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SECTION 3:TREE SYSTEM MONITORING METHODOLOGY <br /> 3.1.5 Post Plant-Establishment Monitoring <br /> The purpose of post plant-establishment monitoring is to assess tree survivorship and <br /> health and vigor of the phytoremediation system following the period in which most active <br /> site maintenance was performed (for example,irrigation). Typically,water needs decrease <br /> as the roots reach the natural water table, and, eventually,supplemental water will no <br /> longer be needed. Once trees no longer require irrigation or other active maintenance they <br /> are considered to be established. <br /> The need for weed control and other site maintenance actions was also expected to decrease <br /> as the trees established.Weed control was conducted on an as-needed basis during the <br /> monitoring period. Weed control is to decrease the water demands of the trees due to <br /> competing weeds,and reduce the risk of fire due to dense weeds and grasses at the site. <br /> If problems are identified during the post plant-establishment period that may adversely <br /> affect the success of the phytoremediation system,remedial measures will be identified and <br /> implemented as part of ongoing site maintenance activities. <br /> 3.2 Site Maintenance <br /> Site maintenance was performed during the 3-year plant establishment period as described <br /> in the Phytoremediation Cleanup Plan. As the largest trees have continued to grow,their roots <br /> have reached the water table. These trees are considered to be naturally established and <br /> irrigation is no longer needed in these areas (Area A,Addition to Area A,Area AA,and <br /> ' Area B). Trees planted in Areas C and D,in compacted soil,were still irrigated in Year 4 <br /> (2010),Year 5 (2011), and Year 6 (2012). Weeds were controlled throughout the site in Year 4 <br /> (2010),Year 5 (2011), and Year 6 (2012). <br /> Maintenance activities performed to date include: <br /> 9 Replacement of trees damaged by beavers <br /> • Irrigation of planted trees <br /> • Irrigation system inspection checks <br /> • Periodic irrigation system repairs and maintenance <br /> • Weed control within planting basins and within the planting area <br /> 0 Maintenance of the watering basins and mulch <br /> 0 Other plant replacement(as needed) <br /> • Installation and maintenance of wire cages around trees for beaver protection <br /> • Limited pruning of trees that are outgrowing wire cages <br /> 3-3 <br />