Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Transcription

1 Appendix B Best Management Practices (BMPs) Prepared by: Rebecca Quinones, Tom Laurent and Polly Haessig Best Management Practices (BMPs) are measures certified by the State Water Quality Board and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the most effective way of protecting water quality from impacts stemming from non-point sources of pollution. Effective application of the R-5 U.S. Forest Service BMPs has been found to maintain water quality that is in conformance with the Water Quality Objectives in the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Basin Plan. These practices have been applied in timber sales, road construction, vegetation manipulation and prescribed fire projects across the Klamath National Forest over the last 25 years have been found to be effective in protecting water quality. The Region 5 Forest Service BMPs have been monitored and modified since their original implementation in 1979 to make them more effective. Numerous on-site evaluations by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board have found the practices to be successful in maintaining water quality and protecting beneficial uses. The Forest monitors the implementation and effectiveness of BMPs on randomly selected projects each year. BMP effectiveness requirements were met on 90-98% of the sites sampled in The success rate for effectiveness has been in the high 80s and 90s each year since Results of this monitoring can be found on the Klamath National Forest Web page using the link: The following list of BMPs would be implemented as part of the Goosenest LSR SE Area Restoration Project during implementation of Alternative A, the Proposed Action. A description of the objective of each BMP is included, as well as how this practice would be implemented in this project. In addition, the EA contains a detailed description of specific measures Project Design Features that would be implemented to prevent resource damage. Watershed specialists in fisheries, soils and geology along with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) developed the BMPs for this project. BMP 1.1 Timber Sale Planning Process: Upon consideration of methods to reduce water quality impacts during the planning phase of a project, the following were incorporated into project design: Skidding equipment (track or rubber tired) and machine piling would be generally restricted to slopes < 35%. Track mounted masticators can operate on slopes up to 45%. Helicopter logging is used on about 20% of all harvest acreage in steeper terrain to minimize ground disturbance and impacts to water quality. Existing landings and skid trails would be reused whenever possible. Tractor skidding would be restricted to designated skid trails. Mechanized harvesters and end-lining would be utilized to minimize ground disturbance. No new landings or skid trails would be constructed in Riparian Reserves (RRs) or other Streamside Management Zones (SMZs). (Riparian Reserves generally include an aquatic ecosystem and adjacent upland area. They can also include unstable and potentially unstable areas that are not associated with a riparian area, but are primary sources for wood and sediment. In this project area, SMZs are the inner zone of the RR and include the stream channel, stream banks (bank-full flow), and riparian vegetation extending from 20 to 50 feet beyond the channel slope break depending on site conditions. Landings, skid trails and temporary roads currently in RRs or other SMZs would be B - 1

2 decommissioned (hydrologically restored) after use. Additionally, existing landings in RRs or other SMZs would be seeded and mulched (California certified weed-free) after the season of use to minimize soil erosion. The landings would be revegetated before the project is completed. Temporary roads would be blocked and hydrologically restored after use but prior to first winter. Decommissioning of temporary roads would result in a self-maintaining condition (for example, leaving no structures that move water and could fail, outsloping, ripping of the roadbed, seeding, straw mulching, etc). The amount of work to be done is site-specific and would be included in the roads contract package for the project. The rock sources to be used for road rocking are outside of RRs. An earth scientist has reviewed the project area and has identified the locations of geologically unstable or sensitive lands, and project design features would be incorporated to maintain slope stability. SMZs would be designated to limit or manage equipment disturbance during logging, temporary roads and skidding would cross channels at designated locations when they are dry, and trees would be felled away from stream channels and wetlands. BMP 1.2 Timber Harvest Stand Design: Consider methods of reducing water quality impacts that can be incorporated in stand design. Project earth scientist and fisheries biologist have made recommendations for harvest prescriptions within RRs. Vegetation thinning and fuel treatment within RRs are designed specifically for long-term watershed health, restoration of riparian vegetation, and to cause minimal downstream water quality impacts. No ground disturbing activities would take place within 50 feet of Juanita Lake (Stand 10T) with the exception of the small (~ 2 acre) aspen restoration in stand 10A. Stand 10A would be harvested over > 6 inches of machine compacted snow or > 6 inches of frozen ground or at the driest part of the summer/fall season, to minimize sediment delivery to the lake. Helicopter harvest is also an option. Heavy equipment used in logging would not cross the RRs of Muskgrave Creek, Seikle Creek, their tributaries, the unnamed creeks in Stand 11, 28, 26, and the ditch that feeds Juanita Lake in Stands 10A and 10T. A designated skid trail would cross the RR in Stand 12 when the stream is dry, or when the ground is frozen > 6 inches or is covered with > 6 inches of machine compacted snow. The project earth scientist designated a new temporary road crossing location over the ephemeral stream channel SMZ in Stand 7T. This would be used when the channel was dry. Existing skid trails would be used where they occur outside of designated SMZs. Old skid trails than run up ephemeral or intermittent channels would not be used. Existing skid trails that cross ephemeral channels would be used only when the channel is dry. Existing equipment crossing locations have been reviewed by the earth scientist in Stands 2, 3, 7T, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16. New skid trails crossing SMZs would be agreed to by the Forest Service. No new constructed (full bench) skid trails would be built. Tractors or other ground-based equipment would not be used in unstable land RRs. Encroaching conifer and juniper trees would be removed from designated wetland and meadow RR areas to maintain the groundwater resource and enhance plant and habitat diversity. SMZs would be designated as equipment exclusion zones to protect wet meadows in Stands 10A, 11, 12, 16, 7T and 26. BMP 1.3 Use of Erosion Hazard Rating (EHR) for Stand Design: EHRs are determined for each stand and then management activities are designed to minimize downstream water quality impacts and increase soil cover in areas most likely to deliver sediment into stream channels and wetlands. Same as BMP 1.1 and 1.2, especially protection through designation of RRs and B - 2

3 SMZs. Post-treatment soil cover to be met before the fall rainy season is prescribed by stand in the Project Soils Report (T. Laurent, 2004). Fuel treatment in RRs would be achieved within minimal use of heavy equipment through a combination of hand piling and burning, and underburning. Fuel mastication equipment would reduce fuels in RRs in Stands 2, 7T, 11, and 26 but outside of designated SMZs. Residual slash and competing vegetation in Stands 2, 7, 7T, 11, 19, and 26 would be chipped or masticated to protect the soil surface. Post-treatment EHR is predicted to be low in all stands, so no additional erosion control measures are required (Soils report, Table 8). BMP 1.4 Use of Sale Area Maps (SAM) and Project Maps for Designating Water Quality Protection: Identify areas sensitive watershed areas (streams, wetlands, unstable land) would be identified as part of the project implementation contract to assist operators in applying protection methods. Treatment stand boundaries were designed to minimize impacts to sensitive watershed areas. All protected stream courses, unstable lands would be illustrated on the Sale Area Map (SAM) as SMZs, with the width of the protection zone prescribed for each stream. Wet meadow areas where equipment is excluded would be illustrated. Temporary roads and landings would be specified. The SAM would be used to ensure that new landings and temporary roads are designated and placed outside of RRs and SMZs. Water drafting sites would be located on the SAM at Forest Service designated sites where water quality impacts can be controlled and minimized. Temporary road and skid trail stream crossing locations in Stands 7T and 12 would be identified on the SAM. Sources of rock for road aggregate riprap and borrow material will be identified on maps. BMP 1.5 Limiting Operating Period of Timber Sale: Prevent rutting, puddling and erosion from operations during wet weather, and to ensure placement of erosion control structures prior to the onset of winter to reduce water quality impacts. The Klamath Wet Weather Operation Standards (WWOS) along with project B and C provisions would be used to guide operations, especially haul, during periods of wet weather. Earth scientists would examine field conditions to determine when the soil and/or road have dried out enough to enable operations to resume without risk of watershed impacts. The earth scientist would make recommendations to the contract administrator who would provide direction to the contractor administrator as to when operations may resume. Administrators are responsible for administering the Forest Service contract and would periodically inspect the contractor s operations. When stormy weather is predicted, TSAs would be on-site to insure that winterization procedures are implemented in a timely fashion and to initiate shutdown or resume operations. Operations would not resume until suitable weather, soil, and forecast conditions exist. Landings, roads and skid trails would be rocked and graded as necessary to prevent off-site erosion, and to disperse water. BMP 1.6 Protection of Unstable Lands: Provide special treatment of unstable areas to avoid triggering mass slope failure with resultant erosion and sedimentation. Unstable lands at risk for triggering mass slope failure would be identified on the B - 3

4 SAM and flagged as areas of no commercial timber harvest and equipment exclusion by the project earth scientist prior to project implementation. These occur in Stands 3, 6, 7, and 7H. Designated areas within the geologic RR of stands 6 and 7 would be thinned by hand to release the stand and improve stand health. BMP 1-7 Prescribing the Size and Shape of Regeneration Harvest Stands: Ensures that during the project planning process, the size and shape of regeneration stands are designed to prevent erosion and sedimentation. The location and size of the group select harvest areas in stands 5, 8, 9 and 9T are small in size (< 3 acres) are outside of RRs and are in stands with many dead and dying trees. The areas would be reforested. BMP 1.8 Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) Designation: Designates zones along riparian areas, streams and wetlands that would minimize potential for adverse effects from adjacent management activities. RR boundaries would be identified in the project area in stands 1, 2, 7T, 9T, 10A, 10T, 10, 11, 12, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, and 26. Vegetation and fuels management in RRs would be driven by RR objectives identified in the Klamath National Forest s Land and Resource Management Plan (1995). Timber harvest and ground-based equipment would be excluded from these SMZs. SMZs also include ephemeral and intermittent channels that are not RRs, (because they don t exhibit annual scour and deposition) and would be protected by a foot buffer from the channel bank. Timber harvest would be allowed and groundbased logging and skidding operations would be closely managed. Mechanized harvesting equipment and end-lining logs away from channels would be used within the SMZ to minimize soil and ground disturbance. In Stand 10A, (aspen stand) conifer trees would be removed either by ground-based mechanized harvesting equipment and end-lining, or by helicopter. If ground-based equipment is used, felling, bunching and skidding would need to meet WWOS guidelines for over snow or frozen ground conditions, (see BMP 1.2 and 1.17) or could occur during the driest part of the summer/fall season in the stand. The wetlands in the stand would be flagged prior to logging so that disturbance to that area is avoided or minimized to the extent practical. See BMP 1-18 for additional protection measures. In 10T, the SMZ extends from the lake to upslope of the trail, about 50 to 75 feet in width. The SMZ for the ditch extends to the trail or the edge of the riparian vegetation, which ever is greatest. Fuels would be treated within the SMZs by hand piling and burning. SMZs would be designated as equipment exclusion zones to protect wet meadows in Stands 10A, 11, 12, 16, 7T and 26. Trees designated for removal within the interior of the SMZ of these stands (as part of reducing conifer encroachment) would be cut by hand and logs would bucked into smaller pieces, or removed by end-lining. See BMP 1-18 for additional protection measures. BMP 1.9 Determining Tractor Loggable Ground: Minimize erosion and sedimentation resulting from ground disturbance by ground-based logging systems. Stands are examined in the field to determine their slopes, soil properties and erosion hazard ratings in order to determine the feasibility for using ground-based logging systems. See BMP 1.1 for slope restrictions. B - 4

5 BMP 1.10 Tractor Skidding Design: Design tractor skid patterns to avoid over-steepened areas, designates tractor crossings, and reduces skid patterns in sensitive areas to reduce erosion and compaction. Refer to BMP 1.1 and 1.2 for skidding and skid trail practices. All skid trails would be water-barred to minimize soil erosion following the guidelines in the timber Sale Administration Handbook (61.42d Exhibit 01, R5 Supplement , p. 2). Skid trails that intersect Forest Roads would be obliterated at the intersection. Skid trails would be agreed to by the FS before use. The location of new skid trails would be by agreement between the purchaser and the TSA. Skidding would not occur across live stream channels, or wetlands and meadows where water is present. Skidding equipment would not enter identified RRs, wetlands, or other SMZ areas except at designated crossings such as in Stand 7T and 12. Skidding would occur when the stream is dry or when WWOS guidelines for over snow or frozen ground conditions are met, (see BMP 1.17). End-lining logs use of mechanical harvesters (such as feller bunchers), and mastication equipment is permitted in designated RR and SMZ areas. The use of mechanical harvesters that have low ground pressures and can easily move in and out of RRs and SMZs would minimize soil disturbance. BMP 1.11 Suspended Log Yarding in Timber Harvesting: Protect the soil mantle from excessive disturbance and maintains the integrity of the SMZ and other sensitive watershed areas. The IDT chose to use helicopter logging in place of skyline harvesting on most of areas with slopes greater than 35%, in order to minimize soil disturbance. BMP 1.12 Log Landing Location: Locate new landings or reuse old landings in such a way as to avoid watershed impacts and associated water quality degradation. Existing landings would be reused whenever possible. No new landings would be constructed within RRs. New and old landings would be selected for use which involve the least amount of excavation, the least erosion potential, and are well outside SMZs and headwater swales. Locate landings that would allow skidding without crossing channels or SMZs. Landings currently in RRs or SMZs would be decommissioned after use, and special erosion prevention measures would be applied after use see BMP BMP 1.13 Erosion Prevention and Control Measures During Timber Sale Operations: Ensure that the Purchaser s operations shall be conducted reasonably to minimize soil erosion. Erosion control measures (BMPs, WWOS) are discussed during the pre-operations meeting with the purchaser and the Forest Service. They are updated throughout the operations phase of the timber sale. The WWOS would be used throughout the project area. Project earth scientist or fisheries biologist would make periodic inspections of the sale to insure that the erosion control measures are having the desired effect and are in compliance with BMPs. They would make recommendations to the Forest Service Representative as to any action needed to comply with BMPs. The contract administrator may temporarily suspend operations due to storms to insure BMP compliance and to avoid adverse impacts to beneficial uses (fisheries, wildlife habitat, recreation etc.). See BMP 1.5 for TSA responsibilities and measures when stormy weather is predicted. B - 5

6 BMP 1.15 Revegetation of Areas Disturbed by Harvest Activities: Establish vegetative cover on disturbed sites to prevent erosion and sedimentation. Forest Service would provide advice as to soil preparation and application of suitable seed mixtures, mulch, and fertilizer, and the timing of such work, where needed. Temporary roads in RRs that are used in the project would be seeded and mulched (California certified weed-free as part of decommissioning (Stand 12). Landings in RRs and SMZs would be seeded and mulched (California certified weedfree) after the season of use to minimize soil erosion, and would be revegetated with plants suitable for the site before the project is completed (Stands 3, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 26). BMP 1.16 Log Landing Erosion Prevention and Control: Reduce erosion and prevent subsequent sedimentation from log landings. The contracts will provide for erosion prevention and control measures on all landings. Potential landing erosion is reduced by minimizing landing size and compacting loose soil material. Same as BMP Landings would be shaped to disperse drainage, eliminate ponding of water, and direct runoff away from watercourses at the time of preparation for use. Rock armoring of fills, silt fences, straw bales, etc. may be used as necessary direct water to areas of suitable drainage and to capture sediment. Any landings used during wet weather would be adequately rocked to prevent erosion and control runoff. BMP 1.17 Erosion Control on Skid Trails: Protect water quality by minimizing water concentration, erosion and sedimentation derived from skid trails during and after the operations phase of the project, by using preventative measures such as water bars, mulching, spreading slash, or chipping. Application of WWOS guidelines for operations, and BMP yardsticks to ensure compliance with BMPs. Skid trails that intersect Forest Roads would be obliterated at the intersection. Road runoff would be prevented from draining onto skid trails or landings by either reshaping the road prism, constructing cross drains or dips, or constructing water bars. Unless otherwise agreed, within the operating area, a minimum of 6 inches of machine compacted snow with a minimum water content of 2 inches is required for over-the-snow logging or the soil should be frozen to a depth of 6 inches for logging operations to occur (WWOS guidelines, 2002, p. 5). Harvesting and skidding operations during wet conditions would follow the following guidelines (WWOS, 2002, p. 5) See BMP1.1, 1.2 and 1.10 for skid trail measures. Cut-to-Length System - Processing of material on the designated skid trails by a harvester may occur when soils are dry to a depth of 4 inches. Limit harvester to 1 or 2 passes over the same piece of ground. The forwarder would stay on designated skid trails covered with a minimum of 6 inches of slash. Feller/Buncher System - Movement of material to the designated skid trails by a track laying feller/buncher may occur when soils are dry to a depth 4 inches. A feller/buncher would be limited to 1 or 2 passes over the same piece of ground. Skidding equipment would stay on designated skid trails until soils are dry to a depth of 10 inches. Traditional Tractor Logging - Skidding may occur by conventional high-groundpressure equipment when soils are dry to a depth of 4 inches. Equipment is restricted to the designated skid trails. Endlining would be used to move material B - 6

7 to the designated skid trails until soils are dry to a depth of 10 inches. Equipment may, by agreement, leave designated skid trails when soils are dry to a depth of 10 inches. BMP 1.18 Meadow Protection During Timber Harvesting: Avoid damage to the ground cover, soil, and water in meadows. SMZs would be designated as equipment exclusion zones to protect wet meadows in Stands 10A, 11, 12, 16, 7T and 26. The SMZs would be flagged by the project earth scientist or fisheries biologist. In Stand 10A, (aspen stand) conifer trees would be removed either by ground-based mechanized harvesting equipment and end-lining, or by helicopter. If ground-based equipment is used, felling, bunching and skidding would meet WWOS guidelines for over snow or frozen ground conditions, (see BMP 1.17) or could occur during the driest part of the summer/fall season in the stand. The wetlands in the stand would be flagged prior to logging so that disturbance to that area is avoided or minimized to the extent practical. The felling and skidding pattern in the stand would be designed so that passes are made, in a radial manner, from the outer edge of the stand into the central parts of the stand, and to minimize as much possible, multiple passes over the same track, and turning of equipment. Excessive fuels within the stand would be treated by hand piling and burning. In the wet meadows of Stands 11, 12, 16, 7T and 26, small (<14 inches DBH) conifers and juniper trees that are encroaching into the meadows would be removed by both hand and mechanical methods, including the use of masticator equipment. The SMZs extend to the edge of the meadow and riparian vegetation, and would be flagged prior to logging and fuel treatment. Within the SMZ, trees would be cut by hand, and logs would be bucked into smaller pieces, or removed. Equipment would be restricted from the SMZs. From the meadow edge upland, ground-based equipment or end-lining methods would be used. As in Stand 10A, ground-based equipment would need to meet WWOS guidelines for over snow or frozen ground conditions, (see BMP 1.17) or could occur during the driest part of the summer/fall season. Where feasible, directional felling would be used to avoid falling trees into meadows. BMP 1.19 Streamcourse and Aquatic Protection: Protect the natural flow of streams and reduces the delivery of sediment and other pollutants into streams. Conduct management actions within these areas in a manner that maintains or improves riparian and aquatic values. See BMPs 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 1.10, 1.12, 1.15, and 1.18, for measures pertaining to SMZs and RRs. Service landings would be located away from stream courses. Fuel containment systems would be used at helicopter landings. Straw bales, rocking, and containment dikes would be used as needed at designated water drafting sites to capture any spilled water and prevent runoff and sedimentation into streams. BMP 1.20 Erosion Control Structure Maintenance: Require periodic inspection of erosion control structures to assess maintenance needs and effectiveness. This is accomplished during the operations and post-operations phase of the project; this ensures the adequacy of erosion control measures. Same as BMP 1.5. Temporary roads would be decommissioned after use, and the road takeoffs blocked to prevent vehicle traffic. See BMPs 2.24 and BMP 1.21 Acceptance of Erosion Control Measures Before Timber Sale Closure: Ensure the adequacy of required erosion control work on timber sales. This is accomplished during the post-operations phase of the project during the contract final inspection. B - 7

8 See BMP 1.15 for special revegetation of disturbed areas for existing landings and temporary roads in RRs and other SMZs in project stands. Landings would be shaped for drainage. Temporary roads would be decommissioned after use, and the road takeoffs blocked to prevent vehicle traffic. See BMPs 2.24 and At project completion, permanent water-bars would be installed as necessary on all skid and temporary roads. BMP 1.22 Slash Treatment in Sensitive Areas: Maintain or improve water quality by protecting sensitive areas from degradation which would likely result from using mechanized equipment for slash disposal. Whole tree yarding for chipping was recommended by the IDT to minimize slash left in the stands harvested by ground-based systems. Fuel treatments within SMZs would be done through hand piling and burning some piles may not be burned. Dozers and fuel mastication equipment would not cross stream courses except in designated locations. Slash would not be disposed of in RRs or other SMZs. BMP 1.25 Modification of the Timber Sale Contract (as needed): Allow contract language to be modified to add or increase protection of water quality not identified in the planning process. Modifications are not expected at this time, but this BMP is retained to illustrate that contract alteration would occur if needed to insure maintenance of water quality, especially if unforeseen circumstances and impacts occur. BMP 2.1 General Guidelines for the Location and Design of Roads: Locate and design roads with minimal resource damage. Temporary road 46N92.2A in Stand 7T was located on the ground by the project earth scientist and heritage specialist to minimize impacts to the stream course and heritage site. The crossing was flagged. The route of the 46N92.2 in Stand 26 was located to reduce impacts to the meadow in Stand 26; an alternate road take off that impacted the meadow and riparian area would be decommissioned. BMP 2.2 Erosion Control Plan: Limit and control sedimentation through effective planning prior to the initiation of construction activities and through effective contract administration. An erosion control plan would be agreed to during the pre-operations meeting between the Forest Service and the Purchaser. The plan is implemented during the operations phase of the project. Resource protection measures are incorporated into the proposed action by the IDT and these actions are then incorporated into the contract specifications and provisions. Examples of resource protection measures include such items as shaping landings, temporary and skid roads for drainage; and use of rock as necessary to obtain suitable haul bases on Forest Service roads. See BMPs 1.13 and 1.20 for erosion control measures during the project, maintenance of erosion control measures and operations control during periods of wet weather. BMP 2.3 Timing of Construction Activities: Minimize erosion by conducting operations during minimal runoff periods. This is accomplished during the operation phase of the project by the contract administrator, engineer and earth scientist. See BMPs 1.13 and 1.20 for erosion control measures during the project, maintenance of erosion control measures and operations control during periods of wet weather. B - 8

9 All landing and temporary road construction and development work would be conducted during appropriate periods of weather and soil moisture to ensure BMPs are met and adverse impacts to beneficial uses are avoided. Forecast periods would also be of a suitable length to allow completion or winterization of the task undertaken before precipitation events occur. All temporary roads that cross stream channels would be used when the channel is dry. There would be no crossing of live streams except at pre-existing road crossings (existing culverts or bridges). Construction or maintenance of road stream crossings would occur when the stream was dry (temporary roads 46N92.2A, and 46N04.1) or stream flow would be diverted around the construction site (46N92.2 culvert replacement and 46N92.4 decommissioning). BMP 2.4 Stabilization of Road Slope Surfaces and Spoil Disposal Areas (Preventative Practices): Improve road slope stabilization by applying mechanical and vegetative measures. This is accomplished during the operations phase of the project. See BMP 2.3 for measures pertaining to landing and road construction and development. Landings would be shaped for drainage at the time of construction. Rock armoring and silt fences with straw bales would be used as necessary to direct water to suitable areas of drainage and to capture sediment. Road construction, maintenance and landing construction and enlargement generally is on gently sloping ground, so there would be no large cuts, fills or spoil areas. Measures to control erosion from large fills and cuts during operations are not anticipated to be necessary. WWOS guidelines would be followed. Roads would be rocked as necessary. BMP 2.5 Road Slope Stabilization (Administrative Practices): educe sedimentation by minimizing erosion from road slopes and chances of slope failures along roads. This is accomplished by road design measures during the planning phase of the project. Design measures include correct cut and fill angles for the slope materials, methods to handle surface and subsurface drainage and runoff, and correct compaction standards, and surfacing needs. The 46N92 road (Segment 1 below the northern Juanita Lake Dam, ~ 0.22 miles) would be improved to standard by stormproofing. Low spots that pond water would be filled, geotextile would be placed on the graded road surface and a layer of crushed aggregate surfacing would be added to the road. This would improve the current road drainage problems, reduce rutting on the road, and alleviate contamination of the subgrade into the aggregate. 46N04 road (Segment 1 north from Juanita Lake to the 8Q019 road would have the degraded chip seal surface removed and ground up. Crushed rock surfacing would be applied to the road. The road would be changed from a Maintenance Level 4 to a Maintenance Level 3 road. Rocked drainage dips would be constructed at wet areas on the 46N93 road to control drainage and reduce rutting. The ephemeral stream crossing of the 46N04.1 road would be rocked. Unclassified roads that are to be used in the project would be improved to standard, and added to the forest road system as Maintenance Level 1 roads (46N04.1, 46N04.3, 46N92.2, 46N92.3) See BMPs 1.13 and 1.20 for erosion control measures during the project, maintenance of erosion control measures and operations control during periods of wet weather. BMP 2.6 Dispersion of Subsurface Drainage from Cut and Fill Slopes (Preventative Practices): Minimize the possibilities of cut or fill slope failure and the subsequent production of B - 9

10 sediment. Typical measures include installation of underdrains or subdrains (e.g. trench drains or geocomposite drains), and horizontal or chimney drains. Rocked drainage dips would be constructed where springs intercept the road cut (wet areas) on the 46N93 road to control drainage, reduce rutting, and strengthen the road surface. BMP 2.7 Control of Road Drainage (Preventative Practices): Minimize erosive effects of water concentrated by road drainage features; to disperse runoff from disturbances within the road clearing limits; to lessen the sediment yield from roaded areas; to minimize erosion of the road prism by runoff from road surfaces and from uphill areas. See BMPs 2.5 and 2.6 for measures that would be applied to the 46N92 road (Segment 1 below the northern Juanita Lake Dam) and the wet areas on the 46N93 road. BMP 2.9 Timely Erosion Control Measures on Incomplete Roads and Stream Crossing Projects: Minimize erosion and sedimentation from disturbed ground on incomplete projects. The road and landing construction in this project is minor in scope. Individual temporary roads and landings would be completed in one season. If a temporary road includes a stream crossing, then the road would be used when the stream is dry. If a road or landing is needed for more than one season, then crossing, road and landing stabilization measures would occur before the next rainy season see BMPs 1.13 and BMP 2.10 Construction of Stable Embankments (Fills): Construct embankments sing materials and methods that minimize the possibility of failure and subsequent water quality degradation. In general, problems arise due to improper compaction, incorporation of slash or organic matter, or use of inappropriate placement methods. Road construction and landing construction and enlargement is generally on gently sloping ground, avoiding large cuts, fills and spoil areas. Fills and embankments are anticipated to be small with minimal side casting and end dumping. Equipment compaction is anticipated to be adequate. BMP Minimization of Sidecast Material: Minimize sediment production originating from material side cast during road construction or maintenance. This is accomplished during the design phase of the project by the contract inspector. Minor blading would occur on temporary roads used by the project. Sidecasting of soil during blading operations would be minimal due to the low gradient slopes on which the temporary roads are located. Sidecasting during road maintenance and clearing operations should not extend beyond the clearing limits of any road, or into any SMZ. During road blading, loose material should be incorporated back into the road prism and utilized in the road subgrade to the maximum extent possible, or deposited at designated disposal sites. Existing road berms should be removed and utilized in the road subgrade as part of outsloping, or placed at designated disposal sites. BMP Servicing and Refueling of Equipment: Prevent pollutants, such as fuels and lubricants, from being discharged into or near rivers, streams, impoundments, or natural and man-made channels leading into them. This is accomplished through the use of designed and designated refueling areas. Fuel containment systems would be in place at each service or helicopter landing. Servicing and refueling areas would be outside of RRs or other SMZs. BMP 2.13 Control of Construction and Maintenance Activities Adjacent to SMZs: Protect water quality by controlling construction and maintenance actions within and adjacent to any SMZ B - 10

11 so that the SMZ will function of filter sediment, provide shade, maintain riparian habitat and maintain channel floodplain stability. Critical sites for controlling actions within SMZ are: o 46N92 road (Segment 1 below the northern Juanita Lake Dam) stormproofing and aggregate surfacing o 46N04 road chip seal removal, stormproofing and aggregate surfacing (Segment 1 north from Juanita Lake to the 8Q019) o 46N93 road stormproofing at wet areas o 46N04.1 stormproofing the ephemeral crossing o 46N92.2 culvert replacement o 46N92.2A temporary road ephemeral stream crossing o 46N92.4 road decommissioning including two crossing site restorations Construction would take place when streams are dry or water flow would be diverted around the construction site (46N92.2 culvert replacement, and 46N92.4 decommissioning). See BMP 2.3, Timing of Construction Activities and BMP 2-15 Diversion of Flows Around Construction Sites. Sidecast materials and other debris inadvertently deposited in channels would be removed during construction. BMP Controlling In-Channel Excavation: Minimize stream channel disturbances and related sediment production. This BMP is applicable at the following sites: 46N01.4 stormproofing the ephemeral crossing; 46N92.2 culvert replacement; 46N92.2 temporary road stream crossing; and 46N92.4 road decommissioning at stream crossings. The natural streambed at the sites would not be disturbed without prior approval of the Engineering Representative (ER) or COR. Excavation material would not be discharged into streams. Sidecast materials and other debris inadvertently deposited in channels would be removed during construction. Disturbance of the stream banks are kept to a minimum. Disturbed banks are stabilized during construction. If the channel is disturbed during construction, it must be restored to its original configuration while minimizing any additional disturbance BMP 2.15 Diversion of Flows Around Construction Sites: Ensure that all stream diversions are carefully planned, to minimize downstream sedimentation, and restore stream channels to their natural grade, condition, and alignment as soon as possible. This BMP is applicable at the following sites: 46N92.2 culvert replacement if done when the channel is flowing; and 46N92.4 road decommissioning at live stream crossings. Impacts and costs would be minimized if culvert replacement on the 46N92.2 road is done when the channel is dry. Otherwise, the culvert would be replaced during periods of low flow, with measures taken to divert water flow around the construction site, and to prevent stranding of fish. The design specifications for the stream diversion and culvert replacement on the 46N92.2 road would be contained in the road package of the timber sale. The stream crossing the 46N92.2 is intermittently fish-bearing. The design specifications for stream dewatering and crossing decommissioning of the 46N92.2 road would be contained in the road decommissioning contract. Stream diversion methods would be approved by the Engineering Representative or the Contracting Office s Representative (COR). The natural streambed at the site would not be disturbed without prior approval of the COR. Diverted stream flows would be returned to their natural stream course as soon as possible after construction and prior to the rainy season. B - 11

12 All disturbed areas would be stabilized, and decommissioned stream crossing sites would be armored with rock as needed. BMP 2.16 Stream Crossings on Temporary Roads: Ensure that temporary roads do not unduly damage stream channels and that fish passage is unimpeded by stream crossing structures. The new 46N92.2A temporary road in stand 7T, an ephemeral channel crossing, was located in the field by the project earth scientist and heritage resource specialist to minimize impacts. The crossing would be constructed and used only when it was dry. The existing 46N01.4 crossing of an ephemeral channel would be hardened and rocked. The crossing would only be used when the stream is dry. This road would be added to the system a Maintenance Level 1 and closed to vehicle use. All other stream crossings on temporary roads are existing and would be designated for use by the TSA. They would be used only when the channel is dry. Disturbance to the channels and floodplains would be kept to a minimum, and any fill or debris at the crossing locations would be removed from the channel at the end of use. All temporary roads would be decommissioned after use. BMP 2.17 Bridge and Culvert Installation: Minimize sedimentation and turbidity resulting from excavation for in channel structures. This BMP is applicable for culvert replacement on the 46N92.2 road on a channel that is intermittently fish-bearing. Impacts and costs would be minimized if culvert replacement on the 46N92.2 road is done when the channel is dry. Otherwise, the culvert would be replaced during periods of low flow, with measures taken to divert water flow around the construction site, and to prevent stranding of fish. See BMPs 2.13, 2.14, and 2.15 for other applicable measures pertaining to design specifications, approvals, dewatering the site, and protection of fish. BMP 2.19 Disposal of Right-of-Way and Roadside Debris: Ensure organic debris generated during road construction are kept out of streams so channels and downstream facilities are not obstructed. Prevent formation of debris dams that obstruct fish passage or result in down steam damage during high water flows or surges. This BMP is applicable to all roadside clearing in the SMZ or RR, and is particularly important on road 46N92 and 46N93 that crosses several RRs and requires areas of more extensive road clearing and brushing. Roadside slash generated by brushing and clearing would be disposed of by using the following methods as applicable: piling and burning, chipping, scattering. Large limbs, stumps or cull logs would be disposed at agreed upon locations outside the RR or SMZ, or incorporated into the RR to meet aquatic resource management objectives. Clearing limits and brush disposal specifications are incorporated into the road design package of the timber sale or other road related contracts. Compliance with engineering plans, specifications and other operating plans is the responsibility of the CI, COR or ER. BMP 2.20 Specifying Riprap Composition: Minimize sediment production associated with the installation and utilization of riprap material. This BMP is applicable for armoring the stream crossing on the 46N04.1A, construction of energy dissipaters at drainage dips on the 46N93 road, and armoring the restored channels of Muskgrave Creek as part of decommissioning the 46N92.4 road. Stone used for riprap would be free of sediment sources, such as weakly structured B - 12

13 rock, soil, organic material and other material not resistant to stream flow. Specifications for riprap size and placement would be determined by the project engineer and incorporated into the road package for the timber sale. Compliance with engineering plans and specifications is the responsibility of the CI, COR, or ER. BMP Water Source Development Consistent with Water Quality Protection: Limit and mitigate the effects of water source development by t planning of impoundments and withdrawals. The project hydrologist and engineer have recommended the following sites for use during project implementation: the Juanita Lake Campground boat ramp area, the ditch, and lower Muskgrave Creek off of the 46N04 road. Water could be pumped directly from the sources, or a fold-a-tank could be set up outside of SMZ and water could be pumped by hose to the tank, and from the tank to the truck. Of these three sites for water drafting, Juanita Lake would have the least impacts to water quantity and quality during all periods of use during the summer and fall. Drafting sites are existing sites and rocking of approaches would be used as required; all boards and black plastic would be removed after use. Straw bales, rock surfacing, and containment dikes would be used at all locations where the possibility of water spill or overflow would result in sediment being moved toward the creek, ditch or lake. BMP 2.22 Maintenance of Roads: Limit sedimentation and erosion by road drainage maintenance and road surface protection. This is accomplished during the operations phase of the project and the post-operations final inspection. The WWOS guidelines would be followed. Spot rocking would used as necessary if small and isolated portions of the road system do not adequately dry to allow haul when most of the road is capable of haul, provided haul over the newly rocked areas would not create adverse impacts, such as sediment moving off-site towards channels. Contract administrators would periodically inspect the contractor s operations and condition of the roads. See BMP 1.5, 1.13, 1.20, for measures relating to operations during wet or potential stormy conditions and when to resume operations. Appropriate road watering would occur as roads dry to maintain road fines on-site, see BMP BMP 2.23 Road Surface Treatment to Prevent Loss of Materials: Reduce road-related erosion through treatment of the road surface, usually through spot rocking and dust abatement. This is accomplished during the operations phase of the project. Appropriate road watering would occur as roads dry to maintain road fines on-site. Same as BMP See also BMP 1.5, 1.13, 1.20, for measures relating to operations during wet or potential stormy conditions and when to resume operations. BMP 2.24 Traffic Control During Wet Periods: Reduce damage to road drainage and limit sedimentation from roads during wet periods. This is generally achieved by increased surfacing and/or road closures during the operations phase of the project. The WWOS Guidelines would be used for all project activities (harvest, hauling, fuel reduction, planting, etc.). The WWOS Guidelines dictate conditions that control ground-disturbing operations. For example, if more than 10% of a road segment were rutted two inches in depth, road use would be suspended. BMP 2.25 Snow Removal Controls to Avoid Resource Damage: Minimize the impact of snowmelt runoff on road surfaces and embankments reducing the probability of sediment production resulting from snow removal operations. Snow would be removed in a manner that protects roads and adjacent resources. B - 13

14 Snow berms would be removed where they result in accumulation or concentration of snowmelt runoff on the road and erosive fill slopes. Snow berms would be installed to preclude the concentration of snowmelt runoff and rapidly dissipate melt water. Damage to the road surface from snow removal would be repaired by the purchaser, contractor or other responsible party. This would include replacing lost surface material with similar quality material and repair of any damaged structures as soon as possible and as agreed to by the Forest Service. BMP 2.26 Obliteration or Decommissioning of Roads: Reduce sediment generated from temporary roads, unneeded system (classified) and non-system (unclassified) roads by obliterating or decommissioning them at the completion of the intended use. This is accomplished during the post-operations phase of the project. This BMP applies to all temporary roads, and other non-system (unclassified) roads proposed for decommissioning: 46N04.1A, 46N04.2, 46N04.4, 46N05.7, 46N92.2A, 46N92.4, 8Q Crossings would be removed and the natural drainage restored. Roads would be drained by measures such as re-contouring or outsloping to return the road prism to near natural hydrologic function. Roads and associated disturbed surfaces would be stabilized through appropriate treatment such as tillage, ripping, fertilization, and/or revegetation. Road take-offs would be obliterated or effectively blocked to vehicle access. BMP 2.27 Restoration of Borrow Pits and Quarries: Protect water quality by minimizing sediment production from borrow pits and quarry sites. This is accomplished during the operations and post-operations phase of the project. This BMP is applicable for riprap obtained from existing stockpiles on landings, and from rock obtained from existing road cuts areas for use on roads 46N04.1, and 46N92.4. Excavated areas would be sloped and graded to ensure proper drainage, and general borrow source areas smoothed and stabilized. Seeding and/or mulching may be required as determined by an Earth Scientist. BMP 5.2 Slope Limitations Mechanical Equipment Operation: Minimize erosion and sedimentation resulting from ground disturbance of ground-based logging systems and machine piling operations. Same as BMP 1.1 and 1.9 for slope limitations for ground-based logging, tractor piling and fuel mastication. Project earth scientist or fisheries biologist would identify and flag areas as SMZs where no equipment disturbance would take place, or where equipment operations would be carefully managed in order to protect stream courses or wetlands from erosion and resulting sediment delivery to channels. This applies to Stands: 2, 3, 4, 7T, 9T 10A, 10T, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 23, 25, 26, 28 where there are RRs or other SMZs. BMP 5.3 Tractor Operation Limitation in Wetlands and Meadows: Avoid damage to the ground cover, soil, and water in meadows. See BMP 1.2, 1.8, and 1.18 for measures to protect wetlands and wet meadow areas during tractor logging operations. BMP Revegetation of Surface Disturbed Areas: Protect water quality by minimizing soil erosion through the stabilizing influence of vegetation. This is accomplished during the operations and post-operations phase of the project. See BMP1.1 for decommissioning of landings, temporary roads and skid trails. See BMP 1.15 for revegetation of areas disturbed by harvest activities where B - 14

15 landings and temporary roads are in RRs or SMZs. Specified landings, and temporary roads in RRs or within other SMZs would be revegetated. See BMP 2.26 for obliteration and decommissioning of roads including temporary and unneeded system roads. All harvest openings would be promptly replanted. BMP 5.5 Disposal of Organic Debris: Prevent surface erosion with associated reduction in sediment production and turbidity when conducting slash and excessive fuel removal operations. Project generated slash on about 1408 acres would be removed to landings as biomass chips. Hand piling and pile burning, and underburning would be used to reduce the fine fuel component on 2004 acres. Specified soil cover recommendations would be used to maintain sufficient soil cover for erosion prevention. Machine masticating (283 acres) and tractor piling (8 acres) are mechanical treatments that reduce slash. Slope limitations for mechanical equipment as well as specified soil cover recommendations would be used to maintain sufficient soil cover for erosion prevention. See BMPs 1.1 and 1.9 for slope limitations. See BMPs 2.13 and 2.19 for measures pertaining to disposal of roadside debris and removal of organic debris from SMZs. BMP 5.6 Soil Moisture Limitations for Tractor Operations: Prevent soil compaction, rutting, and gullying that may result in increased sedimentation and turbidity. This is accomplished during the operations phase of the project by ongoing monitoring performed by the project earth scientist. See BMP 1.17 and the WWOS guidelines (WWOS, 2002, p. 5) for harvesting and skidding operations during wet or over snow conditions. Tractor operations would occur only where slopes are generally < 35% in slope, but some end-lining may occur on steeper slopes, but these areas would be very limited in size and extent. Tractor operations would be restricted to designated skid roads and may utilize endlining, which would limit the amount of area impacted. Same as BMPs 1.20 and 2.22 for measures to employ when wet weather is forecast, and following a period of stormy weather. BMP 5-8 Pesticide Application According to Label directions and Applicable Legal Requirements: Avoid water contamination by complying with all label instructions and restrictions for use. This BMP applies to the application of a borax fungicide (Sporax) on cut stumps within the project area. Contract administrators are responsible for ensuring contract specifications pertaining to treatment of stumps are met, and periodically inspecting the contractor s operations to ensure that label directions and legal requirements are followed. BMP 5.9 Pesticide Application Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor whether pesticides have been applied safely, restricted to intended target areas, and not resulted in unexpected non-target effects. This BMP applies to the application of a borax fungicide (Sporax) on cut stumps within the project area. Contract administrators are responsible for implementation monitoring of Sporax application, and would document and provide early warning of any accidental spills and potential water contamination. The purchaser is responsible for notification and reporting of releases of reportable quantities of hazardous substances caused by employees or contractors, directly or indirectly as a result of operations in the sale area. B - 15