Appendix E 

ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT 

UPLAND EROSION CONTROL, REVEGETATION, AND 

MAINTENANCE PLAN 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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ELBA EXPRESS COMPANY’S 

UPLAND EROSION CONTROL, REVEGETATION, AND MAINTENANCE PLAN 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

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

II. SUPERVISION AND INSPECTION.............................................................................................. 1

A. ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTION ........................................................................................ 1

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

III. PRECONSTRUCTION PLANNING.............................................................................................. 3

A. CONSTRUCTION WORK AREAS ......................................................................................... 3

B. DRAIN TILE AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS......................................................................... 3

C. GRAZING DEFERMENT ........................................................................................................ 4

D. ROAD CROSSINGS AND ACCESS POINTS......................................................................... 4

E. DISPOSAL PLANNING........................................................................................................... 4

F. AGENCY COORDINATION................................................................................................... 4

G. STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION...................................................................... 4

IV. INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................................. 4

A. APPROVED AREAS OF DISTURBANCE ............................................................................. 4

B. TOPSOIL SEGREGATION...................................................................................................... 5

C. DRAIN TILES........................................................................................................................... 6

D. IRRIGATION............................................................................................................................ 6

E. ROAD CROSSINGS AND ACCESS POINTS......................................................................... 6

F. TEMPORARY EROSION CONTROL..................................................................................... 6

1. Temporary Slope Breakers .........................................................................................................................7

2. Sediment Barriers.......................................................................................................................................7

3. Mulch..........................................................................................................................................................7

V. RESTORATION ............................................................................................................................... 8

A. CLEANUP ................................................................................................................................ 8

B. PERMANENT EROSION CONTROL DEVICES ................................................................... 9

1. Trench Breakers .........................................................................................................................................9

2. Permanent Slope Breakers .......................................................................................................................10

C. SOIL COMPACTION MITIGATION .................................................................................... 10

D. REVEGETATION .................................................................................................................. 11

1. General.....................................................................................................................................................11

2. Soil Additives............................................................................................................................................11

3. Seeding Requirements...............................................................................................................................11

VI. OFF-ROAD VEHICLE CONTROL ............................................................................................. 12

VII. POST-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES...................................................................................... 12

A. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE................................................................................ 12

B. REPORTING........................................................................................................................... 13
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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LIST OF FIGURES 

No. Description 

Plan-1 Typical Pipeline Construction Sequence 

Plan-2 Typical Construction Right-of-Way Cross Section (as necessary) 

Plan-3 Permanent Water Bars or Terraces 

Plan-4 Silt Fence Installation 

Plan-5 Typical Hay/Straw Bale Installation 

Plan-6 Typical Trench Breakers 

Plan-7 Typical Rock Construction Entrance 

Plan-8 Typical Erosion Control Fabric 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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ELBA EXPRESS COMPANY’S UPLAND EROSION CONTROL, REVEGETATION, 

AND MAINTENANCE PLAN 

I. APPLICABILITY 

A. Elba Express Company, LLC (EEC)’s Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and 

Maintenance Plan (Plan) for the Elba Express Pipeline Project is based upon the Federal 

Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and 

Maintenance Plan published in January 2003 (FERC Plan). The FERC Plan states that 

project sponsors should specify in their applications for a FERC Certificate (Certificate) 

any individual measures in the FERC Plan they consider unnecessary, technically 

infeasible, or unsuitable due to local conditions and fully describe any alternative 

measures they would use. Applicants should also explain how those alternative measures 

would achieve a comparable level of mitigation. As such, EEC has identified exceptions 

for the Elba Express Pipeline Project in bold text throughout this document. 

If the Elba Express Pipeline Project is certificated, further changes to EEC’s Plan may be 

approved by the Director of the Office of Energy Projects (Director), upon the applicant’s 

written request, if the Director agrees that an alternative measure: 

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. 

Project-related impacts on wetland and waterbody systems are addressed in EEC’s 

Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures (Procedures). 

II. SUPERVISION AND INSPECTION

A. ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTION 

1. EEC will provide at least one Environmental Inspector 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 will 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 Certificate, state and Federal environmental 

permit conditions, or landowner requirements; and to order appropriate corrective 

action. 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTORS 

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

1. Ensuring compliance with the requirements of EEC’s Plan, EEC’s Procedures, 

the environmental conditions of the Certificate authorization, the mitigation 

measures proposed by EEC (as approved and/or modified by the Certificate), 

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 properly marked before clearing; 

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 location of dewatering structures and slope breakers will not 

direct water into known cultural resources sites or locations of sensitive species; 

7. Verifying that trench dewatering activities do not result in the deposition of sand, 

silt, and/or sediment near the point of discharge into a wetland or waterbody. If 

such deposition is occurring, the dewatering activity shall be stopped and the 

design of the discharge shall be changed to prevent reoccurrence; 

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 conditions (such as wet 

weather) make it advisable to restrict construction activities to avoid excessive 

rutting; 

10. Ensuring restoration of contours and topsoil; 

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

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

the landowner; 

12. Determining the need for and ensuring that erosion controls are properly 

installed, as necessary to prevent sediment flow into wetlands, waterbodies, 

sensitive areas, and onto roads; 

13. Inspecting and ensuring the maintenance of temporary erosion control measures 

at least: 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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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. EEC will ensure the repair of all ineffective temporary erosion control measures 

within 24 hours of identification. 

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

Certificate, and the mitigation measures proposed by EEC in the application 

submitted to the FERC, and other Federal or state environmental permits during 

active construction and restoration; and 

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

restoration after the construction phase. 

III. PRECONSTRUCTION PLANNING

EEC shall do the following before construction: 

A. CONSTRUCTION WORK AREAS 

1. EEC will identify all construction work areas [e.g., construction right-of-way 

(ROW), extra work space areas, pipe storage and contractor yards, borrow and 

disposal areas, access roads, etc.] that would be needed for safe construction. 

Appropriate cultural resources and biological surveys have been conducted. 

2. EEC will expand any required cultural resources and endangered species surveys 

in anticipation of the need for activities outside of certificated work areas. 

B. DRAIN TILE AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS 

1. EEC will attempt to locate existing drain tiles and irrigation systems. 

2. EEC will 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. EEC will develop procedures for constructing through drain-tiled areas, 

maintaining irrigation systems during construction, and repairing drain tiles and 

irrigation systems after construction. 

4. EEC will 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. 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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C. GRAZING DEFERMENT 

EEC will 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 

EEC will plan for safe and accessible conditions at all roadway crossings and access 

points during construction and restoration. 

E. DISPOSAL PLANNING 

EEC will determine methods and locations for the disposal of construction debris (e.g., 

timber, slash, mats, garbage, drilling fluids, excess rock, etc). Off-site disposal in other 

than commercially operated disposal locations is subject to compliance with all 

applicable survey, landowner permission, and mitigation requirements. 

F. AGENCY COORDINATION 

EEC will coordinate with the appropriate local, state, and Federal agencies as outlined in 

this Plan and in the Certificate. 

1. EEC will obtain written recommendations from the local soil conservation 

authorities or land management agencies regarding permanent erosion control 

and revegetation specifications. 

2. EEC will develop specific procedures in coordination with the appropriate 

agency to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds and soil pests 

resulting from construction and restoration activities. 

G. STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION 

In compliance with the June 12, 2006, amendment to 40 CFR Part 122, National 

Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Regulations for Discharges Associated With Oil 

and Gas Exploration, Production, Processing, or Treatment Operations or Transmission 

Facilities, EEC will apply best-management practices for construction activities to 

minimize erosion and control sediment to protect surface water quality during storm 

events. 

 

IV. INSTALLATION

A. APPROVED AREAS OF DISTURBANCE 

1. Project-related ground disturbance shall be limited to the construction ROW, 

extra work space areas, pipe storage yards, borrow and disposal areas, access 

FERC Staff Comment – This approach is reasonable and adequately justified. 

However, EEC’s plans must be consistent with the permit requirements from other 

jurisdictional agencies (e.g., the COE, the GDNR, and the SCDNR), especially in 

reference to hydrostatic test water discharge. 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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roads, and other areas approved in the Certificate. Any project-related ground 

disturbing activities outside these Certificated areas, except those needed to 

comply with EEC’s Plan and Procedures (e.g., slope breakers, energy-dissipating 

devices, dewatering structures, drain tile system repairs) will require prior 

Director approval. All construction or restoration activities outside of the 

Certificated areas are subject to all applicable survey and mitigation 

requirements. 

2. The construction ROW width for a project shall not exceed 75 feet or that 

described in the FERC application unless otherwise modified by a Certificate 

condition. However, in limited, non-wetland areas, this construction ROW width 

may be expanded by up to 25 feet without Director approval to accommodate full 

construction ROW topsoil segregation and to ensure safe construction where 

topographic conditions (such as side-slopes) or soil limitations require it. 

Twenty-five feet of extra construction ROW 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 approval and 

compliance with all applicable survey and mitigation requirements. When such 

additional areas are used, each one should be identified and the need explained in 

the weekly or biweekly construction reports to the FERC, if required. The 

following material should be included in the reports: 

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

previously filed alignment sheet, or updated alignment sheets showing 

the additional areas; 

b. identification of where the Commission's records contain 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 Certificated 

construction ROW width would be expanded by more than 25 feet. 

B. TOPSOIL SEGREGATION 

1. Unless the landowner or land management agency specifically approves 

otherwise, EEC will 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. actively cultivated or rotated croplands and pastures; 

b. residential areas; 

c. hayfields; and 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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

2. In residential areas importation of topsoil will be an acceptable alternative to 

topsoil segregation. 

3. In deep soils (more than 12 inches of topsoil), EEC will segregate at least 12 

inches of topsoil. In soils with less than 12 inches of topsoil EEC will make 

every effort to segregate the entire topsoil layer. 

4. Where topsoil segregation is required, EEC will maintain separation of salvaged 

topsoil and subsoil throughout all construction activities. 

5. Segregated topsoil will not be used for padding the pipe. 

C. DRAIN TILES 

1. EEC will mark locations of drain tiles damaged during construction. 

2. EEC will probe all drainage tile systems within the area of disturbance to check 

for damage. 

3. EEC will repair damaged drain tiles to their original or better condition. EEC will 

not use filter-covered drain tiles unless the local soil conservation authorities and 

the landowner agree. EEC will use qualified specialists for testing and repairs. 

4. EEC will 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, EEC will install the new pipeline with at least the same depth of cover as 

the existing pipeline(s). 

D. IRRIGATION 

EEC will maintain water flow in crop irrigation systems, unless shutoff is coordinated 

with affected parties. 

E. ROAD CROSSINGS AND ACCESS POINTS 

1. EEC will 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 active agricultural areas, 

EEC will place the stone on synthetic fabric to facilitate removal. 

F. TEMPORARY EROSION CONTROL 

EEC will install temporary erosion controls immediately after initial disturbance of the 

soil. Temporary erosion controls will 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. 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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1. Temporary Slope Breakers 

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

divert water off the construction ROW. Temporary slope breakers will 

be constructed of materials such as soil, silt fence, staked hay or straw 

bales, or sand bags. 

b. EEC will install temporary slope breakers on all disturbed areas, as 

necessary to avoid excessive erosion. Temporary slope breakers will 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 should be used if necessary): 

 Slope (%) Spacing (feet)

 5 – 15 300 

 >15 – 30 200 

 >30 100 

c. EEC will 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 ROW. 

d. EEC will position the outfall of each temporary slope breaker to prevent 

sediment discharge into wetlands, waterbodies, or other sensitive 

resources. 

2. Sediment Barriers 

a. Sediment barriers are intended to stop the flow of sediments and to 

prevent the deposition of sediments into sensitive resources. They 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, EEC will install and maintain temporary sediment 

barriers across the entire construction ROW 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. EEC will 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, EEC will install sediment barriers along the 

edge of these areas, as necessary to prevent sediment flow into the 

wetland or waterbody. 

3. Mulch 

a. EEC will apply mulch on all slopes (except in actively cultivated 

cropland) concurrent with or immediately after seeding, where necessary 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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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 will consist of weed-free straw or hay, wood fiber hydromulch, 

erosion control fabric, or some functional equivalent. 

c. EEC will mulch 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, EEC will 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. EEC will not use wood chips as mulch on the ROW. 

f. EEC will ensure that mulch is adequately anchored to minimize loss due 

to wind and water. 

g. When anchoring with liquid mulch binders, EEC will use rates 

recommended by the manufacturer. EEC will not use liquid mulch 

binders within 100 feet of wetlands or waterbodies. 

h. EEC will install erosion control fabric on waterbody banks at the time of 

final bank recontouring. EEC will anchor the erosion control fabric with 

pegs, staples or other appropriate devices 

V. RESTORATION

A. CLEANUP 

1. EEC will commence cleanup operations immediately following backfill 

operations. EEC will 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, EEC will maintain 

temporary erosion controls (temporary slope breakers and sediment barriers) until 

conditions allow completion of cleanup. 

EEC will file with the Secretary for the review and written approval of the 

Director, a winterization plan if construction will continue into the winter season 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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when conditions could delay successful decompaction, topsoil replacement, or 

seeding until the following spring. 

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 will be removed 

and the ROW 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 will 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. EEC will remove excess rock from at least the top 12 inches of soil in all actively 

cultivated or rotated cropland and 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 should be similar to adjacent areas not 

disturbed by construction. The landowner may approve other provisions in 

writing. 

5. EEC will grade the construction ROW to restore pre-construction contours and 

leave the soil in the proper condition for planting. 

6. EEC will remove construction debris from all construction work areas unless the 

landowner or land managing agency approves otherwise. 

7. EEC will 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. EEC will 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, EEC will install trench breakers at the same spacing as 

if permanent slope breakers were required. 

d. At a minimum, EEC will 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. 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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2. Permanent Slope Breakers 

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

water off the construction ROW, and prevent sediment deposition into 

sensitive resources. Permanent slope breakers will be constructed of 

materials such as soil, sand bags, or some functional equivalent. 

b. EEC will construct and maintain permanent slope breakers in all areas, 

except cultivated areas and lawns, 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 ROW: 

 Slope (%) Spacing (feet)

 5 - 15 300 

 >15 - 30 200 

 >30 100 

c. EEC will 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, EEC will construct appropriate energydissipating devices at the end of the breaker. 

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

construction ROW to effectively drain water off the disturbed area. 

Where slope breakers extend beyond the edge of the construction ROW, 

they are subject to compliance with all applicable survey requirements. 

C. SOIL COMPACTION MITIGATION 

1. EEC will test topsoil and subsoil for compaction at regular intervals in 

agricultural and residential areas disturbed by construction activities. EEC will 

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. EEC will plow severely compacted agricultural areas with a paraplow or other 

deep tillage implement. In areas where topsoil has been segregated, EEC will 

plow the subsoil before replacing the segregated topsoil. 

Alternatively, EEC will make arrangements with the landowner to plant and plow 

under a "green manure" crop, such as alfalfa, to decrease soil bulk density and 

improve soil structure. If subsequent construction and cleanup activities result in 

further compaction, conduct additional tilling. 

3. EEC will perform appropriate soil compaction mitigation in severely compacted 

residential areas. 
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D. REVEGETATION 

1. General 

a. EEC will be responsible for ensuring successful revegetation of soils 

disturbed by project-related activities, except as noted in section V.D.1.b. 

b. EEC will 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 

EEC will fertilize and add soil pH modifiers in accordance with written 

recommendations obtained from the local soil conservation authority, land 

management agencies, or landowner. EEC will incorporate recommended soil 

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

application. 

3. Seeding Requirements 

a. EEC will 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. EEC will 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 actively cultivated 

croplands unless requested by the landowner. 

c. EEC will perform seeding of permanent vegetation within the 

recommended seeding dates. If seeding cannot be done within those 

dates, appropriate temporary erosion control measures discussed in 

section IV.F. will be used and seeding of permanent vegetation at the 

beginning of the next recommended seeding season will be performed. 

Lawns may be seeded on a schedule established with the landowner. 

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

conservation authorities, EEC will 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-c. 

e. EEC will base seeding rates on Pure Live Seed. Use seed within 12 

months of seed testing. 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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e. EEC will 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 will be 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 EEC will offer to install and maintain measures to 

control unauthorized vehicle access to the ROW. 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 ROW; and 

D. Conifers or other appropriate trees/or shrubs across the ROW. 

VII. POST-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

A. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE 

1. EEC will conduct follow-up inspections of all disturbed areas after the first and 

second growing seasons to determine the success of revegetation. 

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 if crop yields are similar to adjacent 

undisturbed portions of the same field. 

EEC will continue revegetation efforts until revegetation is successful. 

3. EEC will monitor and correct problems with drainage and irrigation systems 

resulting from pipeline construction in active agricultural areas until restoration is 

successful. 

4. Restoration shall be considered successful if the ROW surface condition is 

similar to adjacent undisturbed lands, construction debris is removed (unless 
ELBA EXPRESS PIPELINE PROJECT EEC PLAN 

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requested otherwise by the land owner or land managing agency), revegetation is 

successful, and proper drainage has been restored. 

5. EEC will perform routine vegetation maintenance clearing not more frequently 

than every 3 years. 

EEC will perform annual vegetation maintenance in DOT Class 3 population 

centers where annual maintenance is requested by the landowner. EEC has 

indicated that DOT Class 3 locations or residential areas often need a more 

frequent interval of ROW mowing due to nuisance vegetation growth that 

increases aesthetic impacts as well as increases in human and nuisance fauna 

interaction (i.e., rats, snakes, opossums, mosquitoes, other biting insects, etc). 

In no case shall routine vegetation maintenance clearing occur between April 15 

and August 1 of any year, or in areas that have been identified as protected 

species habitat, between March 1 and October 1. 

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 vehicle trails as necessary. 

B. REPORTING 

1. EEC 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; and 

e. any problem areas and how they were addressed. 

2. EEC shall file with the Secretary quarterly activity reports documenting 

problems, including those identified by the landowner, and corrective actions 

taken for at least 2 years following construction.