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Effective Management of Invasive Alien Species in Road Construction

Guidelines for controlling invasive species during road construction to prevent spread, minimize impacts, and comply with regulations. Covers identification, impacts, phases, assessment, control measures, and soil management.

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Effective Management of Invasive Alien Species in Road Construction

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  1. THE MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ON NATIONAL ROADS Paul Murphy (EirEco Environmental Consultants) National Roads Authority Invasive Species Ireland Forum 2009

  2. Introduction • Guidelines prepared to cover the construction and maintenance of national road schemes • Recognition of the potential to contribute to the spread of invasive species • Obligation to comply with Noxious Weeds Act, 1936 • Application relevant to all construction activities

  3. Aim • To provide the information needed to effectively manage IAS’s during construction of road schemes - while ensuring activities do not contribute to further spread

  4. Invasive Alien Species dealt with • Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) • Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) • Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) • Giant rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria) • Montbretia (Crocosmia x crocosmiflora) • Winter heliotrope (Petasites fragrans) • Old Man’s Beard (Clematis vitalba) • Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) • Buddleia (Buddleja davidii)

  5. Invasive Alien Species and Roads • Current distribution of many IAS along existing roads • Dispersal of seeds and plant fragments during maintenance & construction • IAS pioneer spp – benefit from disturbed environments • Early identification and management of IAS to reduce costs and impacts • Applicable to all development sites

  6. Impacts of IAS on Road Schemes • Cause damage to infrastructure • Result in soil erosion and collapse of river banks through exposure of the soil in winter • Lead to colonization of adjacent habitats & facilitate future spread • Adverse effect on landscape quality • Reduce biodiversity of roadside habitat

  7. Phases in the construction of a Road Scheme • Planning phases • Constraints study • Route Selection • EIA • Pre-construction surveys • Construction • Operation & maintenance

  8. Assessing the presence of IAS at the EIA phase • General Habitat Survey EIA • Location and extent plotted on habitat mapping • Records submitted to the National Biodiversity Data Centre • Flag to lead consultants to avoid risk of spread during SI, Archaeological survey, etc. • Incorporate requirements into EIS

  9. Environmental Impact Statement • Deal with as a specific element • State species, extent & impacts • Specify mitigation & control measures incl. • Area requiring treatment • Type of treatment required • Assessment of the risk of re-infestation from surrounding land • Requirement for a Management Plan • May have multiple IAS needing different management • Adherence to Guidelines, COP’s and Legislation • Incorporated in Contractual Documents • Environmental Operating Plan (EOP)

  10. Control and management of IAS during construction • Pre-construction detailed assessment:        • Species, location, scale and extent of infestation (confined to lands made available?),growth stage, etc • sensitivity of the local environment (including seasonality) • Demarcate infestations • Awareness to all contractors • Priority to reduce risk of transfer of seed or material – no tracked machines in infested zones • Develop Management Plan

  11. Pre-construction Assessment

  12. Management Plan Development • Coordinator / Point of Contact • Species, locations, sensitivities, etc • Specify control measures • Specify disposal measures • Specify soil management • Implementation schedule • Records of treatments undertaken • Incorporation into Environmental Operation Plan (EOP) • Incorporation to Landscape Contractor req. • Communication to all Contractors

  13. Sample Management Plan INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES OUTLINE MANAGEMENT PLAN Site name Chainage Recorder Invasive species present Land owner/Occupier Grid Ref Area (ha) Date Current activity on site Sketch map of site showing location of species, scale of infestation & access points (indicate north & scale) Description of site, substrate & vegetation Size of population (flowering / fruiting / vegetative) Current management Associated species Proposed works on site Proposed control measures Other data/information

  14. Selection of Control Measures • Site specific • On–going treatment & Monitoring • Risk of re-colonisation from outside site • Use of herbicides minimized and targeted • Risk of damage to adjacent plants / habitats of conservation value • Risks of impacting on waterbodies • Consultations as required

  15. Soil Management • Soil Management Plan • A Guide to Landscape Treatments for National Road Schemes in Ireland (Section 5.5NRA, 2006) • Imported soils subject to assessment • Contaminated soils disposed of appropriately • Stored soils seeded and periodically topped • Systematic on-going monitoring of soil stores (monthly or bi-monthly) • Incorporation to Landscape Contractors requirements

  16. Disposal of Infected Material • Should not lead to risk of further spread • Particular care near watercourses • Disposal to licensed landfill • Burying at a depth of >1.5m • Composting? • Incineration? • In accordance with Relevant Legislation • Waste Management Act, 1996 to 2005 Section 32; • Air Pollution Act, 1987 Section 4; • Local authority byelaws

  17. Landscape Contractor Responsibilities • Incorporation to Contract ToR • Cover Defect Rectification Period (3 yrs) • Awareness of responsibilities, risks and obligations • Adherence to Guidance • Horticulture Code of Practice (Invasive Species Ireland, 2008) • A Guide to Landscape Treatments for National Road Schemes in Ireland (NRA, 2006) • The Management of Noxious Weeds and Non-native Invasive Plant Species on National Roads (NRA, 2009) • On-going monitoring requirement • Cleaning of machinery & plant between infected sites (incl. footwear & tools) • Extends to appropriate sourcing of plant material and screening for pests and diseases

  18. Conclusion • Roads are a classical means of IAS spread • Early detection essential • Management Plan required • Clear responsibilities and awareness • Effective control & disposal • On-going monitoring and follow-up • Approach applicable to all development sites

  19. Acknowledgements • Dr Vincent O’Malley, National Roads Authority • Christian Nea, National Roads Authority • Janet Slattery & Michael Scully, Halcrow Barry Ltd • Dr. Cathy Maguire, EnviroCentre Ltd • Dr. Caroline Mhic Daeid • National Parks and Wildlife Service

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