Changes

==Routine Maintenance - Key Components and I&M Tasks==

==Routine Maintenance - Key Components and I&M Tasks==

Regular inspections (twice annually, at a minimum) done as part of routine maintenance tasks over the operating phase of the BMP life cycle to determine if maintenance task frequencies are adequate and determine when rehabilitation or further investigations into BMP function are warranted.

Generally, routine maintenance will be the same as for any other landscaped area; weeding, pruning, and litter removal. Regular watering may be required during the first two years until vegetation is established. Routine inspection is very important to ensure that dense vegetation cover is maintained and inflowing runoff does not become concentrated within the practice. Vehicles should not be parked or driven on filter strips. For routine mowing of grassed filter strips, the lightest possible mowing equipment should be used to prevent soil compaction. For the first two years following construction the filter strip should be inspected at least quarterly and after every major storm event (> 25 mm). Subsequently, inspections should be conducted in the spring and fall of each year and after major storm events. Inspect for vegetation density (at least 80% coverage), damage by foot or vehicular traffic, channelization, accumulation of debris, trash and sediment, and structural damage to pretreatment devices. Trash and debris should be removed from pretreatment devices and the filter strip surface at least twice annually. Other maintenance activities include weeding, replacing dead vegetation, repairing eroded areas, dethatching and aerating as needed. Remove accumulated sediment on the filter strip surface when dry and exceeding 25 mm depth.

Table below describes routine maintenance tasks for [[bioretention]] practices, organized by BMP component, along with recommended minimum frequencies. It also suggests higher frequencies for certain tasks that may be warranted for BMPs located in highly visible locations or those receiving flow from high traffic areas (vehicle or pedestrian). Tasks involving removal of trash, debris and sediment and weeding/trimming of [[vegetation]] for BMPs in such contexts may need to be done more frequently (i.e., higher standards may be warranted).

Table below describes routine maintenance tasks for [[Vegetated filter strips]], organized by BMP component, along with recommended minimum frequencies. It also suggests higher frequencies for certain tasks that may be warranted for BMPs located in highly visible locations or those receiving flow from high traffic areas (vehicle or pedestrian). Tasks involving removal of trash, debris and sediment and weeding/trimming of [[vegetation]] for BMPs in such contexts may need to be done more frequently (i.e., higher standards may be warranted).

Individuals conducting [[vegetation]] maintenance and in particular, weeding (i.e., removal of undesirable vegetation), should be familiar with the species of [[Plant lists|plants]] specified in the planting plan and experienced in plant identification and methods of removing/controlling noxious weeds. Key resources on these topics are provided below at the links provided:

Individuals conducting [[vegetation]] maintenance and in particular, weeding (i.e., removal of undesirable vegetation), should be familiar with the species of [[Plant lists|plants]] specified in the planting plan and experienced in plant identification and methods of removing/controlling noxious weeds. Key resources on these topics are provided below at the links provided:

*[http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/noxious_weeds.htm Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Noxious Weeds In Ontario list]

*[http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/noxious_weeds.htm Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Noxious Weeds In Ontario list]

*[https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/QRG_FINAL.pdf Ontario Invasive Plant Council’s Quick Reference Guide to Invasive Plant Species]

*[https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/QRG_FINAL.pdf Ontario Invasive Plant Council’s Quick Reference Guide to Invasive Plant Species]

*[https://lonepinebooks.com/product/plants-of-southern-ontario-2/ Plants of Southern Ontario (book), 2014, by Richard Dickinson and France Royer, Lone Pine Publishing, 528 pgs.]

*[https://lonepinebooks.com/product/plants-of-southern-ontario-2/ Plants of Southern Ontario (book), 2014, by Richard Dickinson and France Royer, Lone Pine Publishing, 528 pgs.]

*[http://www.agrifs.ir/sites/default/files/Weeds%20of%20North%20America%20%7BRichard%20Dickinson%7D%20%5B9780226076447%5D%20%282014%29_2.pdf Weeds of North America (book), 2014, by Richard Dickinson and France Royer, University of Chicago Press, 656 pgs.]

*[http://www.agrifs.ir/sites/default/files/Weeds%20of%20North%20America%20%7BRichard%20Dickinson%7D%20%5B9780226076447%5D%20%282014%29_2.pdf Weeds of North America (book), 2014, by Richard Dickinson and France Royer, University of Chicago Press, 656 pgs.]