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CITY OF EVERETT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MANUAL <br /> 1. 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 syste�n. <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 inanner: <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 Apri130. Between May 1 and Septeinber 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 /> Volume ll— Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention <br /> 3-21 <br />