An overview of closure site vegetative management for waste sites

摘要

This poster session is important to the International Erosion Control Association's Conference because few papers or posters are presented about vegetative management for waste sites. At the Savannah River Site, the Environmental Restoration Programis focused on remediation and deploying innovative technologies in a cost-effective manner. Presently most states require a vegetative cover on closure sites for sediment and erosion control. Establishment of a permanent vegetative cover on closure sites for clean up sites is often difficult due to severe soil compaction and ground water infiltration restrictions. The use of generic practices of vegetative management does little to help with vegetative management. Currently, large amounts of money arespent to protect closure caps. In response to this issue, the USDA Forest Service and Natural Resource Conservation Service collaborated with Westinghouse Savannah River Corporation and the Department of Energy to implement unique protection measures toprovide for a low cost vegetative management approach. A diverse and balanced group of managers, scientists, stakeholders, agencies, contractors, and custodians has implemented new technology deployment. Soils tests are first taken from the caps to determine nutrient requirements. Then a variety of treatments are used to establish and maintain vegetation. Liming, tilling, aerial fertilizing, composting, matting, sodding, sprigging, overseeding, aerating, watering, mowing and applying herbicides are examples of treatments choices. Prescribed fire on closure sites is done to reduce mowing cost, remove thatch, and help establish a low growing maintenance free vegetative cover. Using prescribed fire on waste management caps is a unique approach that has apotential to become a BMP treatment on other waste sites. The Department of Energy at this time is evaluating the use of prescribed fire.