ATTACHMENT_2_-_FY19_Triclopyr_SOW.docx

1 Project Title FY 19 Apalachicola NF Triclopyr

2 Background This contract is for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supervision, supplies, and perform all work required to treat pine stands overgrown with hardwood trees and woody shrubs that are generally more than 4 feet tall. Treatment will be in areas that are sapling sized longleaf pine plantations, and others are mature pine stands that have become overgrown. Size, density and type of vegetation to be treated may vary from stand to stand.

3 Objective The objective of this contract/order is to treat stands where woody vegetation is competing with longleaf pines. This project will be a major step in the restoration of the longleaf pine ecosystem focusing on vegetation control to ensure the survival and growth and health of longleaf pine ecosystems.

4 Scope of Work Furnish all labor, supplies, tools, transportation, and supervision necessary for herbicide release. The Government will furnish no materials, labor, or equipment unless specifically identified in the Government-Furnished Property Clause.

After viewing alternate areas with the Contractor, the Contracting Officer (CO) reserves the right to substitute, at the contract price, the same type and amount of work in other areas similar in topography and conditions within the Ranger District boundaries shown on the maps in lieu of the original areas when it is determined by the Contracting Officer that the original areas or portions thereof are unsuitable or unavailable for performance of the specified work. Equipment movement of more than five (5) miles from the nearest boundary of the original area to the substitute areas will be paid for at rates mutually agreed upon between the Parties.

5 Reporting Requirements Inspection - Work performed under this contract shall be made by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or by the designated Inspector, as the work progresses. These inspections will be performed at such intervals as are necessary to insure compliance with the contract specifications. The contractor will inform the COR or Inspector once an area is completed so an inspection can be made. Should remedial work be required it shall be done before moving to another area.

Method of Measurement - Acreages listed in the bid schedule were determined by traversing the area with GPS equipment. For the purposes of this contract, this is considered actual acreage and not an estimate.

Basis of Payment - Payment will be made via IPP at the unit bid price for the total number of acres completed and accepted by the COR less the value of excess mixed herbicide or unaccounted herbicide, surfactant, or pattern indicator not applied. The value of Triclopyr 4E is $52.00 per gallon. The value of Spray Pattern Indicator is $38.00 per gallon.

6 Deliverables and Delivery Schedule Contractor-Furnished Items - The contractor will furnish all materials and equipment needed to complete the contract, except as specified.

Equipment Requirements

a) Herbicide approved handheld spray bottles

b) Nurse tank of at least 100 gallons of clean water

c) Mixing tank of 10-50 gallons (separate from nurse tank)

d) Water for herbicide mixing or clean-up.

e) Protective equipment and clothing for crew

f) Equipment and supplies for decontamination site

g) Hand or power tools at the contractors discretion. This can include: powered brush cutters, brush axes, bush hooks, machetes, hand saws, chainsaws, or any other equipment that will clear brush without damaging pine seedlings.

Hack-N-Squirt/Cut Stump Method – This treatment is for pine stands overgrown with hardwood trees and woody shrubs that are generally more than 4 feet tall. Most areas are sapling sized longleaf pine plantations, and others are mature pine stands that have become overgrown. Size, density and type of vegetation to be treated varies widely.

All designated areas shall receive both of the following 2-part treatments except those adjacent to private as stated in “Protection Of Private Land And Leave Trees”

Treatment 1 - All hardwood and woody shrub vegetation greater than 1 ft. tall, with a root collar diameter up to 3 inches will be cut (In the past, gas powered brush cutters/clearing saws have been most effective). In areas adjacent to motorcycle trails, any brush to be treated that fall onto the trail will be cut, and pulled away from the trail with the stump end facing away from the trail.

The cut surface of hardwood trees, shrubs and palmetto between 1 and 3 inches in diameter at the root collar shall be sprayed or brushed with the herbicide solution. Apply herbicide mix to the cambium area (the wood next to the bark) of the stump; do not over apply causing run-off. Stumps will be no higher than 3 inch above ground. Felled trees shall be removed from roads, trails, fences and tortoise burrow entrances.

Treatment 2 - Standing hardwood trees and shrubs greater than 3 inches in diameter at the root collar, up to 10 inches at 4.5 ft. shall be frilled using cutting tools. Make cuts around the tree trunk at a convenient height with a hatchet or similar equipment so that the cuts overlap slightly and make a continuous circle around the trunk. Spray 1/2 milliliter of undiluted Triclopyr 4E or 1 milliliter of the diluted solution into the pocket created between the bark and the inner stem/trunk by each cut. Trees are not to be felled. In areas adjacent to roads or motorcycle trails, any trees to be treated that could fall onto the trail will be cut within 3 inches of the ground, and pulled away from the trail with the stump end of the tree facing away from the trail. A chainsaw could be used in place of a hatchet, provided that the saw not cut too deeply into the tree.

7 Applicable Documents and Standards

1. Longleaf Pines are not to be damaged or sprayed. Cut stems shall not be left leaning against or on top of longleaf pines in a manner causing the longleaf stems to bend. Longleaf pines bent over by cut vegetation shall be immediately released.

2. The herbicide mixture is 50% Triclopyr 4E, 49% water, 1% Spray Indicator Dye. Only the COR may approve substitutions to the chemical mixture listed. The COR or designated inspector shall be on-site, during all mixing operations

3. Herbicide application must occur immediately (within 5 minutes) after the cut is made.

4. Application of herbicide will only be permitted when vegetation is dry, and there is no threat of rain for 4 hours after application.

5. Trees larger than 10 inch diameter at breast height (DBH) will be left untreated.

6. Do not treat trees marked as leave trees.

7. Herbicide use must be monitored on Attachment A to ensure that not more than 4 lb. of active ingredient per acre is used. (2 gallons of herbicide mixture per acre)

8. Areas with standing water shall be avoided.

9. Any felled trees shall be removed from roads, trails, fences and tortoise burrow entrances.

Herbicide Application Requirements

1. Contractor shall be responsible for providing the proper personal protective equipment for his/herself and crew.

2. The contractor shall be responsible for making certain that spray equipment is applying the specified volume of herbicide solution.

3. Contractor shall be responsible for recording the amount of herbicide and mixture applied to each area and recording the weather (wind speed & direction, relative humidity, and temperature), during application. The contractor may use the “Calculated Herbicide Use Amount by Stand” form (Exhibit A), or another acceptable record approved by the COR. Contractor shall provide this record to the COR or designated inspector after completion and acceptance of each stand, and before entering other stands.

Equipment And Personnel Requirements – All equipment brought in by the Contractor must be inspected by the COR or designated inspector to ensure it is cleaned of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, and other debris that could contain or hold seeds/spores. Contractor shall not move any equipment onto the contract areas without having cleaned such equipment. Contractor will not be allowed to clean equipment on Forest Service Property.

The Contractor will designate in writing a non-working supervisor conversant in the English language for each crew of workers. The designation shall indicate the limits of the supervisor's authority. When two or more people are designated as supervisor, their written delegation shall indicate the priority of their designation so no more than one person shall be in charge of a crew at any one time. The supervisor shall be with the crew at all times while the crew is working. The contractor will furnish sufficient equipment and personnel to treat a Minimum of 25 acres per working day.

Permits And Responsibilities For The Work - The contractor will provide someone certified by the state of Florida as a Pesticide Applicator. This person shall be on site at all times during the mixing and application of herbicides. The contractor without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, certifications and permits, and for complying with any applicable Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the use of pesticides under this contract. The contractor’s handlers and workers will meet all provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The contractor shall follow all instructions found on the manufacturer's label for herbicides, and follow Worker Protection Standards (WPS) for workers’ safety. The contractor shall provide a decontamination site wherever the crew is working. This includes uncontaminated rinse water for first aid per manufacturer’s herbicide label.

Training - Contractor will instruct each applicator on the safe use of the herbicide(s) to be applied so as to protect themselves and the environment. The suggested areas to be covered are: safe handling and proper application, transportation, storage, and disposal of the containers.

Handling And Application Of Herbicides - Contractor shall ensure that personnel use proper protective clothing and safety equipment required by labeling for the herbicide and application method. Indicator dye is used for applicator safety as well as for monitoring work performance. If workers are excessively covered by indicator dye, it may imply unsafe working conditions. Herbicide shall not be applied or equipment cleaned outside of areas designated by COR.

Following these simple rules will help make the use of the herbicide safer for everyone:

-- Read the safety information on the label.

-- Wear the proper protective equipment (PPE).

-- Maintain a first aid kit on the work site.

-- Do not work alone.

-- Checkout and haul not more than one and one-half (1½) days of herbicide needed.

-- Stand upwind from the spray projects to avoid being contaminated and avoid walking through areas that have been recently treated especially if the areas are still wet.

-- Keep the container below eye level, when pouring, to avoid splashing or spilling any herbicide onto the face or into the eyes.

-- If herbicides are spilled onto personnel, follow recommendations on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for proper treatment.

-- Keep measuring cups and other equipment clean and properly stored when not in use.

-- Wash hands carefully before eating, smoking, or using the bathroom.

Herbicide Spills - Contractor shall be responsible for all costs of damages, clean up, and decontamination should an herbicide spill occur. COR shall be notified immediately of any herbicide spill or accident.

Protection Of Private Land And Leave Trees - The contractor will not apply herbicide within 100 feet of private land, within 300 feet of private wells. There will be trees marked as leave trees. These trees are not to be damaged by cutting tools or herbicide. These areas will be pointed out and flagged by the COR or designated inspector.

Protection Of Streams, Lakes, And Reservoirs - Contractor shall take precautions to prevent pollution of streams, lakes and reservoirs by fuels, oils, other chemicals, silt or other harmful materials. Operations shall be conducted in a manner so as to avoid siltation of streams, lakes, and reservoirs; loss of embankment materials during high flow periods; and interference with movement of migratory fish. All streams will be kept free of contractor-generated debris.

Disposal Of Contractor-Generated Debris - All Contractor-generated debris shall be removed from National Forest land and disposed of properly.

Protection Of Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, Or Sensitive Species Of Special Concern - The eastern indigo snake, red-cockaded woodpecker, and gopher tortoise are protected by state and/or federal law. If the Contractor encounters these species during the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect these species from injury, death, or capture. COR will furnish information on identification and habits of the species. Do not apply herbicide within 60 feet of any proposed, endangered, threatened, or sensitive (PETS) plant. PETS plant locations will be designated by the COR or Inspector.

Erosion Control - All equipment shall be operated in a manner to minimize soil disturbance. COR may shut down the operation, if excess rutting occurs.

Protection Of Archeologic Resources - Upon discovery of suspected archeological or historical material, the Contractor shall cease work in the vicinity of such material and immediately notify the COR or Inspector.

Protection Of Improvements - The Contractor shall protect all roads, ditches, powerline ROW, Forest Service boundary markers, and other improvements in the project area. Any road used by the Contractor that is damaged by this operation shall be repaired by the Contractor.

Herbicide Mixing And Handling Procedures

1. A Florida Certified Pesticide Applicator must be on site at all times during treatment.

2. The COR or their representative shall be on-site, during all mixing operations.

3. Herbicides will be mixed according to the following formula or equivalent and shall be on a volume by volume basis.

a. Hack-N-Squirt/Cut Stump - 50% Triclopyr 4E, 49% water, 1% Spray Indicator Dye

4. The Contractor shall plan herbicide mix quantities so that no mixed solution is left over after the end of the job. Contractor will be charged for excess herbicide mixed.

5. Mixing operations shall take place on-site of the treatment area. Contractor will not re-use herbicide containers to mix or disperse herbicide solution.

6. All rinsing of herbicide containers will take place on the treatment site and away from designated leave areas. Rinse water will be added to the spray mix in the mixing tank and shall be used as part of the application. Contractor shall triple rinse, air-dry, and puncture the containers while on the job site. Empty containers will be checked-in at the Forest Service Work Center, prior to new chemical being issued.

7. Contractor shall be responsible for recording the amount of herbicide and mixture applied to each area on the “Calculated Herbicide Use Amount by Stand” form. Contractor shall turn in this record to the COR or designated inspector after the completion of each area, before entering other sites or acceptance of work performed.

8 Government-Furnished Property

- The government shall deliver to the contractor the following listed material, supplies, and property at the place and time specified below.

The Government will furnish all herbicide (Triclopry 4E ) and Spray Pattern Indicator for the herbicide solution. Government-furnished property will be located at the U.S. Forest Service Wakulla Work Center, 10703 Bloxham Cutoff (Highway 267) Tallahassee, FL 32305. Contractor will be responsible for delivery of this property to and from the job sites. The contractor can pick up Government-furnished property from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday (except Federal holidays).

Ground conditions are primarily dry, but some areas may contain wet sections. Boundaries of areas to be treated are designated by flagging, plowed firelines, roads as shown on the maps, or natural boundaries.

10 Contractor Travel Transportation Of Herbicides - Contractor shall be legally responsible for the safe transportation of herbicides.

Contractor shall follow travel routes designated by the COR, when transporting herbicides from the public road system to the treatment sites. Transport vehicles shall be parked inside the treatment site, away from leave areas, or an area designated by the COR.

Transportation of herbicides used on this contract shall be in accordance with label instructions and the general approved and accepted procedures for safe transportation of herbicides. The following precautions should be taken by the contractor to prevent spills, accidents, injury or theft:

· Pesticides should not be transported in the same compartment with food, clothing, or personnel. Transport herbicides in the cargo compartment of a truck or other vehicle away from the passenger compartment.

· No personnel should ride in the back of a vehicle with herbicide.

· All herbicide containers should be tied down or otherwise constrained to prevent breakage or spillage. Containers shall be protected from rain.

· Unlocked herbicides should not be left unattended.

· If any herbicide is spilled in or from the vehicle, it will be cleaned up immediately and the COR shall be notified.

· Contractor should carry moisture absorbent material (i.e. kitty litter) to clean up any herbicide spills or leaks.

11 Applicable Publications (Current Editions) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for applicable herbicide may be provided upon request.

Exhibit A. Calculated Herbicide Use Amount by Stand

Calculated Herbicide Use Amount by Stand

Compartment: ______________

Stand: ______________

Acres: ______________

Treatment Method: ____________________________________________

(Gallons)

Compartment _______ Stand ________ Enter Amount:

1+2-3=

(Look up from the Herbicide Use by Stand sheet) Type:

4-5=

Note: All calculations are based on herbicide mixture (herbicide, additive, indicator, & water).

WEATHER: Date ________ Time ________ Temperature ________ °F

Relative Humidity ________ % Wind Speed ________ mph Wind Direction _______ Contract Area Summary List

No Herbicide within 100’ of Private land

No Herbicide within 100’ of Private land

No Herbicide within 100’ of Private land

No Herbicide within 100’ of Private land

No Herbicide within 300’ of Private land

12467019R0067

TRICLOPYR HERBICIDE TREATMENT

ATTACHMENT 2 – STATEMENT OF WORK