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DocuSign Envelope ID: F52521E7-10C1-43F9-B62F-C1E599A5D572 <br /> Practice Standards and Specifications <br /> PROTECTIVE MATTING <br /> Protective matting consists of an impervious cover secured to the soil surface <br /> in lieu of vegetative cover. It is used to protect and stabilize the surface where <br /> the process of seeding or planting forms of vegetation may cause more erosion <br /> and off-site sedimentation than application of the mat. It is also used where a <br /> disturbed area is intended to lay fallow for a period of time before additional <br /> construction or land disturbance takes place. If a pervious matting is selected, <br /> a combination of vegetation and matting is required. Seeds can be applied <br /> prior to installation of the matting only after proper seedbed preparation <br /> has been provided. Also, live stakes, dormant sprigs, and other vegetation <br /> forms can be inserted in the pervious matting once it has been installed. Pre- <br /> seeded pervious matting may be used for quicker root establishment and <br /> stabilization only if certified dating and germination guarantees are provided. <br /> The reviewing agency must approve all pre-seeded matting on site prior to <br /> installation. Matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine should <br /> not be used in wetlands, riparian buffers or floodplains due to the potential <br /> of small animal mortality. See Section 6.17 for detailed specifications and <br /> recommended product applications. <br /> STABILIZATION IN WETLANDS, RIPARIAN BUFFERS, AND <br /> FLOODPLAINS <br /> Land disturbing activity involving streams, wetlands or other waterbodies <br /> may also require permitting by the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers or the N.C. <br /> Division of Water Quality.Approval of an erosion and sedimentation control <br /> plan is conditioned upon the applicant's compliance with federal and State <br /> water quality laws,regulations,and rules.Additionally,a draft plan should be <br /> disapproved if implementation of the plan would result in a violation of rules <br /> adopted by the Environmental Management Commission to protect riparian <br /> buffers along surface waters. Care should be taken in selecting vegetative <br /> stabilization of wetlands and riparian buffers to comply with permitting <br /> requirements of other agencies,as well as provide adequate ground cover. <br /> Planning Considerations for Land Disturbing Activities Within Wetland, <br /> Riparian,and Floodplain Areas <br /> Wetlands,riparian areas,floodplains,and/or terrestrial areas between streams <br /> and uplands,serve to buffer surface water and provide habitat for aquatic and <br /> terrestrial flora and fauna. When cleared and disturbed,these sensitive areas <br /> are difficult to protect. Because of their proximity to water courses,relatively <br /> high ground water tables,and flooding potential,detailed analysis and design <br /> is necessary to determine the appropriate erosion control measures during <br /> construction. Determining the appropriate and most expeditious means of <br /> permanent vegetative stabilization in these areas requires equally detailed <br /> analysis and design. The following considerations for erosion control and <br /> stabilization should be taken into account during the design phase of the land <br /> disturbing project where sensitive areas are involved: <br /> • Obtain soil tests to determine the soil type, pH, texture and available <br /> nutrients. <br /> • Based on the soil tests provide a schedule of nutrients and other soil <br /> amendments that will be required. <br /> Rev.5/08 6.11.7 <br />