeum brachyantherum californicum Colusa Co. california barley 6.90 Leymus triticoides Yolo Co. creeping wildrye 8.30 Nassella pulchra Llano Seco Purple Needlegrass - Grindelia camphorum Yolo Bypass Gum Plant 0.4

TOTAL SEED MIXTURE 20.00

Table B specifies Seed Mix F to be applied where temporary erosion control is needed.

TABLE B – GRASS SEED MIXTURE

Temporary Erosion Control-Seed Mix E

Botanical Name

Common Name

Seeding Rates: lbs PLS per Acre Drill Seeding Broadcast &

Hydroseeding Hordeum vulgare Barley 30 100

TOTAL SEED MIXTURE

2.2.4 Seed Mixing

Perform seed mixing in the presence of the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

2.2.5 Substitutions

Substitutions will not be allowed without written request and approval from the Contracting Officer.

2.3 WOOD FIBER MULCH

Wood fiber mulch shall be commercially available and produced from 100% virgin wood fiber.

Fiber shall be of such character that fiber will disperse into uniform slurry when mixed with water. The water content of the fiber before mixing into the slurry shall not exceed 15 percent of the dry weight of the fiber. The moisture content of the fiber shall be clearly marked on the package. No corrugated cardboard, recycled newspaper, or a combination of recycled newspaper and wood fiber is to be used.

Fiber shall not contain more than 7 percent ash as determined by the TAPPI T413, and be nontoxic to plant or animal life. Fiber shall have a water-holding capacity by weight of not less than 1,100 percent. Water-holding capacity of the fiber shall be marked on the package. Fiber shall be colored to contrast the area on which the fiber is to be applied. The material used for color shall be nontoxic to plant and animal life and shall not stain concrete or painted surfaces.

2.4 FERTILIZER

Fertilizer shall be controlled release commercial grade, free flowing, uniform in composition and conforming to CID A-A-1909. Granular ammonium-phosphate-sulfate fertilizer consisting of:

16 percent nitrogen, 16 percent phosphorus, and 16 percent potassium.

2.5 TACKIFIER

Tackifier shall be a concentrated, biodegradable and organic derivative of the Plantago plant (Plantago insularis). Tackifier shall be non-toxic to plant and animal life, non-corrosive, and non-crystalline and be non-staining to concrete or painted surfaces. Tackifier shall conform to

CDT SS 20-2.11.

2.6 STRAW MULCH

Straw shall be stalks from, in order of preference: native grasses, wheat, barley, or rice furnished in air-dry condition and with a consistency for placing with commercial mulch-blowing equipment. Wheat or barley straw, if used, shall not be derived from dry farmed cereal crops.

2.7 STRAW WATTLES

Straw wattles shall be a certified machine-produced tube 9” diameter, plus or minus 1 inch, and be 100% rice straw-filled tube of flexible netting. It shall of compacted rice straw that is Certified Weed Free Forage under CDFA Guide 5101 and 5205. Its netting shall be of 100% natural fiber biodegradable netting. Photodegradable plastic netting is not acceptable. Nine inch diameter, 100% coir fiber rolls, with natural fiber biodegradable netting, may be substituted in place of straw rolls, if desired. The wattles or rolls shall have a functional longevity of a minimum of 12 months.

2.8 WOODEN WEDGE STAKES

Wooden wedge stakes shall be of Douglas fir or pine, 2”x 4” tops cut to a point at the base. Cut one 2” x 4" piece of lumber diagonally from opposite corners to produce two identical stakes along the broad surface of the material. Length of stakes shall be 18-inches when placed in cut slopes and 24-inches when used in fill slopes. The stakes shall be driven-in until refusal and capable of securely holding material in place. Do not pound stakes so that the wood splits.

2.9 EROSION CONTROL BLANKETS

Erosion control blankets and fabrics shall be of the following types and be as designated by the Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC). Blankets with single-side netting are not acceptable or permitted for use on this project. All areas requiring stitched blankets within 100 feet of a wetland or sensitive habitat shall use 100% natural biodegradable netting or woven fabrics. Photodegradable polypropylene nettings are not permitted.

2.9.1 ECTC Type 2.D Erosion Control Blankets

ECTC Type 2.D straw blankets shall be manufactured from 100% straw sewn between 100% biodegradable, natural fiber top and bottom netting. It shall have a functional longevity of 12 months for providing erosion protection and mulching. The fabric shall conform to the following standards and values.

• C Factor: less or equal to 0.20 @ 2:1

• Tensile strength: 75 lbs/ft

• Maximum permissible Shear stress: 1.75 lbs/sq ft., min

• Manufacturer’s Slope Recommendation: 2H:1V

2.9.2 ECTC Type 3.B Erosion Control Blankets

ECTC Type 3.B straw-coir blankets shall be manufactured from 70% straw and 30% coconut fiber matrix sewn between two 100% biodegradable, natural fiber top and bottom netting with a functional longevity of 18-24 months. The fabric shall conform to the following standards and minimum values.

• C Factor: less or equal to 0.25 @ 1.5:1

• Tensile strength: 100 lbs/ft

• Maximum permissible shear stress: 2.00 lbs/sq ft., min

• Manufacturer’s Slope Recommendation: 1.5H:1V

2.9.3 ECTC Type 4 Erosion Control Blankets

ECTC Type 4 coir blankets shall be manufactured from 100% coconut fiber matrix sewn between two 100% biodegradable, natural fiber top and bottom netting with a functional longevity of 36 months. The fabric shall conform to the following standards and minimum values.

• C Factor: less or equal to 0.25 @ 1:1

• Tensile strength: 125 lbs/ft

• Maximum permissible shear stress: 2.25 lbs/sq ft., min

• Manufacturer’s Slope Recommendation: 1H:1V

2.10 COIR FIBER ROLLS

Coir fiber rolls shall be made from 100 percent coconut fiber and bound by 100% high-strength coir fiber netting. The diameter of coir rolls shall be 12” (plus or minus one inch), or as indicated on the drawings. The fabric shall conform to the following standards and minimum values. The netting mesh opening shall be 2” x 2”. The netting strength shall be certified at 90 lbs. Its density shall be 3.5 lbs per cubic feet. It shall have a mass per unit area of 2.6 lbs per foot. It shall have a functional longevity of 24 months.

2.11 TESTS, INSPECTIONS, AND VERIFICATIONS

Notify the Contracting Officer at least 5 days prior to each anticipated inspection. The Contracting Officer may at anytime inspect work without notification. The following are key inspection events:

2.11.1 Seeding Operations

2.11.1.1 Inspection of Seed, Equipment and Quantities

Seed suppliers are subject to inspection of methods, materials, and processing. Provide supplier names and addresses upon award of contract. Seed will be inspected upon arrival at the job site by the Contracting Officer for conformity to species and quality in accordance with paragraph

2.2 GRASS SEED.

• Upon Arrival at the Site: Provide the Contracting Officer with receipts of the seed purchased and delivered to the site. Receipts shall provide name of company from which the seed was purchased, seed species, composition, quantity, germination rate, and pure-live-seed percentage. Other material will be inspected for meeting specified requirements. Unacceptable materials shall be removed from the job site and replaced.

• Calibration Test: Immediately prior to commencement of seeding operations, adjust and calibrate equipment as per manufacturer’s specifications and field test in the presence of the Contracting Officer, immediately prior to commencement of seeding operations.

2.11.1.2 Inspection of Seeding Operations

Seeding operation shall be inspected during equipment calibration, material loading and seed application.

2.11.1.3 Inspection of Seed Growth and Establishment

Regularly observe the progress of seed growth between 1 October and 1 May of each year of the contract period, and take steps to reseed and protect all bare, disturbed and damaged soil areas that do not meet the grass performance standards or that exhibit erosion. All areas, without active construction activities, that do not meet the standards shall be repaired, reseeded and protected within 5 working days of discovery.

2.11.1.4 Seeding Acceptance

Preliminary Seeding Inspection: A preliminary final inspection will be held by the Contracting Officer to determine any deficiencies in work after completion of seeding operations.

Time for the inspection shall be requested in writing at least 5 working days prior to the desired date. The quantity and type of species seeded, clean up requirements and the acceptability of the seeding operation, in accordance with the requirements stated herein, will be determined and noted in writing.

Final Seeding Inspection: Request time for the final inspection in writing at least 5 working days prior to the desired date. At the final seeding inspection, the Contracting Officer will evaluate the deficiencies noted in the preliminary seeding inspection, to ensure they have been corrected.

2.11.2 Straw Wattle Operations

Request time for an inspection in writing at least 5 working days prior to the desired date. The inspection shall be called for after trenching, and after straw wattles have been installed.

2.11.3 Straw Mulching Operations

Request time for an inspection in writing at least 5 working days prior to the desired date. The inspection shall be called for after straw mulch has been applied, tackified or crimped.

Part 3 – EXECUTION

3.1 APPLICATIONS

Perform grass seeding, mulching and erosion and sediment control as indicated herein. Apply seeding and mulching to all disturbed or bare soil within the project boundary. Reseed and protect all disturbed or impacted soil outside of the project boundary. Where the requirements indicated herein conflict with specification Section 01 57 23.02 TEMPORARY STORM WATER POLLUTION CONTROL, Risk Level 2, apply the more stringent requirement.

3.1.2 Channel and Ditch Applications

Install check dams as indicated herein in all channels and ditches.

Space check dams in all channels and ditches at the following distances, as measured in the direction of flow:

• On 2:1 gradients: 15’ o.c.

• On 3:1 gradients: 20’ o.c.

• On 4:1 gradients: 25’ o.c.

• On 6:1 gradients: 40’ o.c.

• On 10:1 gradients: 60’ o.c.

• On 20:1 gradients: 100’ o.c.

• On 50:1gradients: 200’ o.c.

• On 100:1 gradients or less 400’ o.c.

3.2 LAYOUT

Define the boundaries and location of all areas which require grass seeding, as per specifications and drawings.

3.3 SOIL PREPARATION

Perform finish grading to all disturbed soil to ensure the areas are configured as required.

Cultivate soil to provide optimal seed bed with the result being a uniform level surface conducive to successful seeding, free of large clods and debris. When no-till drill seeding, remove debris and rocks that may hinder the seeding operation and mow all herbaceous growth low to the ground so that the seeder’s disks or drills will be unhindered to make direct contact with the soil. When no till drill seeding is used, remove build up of weed and erosion control seeding residue that could harbor snails and slugs. Identify and kill weeds with glyphosate herbicide prior to seeding. Ensure that the active ingredients of the herbicide do not affect seed germination.

3.4 TRENCHING

Where straw wattles are to be placed, dig a 3” deep trench sized to insure the wattles are in continuous contact with the soil along its entire length. Where erosion control blankets, fabrics and TRMs are to be placed, trench all upper, lower and side edges as per manufacturer’s recommendations.

3.5 SEEDING AND MULCHING

3.5.1 Native Grass Seeding

Seed the entire restoration area with native grass seed after soil preparation and pre seeding weed control herbicide applications. Upon arrival at the site, and prior to seeding, provide the Contracting Officer with receipts of the seed purchased and delivered to the site. Receipts shall provide name of company from which the seed was purchased, seed species, composition, quantity, germination rate, and pure-live-seed in pounds. In areas with woody planting, the 4 to 6 foot wide area along the line in which plants are installed shall not be seeded.

3.5.2 Temporary Erosion Control Seeding

Seed the area(s) where erosion control seeding is needed as an erosion control BMP after soil preparation and trenching have been performed and prior to placement of erosion control blankets, straw wattles, fiber rolls, TRMs, 3-D monofilament matrixes, or other erosion control materials. Prior to seeding, any previously prepared seedbed areas compacted or damaged by interim rain, traffic or other cause, must be reworked to restore the ground for optimum seedbed conditions. Upon arrival at the site, and prior to seeding, provide the Contracting Officer with receipts of the seed purchased and delivered to the site. Receipts must provide name of company from which the seed was purchased, seed species, composition, quantity, germination rate, and pure-live-seed in pounds.

3.5.3 Seed Application Method

For seeding native grass in the habitat revegetation areas use the no-till drill seeding method.

For seeding temporary erosion control grass use either hydroseeding, broadcast, aerial broadcast, drill or no till drill seeding methods. Consider the site terrain, soil erosiveness, and grass survival prospect in determining the appropriate method.

3.5.3.1 No-till Drill Seeding

No-Till Drill Seeding shall be used for seeding native grass seed in revegetation areas. Drill seed uniformly, leaving the seed at a ¼ to ¾ inch depth, using equipment having drills or disks spaced a maximum 7 inches apart. Row markers shall be used with the drill seeder. Maintain the drilling equipment with half full seed boxes during the seeding operations. Prior to seeding, adjust and calibrate equipment at the job site as per manufacturer’s specifications, and field test in the presence of the contracting officer. The no-till drill seeder shall be equipped with coulter cutters, furrow openers and press wheels. The press wheels shall actively move loose soil over the seed furrow and leave it as the required depth. The drill shall use coulters, depth gauge wheels, furrow (soil) openers (single or double-disk) and press wheels that are easily adjustable and has a simple, fast method to set all units at the same depth to give consistent results.

In grassland habitat type areas (VNG) drill seed rows along contours so that rain water will be trapped by the drilled rows and not flow within the rows. Drill seed at the seeding rate indicated in Table A1 and B – Grass Seed mixtures.

3.5.3.2 Drill Seeding

Drill seed uniformly, leaving the seed at a ¼ to ½ inch depth, using equipment having drills or disks spaced a maximum 7 inches apart. Row markers shall be used with the drill seeder.

Maintain the drilling equipment with half full seed boxes during the seeding operations. Prior to seeding, adjust and calibrate equipment at the job site as per manufacturer’s specifications, and field test in the presence of the Contracting Officer. The drill seeder shall be equipped with a seed box (hopper) with metering device, agitator, cutting wheels (coulters), planting wheels (or seed tubes), and press (tamper, packer) wheels that are easily adjustable and has a simple, fast method to set all units at the same depth to give consistent results. The press wheels shall actively move loose soil over the seed furrow and leave it at the required depth.

Where possible, drill seed rows along contours so that rain water will be trapped by the drilled rows and not flow within the rows. Drill seed at the seeding rate indicated in Tables A1 & A2 – Grass Seed mixtures.

3.5.3.3 Hydroseeding with Wood Fiber

Hydroseed seed by thoroughly mixing to ensure a seeding rate as specified under paragraph SEED SPECIES AND SEEDING RATES. Wood fiber mulch shall be provided and added to the mixture after the water and other mixture components have been thoroughly provided and mixed to produce homogeneous slurry. The slurry shall have the proper consistency to adhere to the earth slopes without lumping or running. Seed shall be held in the slurry for no more than a maximum of 24 hours. Slurry shall be uniformly applied under pressure over the entire designated area. The hydroseeded area shall not be rolled.

Employ the following two-step process when using wood fiber mulch:

• Step 1: Apply the first step as a complete mixture, ½ of mixture from one direction and the second half from the opposite direction, as indicated below:

o Wood Fiber Mulch, at a rate of 500 lbs per acre.

o Seed Mix, as specified for species and seeding rate.

• Step 2: Apply the second step from two directions, at least 90 degrees from the first half.

Apply as a complete mixture as indicated below:

o Wood Fiber Mulch, apply at the following rates:

On slopes greater than 4:1, apply at a rate of 2,500 lbs per acre in this second step process.

On level areas and slopes 4:1 and less, apply at a rate of 1,500 lbs per acre in this second step process.

o Tackifier, at a rate of 100 lbs per acre.

3.5.3.4 Broadcast Seeding

Broadcast seed uniformly using mechanical broadcast seeders at the rate as specified under paragraph SEED SPECIES AND SEEDING RATES. Half of seed shall be broadcast in one direction, and the remainder at right angles to the first direction. Seed shall be covered to an average depth of ¼ inch by harrowing with steel mat or chain drag, cultipacker, or other approved device. For slopes steeper than 2H:1V or inaccessible areas, hand broadcasting may be required and harrow or hand raking where practical.

Broadcast at the following rates:

• Seed mix as specified for species and seeding rate

3.5.4 Applying Straw Mulch

Apply straw mulch where needed. Straw mulch is not required on the majority of the habitat revegetation areas, only in particularly erosion prone areas. If soil erosion occurs, apply straw mulch over all impacted areas.

Mulch shall be spread by hand, blower-type mulch spreader or other approved method.

Mulching shall be started on the windward side of relatively flat areas or on the upper part of a steep slope and continued uniformly until the area is covered. The mulch shall be applied loose and not be bunched. .

Apply straw mulch at the following application rate(s) on disturbed areas requiring straw mulch erosion protection BMP’s:

• On slopes greater than 4:1, apply straw mulch at 3,000 lbs per acre.

• On slopes 4:1 to 25:1, apply straw mulch at 2,000 lbs per acre.

• On slopes 20:1 to 33:1, apply straw mulch at 1,000 lbs per acre.

• On slopes 33:1 or less apply straw mulch at 1000 lbs per acre only where needed to protect disturbed soil prone to erosion.

3.5.5 Applying Tackifier

Tackify straw mulch with a commercially available dyed organic tackifier. Apply at a rate of 100 pounds per acre. Mechanically crimp or punch straw mulch into soil, if so desired as a substitute for tackifying.

3.6 INSTALLING STRAW WATTLES

After all soil treatment has been installed, including: seeding, straw mulch, erosion control blankets, fabric, TRMs or BFMs; place and secure straw wattles in pre-dug trenches. The straw wattles shall extend continuously across the treatment area and be in continuous contact with the soil surface for its entire length. The straw wattle shall be placed so that it is on contour along its entire length and anchored using wooden wedge stakes spaced along its length at 48 inch intervals, maximum, and within 12 inches of both ends. The ends of wattles shall be tightly overlapped of each other by 24”. Abutting the wattles ends to each other is not acceptable.

Place straw wattles along the top of each slope where water congregates and flows as a point source over the slope below. Redirect and diffuse all above slope water flows so that it does not flow over the slope as a concentrated flow. Place and space straw wattles according to paragraph

3.1 APPLICATIONS.

3.7 INSTALLING EROSION CONTROL BLANKETS AND TRMs

On slopes, place blanket by unrolling down slope. Anchor the terminal ends of the material in a 6” x 6” deep trench; backfill and compact. Overlap side edges by 3”. Anchor edges down the entire length of material with staples using a 12” interval. Ensure “uphill” end of the overlap is placed over the “downhill” end. At the top and bottom of each overlap, use a double row spaced 6” apart, with staples spaced at 6” intervals along each row to secure overlaps.

In channels and ditches use ECTC Type 3.B or Type 4 blankets. Place blanket by unrolling at top of channel in the direction of flow along bottom centerline of channel. Ensure “uphill” end of the overlap is placed over the “downhill” end. At the top and bottom of each overlap, use a double row of staples spaced 6” apart, with staples spaced at 6: intervals, to secure overlaps.

Overlap side edges by 3”. Anchor the terminal end of the material in a 6” square deep trench;

backfill and compact. Place subsequent material end over end with a 6” overlap. Anchor edges down the entire length of material with staples using a 12” interval.

Anchor material edges as indicated above. In addition to the end and edge staples, the entire material surface shall be anchored to the soil using staples applied in an off-set pattern as recommended by the manufacturer. Where the requirements herein conflict with specification Section 01 57 23.01 TEMPORARY STORM WATER POLLUTION CONTROL, Risk Level 1 and Section 01 57 23.02 TEMPORARY STORM WATER POLLUTION CONTROL, Risk Level 2, install the more stringent requirement.

Where 3-D monofilament TRMs are used, infill open spaces with the BFM as indicated herein.

3.8 INSTALLING CHECK DAMS

In ditches and channels, install 12” diameter coir fiber roll check dams completely across ditch or channel and perpendicular to water flows. Fiber rolls ends shall extend up the side slopes a minimum of 24” above the channel/ditch expected flow line. Anchor rolls using 24” long wooden wedge stakes within 12” of both ends and spaced continuously at 36” on center, maximum, along its entire length. Fiber rolls shall be set into a pre-dug 3” deep trench, and be in contact with the soil along its entire length. Place and space check dams according to paragraph

3.1 APPLICATIONS. Do not install check dams where they could cause the ditch to overflow and flank the check dams.

3.9 REPAIRING OF DAMAGED OR UNSUCCESSFUL GRASS STANDS

From 1 October through 1 May active grass seed care shall be performed that will give the seed the best opportunity to succeed. In those areas that are without active construction activities, or have reels, ruts, gullies, or have not met the performance standards, re-grade, repair, reseed and protect within 5 working days of discovery. See paragraph 1.4 Performance Standards.

Protect the newly seeded areas as per the requirements indicated herein and as per specification Section 01 57 23.02 TEMPORARY STORM WATER POLLUTION CONTROL, Risk Level 2, whichever is more stringent. Also install BMPs where it is observed where water concentrates and flows over slopes causing erosion. The project will not be accepted without the performance standards being met.

3.10 ESTABLISHMENT

3.10.1 Establishment Period

Provide proper care of the seeded areas until the desired stand of vegetation is established, or until the end of the contract, whichever is greater. Make regular repairs throughout the rainy season so that the grass seed has an opportunity to establish before the end of the contract. The desired stand of vegetation is defined herein in paragraph 1.4 Performance Standards.

3.10.2 Protection

Protect areas susceptible to vehicular or heavy foot traffic by erecting suitable barricades immediately after seeding is completed and/or by placing warning signs of a type approved by the Contracting Officer.

3.11 CLEANUP

Excess and waste erosion control material shall be removed and disposed of off-site in accordance with State and local agency codes and regulations.