7-138 SECTIO N 755 – LANDSCAPIN G AND EPSC MATERIALS 755.0 1 LANDSCAP E BACKFILL . Landscape backfill shall consist of approximately 50% topsoil in accordance with Subsection 755.02 , 25% compost in accordance with Subsection 755.05 , and 25% native soil, all measured by volume. Landscape backfill shall be uniformly mixed prior to placemen t. Native soil conforming to Subsection 755.02 may be substituted for topsoil.
755.02 TOPSOIL . Topsoil shall be a screened, workable soil free of refuse, roots, stones (larger than 1
inch), brush, noxious weeds, and other debris detrimental to plant growth.
a.Natural Topsoil . Natural topsoil shall conform to the requirements of ASTM D5268.
b.Manufactured Topsoil . Manufactured topsoil shall conform to the requirements of ASTM D5268 , except as modified below:
1.pH. The pH shall be 5.5 to 8.5.
2.Organic Matter . Organic matter content (including, but not limited to, short paper fiber and biosolids) shall be in accordance with ASTM D5268 . Short paper fiber and biosolids shall meet the following requirements:
a.Short Paper Fiber . Short paper fiber shall be in accordance with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Comprehensive Short Paper Fiber Management Procedure .
b.Biosolids . Biosolids shall be Exceptional Quality biosolids in accordance with the Vermont Agency o f Natural Resources Solid Waste Management Rules, Subchapter 13 .
3.Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) . The composite manufactured topsoil shall have maximum PFAS screening values as specified in Table 755.02A when tested in accordance with EPA Method 1633 . TABLE 755.02A – PFAS SOIL -TO-GROUNDWATER SCREENING VALUES PFAS Analyte Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number Soil to Groundwater Screening Value (µg/kg) Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) 375-85-9 0.84 Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) 355-46-4 0.38 Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) 375-95-1 0.44 Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) 1763 -23-1 3.40 Perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA) 335-67-1 1.60 7-139 755.0 3 SOD. Sod shall be live, fresh, and of suitable character for the soil in which it is placed. Sod shall be of a firm, even texture, show good root development, be free from noxious weeds, disease, and insect problems, and shall have a compact growth of vigorou s, dark green grass. Sod shall be machine -cut with a uniform soil thickness of 0.5 inches to 2 inches (not including shoot growth or thatch). T he thickness of the soil, thatch, and canopy shall be at least 1.5 inches when compressed, with a thatch layer no greater than 0.5 inches. The sod shall be approved by the Engineer prior to being cut and again before it is laid. 755.0 4 SEED . Seed shall be furnished in new, clean, sealed, and properly labeled containers, either separately or mixed, as appropr iate, and shall conform to the seed formula shown on the Plans. Seed that has become wet, moldy, or otherwise damaged will not be accepted. Seed that is a year or more past its sell by date, or seed that has not been tested for more than one year, will not be accepted.
a.Testing . The seed shall conform to all state and federal regulations.
b.Labels . Labels shall conform to all state and federal regulations and shall be clearly marked with the following information:
1.Seed name
2.Seed species and percentage
3.Lot number
4.Germination percentage
5.Purity percentage
6.Weed seed content percentage
7.Sell by date
8.Origin 755.0 5 COMPOST . Compost shall be free of weed seeds , shall comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements for compost , and shall meet the definition of compost in 10 V.S.A. § 6001(33) . The compost shall have a loose and granular texture with the characteristics and properties specified in Table 755.05A . 7-140 TABLE 755.05A – COMPOST MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS Property Requirement Organic matter content 30% – 60% Total Kjeldahl nitrogen content 0.5% – 2.0% pH 6.5 – 7.5 Maximum particle size 1 inch Maximum s oluble salt content 5 mmhos/cm Moisture content 35% – 55% The compost shall possess no objectionable odors and shall not resemble the raw material from which it was derived. At least 14 calendar days prior to delivery and use, the Contractor shall provide a compost analysis to the Engineer . The analysis shall be performed by a facility employing the Test Method for the Examination of Composting and Compost . 755.0 6 FERTILIZER . Fertilizer shall be a standard commercial grade dry fertilizer and shall conform to the requirements of all state an d federal regulations and to the standards of AOAC International . The f ertilizer composition shall be as shown on the Plans. Of the available nitrogen, 50% shall be in a slow -release form, as is found in certain urea form products or natural organic forms, or a combination of both. The fertilizer shall be furnished in new, clean, sealed, and properly labeled bags not weighing more than 100 pounds each. Caked or otherwise damaged fertilizer will not be accepted. Labels shall be clearly marked with the following information:
a.Manufacturer’s name
b.Type
c.Weight
d.Guaranteed analysis 755.0 7 MYCORRHIZA L FUNGI PRODUCT . Mycorrhizal fungi product shall be of granular form and shall include mycorrhizae spores to enhance root growth, nutrient uptake, and reduce transplant shock. Mycorrhizal fungi shall be one of the mycorrhizal fungi listed Agency’s Approved Products List . 7-141 755.0 8 AGRICULTURA L LIMESTONE . Agricultural limestone shall be a calcitic or dolomitic ground limestone containing not less than 85% of total (calcium or magnesium) carbonates. The limestone shall conform to the requirements of all state and federal regulations an d to the standards of AOAC International .
a.Packaging . The limestone shall be furnished in new, clean, sealed, and properly labeled bags not weighing more than 100 pounds each. Caked or otherwise damaged limestone will not be accepted. Labels shall be clearly marked with the following information:
1.Manufacturer’s name
2.Type
3.Weight
4.Guaranteed analysis
b.Gradation . Agricultural limestone shall meet the gradation requirements of Table 755.08A , as determined in accordance with AASHTO T 27 . TABLE 755.08A – GRADATION OF AGRICULTURAL LIMESTONE Sieve Designation Percentage by Mass (Weight) Passing Square Mesh Sieves No. 10 (2.00 mm) 100 No. 100 (0.150 mm) 40 – 100 755.0 9 LIQUI D LIME. Liquid lime shall be a commercially formulated calcium carbonate lime mixture. Labels shall be clearly marked with the following information:
a.Manufacturer’s name
b.Type
c.Weight
d.Guaranteed analysis 7-142 755.1 0 MULC H MATERIALS . Mulch materials shall conform to the following requirements:
a.Hay Mulch . Hay mulch shall consist of mowed and properly cured grass or legumes, reasonably free from swamp grass, weeds, twigs, debris, invasive species, or other deleterious material , and free from rot or mold. It shall be in an air -dry condition suitable for placing with mulch blower equipment and shall be acceptable to the Engineer.
b.Wood Chip Mulch . Wood chip mulch shall consist of hardwood chips having a nominal thickness of 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch and with 50% having an area of not less than 1 square inch or more than 6 square inches. All wood chip mulch shall be reasonably free from materials that are injurious to plant growth.
c.Bark Mulch . Mulch material used for landscape plantings shall consist of well composted shredded cedar, pine, or spruce bark, 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch nominal thickness, with 50% having an area of not less than 1 square inch or more than 6 square inches. All bark mulch shall be reasonably free from leaves, twigs, shavings, insect pests, eggs, larvae, or other material that is injurious to plant growth .
d.Fiber Mulch . Fiber mulch shall be produced from natural or recycled (pulp) fiber, such as wood chips or similar wood materials or from newsprint, chipboard, corrugated cardboard, or a combination of these processed materials. Fiber mulch shall be free of synth etic or plastic materials, weed seed, and growth or germination inhibiting substances and shall be nontoxic to plant or animal life. Fiber mulch shall have a water -holding capacity by mass of not less than 900% and shall be of such character that the fiber will disperse into a uniform slurry when mixed with water. The water content of the fiber before mixing into slurry shall not exceed 12% (± 3% ) of the dry mass of the fiber. The moisture content of the fiber shall be marked on the package. Fiber mulch shall be colored to contrast with the area on which it is to be applied and shall not stain concrete or painted surfaces. Fiber mulch shall be one of the fiber mulch products listed on the Agency’s Approved Products List.
e.Hydraulic Matrix . The hydraulic matrix shall consist of a mix of long strand, residual, wood fibers and a high -strength bonding agent. The matrix shall be 100% biodegradable over time, nontoxic to fish and wildlife, and it shall not contain any synthetic fibers. The hydraulic matrix shall be colored to contrast with the area on which it is to be applied, and shall not stain concrete or painted surfaces. Hydraulic matrix shall be one of the hydraulic matrices listed on the Agency’s Approved Products List. 7-143 (f) Tackifier . Tackifier for hay mulch shall be guar based organic tackifier, starch based -agricultural tackifier or another type of mulch binder as approved by t he Engineer. Tackifier for stabilization of bare soils, without mulch or other fiber incorporated, shall use materials and quantities specified by the manufacturer based on the results of soils, water, and site assessment. Tackifiers shall be nontoxic to p lant or animal life and non -staining to concrete or painted surfaces. Tackifiers shall be water soluble, linear, and non -cross -linked. Tackifiers shall be non -combustible and shall not change the soil pH. Tackifier shall be one of the tackifier products listed on the Agency’s Approved Products List .
g.Straw Mulch . Straw mulch shall consist of threshed plant residue of oats, wheat, barley, rye, or rice from which the grain has been removed. The material shall be free of noxious weeds, undesirabl e grasses and plants, and rot or mold, and shall be approved by the Engineer prior to use. 755.1 1 ROLLE D EROSIO N CONTRO L PRODUCT .
a.Rolled Erosion Control Product, Type I . Type I rolled erosion control product shall conform to one of the specification s and corresponding properties found in Table 755.11A . Type I rolled erosion control product shall be used in temporary applications where natural vegetation will provide permanent erosion protection. Type I rolled erosion control product may be either mulch control netting or erosion control blankets, which are defined as follows:
1.Mulch control netting is a temporary biodegradable rolled erosion control product (RECP) composed of planar woven natural fiber.
2.Erosion control blanket is a temporary all -natural biodegradable rolled erosion control product composed of processed fibers mechanically bound together to form a continuous matrix. 7-144 TABLE 755.11A – ROLLED EROSION CONTROL PRODUCT, TYPE I SPECIFICATIONS Product Description Material Composition Longevity (months) Slope Applications 1 Channel Applications 1 Min. Tensile Strength (lbs/ft) 7 Max. Gradient (V:H) C Factor 2, 3 Max. Shear Stress (lbs/ft2) 4, 5, 6 Mulch control nets All-natural biodegradable mesh or woven netting 3 1:5 ≤ 0.10 0.25 5 12 1:5 ≤ 0.10 0.25 5 24 1:5 ≤ 0.10 0.25 25 Netless rolled erosion control blankets All-natural biodegradable fibers mechanically interlocked together to form a continuous matrix 3 1:4 ≤ 0.10 0.50 5 12 1:4 ≤ 0.10 0.50 5 Single -net erosion control blankets All-natural processed, biodegradable fibers mechanically bound together by a single net of yarn or twine woven into a continuous matrix 3 1:3 ≤ 0.15 1.5 50 12 1:3 ≤ 0.15 1.5 50 Double -net erosion control blankets All-natural processed, biodegradable fibers mechanically bound together between two nets of yarn or twine woven into a continuous matrix 3 1:2 ≤ 0.20 1.75 75 12 1:2 ≤ 0.20 1.75 75 24 1:1.5 ≤ 0.25 2.00 100 36 1:1 ≤ 0.25 2.25 125 1 The C factor and shear stress for mulch control nettings shall be obtained with netting used in conjunction with pre -applied mulch material. 2 The C factor is calculated as ratio of soil loss from RECP protected slope (tested at specified or greater gradient, V:H) to the ratio of soil loss from the unprotected (control) plot in large -scale testing. These performance test values should be supported by pe riodic bench scale testing under similar test conditions using ECTC Test Method # 2. 3 Acceptable large -scale test methods may include ASTM D6459, ECTC Test Method #2 , or other independent testing deemed acceptable by the Engineer. 4 Required minimum shear stress RECP (unvegetated) can sustain without physical damage or excess erosion (> 0.5 in ch soil loss) during a 30 -minute flow event in large -scale testing. These performance test values sh all be supported by periodic bench scale testing under simila r test conditions and failure criteria using ECTC Test Method #3 . 5 The permissible shear stress levels established for each performance category are based on historical experience with products characterized by Manning ’s roughness coefficients in the range of 0.01 to 0.05. 6 Per the Engineer’s discretion. The recommended acceptable large -scale testing protocol may include ASTM D6460, ECTC Test Method #3 or other independent testing deemed acceptable by the Engineer. 7 Minimum average roll values , machine direction using ECTC modified ASTM D503 5. 7-145 (b) Rolled Erosion Control Product, Type II . Type II rolled erosion control product shall be a turf reinforcement mat (TRM) composed of ultraviolet stabilized, non -degradable, synthetic fibers, filaments, nettings, or wire mesh processed into three -dimensional reinforcement matrices conforming to one of the specification s and corresponding properties found in Table 755.11B . Type II rolled erosion control product shall be used in permanent applications where vegetation alone will not provide sufficient long -term erosion protection. All categories of TRM shall have a minimum thickness of 0.25 inches and meet the requirements of ASTM D6525 . TRM s shall also have an ultraviolet stability of 80% per the requirements of ASTM D4355 for 500 hours of exposure. For TRMs containing degradable components, all property values shall be obtained on the nondegradab le portion of the matting alone. TABLE 755.11B – ROLLED EROSION CONTROL PRODUCT, TYPE II SPECIFICATIONS Type Product Description Material Composition Slope Applications Channel Applications Minimum Tensile Strength (lbs/ft) 3, 4 Max. Gradient (V:H) Maximum Shear Stress (lbs/ft2) 1, 2 A TRM Non-degradable synthetic fibers , filaments, nets, wire mesh or other elements, processed into a permanent, three -dimensional matrix of sufficient thickness 5 1:0.5 6.0 125 B TRM 1:0.5 8.0 150 C TRM 1:0.5 10.0 175 1 Required minimum shear stress TRM (fully vegetated) can sustain without physical damage or excess erosion (> 0.5 in ch soil loss) during a 30 -minute flow event in large scale testing. These performance test values should be supported by periodic bench scale testing under similar test conditions and failure criteria using ECTC Test Method #3. 2 Acceptable large -scale testing protocol may include ASTM D6460, ECTC Test Method #3 , or other independent testing deemed acceptable by the Engineer. 3 Minimum average roll values, machine direction only for tensile strength determination using ASTM D6818 4 Field conditions with high loading or high survivability requirements may warrant the use of a TRM with a tensile strength of 3,000 pounds per foot or greater. 5 TRMs, which may be supplemented with degradable components, are designed to impart immediate erosion protection, enhance vegetation establishment, and provide long -term functionality by permanently reinforcing vegetation during and after maturation. TRMs a re typically used in hydraulic applications, such as high -flow ditches and channels, steep slopes, stream banks, and shorelines, where erosive forces may exceed the limits of natural, unreinforced vegetation or in areas where limited vegetation establishme nt is anticipated. 7-146 755.1 2 PLAN T MATERIALS . Plant materials shall conform to the following requirements:
a.Quality of Plant Material . All plants shall be first -class representatives of their normal species or varieties, unless otherwise specified. All plant materials shall be nursery grown stock that have been transplanted or root -trimmed two or more times, according to the kind and size of plants. They shall have average or normal, well - developed branches, together with vigorous root sys tems. The plant supplier shall certify that all plant materials were grown in a hardiness zone that is the same or colder than the project site’s hardiness zone as established by the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map . The certificati on shall be identified in such a manner as to be directly traceable to the individual shipment. Plants that are not certified to have been grown under the designated hardiness zone conditions will not be accepted.
b.Plant Names . All scientific and commo n plant names of the items specified shall be names accepted by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System . All plant materials delivered shall be true to name and legibly tagged with the names and sizes of materials.
c.Grading Standards . Grading of plant materials shall be accomplished according to the requirements of ANSI Z60.1 . All plant measurements shall be made in conformance with the standard measurement methods in ANSI Z60.1 . Unless designated as multi -stemmed, the trunk of each t ree shall be a single trunk growing from a single unmutilated crown of roots. The tree trunks shall be free from sunscald, frost cracks, or wounds resulting from abrasions, fire, or other causes. No pruning wounds having a diameter exceeding 2 inches shall be present and all allowable pruning wounds must show vigorous bark on all edges. Trees shall not be pruned prior to delivery. No trees with double -leaders or twin -heads shall be acceptable without the written approval of the Engineer. The Contractor shal l reject such plants at time of delivery by the supplier unless such plants were previously selected by the Engineer as marked by tags and seals. The height and spread of each shrub shall correspond to the specification s for Type 0 through Type 3 as refere nced in ANSI Z60.1 . Single stemmed or thin plants will not be accepted. The side branches shall be generous, well -twigged, and the plant as a whole well -branched to the ground. The plants shall be in a moist vigorous condition, free from dead wood, bruises, or other root or branch injuries. Plants shall not be pruned prior to delivery. 7-147 Vines , perennials, and ground cover plants shall be of the size, age, and condition listed on the Plans . Plants shall be healthy and free of insects and diseases. Gr ound cover plants shall be potted or in soil. Container grown stock shall have been grown in a container long enough for the root system to have developed sufficiently to hold its soil together, firm and whole. No plants shall be loose in the container. No plants shall be root -bound in the container. Such plants shall be rejected. Plants delivered by truck and plants requiring storage on -site shall be properly wrapped and covered to prevent wind -drying and desiccation of branches, leaves, or buds. Plant bal ls shall be firmly bound, unbroken, and reasonably moist to indicate watering prior to delivery and during storage. Tree trunks shall be free from fresh scars and damage in handling. No plant material from cold storage will be accepted. Evergreens shall be quality evergreens with a well -balanced form complying with the relationship requirements of ANSI Z60.1 .
d.Nursery Inspection and Plant Quarantine . All plant materials shall be free from plant diseases and insect pests. All shipments of plants shall com ply with all nursery inspection and plant quarantine regulations of the state of origin and the state of Vermont, as well as with federal regulations governing interstate movement of nursery stock. A certificate of inspection shall accompany each package, box, bale, or carload of plant materials delivered and shall be provided to the Engineer upon request .
e.Balled and Burlapped Plants . Balled and burlapped (B&B) plants shall be dug to retain as many fibrous roots as possible and shall come from soil which will form a firm ball. The soil in the ball shall be the original and undisturbed soil in which the plant has been grown. The plant shall be dug, wrapped, transported, and handled in such manner that the soil in the ball will not be so loosened that it would cause stripping of small and fine feeding roots, or cause the soil to drop away from such roots. All plants shall be moved with the root systems as solid units with balls of earth firmly wrapped with untreated burlap, Class 2, 8 ounces per square yard, firmly held in place by a stout cord or wire. The diameter and depth of the balls of earth shall be sufficient to encompass the fibrous and root feeding system necessary for the healthy development of the plant and in accordance with ANSI Z60.1 . No p lant shall be accepted when the ball of earth surrounding its roots has been badly cracked or broken preparatory to the process of planting or after the burlap, staves, ropes, or platform required in connection with its transplanting have been removed. The plants and balls shall remain intact during all operations. All plants that cannot be planted at once shall be heeled in by setting in the ground and covering the balls with soil and then watering them. 7-148 755.1 3 TREE WATERIN G BAGS . Tree watering bags are available in varying sizes and can be used together to accommodate tree trunk diameters. These waterproof bags are made of reinforced, ultraviolet treated polyethylene, reinforced with nylon webbing and are secured to t he tree using heavy duty zippers located on each side of the bag. The adjustable drip holes at the base allow for water to flow at varying rates for specific needs. Tree watering bags shall be one of the tree watering bags listed on the Agency’s Approved P roducts List . 755.1 4 EROSIO N LOGS . Erosion logs are available in varying diameters. The Contractor shall follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the material type and size based on the intended use. Erosion logs shall be composed of weed -seed-free coir, straw, excelsior, compost, or other biodegradable filtering medium encased in a biodegradable netting or mesh. Netting shall have openings of 1/2 inch to 1 inch, except for compost filled logs , which shall have openings of 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch or as recommended by the manufacturer and accepted by the Engineer. Anchors for erosion logs shall be wooden stakes, U -shaped wire or earth anchors, or rebar stakes . The size and length of the anchors shall be as recommended by the manufacturer. Compost shall meet the requirements of Table 755.05A , with the exception that 99% of the particle size shall be 2 inches or less and a maximum of 30% shall be less than 3/8 inch. 7-149 SECTION 760 – SLOPE STABILIZATION MATERIALS
760.01 SLOPE STABILIZATION NAILS . Solid bars, bearing plates, and nuts shall be galvanized in
accordance with ASTM A767 .
a.Bars. Bars shall be of the grade, size, and length specified in the Contract.
1.Solid . Solid bars shall be all thread bars in accordance with ASTM A615 .
2.Hollow . Hollow bars shall be all thread bars in accordance with ASTM A29 .
b.Bearing Plates . Bearing plates shall be steel plates in accordance with ASTM A36 . Bearing plates shall be of the size and design in the Contract.
c.Nuts . Nuts shall be in hexagonal steel nuts in accordance with ASTM A563 , Grade B.
760.02 SHOTCRETE . Shotcrete shall be a concrete mix with a maximum chloride ion content of 0.10%,
in each component, as determined in accordance with AASHTO T 260 . Shotcrete shall have an air content of 5.5% to 8.5% prior to application, as determined in accordance with AASHTO T 152 . Shotcrete shall have an absorption of less than 8% as determined in accordance with ASTM C642 . Shotcrete shall have a minimum 3 -day compressive strength of 2,000 psi and minimum 28 -day compressive strength of 4,000 psi as determined in accorda nce with AASHTO T 106 and shall be one of the following:
a.Dry Mix Shotcrete . Dry mix shotcrete shall be a prepackaged dry concrete mix where water is added to the mix at the nozzle.
1.Air Entrainment . Dry mix shotcrete shall have a minimum plastic air content of 2.5% as determined in accordance with AASHTO T 152 , using rodding as the consolidation method.
b.Wet Mix Shotcrete . Wet mix shotcrete shall be a bulk -produced concrete mix where all components are mixed, including water, before introduction t o the delivery hose. Wet mix shotcrete shall be batched in accordance with AASHTO M 157 or ASTM C94 . Wet mix shotcrete shall meet the following requirements:
1.Portland Cement . Portland c ement shall meet the requirements of Subsection 701.02 . The cement content shall be 600 pounds per cubic yard or greater. The water/cement ratio shall not exceed 0.45.
2.Aggregates . Aggregate shall meet the requirements of Subsection 704.15 .
3.Water . Water shall meet the requirements of Subsection 745 .01.
Source: Vermont Standard Specifications for Construction, 2024 Edition. Pages 1290–1300 of 1,380.