625576011
EP 625/5
76-011
-------
-------
EPA 625/5-76-011
In the Pacific Northwest as well as other areas of the U.S., the
logging road is a fact of Kle — providing the first segment of the
harvested log's journey from forest slope to processing plant. In 1974
there were over 250,000 miles of logging roads just in the Pacific
Northwest, an area where logging activity is often synonymous with
mountainous terrain, wet weather, and surface streams.
These roads are being constructed and reconstructed at the rate
of 12,000 miles per year, an activity that can severely damage many
miles of stream if not properly controlled.
LEBBARY
U S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
N. J. 08817
-------
One half to two thirds of erosion related water pollution occurs
during the first year after road construction. PROPER engineering
design, construction technqiues, and road maintenance can minimize
adverse stream impacts.
Sediment from logging roads is the No. 1 water quality problem
related to logging activity in the Northwest. Improper road
construction may cause surface erosion, mass soil movement, and
stream channel erosion. Other related impacts can include
temperature increases, reduced dissolved oxygen, and stream
pollution from road chemicals.
-------
-------
-------
ENKMU
UALITY
H
1
CTIVITY
-------
I
Water quality standards have been established by each state
which set forth the uses to be protected and the associated water
quality requirements for each stream or reach. That information must
be considered along with special siting problems such as: unstable soils
and slopes, nearness to streams, wet or boggy areas, springs, seasonal
water problems, etc.
-------
Aids and indicators to be used, in addition to local regulations and
water quality standards, would include: soil inventory maps, aerial
photographs, evidence of old landslides, inspection of existing roads
and evidence of natural soil erosion.
-------
PLANNING
It is important that a thorough analysis be performed in route
planning for new logging roads to assure the most economical minimum
mileage road network. Field reconnaissance should consider water
quality impacts and result in recommendations to management on
expected road stability, road size/load capacity limitations, and any
needed modifications from the proposed harvest methods, as well as
economics of protecting water quality for the various routes under
consideration.
-------
Areas with landslides or slumps, avalanche paths, high intensity
rain, slopes in excess of 55-60%, and locations close to stream courses
require special considerations. If special design, construction and
maintenance techniques cannot be effectively applied in these areas
alternate routes must be selected.
-------
To provide a long life for the road and minimize erosion and
transport of sediment to the stream, it is essential that road builders
use adequate temporary and permanent drainage measures. Culverts
and related drainage features should be installed as road work
progresses to assure protection throughout the life of the project.
-------
Quick revegetation of disturbed
soils from road construction is
also necessary to minimize sedi-
ment production. The highest
volume of soil movement occurs
during the first two wet months
following construction. Seeding,
mulching and fertilization should
be done prior to fall rains.
Additionally, buffer strips of
vegetation between the road fill
and stream will act as sediment
traps and should be provided to
reduce the potential silt discharge
to the stream.
-------
Mass soil movement can also cause serious stream sedimentation
problems or may even create dams that can cause temporary
impoundments if the road is located too near the stream. Several
preventive measures prior to and during construction which will
minimize this risk have already been mentioned. These include:
• Proper planning and reconnaissance
• Slope stabilization
• Adequate use of drainage systems
-------
When equipment must work in or near streams it is important to
keep this activity as short term as possible. Construction of sediment
ponds and temporary diversion of stream around work areas by
parallel channels will reduce impact.
Roads that cannot be completed before fall and winter weather
need to be stabilized to reduce erosion during that period.
-------
Planned regular maintenance is necessary to retain an "as built"
condition and minimize adverse water quality effects. Ditches, culverts
and catch basins must be kept free of debris. Ground cover in ditches
should be maintained but not allowed to clog the ditches. Shoulder and
bank undercutting must be prevented. Close inspection for developing
problems is important, particularly prior to the winter storm season.
Road surfaces must be kept well crowned or sloped to assure good
drainage, and surface crossdrains cleaned after the logging season. If
no crossdrains exist they should be constructed in advance of the wet
weather season.
-------
Sidecasting of slide debris should not be allowed. This material
should be properly placed and compacted in endhaul disposal areas.
-------
Since most logging roads are not constructed for all weather use,
access should be prohibited, when possible, during the off season
periods. If recreation use is encouraged, then provision for
maintenance during wet weather must be considered as well as erosion
resistant road surfacing.
-------
This brochure touches on both
good and bad management prac-
tice pertaining to logging roads.
A road designed using best
management practices is likely to
have lower maintenance costs and
would be environmentally con-
sistent with the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act Amend-
ments of 1972 (PL 92-500).
This Act mandates that pollution
caused by runoff from forest
lands (and other non-point
sources) be controlled to achieve a
national goal of water quality
which provides for the protection
and propagation offish, shellfish,
and wildlife and which provides
for recreation in and on the
waters.
-------
FOR FURTHER
Detailed information on this subjwt
report "Logging,. Roads
910/9-75-007,
Information
22161.
from the
EPA
Technical
Virginia
A second EPA report, HlW "Forest Hdrvest, Residue Treatment,
Reforestation and Protection of Water Qusflity" is to he available in
1976.
-------
PREPARED BY
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION X
1200 6th AVE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101
3TOGRAPHS COURTESY OF U S FOREST SERVICE AND EPA
-------
UJ
CD
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
------- |