WAC 468-34-340   Miscellaneous.  (1) Preservation, restoration and cleanup

     (a) Disturbed areas - The size of the disturbed area shall be kept to a minimum. Restoration methods shall be in accordance with the specifications and/or special provisions of the permit or franchise. Unsatisfactory restoration work shall be promptly redone by the utility. If necessary, restoration work that is not acceptable to the department, may be repaired by the department and billed to the utility company.

     (b) Drainage - Care shall be taken in utility installations to avoid disturbing existing drainage facilities. Underground utility facilities should be backfilled with pervious material and outlets provided for entrapped water. Underdrains should be provided where necessary. No jetting or puddling shall be permitted under the roadway.

     (c) Spraying, cutting and trimming of trees - The indiscriminate cutting of trees or disfiguring of any feature of scenic value shall not be permitted. The utility shall repair or replace in kind any tree or shrub removed or disfigured when such is not necessary for the utility installation.

     (d) If chemical sprays are used to kill weeds and brush, they shall comply with currently applicable federal and state department of agriculture regulations and the following:

     (i) A special permit issued by the department shall be required.

     (ii) Brush and trees thirty inches or higher shall be close cut and treated with spray to kill the roots and stumps.

     (iii) Brush shall be disposed of by chipping or removal from the right of way.

     (iv) Brush and weeds thirty inches or less in height may be treated with a chemical spray. After the brush and weeds have died, they shall be immediately removed to prevent a serious fire hazard.

     (v) The utility shall be responsible for any drift of the spray that contacts vegetation on private property adjacent to the highway.

     (vi) Ingredients that are toxic to livestock, game animals or fowls shall not be used.

     (e) Refuse and debris shall be disposed of to the satisfaction of the department.

     (2) Safety and convenience

     (a) Traffic controls including detours for utility construction and maintenance shall conform with currently applicable "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways." All construction and maintenance operations shall be planned to keep interference with traffic to an absolute minimum. On heavily traveled highways construction operations interfering with traffic shall not be allowed during periods of peak traffic flow. Work shall be planned so that closure of intersecting streets, road approaches or other access points is held to a minimum. Adequate provisions shall be made to safeguard any open excavation to include barricades, lights, flagmen, or other protective devices as may be necessary.

     (b) All utility facilities shall be kept in good state of repair both structurally and from the standpoint of appearance. The permit or franchise shall specify the maintenance operations which are permitted and the required notification to the department before any work is accomplished. Vehicle parking and the storage of materials on through roadways or ramps shall not be allowed.

     (c) If emergency repairs are required, such repairs shall be undertaken and notice given immediately and approval as to the manner of repair secured as soon as possible. The utility shall confine its operations as much as possible to the nontraveled portion of the right of way and shall exercise caution to protect the traveling public during such repairs. Flagmen, warning lights, barricades, and signs shall be employed in accordance with currently applicable Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, and Manual for Emergency Traffic Control for Protection of Men and Equipment.

     (d) Installations included in the Category 4 exemption require twenty-four hours notice to the department prior to construction. Vehicle parking and the storage of materials on through roadways or ramps shall not be permitted. Flagmen, warning lights, barricades, and signs shall be employed in accordance with currently applicable Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, and Manual for Emergency Traffic Control for Protection of Men and Equipment.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 47.44 RCW. 95-21-037 (Order 152), § 468-34-340, filed 10/10/95, effective 11/10/95; 89-05-022 (Order 119), § 468-34-340, filed 2/10/89. Statutory Authority: 1977 ex.s. c 151. 79-01-033 (DOT Order 10 and Comm. Order 1, Resolution No. 13), § 468-34-340, filed 12/20/78. Formerly WAC 252-04-295.]