§ 275.415. Revegetation.
(a) Vegetation shall be established on land affected by land reclamation.
(b) Revegetation shall provide for an effective and permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal variety native to the area of land to be affected and capable of self-regeneration and plant succession. Introduced species may be used in the revegetation process if approved by the Department in the revegetation plan. Vegetative cover shall be considered of the same seasonal variety when it consists of a mixture of species that is of equal or superior utility to native vegetation during each season of the year.
(c) Revegetation shall provide a quick germinating, fast-growing vegetative cover capable of stabilizing the soil surface from erosion.
(d) Disturbed areas shall be seeded and planted when weather and planting conditions permit but the seeding and planting of disturbed areas shall be performed no later than the first normal period for favorable planting after final grading and sludge application.
(e) Mulch shall be applied to regraded areas at rates adequate to control erosion, promote germination of seeds and increase the moisture retention of the soil.
(f) The standard for successful revegetation shall be the percent ground cover of the vegetation which exists on undisturbed lands that are nearby or adjacent to the area where land reclamation is proposed. The Department will not approve less than 70% ground cover of permanent plant species. No more than 1% of the area may have less than 30% ground cover. No single or contiguous area exceeding 3,000 square feet may have less than 30% ground cover.
(g) The Department may require a chemical analysis of the vegetation.
(h) Vegetation may not be harvested for 2 years following the application of sewage sludge, unless otherwise approved by the Department.
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 275.411 (relating to general requirements).
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