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HomeMy WebLinkAboutElement 5 BMP-C125BMP C125: Topsoiling / Composting Purpose Topsoiling and composting provide a suitable growth medium for final site stabilization with vegetation. While not a permanent cover practice in itself, topsoiling and composting are an integral component of providing permanent cover in those areas where there is an unsuitable soil surface for plant growth. Use this BMP in conjunction with other BMPs such as seeding, mulching, or sodding. Note that this BMP is functionally the same as BMP T5.13 (see Chapter 5 of Volume V of this manual) which is required for all disturbed areas that will be developed as lawn or landscaped areas at the completed project site. Native soils and disturbed soils that have been organically amended not only retain much more stormwater, but they also serve as effective biofilters for urban pollutants and, by supporting more vigorous plant growth, reduce the water, fertilizer and pesticides needed to support installed landscapes. Topsoil does not include any subsoils but only the material from the top several inches including organic debris. Conditions of Use Permanent landscaped areas shall contain healthy topsoil that reduces the need for fertilizers, improves overall topsoil quality, provides for better vegetal health and vitality, improves hydrologic characteristics, and reduces the need for irrigation. Leave native soils and the duff layer undisturbed to the maximum extent practicable. Stripping of existing, properly functioning soil system and vegetation for the purpose of topsoiling during construction is not acceptable. Preserve existing soil systems in undisturbed and uncompacted conditions if functioning properly. Areas that already have good topsoil, such as undisturbed areas, do not require soil amendments. Restore, to the maximum extent practical, native soils disturbed during clearing and grading to a condition equal to or better than the original site condition’s moisture-holding capacity. Use on-site native topsoil, incorporate amendments into on-site soil, or import blended topsoil to meet this requirement. Topsoiling is a required procedure when establishing vegetation on shallow soils, and soils of critically low pH (high acid) levels. Beware of where the topsoil comes from, and what vegetation was on site before disturbance, invasive plant seeds may be included and could cause problems for establishing native plants, landscaped areas, or grasses. Topsoil from the site will contain mycorrhizal bacteria that are necessary for healthy root growth and nutrient transfer. These native mycorrhiza are acclimated to the site and will provide optimum conditions for establishing grasses. Use commercially available mycorrhiza products when using off-site topsoil. Design and Installation Specifications Meet the following requirements for disturbed areas that will be developed as lawn or landscaped areas at the completed project site: Maximize the depth of the topsoil wherever possible to provide the maximum possible infiltration capacity and beneficial growth medium. Topsoil shall have: A minimum depth of 8-inches. Scarify subsoils below the topsoil layer at least 4-inches with some incorporation of the upper material to avoid stratified layers, where feasible. Ripping or re- structuring the subgrade may also provide additional benefits regarding the overall infiltration and interflow dynamics of the soil system. A minimum organic content of 10% dry weight in planting beds, and 5% organic matter content in turf areas. Incorporate organic amendments to a minimum 8-inch depth except where tree roots or other natural features limit the depth of incorporation. A pH between 6.0 and 8.0 or matching the pH of the undisturbed soil. If blended topsoil is imported, then fines should be limited to 25 percent passing through a 200 sieve. Mulch planting beds with 2 inches of organic material Accomplish the required organic content, depth, and pH by returning native topsoil to the site, importing topsoil of sufficient organic content, and/or incorporating organic amendments.When using the option of incorporating amendments to meet the organic content requirement, use compost that meets the compost specification for Bioretention (See BMP T7.30 in Chapter 7 of Volume V of this manual), with the exception that the compost may have up to 35% biosolids or manure. Sections three through seven of the document entitled, Guidelines and Resources for Implementing Soil Quality and Depth BMP T5.13 in WDOE Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, provides useful guidance for implementing whichever option is chosen. It includes guidance for pre-approved default strategies and guidance for custom strategies. Check with your local jurisdiction concerning its acceptance of this guidance. It is available through the organization, Soils for Salmon. As of this printing the document may be found at: http://www.soilsforsalmon.org/pdf/Soil_BMP_Manual.pdf. The final composition and construction of the soil system will result in a natural selection or favoring of certain plant species over time. For example, incorporation of topsoil may favor grasses, while layering with mildly acidic, high-carbon amendments may favor more woody vegetation. Allow sufficient time in scheduling for topsoil spreading prior to seeding, sodding, or planting. Take care when applying top soil to subsoils with contrasting textures. Sandy topsoil over clayey subsoil is a particularly poor combination, as water creeps along the junction between the soil layers and causes the topsoil to slough. If topsoil and subsoil are not properly bonded, water will not infiltrate the soil profile evenly and it will be difficult to establish vegetation. The best method to prevent a lack of bonding is to actually work the topsoil into the layer below for a depth of at least 6 inches. Field exploration of the site shall be made to determine if there is surface soil of sufficient quantity and quality to justify stripping. Topsoil shall be friable and loamy (loam, sandy loam, silt loam, sandy clay loam, and clay loam). Avoid areas of natural ground water recharge. Stripping shall be confined to the immediate construction area. A 4- inch to 6-inch stripping depth is common, but depth may vary depending on the particular soil. All surface runoff control structures shall be in place prior to stripping. Do not place topsoil while in a frozen or muddy condition, when the subgrade is excessively wet, or when conditions exist that may otherwise be detrimental to proper grading or proposed sodding or seeding. In any areas requiring grading remove and stockpile the duff layer and topsoil on site in a designated, controlled area, not adjacent to public resources and critical areas. Stockpiled topsoil is to be reapplied to other portions of the site where feasible. Locate the topsoil stockpile so that it meets specifications and does not interfere with work on the site. It may be possible to locate more than one pile in proximity to areas where topsoil will be used. Stockpiling of topsoil shall occur in the following manner: Side slopes of the stockpile shall not exceed 2H:1V. Between October 1 and April 30: An interceptor dike with gravel outlet and silt fence shall surround all topsoil. Within 2 days complete erosion control seeding, or covering stockpiles with clear plastic, or other mulching materials. Between May 1 and September 30: An interceptor dike with gravel outlet and silt fence shall surround all topsoil if the stockpile will remain in place for a longer period of time than active construction grading. Within 7 days complete erosion control seeding, or covering stockpiles with clear plastic, or other mulching materials. When native topsoil is to be stockpiled and reused the following should apply to ensure that the mycorrhizal bacterial, earthworms, and other beneficial organisms will not be destroyed: 1.Re-install topsoil within 4 to 6 weeks. 2.Do not allow the saturation of topsoil with water. 3.Do not use plastic covering. Maintenance Standards Inspect stockpiles regularly, especially after large storm events. Stabilize any areas that have eroded. Establish soil quality and depth toward the end of construction and once established, protect from compaction, such as from large machinery use, and from erosion. Plant and mulch soil after installation. Leave plant debris or its equivalent on the soil surface to replenish organic matter. Reduce and adjust, where possible, the use of irrigation, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, rather than continuing to implement formerly established practices.