ditching - british columbia · draft january 9,2003 m. pask ditching ditches are of concern as they...

Draft January 9,2003M. Pask

DITCHING

Ditches are of concern as they are a primary source of sediment into fish bearingwaters, through erosion and transportation of fine soils. If ditches are wetted seasonallyor year round, they may have valuable fish habitat and ditching will not be allowed.

Ditching BMP’s will only apply under the following conditions:

General

1. It is your responsibility to avoid adversely impacting fish and fish habitat. Unless youknow otherwise, always assume fish are present in the ditch you are cleaningor assume that the ditch water flows into fish bearing waters.

2 . If the ditch has the potential of affecting fish habitat, the Manager of the works mustreceive all necessary written responses from Fisheries and Oceans Canada andWater Management Branch, MoELP and ensure that all statements and site specificcomments are incorporated into the works.

3 . Conduct ditching activities when the area is dry to reduce the possibility of sedimentfrom entering fish bearing waters.

4. Avoid work during rain.

Equipment Use

1. Refuel and lubricate equipment on dry land away from watercourses.2. Always prevent fuels and lubricants from entering watercourses. Have spill clean-up

materials onsite.3 . Keep the use of heavy machinery near watercourses to a minimum.4 . If the ditch is dry, use a single point of machinery entry and exit to the ditching site.5 . Do not cross machinery through water; however if required under exceptional

circumstances contact the Area Road Manager and/or Fisheries and OceansCanada and Water Management Branch, MoELP

Removing Materials

1. Avoid removing or disturbing vegetation on stream and ditch banks.2. Avoid disturbing the topsoil and root systems on stream and ditch banks.

Material Disposal

1. Prevent cleanout material from entering watercourses.

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2 . Dispose of cleanout material away from watercourses. Contour stabilize, and seedcleanout material (see below).

Reseeding

1. Reseed the banks of any ditched sites that have been cleared down to the topsoiland to material disposal sites.

2 . Apply seed as soon as there is sufficient moisture for seed to take.3 . Monitor the seeded areas to ensure that the seed has taken. Contractor will re-seed

if necessary.

Sediment Control:

1. If there is a possibility of sediment reaching a fish-bearing stream during the activityor as a result of the activity, sediment control measures must be implemented.

2 . Sediment control devices must be maintained and monitored to ensure that they areworking properly.

3 . New and old ditches should be directed into a vegetated area or sediment pondbefore entering a watercourse. Sediment is harmful to fish and should not beallowed to enter into fish bearing waters.

4. Straw bales or silt fences placed within the ditchline should be maintained in afunctional condition until the grass on seeded slopes is sufficiently established tocontrol erosion. Fences or straw bales should be installed in series to ensuremaximum removal of sediment. These devices need to be staked in place with polesor rebar and placed perpendicular to flow across the entire ditchline. Thesemeasures are barriers to fish migration and are thus only short-term measuresand are effective only when treating low velocity runoff.

Advice

1. If you have any questions whether your ditching activities may harm fish or fishhabitat, stop, and contact your Supervisor and/or the Area Road Manager.

2. For more information consult the FxSheets for Highway Maintenance ProgramWV

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Draft January 9,2003- M. Pask

BRUSHING

Streamside vegetation is important to fish and fish habitat. Vegetation can provide:cover for fish to escape predators; for shade; insect drop and leaf litter drop; andprovides for bank stability.

General

1. It is your responsibility to avoid adversely impacting fish and fish habitat. Unless youknow otherwise, always assume fish are present or that the water flows intofish bearing waters.

2. All riparian leave strips rnust be flagged prior to brushing activity.

3. No brushina of vegetation or operation of machines within 15m of fish bearingwaters or where the bank stabilitv of any watercourse could be ieopardized.There are 3 options where it is possible to brush within this ISm-leave strip:

1. Brushing on Flat Terrain when Wildlife and Public Safety is at Risk

When the roadbed is level with the surrounding area, there may be circumstanceswhen 30 meters of streamside vegetation can create a wildlife transportation corridor.Where the Area Road Manager has identified these areas of concern, the 15m leavestrip may be reduced as per the following:

Road Surface

Remaining 10moutside of 5mleave strip shouldbe topped at Imfrom root

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1. no brushing 5 meters on either side of the stream for a distance of 8 meters alongthe stream from the road prism.

2. After 8 meters the leave strip will be expanded to 15m on either side of thestream.

3 . The remaining 1 Om of vegetation outside of the 5m leave strip will be topped at 1 mfrom the root structure.

4. Unless identified by the Area Road Manager, always leave 15m of streamsidevegetation adjacent to fish bearing streams or where the bank stability of non-fishbearing watercourses could be jeopardized.

2. Line-Of- Sight Requirement - inside corners along right-of-wayIt is recognized that it is necessary to provide a clear view around corners for safetyconsideration. These line-of-sight BMP’s apply to inside corners only - not to straightstretches or outside bends when a clear sight is not an issue.

1. If you are brushing on an inside corner to provide a line-ofisighf around the cornerand there is flowing water in that area (and you have not ruled out fish) brush SO that1 m of vegetation remains from the root structure.

2 . Do not allow the topped vegetation to enter the watercourse and become a barrier tofish migration.

3 . Do not disturb the strearnbank or the root structure of the streamside vegetation.4. Consider planting a slower growing species along this corner to replace the faster

growing deciduous species.

3. Line-Of-Sight Requirements - Brushing around Bridge Abutments andMulti-plate Culverts

Culvert inlet and outlet pools are suitable resting areas for juvenile fish species. It istherefore very important to retain streamside vegetation at these locations. Bridgeapproaches have resulted in permanent streamside vegetation removal; therefore it isimportant to retain the remaining riparian species.

1. Streamside vegetation should be retained. If there is a safety consideration,vegetation around culvelrts and bridge abutments can be topped at Im above theroot structure within 5 m of the road surface. The remaining riparian leave stripshould not be touched. If there is not a safety concern, streamside vegetationmust not be disturbed!

2 . No machine crossings or instream work permitted (see Equipment Use below).


3 . If it is necessary to remove vegetation (other than the Im topping) contact Fisheriesand Oceans Canada

4 . Do not allow the topped vegetation to enter the watercourse and become a barrier tofish migration.

5 . Do not disturb the streambank or the root structure of the streamside vegetation.6 . Consider planting a slower growing species around these structures to replace the

faster growing deciduous species.

Equipment Use

1. Refuel and lubricate equipment on dry land away from watercourses.2. Always prevent fuels and lubricants from entering watercourses. Have spill clean-up

materials on site.3 . Keep the use of heavy machinery near watercourses to a minimum.4 . No machinery is to cross through a watercourse; if required under exceptional

circumstances, contact the Area Road Manager and/or Fisheries and OceansCanada and Water Management Branch, MoELP

Removing Materials

1. Ensure that brush and tree falling does not affect watercourses or streambankvegetation.

2 . Do not disturb the topsoil and root systems along streambanks and ditches.

Material Disposal

1. Do not dump any slash Imaterials in or near watercourses.2. Prevent slash material from entering watercourses.

Reseeding

1. Avoid impacting streambanks. Re-seed the banks of brushed sites if they have beencleared down to the topsoil.

2 . Apply seed as soon as there is sufficient moisture for seed to take.3 . Monitor the seeded areas to ensure that the seed has taken. Contractor will re-seed

if necessary.

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Advice

1. If you plan on brushing other than outlined above (and you have not ruled out fishpresence), the Manager of the works must receive all necessary written responsesfrom Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Water Management Branch, MoELP andensure that all statements and site specific comments are incorporated into theworks.

2 . If you have any questions whether your brushing activities may harm fish or fishhabitat, stop, and contact your Supervisor and/or the Area Road Manager.

3 . For more information colnsult the Fact Sheets for Highway Maintenance Program(MOT)


Removal of Beaver Dams from Culverts at Pre-ApprovedLocations

Beaver dams provide important rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids. Beaver pondsprovide a rich supply of aquatic insects and provide sufficient water depth for wintersurvival beneath the ice and summer survival during low flow periods.

General

1. The following procedures are for persistent beaver problem culverts that have beenbrought to the attention of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Water ManagementBranch, MoELP.

2 . If cleaning the culvert has the potential to affect downstream water users, theMaintenance Supervisor must receive all necessary written responses from WaterManagement Branch, MoELP and ensure that all statements and site specificcomments are incorporated into the works. The Supervisor must make the field staffaware of these comments.

3 . It is your responsibility to avoid adversely impacting fish and fish habitat Unless youknow otherwise, always’ assume fish are present or that the water flows intofish bearing waters.

4. Do not allow beaver dams or debris blockages to become a problem. Maintainculverts regularly.

5 . Notify property owners located adjacent to the area of highway right-of-way affectedby the beaver dams priolr to dam removal.

6 . Explore the use of beaver stops or fencing as a long-term solution.7 . If you plan on removing beaver dams not associated with culverts, contact your

Supervisor and/or the Area Road Manager, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada andWater Management Branch, MoELP

8 . If you plan on removing a dam with a piece of equipment contact your Supervisorand/or the Area Road Manager, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada and WaterManagement Branch, MoELP

Procedures for Hand Removal of Dams at Culvert Ends

1. Remove dams when the area is dry to reduce the possibility of sediment fromentering fish bearing waters. Avoid work during rain.

2 . The removal of the beaver dam shall be controlled and undertaken by hand in aseries (maximum 20-centimeter increments) of water level drops.


3. Water levels above the {darn must be lowered slowly to not strand fish. Fish thatbecome trapped in isola,ted pools as a result of beaver pond de-watering should berelocated to the main chlannel of the watercourse.

4. Water levels behind the dam shall be allowed to stabilize prior to the next level drop,thereby allowing for a controlled breach and controlled flows downstream.

5. Whenever possible install sediment control devices downstream of the breach inorder to minimize sediment and debris introductions.

6. Areas downstream of the beaver dam should be monitored during breachingactivities to determine whether damage to the channel and adjacent propertiesreceiving additional water volumes are occurring.

7 . Do not remove or disturlb vegetation on stream and ditch banks.8 . Do not disturb the topsoil and root systems along streambanks and ditches. If there

is site disturbance and exposed soils result, re-seed exposed area as soon assuitable growing conditions exist. Contractor will re-seed if necessary.

9 . Materials removed from the beaver dam should be disposed on land above theaverage annual high water level and contained/stabilized to prevent sediment fromre-entering the water.

Advice

1. If you have any questions about protecting habitat and water quality, stop, andcontact your Supervisor and/or the Area Road Manager,

RipRap as Bank StabilizationAbove High Water Level

General

1. Unless you know otherwise always assume the fish are present or that waterflows into fish bearing waters.

2 . If the placement of riprap material goes below the high water mark and/or if it hasthe potential of affecting1 fish habitat, the Manager of the works must receive allnecessary written responses from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and WaterManagement Branch, MloELP and ensure that all statements and site specificcomments are incorporated into the works.

3 . Do not disturb watercourses when removing materials from streambanks andriparian zones.

4. Do not disturb streamside vegetation.5. Clean riprap of appropriate size will be placed not dumped into the preferred

location. The size of riprap should be determined by the Maintenance Supervisor.6. Geotextile fabrics should be placed between the re-sloped grade and the riprap.

Equipment

1. Keep all machinery out of watercourses.2 . Refuel and lubricate equipment on dry land away from watercourses.3. Always prevent fuels and lubricants from entering watercourses. Have spill clean-up

materials on site.4. Keep the use of heavy machinery near watercourses to a minimum.

Timing of Work

1. Conduct work on streambanks when the area is dry to reduce the possibility ofsediment from entering fish bearing waters.

2. Avoid work during rain, if possible.

Material

1. Where applicable, use silt fences at the toe of fill to prevent soils from entering thestream.

2 . Do not dump any excavated or slash materials in or near watercourses.3 . Prevent excavated and slash materials from entering watercourses.4. Any fill material removed from the bank should be disposed on land above the

average annual high water level and contained/stabilized to prevent sediment fromre-entering the water.

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5 . Until proper disposal is possible, debris piles should be covered with impermeabletarps to minimize sedim’ent into fish bearing waters during rain events.

Reseed

1. Do not disturb the topsoil and root systems along streambanks and ditches. If thereis site disturbance and exposed soils result, re-seed exposed area as soon assuitable growing conditions exist. Apply seed as soon as there is sufficient moisturefor seed to take.

2 . Monitor the seeded areas to ensure that the seed has taken. Contractor will re-seedif necessary.

Advice

1. If you have any questions whether your riprap placement activity may harm fish orfish habitat, stop, and contact your Supervisor and/or Area Road Manager.

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Bridge Cleaning

Bridge cleaning is a routine maintenance procedure, used to clean residual winter sand,gravel, and salt from bridges in the springtime. This activity can be a water qualityconcern if quantities of sand, gravel, and salt are introduced into watercourses.

General Fisheries Guidelines

1. It is your responsibility to avoid adversely impacting fish and fish habitat. Unless youknow otherwise, always assume fish are present or that the water flows intofish bearing waters.

2. You must remove as much gravel, sand, salt, and debris as possibly mechanicalmeans (brooms, shovels, etc.) prior to washing. This material must be moved to anarea where it will not enter a watercourse.

3 . When washing, you must take all reasonable measures to ensure that sediment-laden water does not enlter a watercourse. Mitigative measures should be applied,such as plugging of drain holes, placement of sandbags to divert wash water intothe bush (or some other suitable settling area) rather than washing directly into thecreek.

4. It is also important to prevent possible erosion of additional material from banksnear the ends of the bridge during the washing operation. Once again, water shouldbe managed to avoid emsion by directing it toward suitable vegetated areas orsettling areas.

5 . Any washing should be Idone during the spring freshet of the particular stream.During this period, natural sediment levels tend to be elevated and the stream flowsare adequate to flush any sediments which may unavoidably enter the streamduring washing

6 . If water withdrawal from a watercourse is proposed, all intakes on water pumpsmust be adequately screened pursuant to Section 30 of the Fisheries Act. A copy ofthe DFO screening directive is available upon request.

7 . A detailed timetable of bridge cleaning activities should be submitted to DFO formonitoring purposes.

Water Act - Section 8 (1) Approval requirements

1. If water withdrawal is proposed, the maximum quantity of water to be used shall notexceed 10 percent of the stream flow at the time of water extraction.

2 . The minimum stream size from which water may be used shall be greater than 0.3meters in depth and 1.5 meters in width and have an average stream water velocitygreater than 0.3 meters per second. For more information regarding short termwater use contact the Provincial Water Management Branch.

Advice

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1. If you have any questions whether your bridge cleaning activities may harm fish orfish habitat, stop, and contact your Supervisor and/ or the Area Road Manager.

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Road Maintenance

Forestry roads are of concern when routine maintenance processes are applied.Roads when located next to stream crossings could potentially affect fish and fishhabitat. Roads must be maintained to minimize effects of sediment transport intonearby watercourses and to ensure water quality protection structures do notdegrade.

General

1.

2.3.

4.

5 .

6.

7.

8.

Unless you know otherwise always assume the fish are present or that waterflows into fish bearing1 waters.To detect problems with1 the road, inspect regularlyTo decrease the chance of washouts, keep the culverts, ditches, dips and otherstructures clear of debrilsDuring spring breakup alnd periods of prolonged moisture, keep road use to aminimumMaintain ruts and holes in road with gravel or fill to ensure proper surface drainageand reduce potential erosionMake sure that there are no obstructions such as berms that can lead to surfacewater collection on roadsIn periods of dry weather, apply dust control measures that will not adversely affectnearby watercourses. If unsure of compounds to use, contact a qualified roadengineer from the Ministry of Transportation and Highways for assistance.For inactive roads, remove all bridges and temporary structures

l Allow for proper surface drainage when re-shaping road surfacesl Regularly inspect: road surfaces to minimize erosion

Equipment

1. Keep all machinery out of watercourses.2 . Refuel and lubricate equipment on dry land away from watercourses.3. Always prevent fuels an’d lubricants from entering watercourses. Have spill clean-up

materials on site.4. Keep the use of heavy machinery near watercourses to a minimum.

Material Disposal

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L Draft January 9,2003M. Pask

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. Draft January 9,2003M. Pask

1. Debris removed from culverts and ditches must not be placed near watercourses orin places where it may be washed into watercourses (see maintaining of culvertsand ditches section of E)MP)

Sediment Control

1. If there is a possibility of sediment reaching a fish-bearing stream during the activityor as a result of the activity, sediment control measures must be implemented.

2 . Sediment control devices must be maintained and monitored to ensure that they areworking properly.

3 . New and old ditches should be directed into a vegetated area or sediment pondbefore entering a watercourse. Sediment is harmful to fish and should not beallowed to enter into fish bearing waters.

4 . Straw bales or silt fences placed within the ditchline should be maintained in afunctional condition until the grass on seeded slopes is sufficiently established tocontrol erosion. Fences or straw bales should be installed in series to ensuremaximum removal of seidiment. These devices need to be staked in place with polesor rebar and placed perlpendicular to flow across the entire ditchline. Thesemeasures are barriers to fish migration and are thus only short-term measuresand are effective only when treating low velocity runoff.

Advice

1. If you have any questions whether your road maintenance activities may harm fishor fish habitat, stop, and1 contact your Supervisor and/or the Area Road Manager.

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ditching - british columbia · draft january 9,2003 m. pask ditching ditches are of concern as they...

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