UPLAND EROSION CONTROL,

REVEGETATION, AND

MAINTENANCE PLAN

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Office of Energy Projects
Table of Contents

I.	 Applicability.......................................................1

II.	 Supervision And Inspection ................................... 3

A.	 environmental inspection......................................3

	 B.	 responsibilities of environmental inspectors ...3

III.	Preconstruction Planning.................................7

	 A. construction work areas ................................7

	 B. drain tile and irrigation systems.....................7

	 C. grazing deferment ...........................................8

	 D. road crossings and access points ....................8

	 E. disposal planning ............................................8

	 F. agency coordination.......................................9

	 G. spill prevention and response procedures .....10

	 H. residential construction...............................10

	 I. winter construction plans............................10

IV. Installation ...........................................................11

	 A.	 approved areas of disturbance...........................11

	 B.	 topsoil segregation..............................................13

	 C.	 drain tiles ...............................................................14

	 D.	irrigation................................................................15

	 E.	 road crossings and access points .....................15

	 F.	 temporary erosion control ...............................15

	 1.	 Temporary Slope Breakers .................................... 16

	 2.	 Temporary Trench Plugs ....................................... 17

	 3.	 Sediment Barriers................................................... 17

	 4.	 Mulch...................................................................... 18

V. Restoration .......................................................... 20

	 A.	 cleanup.................................................................... 20

	 B.	 permanent erosion control devices..................21

	 1.	 Trench Breakers.............................................................. 21

	 2.	 Permanent Slope Breakers ............................................22

	 C.	soil compaction mitigation .................................24

	 D.	revegetation............................................................24

	 1.	 General ...........................................................................24

	 2.	 Soil Additives .................................................................25

	 3.	 Seeding Requirements...................................................25
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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.

VI. Off-Road Vehicle Control .................................27

VII. Post-Construction Activities And Reporting ..27

	 A.	monitoring and maintenance ............................ 27

	 B.	reporting................................................................. 29
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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

	 	 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).
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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

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;

	 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
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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

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;

	 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.
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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.

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.

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
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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).

IV. Installation

A. APPROVED AREAS OF DISTURBANCE 

	 1.	 Project-related ground disturbance shall be limited to

the construction right-of-way, extra work space areas,

pipe storage yards, borrow and disposal areas, access

roads, and other areas approved in the FERC’s Orders. 

Any project-related ground disturbing activities outside

these areas will require prior Director approval. This

requirement does not apply to activities needed to

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 projectspecific winter construction plan with the FERC application. 
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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

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.

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-of-way 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. Twentyfive 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:
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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

	 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. 

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
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	 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.

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

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 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.
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	 (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).

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.

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
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	 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.

	 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 preconstruction 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

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 rightof-way restored.
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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-ofway:

	 	 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.

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.

	 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.
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	 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 seeding of annual

species may also be used, if necessary, to establish

cover, as approved by the Environmental Inspector. 

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.

	 	 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 projectrelated 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.
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Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan

May 2013 Version

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.

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

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.
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Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan

May 2013 Version

	 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.

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. 

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-ofway 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.
Notes Notes
Notes
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