MAY 2013 VERSION

Office of

Energy Projects

May 2013

UPLAND EROSION CONTROL, 

REVEGETATION, AND

MAINTENANCE PLAN

Washington, DC 20426 

Federal Energy

Regulatory

Commission
i MAY 2013 VERSION

UPLAND EROSION CONTROL, REVEGETATION, AND

MAINTENANCE PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. APPLICABILITY ..................................................................................................................... 1

II. SUPERVISION AND INSPECTION..................................................................................... 2

A. ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTION ............................................................. 2

B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTORS.................. 2

III. PRECONSTRUCTION PLANNING.................................................................................... 4

A. CONSTRUCTION WORK AREAS.............................................................. 4

B. DRAIN TILE AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS............................................. 4

C. GRAZING DEFERMENT.............................................................................. 5

D. ROAD CROSSINGS AND ACCESS POINTS............................................. 5

E. DISPOSAL PLANNING ................................................................................ 5

F. AGENCY COORDINATION ........................................................................ 5

G. SPILL PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROCEDURES......................... 6

H. RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION............................................................... 6

I. WINTER CONSTRUCTION PLANS ........................................................... 6

IV. INSTALLATION................................................................................................................... 7

A. APPROVED AREAS OF DISTURBANCE.................................................. 7

B. TOPSOIL SEGREGATION ........................................................................... 8

C. DRAIN TILES................................................................................................. 9

D. IRRIGATION.................................................................................................. 9

E. ROAD CROSSINGS AND ACCESS POINTS............................................. 9

F. TEMPORARY EROSION CONTROL......................................................... 9

1. Temporary Slope Breakers.............................................................................. 9

2. Temporary Trench Plugs............................................................................... 10

3. Sediment Barriers.......................................................................................... 10

4. Mulch............................................................................................................. 11

V. RESTORATION................................................................................................................... 12

A. CLEANUP..................................................................................................... 12

B. PERMANENT EROSION CONTROL DEVICES ..................................... 13

1. Trench Breakers............................................................................................. 13

2. Permanent Slope Breakers ............................................................................ 14

C. SOIL COMPACTION MITIGATION ......................................................... 14

D. REVEGETATION ........................................................................................ 15

1. General........................................................................................................... 15

2. Soil Additives................................................................................................ 15

3. Seeding Requirements................................................................................... 15

VI. OFF-ROAD VEHICLE CONTROL................................................................................... 16

VII. POST-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND REPORTING......................................... 17

A. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE .................................................... 17

B. REPORTING................................................................................................. 18
1 MAY 2013 VERSION

UPLAND EROSION CONTROL, REVEGETATION, 

AND MAINTENANCE PLAN (PLAN)

I. APPLICABILITY

A. The intent of this Plan is to assist project sponsors by identifying baseline mitigation 

measures for minimizing erosion and enhancing revegetation. Project sponsors shall 

specify in their applications for a new FERC authorization and in prior notice and 

advance notice filings, any individual measures in this Plan they consider 

unnecessary, technically infeasible, or unsuitable due to local conditions and fully 

describe any alternative measures they would use. Project sponsors shall also explain

how those alternative measures would achieve a comparable level of mitigation. 

 Once a project is authorized, project sponsors can request further changes as 

variances to the measures in this Plan (or the applicant’s approved plan). The 

Director of the Office of Energy Projects (Director) will consider approval of

variances upon the project sponsor’s written request, if the Director agrees that a

variance: 

 1. provides equal or better environmental protection; 

 2. is necessary because a portion of this Plan is infeasible or unworkable based 

on project-specific conditions; or 

 3. is specifically required in writing by another federal, state, or Native 

American land management agency for the portion of the project on its land 

or under its jurisdiction.

 Sponsors of projects planned for construction under the automatic authorization 

provisions in the FERC’s regulations must receive written approval for any variances

in advance of construction. 

 Project-related impacts on wetland and waterbody systems are addressed in the 

staff’s Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures 

(Procedures).
2 MAY 2013 VERSION

II. SUPERVISION AND INSPECTION

 A. ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTION 

 1. At least one Environmental Inspector is required for each construction spread 

during construction and restoration (as defined by section V). The number 

and experience of Environmental Inspectors assigned to each construction 

spread shall be appropriate for the length of the construction spread and the 

number/significance of resources affected. 

 2. Environmental Inspectors shall have peer status with all other activity 

inspectors. 

 3. Environmental Inspectors shall have the authority to stop activities that 

violate the environmental conditions of the FERC’s Orders, stipulations of 

other environmental permits or approvals, or landowner easement 

agreements; and to order appropriate corrective action. 

 B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTORS 

 At a minimum, the Environmental Inspector(s) shall be responsible for: 

 1. Inspecting construction activities for compliance with the requirements of this 

Plan, the Procedures, the environmental conditions of the FERC’s Orders, the 

mitigation measures proposed by the project sponsor (as approved and/or 

modified by the Order), other environmental permits and approvals, and 

environmental requirements in landowner easement agreements.

 2. Identifying, documenting, and overseeing corrective actions, as necessary to 

bring an activity back into compliance; 

 3. Verifying that the limits of authorized construction work areas and locations 

of access roads are visibly marked before clearing, and maintained throughout 

construction; 

 4. Verifying the location of signs and highly visible flagging marking the 

boundaries of sensitive resource areas, waterbodies, wetlands, or areas with 

special requirements along the construction work area; 

 5. Identifying erosion/sediment control and soil stabilization needs in all areas;

 6. Ensuring that the design of slope breakers will not cause erosion or direct 

water into sensitive environmental resource areas, including cultural resource 

sites, wetlands, waterbodies, and sensitive species habitats; 
3 MAY 2013 VERSION

 7. Verifying that dewatering activities are properly monitored and do not result 

in the deposition of sand, silt, and/or sediment into sensitive environmental 

resource areas, including wetlands, waterbodies, cultural resource sites, and 

sensitive species habitats; stopping dewatering activities if such deposition is 

occurring and ensuring the design of the discharge is changed to prevent 

reoccurrence; and verifying that dewatering structures are removed after 

completion of dewatering activities; 

 8. Ensuring that subsoil and topsoil are tested in agricultural and residential 

areas to measure compaction and determine the need for corrective action;

 9. Advising the Chief Construction Inspector when environmental conditions 

(such as wet weather or frozen soils) make it advisable to restrict or delay 

construction activities to avoid topsoil mixing or excessive compaction; 

 10. Ensuring restoration of contours and topsoil; 

 11. Verifying that the soils imported for agricultural or residential use are

certified as free of noxious weeds and soil pests, unless otherwise approved 

by the landowner; 

 12. Ensuring that erosion control devices are properly installed to prevent 

sediment flow into sensitive environmental resource areas (e.g., wetlands, 

waterbodies, cultural resource sites, and sensitive species habitats) and onto 

roads, and determining the need for additional erosion control devices; 

 13. Inspecting and ensuring the maintenance of temporary erosion control 

measures at least:

 a. on a daily basis in areas of active construction or equipment 

operation; 

 b. on a weekly basis in areas with no construction or equipment 

operation; and 

 c. within 24 hours of each 0.5 inch of rainfall; 

 14. Ensuring the repair of all ineffective temporary erosion control measures 

within 24 hours of identification, or as soon as conditions allow if compliance 

with this time frame would result in greater environmental impacts; 

 15. Keeping records of compliance with the environmental conditions of the 

FERC’s Orders, and the mitigation measures proposed by the project sponsor 

in the application submitted to the FERC, and other federal or state 

environmental permits during active construction and restoration; 
4 MAY 2013 VERSION

16. Identifying areas that should be given special attention to ensure stabilization 

and restoration after the construction phase; and

17. Verifying that locations for any disposal of excess construction materials for 

beneficial reuse comply with section III.E. 

III. PRECONSTRUCTION PLANNING 

 The project sponsor shall do the following before construction: 

A. CONSTRUCTION WORK AREAS 

 1. Identify all construction work areas (e.g., construction right-of-way, extra 

work space areas, pipe storage and contractor yards, borrow and disposal 

areas, access roads) that would be needed for safe construction. The project 

sponsor must ensure that appropriate cultural resources and biological 

surveys are conducted, as determined necessary by the appropriate federal and 

state agencies. 

 2. Project sponsors are encouraged to consider expanding any required cultural 

resources and endangered species surveys in anticipation of the need for 

activities outside of authorized work areas. 

 3. Plan construction sequencing to limit the amount and duration of open trench 

sections, as necessary, to prevent excessive erosion or sediment flow into 

sensitive environmental resource areas. 

 B. DRAIN TILE AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS 

 1. Attempt to locate existing drain tiles and irrigation systems.

2. Contact landowners and local soil conservation authorities to determine the 

locations of future drain tiles that are likely to be installed within 3 years of 

the authorized construction. 

 3. Develop procedures for constructing through drain-tiled areas, maintaining 

irrigation systems during construction, and repairing drain tiles and irrigation 

systems after construction. 

 4. Engage qualified drain tile specialists, as needed to conduct or monitor 

repairs to drain tile systems affected by construction. Use drain tile 

specialists from the project area, if available.
5 MAY 2013 VERSION

 C. GRAZING DEFERMENT 

 Develop grazing deferment plans with willing landowners, grazing permittees, and 

land management agencies to minimize grazing disturbance of revegetation efforts.

 D. ROAD CROSSINGS AND ACCESS POINTS 

 Plan for safe and accessible conditions at all roadway crossings and access points 

during construction and restoration. 

 E. DISPOSAL PLANNING 

 Determine methods and locations for the regular collection, containment, and 

disposal of excess construction materials and debris (e.g., timber, slash, mats, 

garbage, drill cuttings and fluids, excess rock) throughout the construction process. 

Disposal of materials for beneficial reuse must not result in adverse environmental 

impact and is subject to compliance with all applicable survey, landowner or land 

management agency approval, and permit requirements.

 F. AGENCY COORDINATION 

The project sponsor must coordinate with the appropriate local, state, and federal 

agencies as outlined in this Plan and/or required by the FERC’s Orders. 

1. Obtain written recommendations from the local soil conservation authorities 

or land management agencies regarding permanent erosion control and 

revegetation specifications. 

 2. Develop specific procedures in coordination with the appropriate agencies to 

prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species, noxious weeds, and 

soil pests resulting from construction and restoration activities.

 3. Develop specific procedures in coordination with the appropriate agencies 

and landowners, as necessary, to allow for livestock and wildlife movement 

and protection during construction. 

 4. Develop specific blasting procedures in coordination with the appropriate 

agencies that address pre- and post-blast inspections; advanced public 

notification; and mitigation measures for building foundations, groundwater 

wells, and springs. Use appropriate methods (e.g., blasting mats) to prevent 

damage to nearby structures and to prevent debris from entering sensitive 

environmental resource areas. 

 

 
6 MAY 2013 VERSION

G. SPILL PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROCEDURES 

 The project sponsor shall develop project-specific Spill Prevention and Response 

Procedures, as specified in section IV of the staff's Procedures. A copy must be filed 

with the Secretary of the FERC (Secretary) prior to construction and made available 

in the field on each construction spread. The filing requirement does not apply to 

projects constructed under the automatic authorization provisions in the FERC’s 

regulations. 

H. RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION 

For all properties with residences located within 50 feet of construction work areas, 

project sponsors shall: avoid removal of mature trees and landscaping within the 

construction work area unless necessary for safe operation of construction 

equipment, or as specified in landowner agreements; fence the edge of the 

construction work area for a distance of 100 feet on either side of the residence; and 

restore all lawn areas and landscaping immediately following clean up operations, or 

as specified in landowner agreements. If seasonal or other weather conditions 

prevent compliance with these time frames, maintain and monitor temporary erosion 

controls (sediment barriers and mulch) until conditions allow completion of 

restoration. 

 I. WINTER CONSTRUCTION PLANS 

 If construction is planned to occur during winter weather conditions, project sponsors 

shall develop and file a project-specific winter construction plan with the FERC 

application. This filing requirement does not apply to projects constructed under the 

automatic authorization provisions of the FERC’s regulations. 

 The plan shall address: 

 

1. winter construction procedures (e.g., snow handling and removal, access road 

construction and maintenance, soil handling under saturated or frozen 

conditions, topsoil stripping); 

2. stabilization and monitoring procedures if ground conditions will delay 

restoration until the following spring (e.g., mulching and erosion controls, 

inspection and reporting, stormwater control during spring thaw conditions); 

and

3. final restoration procedures (e.g., subsidence and compaction repair, topsoil 

replacement, seeding). 
7 MAY 2013 VERSION

IV. INSTALLATION

 A. APPROVED AREAS OF DISTURBANCE 

1. Project-related ground disturbance shall be limited to the construction rightof-way, extra work space areas, pipe storage yards, borrow and disposal areas, 

access roads, and other areas approved in the FERC’s Orders. Any projectrelated ground disturbing activities outside these areas will require prior 

Director approval. This requirement does not apply to activities needed to 

comply with the Plan and Procedures (i.e., slope breakers, energy-dissipating 

devices, dewatering structures, drain tile system repairs) or minor field 

realignments and workspace shifts per landowner needs and requirements that 

do not affect other landowners or sensitive environmental resource areas. All 

construction or restoration activities outside of authorized areas are subject to 

all applicable survey and permit requirements, and landowner easement 

agreements. 

 2. The construction right-of-way width for a project shall not exceed 75 feet or 

that described in the FERC application unless otherwise modified by a FERC 

Order. However, in limited, non-wetland areas, this construction right-ofway width may be expanded by up to 25 feet without Director approval to 

accommodate full construction right-of-way topsoil segregation and to ensure 

safe construction where topographic conditions (e.g., side-slopes) or soil 

limitations require it. Twenty-five feet of extra construction right-of-way 

width may also be used in limited, non-wetland or non-forested areas for 

truck turn-arounds where no reasonable alternative access exists.

 Project use of these additional limited areas is subject to landowner or land 

management agency approval and compliance with all applicable survey and 

permit requirements. When additional areas are used, each one shall be 

identified and the need explained in the weekly or biweekly construction 

reports to the FERC, if required. The following material shall be included in 

the reports: 

 a. the location of each additional area by station number and reference to

previously filed alignment sheets, or updated alignment sheets 

showing the additional areas; 

 b. identification of the filing at FERC containing evidence that the 

additional areas were previously surveyed; and 
8 MAY 2013 VERSION

 c. a statement that landowner approval has been obtained and is 

available in project files.

 Prior written approval of the Director is required when the authorized 

construction right-of-way width would be expanded by more than 25 feet. 

 B. TOPSOIL SEGREGATION 

 1. Unless the landowner or land management agency specifically approves 

otherwise, prevent the mixing of topsoil with subsoil by stripping topsoil 

from either the full work area or from the trench and subsoil storage area 

(ditch plus spoil side method) in: 

 a. cultivated or rotated croplands, and managed pastures;

 b. residential areas;

 c. hayfields; and

 d. other areas at the landowner’s or land managing agency’s request.

 2. In residential areas, importation of topsoil is an acceptable alternative to 

topsoil segregation. 

 3. Where topsoil segregation is required, the project sponsor must: 

 a. segregate at least 12 inches of topsoil in deep soils (more than 12 

inches of topsoil); and

 b. make every effort to segregate the entire topsoil layer in soils with less 

than 12 inches of topsoil. 

 4. Maintain separation of salvaged topsoil and subsoil throughout all 

construction activities. 

 5. Segregated topsoil may not be used for padding the pipe, constructing 

temporary slope breakers or trench plugs, improving or maintaining roads, or 

as a fill material. 

 6. Stabilize topsoil piles and minimize loss due to wind and water erosion with 

use of sediment barriers, mulch, temporary seeding, tackifiers, or functional 

equivalents, where necessary. 
9 MAY 2013 VERSION

 C. DRAIN TILES 

 1. Mark locations of drain tiles damaged during construction. 

 2. Probe all drainage tile systems within the area of disturbance to check for 

damage.

 3. Repair damaged drain tiles to their original or better condition. Do not use 

filter-covered drain tiles unless the local soil conservation authorities and the 

landowner agree. Use qualified specialists for testing and repairs.

 4. For new pipelines in areas where drain tiles exist or are planned, ensure that 

the depth of cover over the pipeline is sufficient to avoid interference with 

drain tile systems. For adjacent pipeline loops in agricultural areas, install the 

new pipeline with at least the same depth of cover as the existing pipeline(s).

 D. IRRIGATION 

 Maintain water flow in crop irrigation systems, unless shutoff is coordinated with 

affected parties.

 E. ROAD CROSSINGS AND ACCESS POINTS 

 1. Maintain safe and accessible conditions at all road crossings and access 

points during construction. 

 2. If crushed stone access pads are used in residential or agricultural areas, place 

the stone on synthetic fabric to facilitate removal.

 3. Minimize the use of tracked equipment on public roadways. Remove any soil 

or gravel spilled or tracked onto roadways daily or more frequent as necessary 

to maintain safe road conditions. Repair any damages to roadway surfaces, 

shoulders, and bar ditches. 

 F. TEMPORARY EROSION CONTROL 

 Install temporary erosion controls immediately after initial disturbance of the soil. 

Temporary erosion controls must be properly maintained throughout construction (on 

a daily basis) and reinstalled as necessary (such as after backfilling of the trench) 

until replaced by permanent erosion controls or restoration is complete. 

 1. Temporary Slope Breakers 

 a. Temporary slope breakers are intended to reduce runoff velocity and 

divert water off the construction right-of-way. Temporary slope 
10 MAY 2013 VERSION

breakers may be constructed of materials such as soil, silt fence, 

staked hay or straw bales, or sand bags. 

b. Install temporary slope breakers on all disturbed areas, as necessary to 

avoid excessive erosion. Temporary slope breakers must be installed 

on slopes greater than 5 percent where the base of the slope is less 

than 50 feet from waterbody, wetland, and road crossings at the 

following spacing (closer spacing shall be used if necessary):

Slope (%) Spacing (feet)

5 - 15 300 

>15 - 30 200 

>30 100 

 c. Direct the outfall of each temporary slope breaker to a stable, well 

vegetated area or construct an energy-dissipating device at the end of 

the slope breaker and off the construction right-of-way.

 d. Position the outfall of each temporary slope breaker to prevent 

sediment discharge into wetlands, waterbodies, or other sensitive 

environmental resource areas. 

 2. Temporary Trench Plugs 

 Temporary trench plugs are intended to segment a continuous open trench 

prior to backfill. 

 a. Temporary trench plugs may consist of unexcavated portions of the 

trench, compacted subsoil, sandbags, or some functional equivalent. 

 b. Position temporary trench plugs, as necessary, to reduce trenchline 

erosion and minimize the volume and velocity of trench water flow at 

the base of slopes. 

 3. Sediment Barriers 

 Sediment barriers are intended to stop the flow of sediments and to prevent 

the deposition of sediments beyond approved workspaces or into sensitive 

resources. 

 a. Sediment barriers may be constructed of materials such as silt fence, 

staked hay or straw bales, compacted earth (e.g., driveable berms 

across travelways), sand bags, or other appropriate materials.
11 MAY 2013 VERSION

b. At a minimum, install and maintain temporary sediment barriers 

across the entire construction right-of-way at the base of slopes greater 

than 5 percent where the base of the slope is less than 50 feet from a 

waterbody, wetland, or road crossing until revegetation is successful 

as defined in this Plan. Leave adequate room between the base of the 

slope and the sediment barrier to accommodate ponding of water and 

sediment deposition. 

c. Where wetlands or waterbodies are adjacent to and downslope of 

construction work areas, install sediment barriers along the edge of 

these areas, as necessary to prevent sediment flow into the wetland or 

waterbody. 

 4. Mulch 

 a. Apply mulch on all slopes (except in cultivated cropland) concurrent 

with or immediately after seeding, where necessary to stabilize the soil 

surface and to reduce wind and water erosion. Spread mulch 

uniformly over the area to cover at least 75 percent of the ground 

surface at a rate of 2 tons/acre of straw or its equivalent, unless the 

local soil conservation authority, landowner, or land managing agency 

approves otherwise in writing. 

 b. Mulch can consist of weed-free straw or hay, wood fiber hydromulch, 

erosion control fabric, or some functional equivalent. 

 c. Mulch all disturbed upland areas (except cultivated cropland) before

seeding if:

 (1) final grading and installation of permanent erosion control 

measures will not be completed in an area within 20 days after 

the trench in that area is backfilled (10 days in residential 

areas), as required in section V.A.1; or 

 (2) construction or restoration activity is interrupted for extended 

periods, such as when seeding cannot be completed due to 

seeding period restrictions. 

 d. If mulching before seeding, increase mulch application on all slopes 

within 100 feet of waterbodies and wetlands to a rate of 3 tons/acre of 

straw or equivalent. 

 e. If wood chips are used as mulch, do not use more than 1 ton/acre and 

add the equivalent of 11 lbs/acre available nitrogen (at least 50 percent 

of which is slow release).
12 MAY 2013 VERSION

 f. Ensure that mulch is adequately anchored to minimize loss due to 

wind and water. 

 g. When anchoring with liquid mulch binders, use rates recommended by 

the manufacturer. Do not use liquid mulch binders within 100 feet of 

wetlands or waterbodies, except where the product is certified 

environmentally non-toxic by the appropriate state or federal agency 

or independent standards-setting organization. 

 h. Do not use synthetic monofilament mesh/netted erosion control 

materials in areas designated as sensitive wildlife habitat, unless the 

product is specifically designed to minimize harm to wildlife. Anchor 

erosion control fabric with staples or other appropriate devices. 

 

V. RESTORATION

 A. CLEANUP 

 1. Commence cleanup operations immediately following backfill operations. 

Complete final grading, topsoil replacement, and installation of permanent 

erosion control structures within 20 days after backfilling the trench (10 days 

in residential areas). If seasonal or other weather conditions prevent 

compliance with these time frames, maintain temporary erosion controls (i.e., 

temporary slope breakers, sediment barriers, and mulch) until conditions 

allow completion of cleanup. 

 If construction or restoration unexpectedly continues into the winter season 

when conditions could delay successful decompaction, topsoil replacement, 

or seeding until the following spring, file with the Secretary for the review 

and written approval of the Director, a winter construction plan (as specified 

in section III.I). This filing requirement does not apply to projects constructed 

under the automatic authorization provisions of the FERC’s regulations. 

 2. A travel lane may be left open temporarily to allow access by construction 

traffic if the temporary erosion control structures are installed as specified in 

section IV.F. and inspected and maintained as specified in sections II.B.12 

through 14. When access is no longer required the travel lane must be 

removed and the right-of-way restored.

 3. Rock excavated from the trench may be used to backfill the trench only to the 

top of the existing bedrock profile. Rock that is not returned to the trench 

shall be considered construction debris, unless approved for use as mulch or 

for some other use on the construction work areas by the landowner or land 

managing agency. 
13 MAY 2013 VERSION

 4. Remove excess rock from at least the top 12 inches of soil in all cultivated or 

rotated cropland, managed pastures, hayfields, and residential areas, as well as

other areas at the landowner’s request. The size, density, and distribution of 

rock on the construction work area shall be similar to adjacent areas not 

disturbed by construction. The landowner or land management agency may 

approve other provisions in writing. 

 5. Grade the construction right-of-way to restore pre-construction contours and 

leave the soil in the proper condition for planting. 

 6. Remove construction debris from all construction work areas unless the 

landowner or land managing agency approves leaving materials onsite for 

beneficial reuse, stabilization, or habitat restoration. 

 7. Remove temporary sediment barriers when replaced by permanent erosion 

control measures or when revegetation is successful.

 B. PERMANENT EROSION CONTROL DEVICES 

 1. Trench Breakers 

 a. Trench breakers are intended to slow the flow of subsurface water 

along the trench. Trench breakers may be constructed of materials 

such as sand bags or polyurethane foam. Do not use topsoil in trench 

breakers.

 b. An engineer or similarly qualified professional shall determine the 

need for and spacing of trench breakers. Otherwise, trench breakers 

shall be installed at the same spacing as and upslope of permanent 

slope breakers. 

 c. In agricultural fields and residential areas where slope breakers are not 

typically required, install trench breakers at the same spacing as if 

permanent slope breakers were required. 

d. At a minimum, install a trench breaker at the base of slopes greater 

than 5 percent where the base of the slope is less than 50 feet from a 

waterbody or wetland and where needed to avoid draining a waterbody 

or wetland. Install trench breakers at wetland boundaries, as specified 

in the Procedures. Do not install trench breakers within a wetland.
14 MAY 2013 VERSION

 2. Permanent Slope Breakers 

 a. Permanent slope breakers are intended to reduce runoff velocity, 

divert water off the construction right-of-way, and prevent sediment 

deposition into sensitive resources. Permanent slope breakers may be 

constructed of materials such as soil, stone, or some functional 

equivalent.

 b. Construct and maintain permanent slope breakers in all areas, except 

cultivated areas and lawns, unless requested by the landowner, using 

spacing recommendations obtained from the local soil conservation 

authority or land managing agency. 

 In the absence of written recommendations, use the following spacing 

unless closer spacing is necessary to avoid excessive erosion on the 

construction right-of-way: 

Slope (%) Spacing (feet)

5 - 15 300 

>15 - 30 200 

>30 100 

 c. Construct slope breakers to divert surface flow to a stable area without 

causing water to pool or erode behind the breaker. In the absence of a 

stable area, construct appropriate energy-dissipating devices at the end 

of the breaker.

d. Slope breakers may extend slightly (about 4 feet) beyond the edge of 

the construction right-of-way to effectively drain water off the 

disturbed area. Where slope breakers extend beyond the edge of the 

construction right-of-way, they are subject to compliance with all 

applicable survey requirements.

 C. SOIL COMPACTION MITIGATION 

 1. Test topsoil and subsoil for compaction at regular intervals in agricultural and 

residential areas disturbed by construction activities. Conduct tests on the 

same soil type under similar moisture conditions in undisturbed areas to 

approximate preconstruction conditions. Use penetrometers or other 

appropriate devices to conduct tests. 

 2. Plow severely compacted agricultural areas with a paraplow or other deep 

tillage implement. In areas where topsoil has been segregated, plow the 

subsoil before replacing the segregated topsoil. 
15 MAY 2013 VERSION

 If subsequent construction and cleanup activities result in further compaction, 

conduct additional tilling.

 3. Perform appropriate soil compaction mitigation in severely compacted 

residential areas.

 D. REVEGETATION 

 1. General 

 a. The project sponsor is responsible for ensuring successful revegetation 

of soils disturbed by project-related activities, except as noted in 

section V.D.1.b. 

 b. Restore all turf, ornamental shrubs, and specialized landscaping in 

accordance with the landowner’s request, or compensate the 

landowner. Restoration work must be performed by personnel 

familiar with local horticultural and turf establishment practices. 

 2. Soil Additives 

 Fertilize and add soil pH modifiers in accordance with written 

recommendations obtained from the local soil conservation authority, land 

management agencies, or landowner. Incorporate recommended soil pH 

modifier and fertilizer into the top 2 inches of soil as soon as practicable after 

application. 

 3. Seeding Requirements 

 a. Prepare a seedbed in disturbed areas to a depth of 3 to 4 inches using 

appropriate equipment to provide a firm seedbed. When 

hydroseeding, scarify the seedbed to facilitate lodging and germination 

of seed.

 b. Seed disturbed areas in accordance with written recommendations for 

seed mixes, rates, and dates obtained from the local soil conservation 

authority or the request of the landowner or land management agency. 

Seeding is not required in cultivated croplands unless requested by the 

landowner. 

 c. Perform seeding of permanent vegetation within the recommended 

seeding dates. If seeding cannot be done within those dates, use 

appropriate temporary erosion control measures discussed in section 

IV.F and perform seeding of permanent vegetation at the beginning of 

the next recommended seeding season. Dormant seeding or temporary 
16 MAY 2013 VERSION

seeding of annual species may also be used, if necessary, to establish 

cover, as approved by the Environmental Inspector. Lawns may be 

seeded on a schedule established with the landowner.

 d. In the absence of written recommendations from the local soil 

conservation authorities, seed all disturbed soils within 6 working 

days of final grading, weather and soil conditions permitting, subject 

to the specifications in section V.D.3.a through V.D.3.c. 

 e. Base seeding rates on Pure Live Seed. Use seed within 12 months of 

seed testing.

 f. Treat legume seed with an inoculant specific to the species using the 

manufacturer’s recommended rate of inoculant appropriate for the 

seeding method (broadcast, drill, or hydro). 

g. In the absence of written recommendations from the local soil 

conservation authorities, landowner, or land managing agency to the 

contrary, a seed drill equipped with a cultipacker is preferred for seed 

application. 

 Broadcast or hydroseeding can be used in lieu of drilling at double the 

recommended seeding rates. Where seed is broadcast, firm the 

seedbed with a cultipacker or roller after seeding. In rocky soils or 

where site conditions may limit the effectiveness of this equipment, 

other alternatives may be appropriate (e.g., use of a chain drag) to 

lightly cover seed after application, as approved by the Environmental 

Inspector. 

VI. OFF-ROAD VEHICLE CONTROL

To each owner or manager of forested lands, offer to install and maintain measures to 

control unauthorized vehicle access to the right-of-way. These measures may include:

A. signs;

B. fences with locking gates;

C. slash and timber barriers, pipe barriers, or a line of boulders across the right-of-way; 

and

D. conifers or other appropriate trees or shrubs across the right-of-way.
17 MAY 2013 VERSION

VII. POST-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND REPORTING

 A. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE 

 1. Conduct follow-up inspections of all disturbed areas, as necessary, to 

determine the success of revegetation and address landowner concerns. At a 

minimum, conduct inspections after the first and second growing seasons. 

 2. Revegetation in non-agricultural areas shall be considered successful if upon 

visual survey the density and cover of non-nuisance vegetation are similar in 

density and cover to adjacent undisturbed lands. In agricultural areas, 

revegetation shall be considered successful when upon visual survey, crop 

growth and vigor are similar to adjacent undisturbed portions of the same 

field, unless the easement agreement specifies otherwise. 

Continue revegetation efforts until revegetation is successful.

 3. Monitor and correct problems with drainage and irrigation systems resulting 

from pipeline construction in agricultural areas until restoration is successful.

 4. Restoration shall be considered successful if the right-of-way surface 

condition is similar to adjacent undisturbed lands, construction debris is 

removed (unless otherwise approved by the landowner or land managing 

agency per section V.A.6), revegetation is successful, and proper drainage has 

been restored.

 5. Routine vegetation mowing or clearing over the full width of the permanent

right-of-way in uplands shall not be done more frequently than every 3 years. 

However, to facilitate periodic corrosion/leak surveys, a corridor not 

exceeding 10 feet in width centered on the pipeline may be cleared at a 

frequency necessary to maintain the 10-foot corridor in an herbaceous state. 

In no case shall routine vegetation mowing or clearing occur during the 

migratory bird nesting season between April 15 and August 1 of any year 

unless specifically approved in writing by the responsible land management 

agency or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

 6. Efforts to control unauthorized off-road vehicle use, in cooperation with the 

landowner, shall continue throughout the life of the project. Maintain signs, 

gates, and permanent access roads as necessary. 
18 MAY 2013 VERSION

 B. REPORTING 

 1. The project sponsor shall maintain records that identify by milepost: 

 a. method of application, application rate, and type of fertilizer, pH 

modifying agent, seed, and mulch used; 

 b. acreage treated;

 c. dates of backfilling and seeding; 

 d. names of landowners requesting special seeding treatment and a 

description of the follow-up actions; 

 e. the location of any subsurface drainage repairs or improvements made

during restoration; and 

 f. any problem areas and how they were addressed.

2. The project sponsor shall file with the Secretary quarterly activity reports 

documenting the results of follow-up inspections required by section VII.A.1; 

any problem areas, including those identified by the landowner; and 

corrective actions taken for at least 2 years following construction. 

The requirement to file quarterly activity reports with the Secretary does not 

apply to projects constructed under the automatic authorization, prior notice, 

or advanced notice provisions in the FERC’s regulations.