Amendment_0001 - Site Visit Technical Notes - Questions - Answers.pdf

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

Subject: Date: January 24th, 2022 Agreements – Site Showing Technical Notes for Upper Washita River Watershed Site 23A Remedial Dam Repair Solicitation No. 12FPC322B0001

To: Stephen Case, Contracting Specialist, USDA-FPAC

(submitted by email attachment)

A site showing was held on the subject site on January 19th, 2022. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was represented by Shane W. Ice, P.E., Project Engineer and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and Jeramiah Ruiz, Watershed Construction Inspector.

NRCS is to provide quality assurance inspection and construction oversight for this project. Stephen Case, Contracting Specialist – FPAC participated via conference call.

This site is sponsored by the Hemphill County Commissioner’s Court under agreements with the NRCS of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Judge George Briant, Hemphill County represented the Sponsor.

The site showing began with a meeting at the Hemphill County Courthouse Commissioner’s Court Room, 400 Main Street, Canadian, TX; followed by a visit to the site. The following was reviewed and submitted to the CO to be added by amendment to the Invitation for Bids (IFB).

Please provide the following information by amendment to the information for bidders.

CHANGES AND CORRECTIONS

The items listed below are changes/corrections to the information for bidders. Please make these pen and ink changes to your bid documents.

CHANGES TO THE BID SCHEDULE

None

CHANGES TO THE CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS

None

CHANGES TO THE DRAWINGS

None

SPECIAL EMPHASIS ITEMS

Special emphasis items that were discussed or otherwise provided at the site showing are discussed below.

452.236-76 – SAMPLES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificates and test data shall be submitted to show compliance of materials and construction specified in the contract requirements. Materials or equipment for which samples, certifications or test data are required shall not be used in the work until approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

Materials which require material certifications are:

Construction Entrance Materials (Rock, Geotextile)

Silt Fence

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Aggregates for Drainfill; fine and coarse

Plastic Pipe

Ductile Iron Pipe

Metal; Cleanout covers, rodent guards, stile

Galvanization for metal

Vegetation; seed, fertilizer, hydromulch

Fencing; barbed wire, tie and tension wire, brace and line posts, gate

Supplement to OSHA Part 1926 and 1910 Construction Industry Standards and Interpretations

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable OSHA safety standards. All or part of the work may be suspended for noncompliance. The GR and Inspector will have delegated authority to suspend work for any noncompliance posing a serious or imminent danger to the health or safety of the Contractor’s employees or others such as employees of the CLO or NRCS and the public.

The Supplement to OSHA 1910 and 1926 emphasizes specific safety items which must be understood by the Contractor prior to bidding this job. Among these items are the requirements for:

1. Written plan for accident prevention and safety (CO must approve prior to beginning work)

2. First Aid Training certificates

3. First aid facilities – on site

4. Safety Meetings, weekly “tool box” and monthly

5. Dust control

6. Rollover protective structures

7. Backup alarms

8. Restroom Facilities

9. Scaffolding and Fall Protection

Hard hats must be worn on the job site at all times.

Equipment must be outfitted with working backup alarms, seat belts, and approved roll-over protective structures (ROPS). All equipment will be inspected at the job site by the Construction Inspector prior to use on the project.

DRAWINGS

Drawing TX-EN-0783, Cover + Sheets 1 thru 11 for Site 23A Remedial Repair was reviewed.

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SPECIFICATIONS AND SWPPP

There are two types of specifications in this contract: (1) Construction Specifications and (2) Material Specifications. The construction specifications are composed of two parts. The first part is called the closed specification and is the standard NRCS construction specification that begins with the SCOPE and ends with MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT or PAYMENT. The second part is called the open specification and consists of the ITEMS OF WORK AND CONSTRUCTION DETAILS that are written specifically for this job.

The specifications are summarized below. However, all language of the specifications apply to the contract.

2 – CLEARING AND GRUBBING

Subsidiary Item – Clearing and Grubbing

This item shall consist of all clearing and grubbing within the work limits required for construction of the works of improvement as shown on the drawings.

In Section 5, Disposal, all materials removed from the cleared and grubbed areas shall be either hauled off-site, buried on-site, burned on-site, or mulched on-site at areas designated or approved by the Contracting Officer. All disposal methods shall be in accordance with state and local regulations.

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 6 – Mobilization and Demobilization and Bid Item 7 – Excavation, Common.

3 – STRUCTURE REMOVAL

Bid Item 1 – Structure Removal, Existing Fences

This item shall consist of the removal of all designated fences in the construction area.

In Section 3, Removal, Method 2 shall apply and shall be removed to the bottom of the footing and/or post.

In Section 4, Salvage, all usable fence wire and posts shall be salvaged.

All unusable material and rubble shall be disposed of at an offsite location of the contractor’s choosing as approved by the contracting officer and in accordance with all local and state regulations.

In section 6, Measurement and payment, Method 2 shall apply and be made at the contract lump sum price.

Subsidiary Item – Structure Removal, Existing Foundation Drain Conduit

This item shall consist of removing and disposing of the existing foundation drain conduit and associated metal appurtenances.

In Section 3, Removal, Method 1 shall apply. The limits of removal shall be as shown on the drawings.

In Section 4, Salvage shall not apply.

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 7 – Excavation, Common.

5 – POLLUTION CONTROL

Bid Item 2 – Pollution Control

This item includes work required to maintain sediment filters, installation of the stabilized construction entrance, and implementing the SWPPP. Geotextile used for the construction entrance shall be non-woven and conform to Material Specification 592.

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Site 23A is subject to the Texas pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) requirements administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Rules for the TPDES process relative to construction sites are contained in TPDES General Permit No. TXR150000. In conformance with the general permit, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required.

The Contractor shall prepare a SWP3 in accordance with the TPDES general permit requirements.

The SWP3 shall include a detailed work sequence outline that defines the delineates the proposed construction operation and includes the minimum pollution control practices indicated on the construction drawings, as well as any additional measures that may be required to meet TPDES requirements. The amended SWP3 shall be signed by the Contractor and submitted to the Contracting Officer prior to issuance of the Notice to Proceed. A copy of the approved SWP3, as amended, will be maintained at the construction site by the Contractor. A copy of the permit shall be attached to the SWP3. All applicable TCEQ rules and regulations concerning the TPDES and the SWPPP must be followed.

The disturbed area of the construction site is greater than 5 acres. TPDES requires an NOI and NOT to be filed with TCEQ.

In Section 7, Measurement and Payment, Method 3 shall apply and establishes lump sum payment for this work which is prorated in equal monthly payments.

Bid Item 3 – Silt Fence

This item consists of furnishing and installing silt fence to the lengths and locations designated on the Drawings and otherwise needed to control sediment from leaving the construction site.

In Section 3, Erosion and Sediment Control Measures and Works, Sediment Filters shall be limited to geotextile silt fence.

Silt fence material shall meet the requirements of Material Specification 592.

In Section 7, Measurement and Payment, Method 1 shall apply and be made at the contract unit price.

6 – SEEDING, SPRIGGING, AND MULCHING

Bid Item 4 – Vegetation, Seeding

This item shall consist of preparing the seedbed and furnishing and applying seed, hay mulch, tackifier, and fertilizer to all disturbed areas on the embankment and within the boundaries of the designated campsite, stockpile area(s), waste area, borrow area, and the access road(s).

In Section 5, Seeding, sprigging, fertilizing, mulching, and stabilizing, straw mulch material shall consist of coastal bermudagrass or a native bluestem mix and the rate of application shall be 2-1/2 tons per acre. Mulches shall be stabilized by a mechanical crimper or by a non-asphaltic tackifier applied at a rate consistent with either 40 pounds per acre or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is greater. Tackifier, if applicable, shall be approved by the COR prior to placement.

The grass seed shall be drilled or broadcast onto a firm, clean seedbed. A grass seed drill equipped with depth control bands, grain drill with a grass seed attachment, or Brillion (type) seeder shall be used.

The seed shall consist of the mix listed in Section 7.a.(3) applied at the listed rates of pure live seed per acre. Seeding shall be conducted between December 1 and September 1.

Fertilizer shall be of the pelleted form and shall be uniformly mixed. The rate of application of the fertilizer shall be based on a routine soil fertility test conducted for vegetation establishment in accordance with the soil sampling and testing procedures outlined at http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/files/soilwebform.pdf http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/files/soilwebform.pdf

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In Section 6, Measurement and Payment, Method 1 shall apply and will be made at the contract unit price with the vegetated area being measured to the nearest 0.1 acre.

7 – CONSTRUCTION SURVEYS

Bid Item 5 – Construction Surveys

In Section 5, Construction Surveys, Method 2 shall apply. The Contractor is responsible for the layout of all the work and for checking all work and shall include but not limited to: (a) Those required to check all excavation and earthfill slopes as work progresses to ensure such slopes are maintained at those specified. (b) Earthfill and excavated slopes shall be checked at least each five feet of vertical interval and corrected to planned slopes. (c) Those required to set “bluetops” for subgrades and finished grades of all excavations, earthfills, and appurtenances to the work.

The Contractor must submit to the CO in writing the names, qualifications and experience of the surveyor personnel for approval prior to commencement of work. The Contractor must provide original field notebooks and other records to the COR before final payment and acceptance of work.

Initial and final surveys for determinations of final quantities will be performed by the Government. All surveys shall proceed from points established by the Government. The benchmarks are shown on the drawings.

In Section 8, Payment, Method 2 shall apply with payment made as the work proceeds with progress payment amounts determined as a percentage of the total work planned as projected from the Contractor’s approved construction schedule.

Subsidiary Item – Permanent Reference Markers (PRMs)

This item shall consist of all work and materials (except the benchmark cap) required for the establishment of permanent reference markers cast in-place with non-reinforced concrete cylinders.

The cap for the PRM will be furnished by the NRCS prior to casting/pouring the concrete. A minimum of three (3) PRMs shall be required.

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 5 – Construction Surveys.

8 – MOBILIZATION AND DEMOBILIZATION

The Contractor shall construct a temporary construction entrance and site access at the approximate location as shown on the drawings. Entry to the site shall be through an existing gated entry located on Hemphill County Road CC. The access point shall comply with the Hemphill County requirements for temporary construction driveways and to the requirements as contained within this specification and as shown on the drawings.

The Contractor shall ensure that all construction traffic entering and exiting the site are aware of the width and overhead limitations (gated archway, overhead electric, etc.) of the entryway. Damage to the existing gated entryway by the Contractors operations shall be repaired at the Contractor’s expense.

Loading and unloading of construction equipment within the Hemphill County ROW shall be approved by the Engineer. The gate shall remain closed during working hours and locked during non-work hours with the Sponsor provided lock and key.

The access road to the construction campsite shall be an all-weather road that is a minimum of 14 feet wide and graded to provide a smooth surface which can be easily traversed by automobiles. The road shall be maintained in a smooth rut-free condition throughout the contract period. Culverts shall be installed at crossings of low areas where significant concentrations of runoff water accumulate and cause ponding of water.

As a part of this bid item, the Contractor shall furnish and install electrical service to the Government supplied field trailer. The service shall be adequate to address all anticipated electrical loads and meet

An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer the minimum voltage and amperage requirements indicated by the selected trailer and trailer manufacturer recommendations. The Contractor shall be responsible for supply of power to the Government’s field office throughout the contract period. If a portable generator is used to supply electrical power, the Contractor shall be responsible for the complete operation and maintenance of the generator. The generator shall remain in operating condition 24 hours per day.

The Contractor shall furnish a source of potable drinking water inside the Government’s field trailer and shall maintain a supply of potable drinking water throughout the contract period.

The Contractor shall prohibit livestock entry to the work area by installation of temporary fencing.

Temporary barbed wire fencing shall be a minimum of three (3) wire fence with a maximum 20 feet post spacing. Temporary electric fencing shall be a minimum of two (2) wire fence with a maximum 50 feet post spacing. All temporary fencing shall be capable of turning a cow and preventing its access to the construction area. All temporary fencing shall remain in-place and maintained during the entire contract period, or as approved by the Engineer.

Bid Item 6 – Mobilization and Demobilization

Section 3, PAYMENT, states, "Payment will be made as the work proceeds, after presentation of paid invoices …. by the Contractor showing specific mobilization and demobilization costs and supporting evidence of the charges of suppliers, subcontractors, and others." The Contractor may be asked to provide proof of the total direct cost and will have to submit paid invoices for the purchase of bonds and mobilization supplies in order to be reimbursed for these items prior to acceptance of invoice.

As part of demobilization, the access road shall be bladed to be smooth and shall be left in a rut-free condition. The temporary construction entrance and its improvements shall be removed and the area bladed and shaped to restore the area to its original condition. All temporary fencing installed shall be completely removed and the materials disposed of in an approved manner.

9 – TRAFFIC CONTROL

Subsidiary Item – Traffic Control

In section 4, the Contractor shall furnish a written plan showing the proposed method of signing, barricading for traffic control, use of flaggers, etc. to be approved by this contract’s Engineer and Hemphill County (if necessary).

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 6 – Mobilization and Demobilization.

10 – WATER FOR CONSTRUCTION

Subsidiary Item – Water for Construction

This item shall consist of providing, conveying, spreading, and sprinkling of water as applicable for dust abatement, earthfill, drainfill, topsoil, and any other construction activity. Use of water for these activities shall be considered subsidiary to those items.

Water shall be obtained from the on-site stream/lake, an off-site source, or from an on-site well installed by the Contractor. Water provided for construction operations shall be clean and free from injurious amounts of oil, salt, acid, alkali, organic matter, or other deleterious substances. Saline/salt water from oil and gas operations shall not be allowed.

Any well that is installed for the purpose of supplying water for construction shall be installed, developed, and plugged in accordance with all applicable State and local regulations by a Texas licensed water well driller.

Compensation for this item is to be included, as applicable, in Bid Item 2 – Pollution Control; Bid Item 6 – Mobilization and Demobilization; Bid Item 8 – Earthfill, Class A; Bid Item 9 – Drainfill;

Bid Item 10 – Topsoil.

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11 – REMOVAL OF WATER

Subsidiary Item – Removal of Water

This item of work requires the Contractor to submit a written plan for diverting surface water and dewatering the construction site. The plan must be approved before beginning construction.

Compensation for this item is to be included, as applicable, in Bid Item 7 – Excavation, Common; Bid Item 8 – Earthfill, Class A; Bid Item 9 – Drainfill.

21 - EXCAVATION

Bid Item 7 – Excavation, Common

This item shall consist of all excavation required for the removal of the existing foundation drain and installation of the new foundation drainage system to the limits and extents shown on the drawings.

In Section 4 – Use of Excavated Materials, Method 1 shall apply. There is no guarantee that materials obtained from the specified excavations may be used directly in specified fill areas. Separate stockpiling of selected materials to ensure their availability for use in specific zones of the fill may be required. Additional compensation will not be made for stockpiling of excavated materials. Cost for stockpiling of excavated materials shall be included in the compensation for the bid item(s) for excavation.

In Section 5 – Disposal of Waste Materials, Method 1 shall apply. The disposal of the excavated materials shall include transporting, depositing, and spreading the materials to and on the designated waste areas. Waste areas shall be designated at the time of the site showing. The finished surface of the waste area(s) shall be uniform and conform to the topography. Additional compensation for disposal of excavated materials and dressing of the waste area will not be made.

The Contractor shall submit an excavation plan to address trenching and excavations beneath the existing principal spillway conduit. The plan shall ensure that the principal spillway conduit is protected from damage by equipment, as well as any displacement or settlement that could result of the excavation, trenching, and/or drainfill installations. Any damage to the conduit shall be repaired at the Contractor’s expense using methods and materials that are approved by the Contracting Officer.

In Section 9 – Measurement and Payment, Method 3 shall apply. The lower limits of excavations shown on the drawings shall be considered the true surface of completed excavation unless low density materials still exist. The actual depths and extent of these excavations will be determined after examination of materials encountered.

Subsidiary Item – Excavation, Common, Borrow

The item consists of all excavations from within the borrow areas required to complete the specified earthfills as designated on the drawings.

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 8 – Earthfill, Class A

Subsidiary Item – Excavation, Common, Foundation Stripping

This item shall apply to the areas receiving earthfill that do not require other excavations before earthfill placement. This excavation consists of removing weeds, grass, roots and soils containing significant vegetative or organic material from the ground surface (including any waste areas) prior to placing earthfill in required areas. The depth of stripping shall be sufficient to remove the vegetative material and soil containing significant organic matter and is estimated to be 3 to 12 inches (on average). The total required volume of stripping shall not exceed that obtained by assuming a depth of 6-inches.

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 7 – Excavation, Common.

Subsidiary Item – Excavation, Common, Drainfill

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This item includes all excavations outside the limits of other designated excavations required for the installation of the foundation trench drain as shown on the drawings.

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 9 – Drainfill.

Subsidiary Item – Excavation, Common, PVC and Ductile Iron Pipe

This item includes all excavations outside the limits of other designated excavations required for the installation of the P.V.C. and Ductile Iron Pipe as shown on the drawings.

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 11 – 6” PVC Conduit and Bid Item 12 – Ductile Iron Pipe.

23 - EARTHFILL

Bid Item 8 – Earthfill, Class A

This item shall consist of all fill and backfill necessary for the completion of the embankment as shown on the drawings.

In section 6, Compaction, Class A compaction shall apply. In-place dry density of materials being placed shall not be less than 95 percent of the maximum dry density obtained during tests performed in accordance with the procedures contained in ASTM D698 and placement moisture shall be from optimum to +4% as determined from the above test. The moisture content of the materials being placed shall be adjusted as necessary to meet these requirements.

In section 9, Measurement and payment, Method 4 and 6 shall apply and be made at the contract unit price. Measurement is between the approved subgrade and the specified completed earthfill surface as shown on the drawings.

24 – DRAINFILL

Bid Item 9 – Drainfill

This item shall consist of furnishing and installing the fine and coarse drainfills required for the new foundation drain to the limits and gradations shown on the drawings.

In Section 2, Material, Method 1 shall apply where the contractor shall inform the engineer the source of the drainfill a minimum of 30 days before delivery. Fine drainfill shall meet C33 for fine aggregate and C33 No. 89 for coarse drainfill.

In section 5, Control of moisture, fine graded drainfill shall be in a wet or near saturated condition when placed. Each layer of drainfill shall be saturated immediately prior to compaction.

In section 6, Compaction, for fine drainfill, Class A compaction shall apply, except that the compacted dry density be a minimum of 95 percent of the maximum dry density as determined by ASTM 689 as modified to consist of a 1-point test performed on a representative sample of oven-dried drainfill.

In section 8, Measurement and payment, Method 1 shall apply and be measured to the nearest CY. A deduction in volume will not be made for embedded conduits.

26 – TOPSOILING

Bid Item 10 – Topsoiling

This item shall consist of salvaging of approved topsoil from required excavations; from the stripping operations; and from borrow areas and placing and spreading it on all areas designated to receive topsoil including the embankment earthfill areas, exposed borrow areas, and waste areas as indicated on the drawings.

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In section 3, Furnishing, Method 1 shall apply and shall be from designated earth surfaces that will be disturbed by construction activities.

In Section 5, Spreading, Method 1 shall apply. After spreading the topsoil on the required surfaces, a minimum amount of compacted effort shall be applied with at least 1 pass of a dozer track.

The depth of topsoil for these areas shall be 6 inches.

In Section 6, Measurement and payment, Method 1 shall apply and measured to the nearest square yard.

45 – PLASTIC PIPE

Bid Item 11 – 6” PVC Conduit

This item shall consist of furnishing and installing the 6-inch diameter slotted and non-perforated P.V.C.

along with all necessary fittings, couplings, and all other items and appurtenances necessary and incidental to completion of the work as shown on the drawings.

In section 2, Material, the P.V.C. plastic pipe shall be either AWWA C900, pressure class 150; ASTM D1785, Schedule 80; or ASTM D2241, SDR 17. For perforated pipe, slotted pipe shall be used with dimensions and geometry as shown on the drawings.

The last non-perforated P.V.C. joints of the foundation trench drain outfall lines shall conform to AWWA C-900, pressure class 150 and be compatible with joining with ductile iron pipe.

In section 6, Pipe embedment, earth bedding and pipe encased in drainfill shall apply. In addition to the details stated in Section 6 for bedding of P.V.C. pipe, the bedding shall be as shown on the drawings.

In section 10, Measurement and payment, Method 3 shall apply and be made at the contract unit price.

53 – DUCTILE IRON PIPE

Bid Item 12 – Ductile Iron Pipe

This item shall consist of furnishing and installing the two, 20 feet long, 6-inch I.D. ductile iron pipe as the termination joint for the 6-inch I.D. P.V.C. outfall lines as described on the drawings.

In section 10, Measurement and payment, measurement shall be made to the nearest foot and payment shall be made at the contract unit price.

81 – METAL FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION

Subsidiary Item – Metal Cleanout Covers

This item shall consist of furnishing, fabricating, galvanizing, and installing the metal cleanout covers with reinforced concrete surround as shown on the drawings.

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 11 – 6” PVC Conduit

Subsidiary Item – Rodent Guards

This item shall consist of furnishing, fabricating, galvanizing, and installing the rodent guards for the foundation drain outfall lines as shown on the drawings.

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 12 – Ductile Iron Pipe

Subsidiary Item – Stiles

This item shall consist of furnishing, fabricating, galvanizing, and installing the fence stiles as shown on the drawings.

Compensation for this item is to be included in Bid Item 13 – Fence, Barbed Wire

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92 – FIELD FENCE

Bid Item 13 – Fence, Barbed Wire

This item shall consist of furnishing all materials required and constructing the barbed wire fences as designated on the drawings and MS 591. Barbed wire shall be 12.5 gauge and have Class III coating.

The approximate location of the fences to be constructed is shown on the construction drawings. The final location of the fences (including corners, gates, pull and brace panels, stiles and special anchorage) shall be as staked by the Engineer.

In Section 10, Measurement and payment, Method 1 shall apply and measured to the nearest foot.

94 – CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

Bid Item 14 – Contractor Quality Control

In Section 3, Quality Control System, Method 2 shall apply. The system established shall be documented in a written plan developed by the Contractor and approved by the CO. The plan shall be submitted to the CO within 10 calendar days after notice of award. No construction activity that requires inspection shall not proceed until the plan is approved by the CO.

In Section 4, Quality Control Personnel, Method 2 shall apply. This requires the quality control activities to be performed by competent personnel who are separate and apart from line supervision and who report directly to management. Names of quality control personnel and their duties, qualifications, certifications, and authorities are required and shall be submitted to the CO for approval.

In Section 9, Measurement and Payment, Method 2 shall apply and paid in equal amounts on each monthly estimate.

It is the Contractor’s responsibility to perform tests to prove and ensure that all work performed meets the contract requirements. Any testing done by the Government is for the sole benefit of the Government. All tests must be conducted in accordance with the appropriate ASTM method and with equipment that meets the requirements of the specified ASTM test method.

Daily QC reports are required to be submitted to the Inspector.

Quality control personnel shall also be responsible for maintaining a record of progress with photographs and be submitted with the request for final payment.

SITE VISIT

A field visit was made to Site 23A. All locations and works of improvement from the drawings were shown on the ground.

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q1. Is a cofferdam required?

A1. See Construction Specification 11 – Removal of Water for requirements of dewatering and surface water diversion. A Dewatering and Diversion of Surface Water Plan is required and shall be submitted to the Engineer prior to start of construction operations.

Q2. Are cattle expected to be within the work area?

A2. This is a possibility. See Construction Specification 8 – Mobilization and Demobilization, Section 4

a. (2) (h) for the requirements of temporary fencing.

Q3. Is a NOI required for this project?

A3. Yes; see Construction Specification 5 – Pollution Control for all SWPP and permit requirements.

Q4. Is there a fertilizer rate given for the revegetation?

A4. A rate is not specified. The contractor is required to submit a routine soil fertility test for the on-site soils to determine the mix and application rate. See Construction Specification 6 – Seeding, Sprigging, and Mulching, Section 7 for soil sampling and testing procedures.

Q5. What is the actual seeding mix required for the revegetation?

A5. See Construction Specification 6 – Seeding, Sprigging, and Mulching, Section 7 a. (3) for the seed mixture and application rate.

Q6. Can the filter wells that are apart of the foundation drain maintain the same width (30”) as the main foundation drain instead of the 20” specified?

A6. No; the diameter of the filter wells shall be 20” as shown in the Typical Foundation Drain Section detail on Sheet 3 of the drawings

Q7. Will the existing piezometers on the embankment be disturbed or do they need to be protected?

A7. The existing piezometers shall be removed and plugged according to the notes and locations as shown on Sheet 4 of the drawings.

Q8. Can nearby oilfield disposal/fracking water be used for on-site construction water?

A8. No; see Construction Specification 10 – Water for Construction. Water provided for construction operations shall be clean and free from injurious amounts of oil, salt, acid, alkali, organic matter, or other deleterious substances. Saline/salt water from oil and gas operations shall not be allowed.

Shane W. Ice, P.E.

Texas State Construction Engineer cc: R. Brian Wenberg, State Conservation Engineer, Texas NRCS Mark Northcut, Water Resources Team Leader, Texas NRCS

Jeremiah Ruiz, Watershed Inspector, Texas NRCS