201Clearing and Grubbing Right-of-Way

201.1General Description

This work includes clearing, grubbing, removing and disposing of vegetation, buildings and debris within the entire Right-of-Way and easement areas adjacent to the Right-of-Way or as designated by the Engineer. Except, do not remove objects designated to remain or removed according to other sections of these specifications. This work also includes preserving (from injury and defacement) vegetation and objects designated to remain in place. 201.1.01 Definitions Clearing: Removing and disposing trees, brush, stumps, logs, grass, weeds, roots, decayed vegetable matter, poles, stubs, rubbish, refuse dumps, sawdust piles, and loose boulders of 1 yd³ (1 m³) or less existing outside of the construction limits, debris resting on or protruding through the ground surface, or appearing on the Right-of-Way before final acceptance of the work. Clearing also includes removing and disposing of obstructions, such as fences, bridges, buildings, and other incidental structures within the Right-of-Way unless the work or a portion of the work is: • Removed as excavation • Shown in the Proposal as a separate Pay Item • Performed by others Grubbing: Removal from the Right-of-Way and proper disposal of all objectionable matter defined above under clearing, which is embedded in the underlying soil. Grubbing also includes removing and properly disposing of parking lots, abandoned pavements, sidewalks, driveways, catch basins, drop inlets, pipes, manholes, curbing, retaining walls, utilities, foundations, paved floors, underground tanks (for removal of underground tanks see Section 217), and other structures within the Right-of-Way unless the work or portions of the work are: • Obstructions removed as one of the excavation items • Shown in the Proposal as separate Pay Items • Removed by others • To be incorporated in the project. Objectionable Roots: Any of the following types of roots: • Matted trees and brush roots (regardless of the size of the roots) • Individual roots more than 0.75 in. (20 mm) diameter • Individual roots more than 3 ft. (1 m) long regardless of size • Large quantities of smaller roots present in the top 1 ft. (300 mm) of the finished subgrade or road sur face when detrimental to the work as determined by the Engineer. Stumps: The butt of a tree with a diameter of 4 in. (100 mm) or more. 177 177 177 177 177 177 177 177 177 177

201.1.02 Related References

General Provisions 101 through 150. 201.1.03 Submittals General Provisions 101 through 150.

201.2Materials

General Provisions 101 through 150. 201.2.01 Delivery, Storage, and Handling General Provisions 101 through 150.

201.3Construction Requirements

201.3.01 Personnel General Provisions 101 through 150. 201.3.02 Equipment General Provisions 101 through 150. 201.3.03 Preparation General Provisions 101 through 150. 201.3.04 Fabrication General Provisions 101 through 150. 178 178 178 178 178 178 178 178 178 178

201.3.05 Construction

Establish Right-of-Way and construction lines. The Engineer will designate which trees, shrubs, and plants will remain in the ground. Preserve things designated to remain. Apply the requirements of Subsection 107.22, Subsection 107.23, and Section 161 to clearing and grubbing operations. Strip grass immediately ahead of grading. To prevent the spread of Introduced Invasive Pest Species, do the following:

with soil attached.

wi ll not be required for vegetative matter.

b urning on site (where permitted) or bury with a minimum cover of 3 ft. (1 meter) at an approved site. Obtain the Engineer’s approval for any other methods of disposal.

Clear objects within the Right-of-Way and easement areas as follows:

the Right-of-Way.

Grubbing consists of removing and disposing objectionable matter embedded in the underlying soil (defined in S ubsection 201.3.05.B, Clearing) from the Right-of-Way and easement areas.

When grubbing, remove abandoned obstructions referenced in Subsection 201.1.01 Definitions to the following depths:

st ructure, including installations such as guard rail posts and utility poles.

1) R emove to at least 3 ft. (1 m) below the finished surface of slopes and shoulders and 1 ft. (300 mm) below natural ground outside construction lines. 2) T horoughly crack or break abandoned structures that may impound water. These structures include co ncrete floors, basements, and catch basins within 10 ft. (3 m) of finished grade. 3) B reak floors so that no section greater than 10 ft.² (1 m²) remains intact. 179 179 179 179 179 179 179 179 179 179

de pth of 2 ft. (600 mm) below the ground line.

roots (see Subsection 201.1.01 Objectionable Roots) detrimental to the work.

( 150 m) deep.

power mower.

Modify clearing and grubbing as follows:

Modify clearing and grubbing in excavation areas as follows:

fi nished subgrade. In this case, fill the portion of each hole below subgrade elevation with suitable mater ial compacted to at least the density of the surrounding soil.

Modify clearing and grubbing in embankment areas as follows:

Clear and grub areas without modification where the original ground and finished grade differ in elevation 4. 5 ft. (1.4 m) or less.

Clear, but do not grub areas covered by embankments exceeding the 4.5 ft. (1.4 m) elevation differences pecified in step (a) above. Except the removal of unsound or decayed stumps. Remove and backfill stumps according to Subsection 201.3.05.C.2. When leaving sound stumps in place, cut them off to no more than 6 in. (150 mm) above the original ground line.

Clear and grub without modification ditches and slopes of old roads to a depth that removes all objectionable matter to provide a firm foundation. 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180

Except as specified in this section, clear and grub the entire Right-of-Way and easement areas outside co nstruction limits and leave it smooth and free from loose boulders and debris that would interfere with p ower mowers. Exceptions to the above requirements are as follows: a . Selective Clearing When the Engineer directs to preserve certain trees and plants, protect them from injury. Trees to be r emoved shall be felled to prevent injury to standing trees, plants, and improvements to be preserved. Cut off tree branches overhanging the roadway within 20 ft. (6 m) of the finished grade close to the boles. Also, remove other branches to create a balanced appearance. Grub areas adjacent to selected trees and shrubs without damage to living roots of the selected trees or shrubs.

Clear special treatment areas according to the plan notes.

Clear or selectively clear slopes that are too steep for power mowers (slopes steeper than 3 horizontal to 1 vertical) and clear or selectively clear slopes that are subject to excessive erosion. Do not grub i n thes e areas.

Do not grub (if the Engineer approves) reasonably large areas outside construction limits covered with g rasses and smooth enough for power mowers. Remove stumps, trees, and other objectionable matter.

Modify clearing and grubbing at bridge sites as follows:

Clear the Right-of-Way for stream bridges for the full length of the proposed structure. Cut stumps and b rush flush with the ground line. The Engineer will require a second cutting if high water prevents cutting stumps flush with the ground. If the Engineer requires more than two cuttings, see Subsection 201.5 for payment. Remove drift and stumps where necessary to permit installation of rip rap, piling, piers, abutments, wing walls, and bents. Properly backfill the holes. Preserve stump and brush root systems at river and stream banks when they have been cut flush with the g round line.

Clear and grub bridges (other than stream bridges) as specified within this specification for roadway areas and areas outside of the roadway. 181 181 181 181 181 181 181 181 181 181

The Department may dispose of merchantable timber and buildings or may allow a property owner to remove them from the land granted for Right-of-Way before the Contractor begins operation. Therefore, the D epartment does not guarantee that merchantable timber or buildings will be on the Right-of-Way when the w ork begins. Material salvaged from removing timber or buildings becomes the property of the Contractor. Demolish, remove, and dispose of all building structures within the right of way and easement areas including concrete slabs, footings, foundations, etc. except building structures designated to remain in place. Grade to drain all disturbed ground to a reasonably smooth and pleasing appearance, free from loose boulders and other debris that would interfere with the use of power mowers. Grass all disturbed areas. Prior to demolition or removal:

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) accredited inspector whose certification is current.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources in accordance with EPD regulations with a copy to the

engineer. This notice is required even if there is no asbestos present.

If there is asbestos present, its removal shall be done by a contractor licensed with the EPD in accordance

with the Rules of Georgia Department of Natural Resource Environmental Protection Division chapter

391-3-14-04. All asbestos removal and disposal shall be done in accordance with EPD regulations. All

asbestos removal shall be considered as Extra Work and payment will be made in accordance with

Subsection 109.05.

Abide by Federal, State, and local codes when the Right-of-Way (or any portion of the Right-of-Way) lies

within an area where burning is restricted. All combustible material except sawdust piles may be burned on

the Right-of-Way except where prohibited by Federal, State, or local air pollution control regulations.

on the Right-of-Way and easement areas.

prevent damage to traveling public.

Burning area are subject to the approval of the Engineer.

located on private property, present written authority to the Engineer (signed by the property owner)

granting the Contractor and the Department permission to use the area for the purpose intended. Reclaim

the disposal area according to Section 160 except that the reclamation is at the Contractor’s expense.

or deposit it on the Right-of-Way in a layer less than 3 in (75 mm) deep. Immediately mix the sawdust with

the underlying soil by dicing and harrowing. Leave the harrowed surface smooth. 182182182182182182182182182182

reinforcement where the reinforcement has been removed flush with the surface of the concrete

and cured asphalt, provided that such material does not contain hazardous waste constituents

above background levels and the material results from Department funded construction

contracts. Such fill is not subject to the Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act of

1990 and the Solid Waste Management Rules when used as fill material on Department funded

construction contracts or Department property or when used as fill material on property not

owned by the Department when all requirements of this specification are fully met. Common fill

meeting this definition may be placed as follows:

requirements of the Solid Waste Rules and Act and any other applicable laws or ordinances.

• Place the material in uniform layers 3 ft. thick or less and distributed to avoid the formation of

large voids or pockets.

• Fill voids with finer material.

• Cover the last layer of fill with at least 2 ft. of soil.

• Construct the fill according to Section 208, except compact it to at least 90 percent of the

maximum laboratory dry density.

• A Georgia registered professional engineer shall document, certify and submit the following

information on behalf of the Contractor to the Department; compaction rates, waste description

including average particle size, and the depth of clean earthen fill lying above the engineered fill.

accordance with the following requirements:

• As compacted fill incorporated into embankment only. No area shall be excavated for the sole

purpose of disposing of common fill.

• Place the material in uniform layers 3 ft. thick or less and distributed to avoid the formation of

large voids or pockets.

• Fill voids with finer material.

• Cover the last layer of fill with at least 2 ft. of soil.

• Construct the fill according to Section 208, except compact it to at least 90 percent of the

maximum laboratory dry density.

• Records of the exact location by station and offsets, amount disposed per location in cubic

yards, waste description including average particle size, compaction rates and depth of clean

earthen fill lying above the composite materials shall be kept by the Engineer.

plastic, metal and materials that qualify under EPD regulations for sale or use may be reclaimed by

the Contractor. 183183183183183183183183183183

aforementioned common fill items that do not meet the compaction requirements when placed in

an excess materials pit. An inert waste landfill permit shall be obtained in accordance with

GDNR/EPD Rules to properly record the disposal of inert waste when compaction requirements

are not met at an excess materials pit. If disposed of at a landfill, inert waste may only be

disposed at a permitted municipal, construction and demolition materials or inert landfill fully

meeting all requirements of the Solid Waste Rules and Act and any other applicable laws

or ordinances.

other such by-products of construction not specifically listed above as either common fill or inert

waste. Construction and or demolition waste must be disposed of at a permitted municipal,

construction and demolition materials, or inert landfill fully meeting all requirements of the Solid

Waste Rules and Act and any other applicable laws or ordinances.

through a properly licensed hazardous waste disposal facility.

to Section 215.

receipts generated by the receiving landfill shall be provided to the Engineer.

landfills exceeding one acre, a copy of the landfill’s NPDES General Storm water Permit Notice of

Intent (NOI) and any local jurisdiction Land Disturbing Activity Permit, if applicable, shall be

provided to the Engineer.

Contractor and verified by the Department before any common fill, inert waste, or other solid

waste is allowed to leave the site.

location the Department deems necessary until a valid NPDES Notice of Termination is filed.

in containers.

the following:

• The Georgia Solid Waste Management Rules, as amended (391-3-4)

• Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act of 1990, as amended (O.C.G.A. 12-8-20)

• The Georgia Erosion & Sedimentation Act as amended (O.C.G.A. 12-7-1) and any applicable Local

and State requirements as well as the General Permits of the Georgia Water Quality Control Act

• Any other applicable Federal, State, or Local rules or laws 184184184184184184184184184184

Drift material is defined as organic debris, primarily large tree limbs, that are carried by a stream and accumulate

at the upstream side of bridges and culverts, impeding navigation and threatening the integrity of the drainage

structure. If removal of drift material is required on the project, the following conditions are intended as a minimum

to protect aquatic resources during drift removal activities executed by GDOT personnel or contractors.

These species are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the Georgia Endangered Wildlife Act

of 1973 and the Georgia Wildflower Preservation Act of 1973. There are civil and criminal penalties for

harming, harassing, or killing these species.

of the stream from the top of the bridge deck or road surface. Any modifications to this method or any other

methods for removal shall be submitted to, and will require prior written approval from, the State

Environmental Administrator within the GDOT Office of Environmental Services

(Ecology_submittals@dot.ga.gov). Accumulated drift material shall not be dragged across the streambed.

into the stream for the purpose of accessing accumulated drift, provided that water depth is adequate to

ensure the watercraft would not contact the streambed.

clearing shall not be used within 200 feet of stream banks. Vegetation clearing by hand is permissible.

facility or a permitted inert waste landfill. Refer to Subsection 201.3.05.E.3.b of the Standard Specification and

Supplements thereto for additional information.

Environmental Administrator shall immediately be notified by providing a description of the incident and

photos of the harmed aquatic species to Ecology_submittals@dot.ga.gov. All activities on or near the

structure shall cease, except traffic control and erosion control activities, pending consultation by the

Department with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Georgia Department of

Natural Resources, and, if applicable, the lead federal agency.

201.3.06 Quality Acceptance

General Provisions 101 through 150.

201.3.07 Contractor Warranty and Maintenance

General Provisions 101 through 150.

201.4Measurement

The Department does not measure clearing and grubbing separately for payment. The area is considered the full

Right-of-Way width for the length of the Project including slope and construction easement areas shown on the plans.

201.4.01 Limits

General Provisions 101 through 150. 185185185185185185185185185185

201.5Payment

Payment for this Item, completed and accepted, will be made at the lump sum price bid. The payment will be full

compensation for all work specified in this Section including final cleanup as required.

If the Engineer requires more than two cuttings to clear the Right-of-Way for stream bridges (according to

Subsection 201.3.05.D.4.a), the additional cuttings will be paid for as a Force Account according to

Subsection 109.05.

No separate payment will be made for the disposal of solid waste materials.

Payment will be made under:

Item No. 201 Clearing and grubbing Per lump sum

Item No. 201 Removal of Drift Material Per lump sum

201.5.01 Adjustments

General Provisions 101 through 150.. 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 186