ANSWERS_TO_QUESTIONS_RECEIVED_FOR_SOLICITATION.docx

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS RECEIVED FOR SOLICITATION # Water Sampling and Analysis:

1. Would the USDA consider allowing resamples (total coliform or other) to be taken by site-personnel to help limit costs for the selected contractor to return to collect the resamples?

Answer: sampling performed by the contractor has a degree of validity that a sample collected by us does not. It’s about the appearance of impropriety when providing these data to regulators.

Also, the agency doesn’t have the appropriate bottles onsite for the sampled parameters, so we will not be able to do the resamples ourselves. The contractor must be prepared to do them when needed.

2. Can you combine sampling type events to do both wastewater and dioxane sampling on the same trip ?

Answer: Yes, but you need to be sure to leave enough time for both Wastewater sampling due on 1st week of the month or quarter; drinking water in July/August to meet those deadlines.

3. Question: What is the 1,4-Dioxane Action Limit?

Answer: Initially it was 16 ug/L. IDNR attempted to change it to 200 ug/L, but EPA did not officially concur with the change, therefore, we continue to operate with 16 ug/L as the Action Limit.

4. Question: Can the contractor combine sample type events (i.e. combine a wastewater sampling trip with a 1,4-dioxane sampling trip)?

Answer: Yes, but the contractor needs to ensure they leave enough time on-site for both. Also wastewater sampling must be done the 1st week of the month/quarter and drinking water sampling needs to be done in July or August. The contractor needs to meet those requirements.

5. Question: Is there a specific report format required?

Answer: No, but the contractor needs to supply sufficient detail in the report to ensure proof that an Iowa certified lab was used doing an approved method that they are certified for to meet the appropriate regulatory requirement.

6. Question: Is there a certain gallon aliquot when doing composite sampling?

Answer: The wastewater flow ranges for the two outfalls were given so the contractor can figure out aliquot size to ensure enough sample is taken to perform the required analyses, but not too much sample is taken to cause an overflow of the sampler.

Amendment 1 December 11, 2017