FOR-69: Field Guide to Best Management Practices for Timber Harvesting in Kentucky

BMP No. 5: Logging Debris

To protect water bodies from pollution by debris and disturbed soil from timber harvests.

Tree Debris

Trees and brush can be potential water pollutants. The breakdown of logging debris left in the water can decrease oxygen and in addition may create other problems of odor, color, and excessive nutrients.

Minimum Requirement:

Tree debris, such as tops, should not be left in or allowed to wash into perennial streams.

In order to keep logging debris (including tree tops, limbs, etc.) from washing into perennial and intermittent streams, lakes, or ponds, move the debris a sufficient distance from the bank or locate the debris to ensure it does not move back into the water bodies. See BMP No. 3 for further details.

Equipment Fluids

Hydraulic fluids, gas, oil, and antifreeze represent potential sources of water pollution.

Minimum Requirement:

Equipment should not be left on stream banks or equipment fluids should not be changed in such a manner where pollutants may wash into a stream. Properly dispose of used oil, hydraulic fluids, and other fluids.

Other Garbage and Waste

Minimum Requirement:

Properly dispose of cans, bottles, lunch bags, oil filters or air filters, etc.

Regulatory Requirements for BMP No. 5

(See Appendix A for Explanations)

All silvicultural operations: (410 KAR 5:026, 5:029, 5:030, and 5:031)
Debris in floodplains: (KRS 151.250)
Activities near high-quality waters and outstanding national resource waters: (401 KAR 5:029, 5:030, and 5:031)
Activities near wild rivers: (KRS 146.200 et seq. and 401 KAR 4:100-140)

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