Overview and schedule of general maintenance activities for vegetated filter strips
Overview and schedule of general maintenance activities for vegetated filter strips
Link to this table
| First Year of Operation | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activity | Frequency | Time period | Level of effort | O&M benefita |
| Inspect the level spreader for sediment buildup and the vegetation for signs of erosion, bare spots, and overall health. | At least twice after storm events > 0.5 inches | Within the first 6 months | 1-2 hours | 1,5 |
| Check for evidence of clogging or failing of the inlet, outlet, and bypass pipes. | At least twice after storm events > 0.5 inches | Within the first 6 months | <1 hour | 1 |
| Remove any stormwater diversion or barriers once seedlings are established. | Once | When plants are sufficiently established | 1-2 hours | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Supplemental watering during drier periods, particularly if keeping stormwater offline until plant seedlings are established. | 1/week initially | During first 2 months | 1-2 hours | 2,3,4,5,6 |
| As needed | First growing season | 1-2 hours | ||
| Mow grass in surrounding area to 3-4 inches | As needed | During growing season | 1 hour | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Removal of sediment and debris from the toe of slope or level spreader. | Biannually | In spring and fall | 1-2 hours | 1,5 |
| Reseed bare spots as needed. | As needed | First growing season | 2-4 hours | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| After First Year of Operation | ||||
| Activity | Frequency | Time Period | Level of Effort per Visit | O&M Benefit* |
| Inspect the level spreader for sediment buildup and the vegetation for signs of erosion, bare spots, and overall health. | Annually and after storm events larger than the 10-year return period | After winter and after storm events larger than the 10-year return period | 1-2 hours | 1,5 |
| Mow the grass or vegetation only if needed. Avoid mowing when the ground is wet. | As needed | During growing season | 1-2 hours | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Inspect for and remove excess sediment in the pre-treatment device and/or in the main treatment area. | Monthly | All year long | 4 hours if removal is needed | 1 |
| Remove sediment and debris from the toe of slope or level spreader. | Biannually | In spring and fall | 1-2 hours | 1,5 |
| Remove trash and debris from the pre-treatment device and/or in the main treatment area. | Monthly during rainy season | All year long. Cleaning may need to be done more frequently during the summer storm season and less during the drier winter season | 1-2 hours | 1,5 |
| Mow grass in surrounding area to 3-4 inches | As needed | During growing season | 1 hour | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Weed and remove invasive plants | Twice during growing season | During growing season | 1-2 hours | 2,3,4,5 |
| Inspect plant composition and health and replace as needed | Annually | In fall or spring | 4 hours if plant replacement is needed | 2,3,4,5,6 |
| Reseed bare spots as needed. | Biannually | In spring and fall | 1-2 hours | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Supplemental watering during drier periods, particularly if keeping stormwater offline until plant seedlings are established. | As needed during extended dry periods | Dry periods | 1-2 hours | 2,3,4,5,6 |
| Spring cleanup (cut back and remove last year’s material) | Annually | In spring | 2-4 hours | 2,3,4,5 |
| Fall cleanup (removed excessive leaf litter, particularly in areas with lots of trees) | Annually | In fall | 2-4 hours | 2,3,4,5 |
| After 5+ Years of Operation (non-routine maintenance) | ||||
| Activity | Frequency | Time Period | Level of Effort per Visit | O&M Benefit* |
| After long term operation of the practice, some occasional and infrequent maintenance activities might be required, such as bigger repairs, soil regeneration, regrading, or redesign of key elements of the practice. | As needed | As needed | Could be significant depending on the activity | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
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Key to Maintenance Benefits:
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