accidental wetlands from compaction?
accidental wetlands from compaction?
(OP)
On a site in eastern US mountains, there was a sawmill for many years (35?). The operation was placed on level land between a fairly steep slope and a stream. It spread about 1000 feet parallel with the stream. In addition, another 500 feet down stream was used for a sawdust spread area, filled 3 feet or so above the natural ground level. All was kept far from the stream, so that's not the problem. But much of the ground in the relatively flat area between the sawmill land and the hill is presently a hydric soil, with seasonal water table up to ground level.
Is it possible/probable that the compaction caused by trucks carrying logs and spreading sawdust caused the near wetland condition upslope? Is it fixable? Seems like a different situation to me, to undo this damage, than a typical 'drain the wetlands' scenario.
Any ideas? Experiences? Thanks!
Is it possible/probable that the compaction caused by trucks carrying logs and spreading sawdust caused the near wetland condition upslope? Is it fixable? Seems like a different situation to me, to undo this damage, than a typical 'drain the wetlands' scenario.
Any ideas? Experiences? Thanks!





RE: accidental wetlands from compaction?
by the way, what "damage" are you referring to needing to fix? are you just needing a more-stable area for trucks to drive across?
i'd suggest you not get to anxious to drain/impact any wetland areas without proper permits and specific approval to do so. the fines associated with doing so are essentially "unlimited" depending on the scenario and with whom you are dealing. the "with whom" part is the critical portion of the equation since it very well could be the corp of engineers, epd, etc....let me reiterate the "UNLIMITED" part! proceed with caution and with someone knowledgeable of the state laws relative to your situation!
RE: accidental wetlands from compaction?
RE: accidental wetlands from compaction?
The area upslope from the sawmill used to be a farm, now abandoned, so I guess that "damage" is what I'd call turning crop land into a soggy mess. I was trying to distinguish between a naturally-made soggy mess and a man-made soggy mess, and whether that affected any potential wetlands designation. Part of it is still mowed for hay, currently tall fescue mixed with some wild looking wheat probably from past crops.
RE: accidental wetlands from compaction?
RE: accidental wetlands from compaction?
If these criteria are present, you have a man-made wetland. If there are no records of activity on the site during the last 5 years, proceed at your own risk. The penalities are great (nothing I'd risk for my client, that is. . .)
f-d
¡papá gordo ain't no madre flaca!
RE: accidental wetlands from compaction?
What ya got is a landfill and maybe those regs will apply now.