Creek and river floodplains and isolated wetlands are periodically inundated, which can result in large areas of flowing and/or “standing” water. Heavy equipment operation, such as skidding, in flowing water or in standing water that is contiguous with nearby flowing water is likely to cause the discharge of sediment or turbid runoff into waters of the State. Discharges of this nature can cause numerous problems to the water resource and may also constitute a State water quality standards violation.
In addition, heavy equipment operation during flooded or saturated soil conditions can cause excessive rutting, which may result in significant soil compaction. If such rutting is widespread, overall reforestation of the site may be severely limited.
The best alternative for logging during wet weather conditions is to postpone the operation until drier conditions prevail. However, when operations must be conducted, the following BMPs apply.
BMPs for Wet Weather Operations
- Avoid heavy equipment operations, especially skidding, during flooded or wet soil conditions. Under certain conditions, special low-ground pressure equipment or other alternatives to conventional skidding may be necessary.
- Do not operate heavy equipment, especially skidders, in floodplains when they are flooded or during conditions of flowing or standing floodwater.
- Minimize skidder and other heavy equipment operation in wetlands during wet conditions to avoid widespread excessive soil rutting. Although some minor rutting may occur in a typical wetland harvesting operation, skidders and other heavy equipment operation should be planned for dry seasons and/or dry periods as much as possible.
- Confine skid trails to as small an area as possible when working in organic or muck soils, especially during wet conditions.
Note: Wet weather forestry operations have the potential for creating water quality standards violations. Such operations that generate an offsite discharge of visibly turbid water above natural background levels, are likely to be in violation of State water quality standards.
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