Contractor_Questions.docx

Questions

1. Is there a designated area to mix the lime treated earthfill?

Yes. Two areas have been established as candidates for the lime mixing operations. These locations are immediately east and immediately west of the principle spillway plunge basin. They are identified on page 2 of 6

2. Can the lime treated earthfill be mixed along the bottom of the dam toe?

No. This area will be limited to routing construction traffic. Successful performance of the dam relies partly on a healthy vegetative cover. Lime processing creates a soil environment that is not conducive to vegetation. Restricting the lime operations to designated areas minimizes the restorative efforts required by the contractor and also reduces the concern from the owner over the long term performance of the structure.

3. Are all materials used for the lime treated earthfill and topsoil layer available onsite?

NRCS survey and design work estimate that sufficient earthfill and topsoil are present to successfully complete the work. All lime will be imported in a manner that satisfies the provisions established in the specifications and as determined by the contractor.

4. Can access road be established at toe of dam across principal spillway?

Access in this area is permissible and the limits will be established by the engineer. This area should provide adequate space for construction activities while maintaining the structural soundness of the spillway conduit. However, it is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure damage does not occur.

5. What bid items cover the excavation and replacing of the topsoil layer?

Bid item #5 covers the excavation. No separate bid item exists for the placement of topsoil. Payment is included in items #5 and #6

6. Are the control surveys performed by the contractor?

Monuments and stationing have been established and documented by NRCS and will be provided to the contractor. Construction surveys will be conducted by the surveyor and are included as Bit item #3.

7. Will the 500 tons of lime be enough to treat the earthfill?

Construction estimates provided by NRCS are based on surveys and as built drawings and are intended as a reasonable estimate for bidding purposes. The exact quantity required to achieve the proper ratios to satisfy the quality control thresholds are the responsibility of the contractor.

8. Can the lime treated earthfill be mixed in the same area it will be placed?

Some minimal mixing that result from construction activities is acceptable, but the work shall be done in the mixing areas unless the contractor can identify a method that will allow for adequate mixing, curing, placement and compaction to occur.

Notes: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission representatives Elley Talley and Ricky Adkison were present and asked that any heavy truck traffic associated with the project use Hempstead County Road 14 to access the site. The representatives also agreed that an additional mixing and/or stockpile area could be cleared just west of the plunge basin. The representatives agreed an area of 50 feet width from the toe of the dam between stations 22+50 and 33+50, may also be cleared.