Laserfiche WebLink
• <br /> • <br /> • CITY OF EVERETT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MANUAL <br /> • <br /> • I. Maximize the depth of the topsoil wherever possible to provide the maximum possible infiltration <br /> capacity and beneficial growth medium. Topsoil depth shall be at least 8 inches with a minimum <br /> • organic content of 10 percent dry weight and pH between 6.0 and 8.0 or matching the pH of the <br /> • undisturbed soil. This can be accomplished either by returning native topsoil to the site and/or <br /> incorporating organic amendments. Organic amendments should be incorporated to a minimum <br /> • 8-inch depth except where tree roots or other natural features limit the depth of incorporation. <br /> • Subsoils below the 12-inch depth should be scarified at least 2 inches to avoid stratified layers, <br /> • where feasible. The decision to either layer topsoil over a subgrade or incorporate topsoil into the <br /> underlying layer may vary depending on the planting specified. <br /> • 2. If blended topsoil is imported, then fines should be limited to 25 percent passing through a <br /> • 200 sieve. <br /> • 3. The final composition and construction of the soil system will result in a natural selection or <br /> • favoring of certain plant species over time. For example,recent practices have shown that <br /> • incorporation of topsoil may favor grasses,while layering with mildly acidic,high-carbon <br /> amendments may favor more woody vegetation. <br /> • 4. Locate the topsoil stockpile so that it meets specifications and does not interfere with work on the <br /> • site. It may be possible to locate more than one pile in proximity to areas where topsoil will be <br /> • used. <br /> • 5. Allow sufficient time in scheduling for topsoil to be spread prior to seeding, sodding, or planting. <br /> • 6. Care must be taken not to apply to subsoil if the two soils have contrasting textures. Sandy <br /> • topsoil over clayey subsoil is a particularly poor combination, as water creeps along the junction <br /> between the soil layers and causes the topsoil to slough. <br /> • 7. If topsoil and subsoil are not properly bonded,water will not infiltrate the soil profile evenly and <br /> • it will be difficult to establish vegetation. The best method to prevent a lack of bonding is to <br /> • actually work the topsoil into the layer below for a depth of at least 6 inches. <br /> • 8. Ripping or restructuring the subgrade may also provide additional benefits regarding the overall <br /> • infiltration and interflow dynamics of the soil system. <br /> • 9. Field exploration of the site shall be made to determine if there is surface soil of sufficient <br /> quantity and quality to justify stripping. Topsoil shall be friable and loamy(loam, sandy loam, <br /> • silt loam, sandy clay loam, and clay loam). Areas of natural groundwater recharge should be <br /> avoided. <br /> • 10. Stripping shall be confined to the immediate construction area. A 4-to 6-inch stripping depth is <br /> common,but depth may vary depending on the particular soil. All surface runoff control <br /> • structures shall be in place prior to stripping. <br /> • Stockpiling of topsoil shall occur in the following manner: <br /> • 1. Side slopes of the stockpile shall not exceed 2:1. <br /> • 2. An interceptor dike with gravel outlet and silt fence shall surround all topsoil stockpiles between <br /> • October 1 and April 30. Between May 1 and September 30, an interceptor dike with gravel outlet <br /> • and silt fence shall be installed if the stockpile will remain in place for a longer period of time <br /> than active construction grading. <br /> • 3. Erosion control seeding or covering with clear plastic or other mulching materials of stockpiles <br /> • shall be completed within 2 days(October 1 through April 30) or 7 days (May 1 through <br /> • September 30) of the formation of the stockpile. Native topsoil stockpiles shall not be covered <br /> • with plastic. <br /> • <br /> • Volume it—Construction Storm water Pollution Prevention <br /> 3-21 <br /> • <br /> • <br />