Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 672 - LAND USE PLANNING COMMISSION (formerly Land Use Regulation Commission) › Chapter 10 - LAND USE DISTRICTS AND STANDARDS › APPENDICES › Appendix 672-10-B - GUIDELINES FOR VEGETATIVE STABILIZATION

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Areas of disturbed soil, including but not limited to areas
					 that are filled, graded or otherwise disturbed during construction projects,
					 should be stabilized according to the following guidelines. These guidelines do
					 not apply to forest management activities and are not strict regulations, and
					 therefore alternative methods of stabilizing soil may be used. However,
					 whenever soil stabilization or stabilization of disturbed areas is required by
					 regulation or by the terms of individual permits, individuals must assure that
					 either these guidelines, or measures equally effective in stabilizing disturbed
					 areas of soil are employed.
The goals to be achieved by proper stabilization are the
					 avoidance of accelerated soil erosion and the avoidance of sedimentation or
					 pollution of water bodies. All stabilization measures must be maintained so
					 that grass or other vegetation remains intact and healthy, otherwise these
					 measures will be ineffective.
In general:
1.
Sterile soils such as sands and gravels
					 should be covered with 2 to 4 inches of soil medium that will support
					 vegetative growth.
2.
Disturbed soil areas should be graded such
					 that runoff water is either minimized or eliminated from running over the
					 site.
3.
Disturbed areas which can be seeded between
					 May 1 and September 15 should be prepared and seeded during that period.
4.
Disturbed areas which cannot be seeded
					 between May 1 and September 15 should be mulched with hay, straw or some other
					 suitable material to keep them as stable as possible over the winter, and
					 particularly during spring runoff the following year. For over-wintering, mulch
					 must be tacked down, as it is easily blown around on frozen ground, leaving
					 areas of soil exposed. Mulch hay should be applied at a depth of 4 inches, or
					 between 150 to 200 lbs. per 1,000 square feet, over the disturbed site. Mulched
					 over-wintered areas should be prepared and seeded the following spring as soon
					 as conditions allow.
It is not recommended that disturbed areas be seeded after
					 September 15th ("dormant seeding") for a number of reasons. Among the reasons,
					 seeding rates are doubled, which is more expensive; timing is critical to
					 ensure that germination does not occur before the following spring; there is an
					 increased risk of sedimentation because sites are generally wetter in the fall;
					 the thicker mulch must be removed in the spring in order to allow the
					 germinating seed to survive; and the application of fertilizer during this time
					 increases the risk of leaching or runoff loss of nutrients into water
					 bodies.
5.
Seeding preparation, in addition to
					 providing a soil medium that will support vegetative growth if the site is
					 sterile, includes the application of lime and fertilizer, which should be
					 lightly raked prior to seeding. After the area is seeded, it should be lightly
					 watered and then mulched with 70 to 90 lbs. (2 standard bales) per 1,000 square
					 feet of weed free hay or straw to protect the seed. Keep the site stable and
					 moist, and allow the seed to germinate and grow.
6.
For accurate liming as well as
					 fertilization, it is recommended that you have the soil analyzed to determine
					 the specific nutrient requirements of your site.
Lime should be applied at a rate of approximately 140
					 pounds to 1,000 square feet of area. This rate may vary depending on the
					 natural conditions of the soil on the site. 10-5-20 fertilizer should be
					 applied at a rate of 18.5 lbs. per 1,000 square feet of area. Following the
					 establishment of vegetation, non-phosphorous fertilizer should be used in
					 accordance with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's
					 recommendations.
7.
In shoreland areas in particular,
					 fertilizers should be of the "quick release" low phosphorus type, such as
					 12-4-8 mixtures applied at a rate of 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet of area. If
					 you are near water bodies, it is important not to apply more than approximately
					 this amount of fertilizer, as excess may be washed into streams or lakes and
					 contribute to lowering water quality and such things as algae blooms in
					 lakes.
Following the establishment of vegetation, non-phosphorous
					 fertilizer should be used in accordance with the Maine Department of
					 Environmental Protection's recommendations.
Fertilizers should never be applied right before thunder
					 storms or before spring runoff, because the great amounts of water running over
					 the land will wash the fertilizer, particularly phosphorus, into water bodies.
					 However, a light watering after the fertilizer is applied will help bind the
					 phosphorus to the soil.
8.
There are many combinations of grasses that
					 can be used. One combination particularly good for providing soil stability,
					 generally referred to as the Soil Conservation Mixture, consists of:
					 (Proportions, by weight)
Creeping Red Fescue
35%
Kentucky Bluegrass
25%
Annual Rye Grass
15%
Perennial Rye Grass
10%
Red Top
10%
White Dutch Clover
5%
* Oats - See
								Below
This seed would be applied at a rate of 1 pound per 1,000
					 square feet. These particular grasses do best if mowed no closer than 2-1/2 to
					 3 inches from the ground. Of course, other seed mixtures are available.
It is important, in choosing a mixture, to choose one
					 suitable for the site being stabilized. There are many different types of
					 seeding mixtures designed for particular site conditions such as shade, sun,
					 and drainage. Any mix should contain some seed which germinates rapidly to
					 provide the quickest stabilization possible while awaiting the germination of
					 the remaining types.
(*) For quick germination, oats are very good. They
					 germinate in 7 to 10 days. They should be planted at a rate of approximately 1
					 to 1-1/2 bushels per acre, in addition to the basic grass mixture. Oats should
					 be mowed when they reach knee height to allow the germinating grasses to
					 receive sunlight.
Alternatives:
As indicated above, other stabilization programs may be
					 used, provided they are equivalently effective in stabilizing disturbed areas
					 and preventing accelerated soil erosion and sedimentation of water bodies.
					 Further assistance may be obtained, including in some cases site-specific
					 recommendations, as follows:
Local Soil and Water Conservation
						Districts
										The USDA Natural Resource Conservation
						Service
										Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Lakes
						Program
										Landscaping Professionals
										Reputable Lawn and Garden Supply Dealers
The following documents may provide valuable assistance to
					 those developing a soil stabilization plan:
Maine Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook for
					 Construction: Best Management Practices
(Cumberland County Soil &
					 Water Conservation District and Maine Department of Environmental Protection,
					 1991)
Strategy for Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution
					 From Agricultural Sources and Best Management Guidelines
(NPS
					 Agricultural Task Force, 1991)
Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook for Maine
					 Timber Harvesting Operations, Best Management Practices
(Maine Forest
					 Service, 1991)