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Conditions Where Applicable

Resource access roads are constructed to provide access to forestry or mineral resources.

Considerations

• Resource roads should be located and built in an environmentally sound manner. The implications of such roads on fish habitat shoud be considered.  

• The road layout should be planned such that the number of stream crossings is minimized.

Implementation Procedures

• Where road construction takes place adjacent to a watercourse, a buffer zone of undisturbed vegetation should be maintained between the road and the stream.

• Aggregate materials for road building must not be removed from any stream.

• Side casting should be carried out in such a manner that sediment does not enter any stream.

• Roadside ditches should end blindly in vegetated areas, never directly into a stream.

• Right-of-ways should not be grubbed within 30 metres of stream crossings.

• Siltation control measures, such as sediment traps and check dams should be installed.

Maintenance

The level of maintenance required for resource roads is dependent on the road's use at any given time.

• Regular inspections should be carried out to ensure that culverts and take-off ditches are maintaining proper drainage.
• Roads should be graded and properly crowned to shed water.
• Sediment control measures should receive regular maintenance.

Abandonment

• Consideration should be given to regeneration of the road right-of-way to make the area productive for growing trees and to prevent erosion.
• Surface erosion can be controlled with water bars or transverse ditches excavated across the road surface. These ditches intercept surfact run-off and deflect it off the road surface and into the surrounding vegetation.
• Bridges and culverts that require ongoing maintenance should be removed when the road is abandoned. Permanent maintenance free structures should be left in place.

References

Anon. 1990. Environmental Guidelines for Access Road Construction and Water Crossings. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 64 p.

Brathwaite, Glen C 1992. Woodlot Roads Stream Crossings. Canada/N.S. Cooperation Agreement for Forestry Development. 34 p.

McCubbin, R.N. et. al. 1990. (Revised) Resource Roads Construction - Fish Habitat Protection Guidelines. DFO. 78p.

This Fact Sheet does not constitute DFO approval; other mitigative strategies may be required.
The proponent is advised to contact all other appropriate regulatory agencies.