Groundwater Monitoring Questions Attachment 8_0001.docx

Groundwater Monitoring Questions

RFQ #140P1421Q0049

1. The scope of work requires providing sampling and analysis data with 20 calendar days of completed spring and fall sampling. Also, the annual report 20 days after sampling in the fall (page 3). The sampling data may take two weeks to three weeks to be received from the laboratory in report format using normal , non-expedited / non-rush analytical methods. Some data related to coliform may be available sooner in telephone messages from the lab, but not in writing or available reported after their internal QAQC process. Rushing the sampling data report from the lab requires extra cost. We suggest requiring a 10-day or preferably 20-day time-period to start after the contractor receives the data from the lab, which allows the lab to follow their normal QA/QC process, generate the report, and deliver it to the contractor. For added cost the current schedule can be met, but it seems to be an unnecessary use of federal funding. Please consider amending the data reporting schedule to “after the data are received by the contractor”.

The park does not expect the contractor to use an expedited process for sending samples and receiving results. I agree that a 20-day time-period to start after the contractor receives the data from the lab as a reasonable turnaround time.

2. Please confirm that you will require groundwater flow / contour maps at all sites (bottom of page 3 scope of work). For the wastewater monitoring the state does not require the maps, but understandably could be required for the landfill site. Some sites have only two wells, meaning a groundwater contour map will have no utility. At least 3 wells are required to prepare a groundwater flow / contour map. Please provide guidance.

The requirement for a groundwater contour map is only for Task 2: Colter Bay Landfill Groundwater Monitoring. The Annual Groundwater Monitoring (Task 1) does not have this requirement.

3. Top of page 4 indicates statistical analysis of data are presented in the report. This seems to apply to the landfill site but does not seem to be related to the wastewater sites based on experience. Please determine if this requirement is only for the landfill site or all sites.

The requirement for statistical analysis of groundwater data is only for Task 2: Colter Bay Landfill Groundwater Monitoring. The Annual Groundwater Monitoring (Task 1) does not have this requirement.

4. Top of page 4. Please indicate what photographs you will require or want in the report.

No photos are required. If they are used, please make an appendix section for photos.

5. Will all past groundwater quality data on the landfill site be provided the GRTE for the statistical analysis on the data for this site? Can this data be provided in Excel or Access so it does not have to be entered by hand?

All previous reports will be provided.

6. The landfill and wastewater monitoring have two very different analytical costs. The landfill (WY Appendix A) costs are much more than the wastewater monitoring. On the price schedule you included additional well sampling cost for when / when not mobilized to the Park. We suggest the Park include cost lines in the price schedule for additional wastewater monitoring and a separate one for landfill monitoring so you can compare contractor costs mobilized / not mobilized. We assume these costs are for comparison only and will not be awarded in the contract amount, unless additional sampling is required, and then an amendment is approved.

The cost line in the price schedule is for additional wastewater monitoring relevant to the annual groundwater monitoring (Task 1). There will not be additional sampling relevant to landfill monitoring (Task 2). You are correct that these costs are for comparison only to base an amendment on if/when more wells are added to the contract.

7. In 2020, GTRE put out to bid the groundwater monitoring for the Colter Bay landfill. In the 2020 solicitation, GTRE required the successful contractor prepare a health and safety plan, a sampling and analysis plan, collect and dispose of all purge water produced during sampling, and prepare a technical report as part of the contract. The 2021 solicitation includes the landfill sampling work, which is fine to include in the wastewater monitoring, but the additional requirements in 2020 were dropped in 2021. Will these requirements be needed for the 2021 contract going forward?

A health and safety plan and a work plan/ sampling and analysis plan will be required. The work plan/ sampling and analysis plan will include:

a. Analytical Laboratory

b. Data Quality Objectives

c. Sample Designations

d. Laboratory and field QA/QC sample identification and quantity

e. Sample collection, handling, and management

f. Chain-of-Custody Procedures

g. Analytical Methods

h. Identification of analytical Reporting Limits, Method Detection Limits, Practical Quantitation Limits for each method and chemical

i. Investigation-derived Waste (IDW) Management, Characterization and Disposal

j. Data Reduction, verification, and reporting

The contractor shall collect and dispose of all purge water produced during sampling. The technical report is required and listed under VI.3.a.ii.

8. For the landfill sampling, can you please provide the final 2020 technical report, 2020 health and safety plan, 2020 sampling and analysis plan, and 2020 water disposal documentation prepared by the contractor awarded the water quality sampling work in 2020?

The 2020 report will be attached, but the other submittals from the previous contract will not be provided.

9. Can the NPS provide the analytical laboratory that is currently used to analyze the groundwater samples from monitor wells in the Grand Teton National Park and John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway? Does the NPS have a preference on continued use of the current analytical laboratory?

Energy Laboratories has been used in the past, but this is not a requirement.

10. Can the NPS provide the screened interval of each monitor well?

All known well data has been provided in Attachment 1: Groundwater Well Data and Minimum Sampling Schedules.

11. Can the NPS provide the average water levels in the monitor wells?

The average water levels are not known, but all wells are less than 118 feet deep.

12. Does the NPS have a preferred sampling methodology (e.g., low flow vs bailer, etc.)? How have the wells historically be sampled?

A submerged pump has used most of the time, but a manual bailer is needed in the following cases: where there was less than 18-inches of water in wells, where wells are only accessible by walking in equipment, or where the water level was greater than 100 feet below surface.

13. Is the 2020 Annual Report available for review?

The 2020 Annual Report will be attached.

14. Is there an incumbent for this project? If so, can you identify them?

Kirk Engineering & Natural Resources, Inc. for annual monitoring, ppB enviro-solutions for Colter Bay Landfill monitoring

15. Will the government reimburse for travel expenses on this project?

No. This is a lump sum contract.

16. Section IV, 1.a and b of the SOW indicates that the contractor shall collect water quality information from each well according the standards for collection and testing of samples indicated in Attachment 2. Attachment 2 does not include parameters that are required for testing. Attachment 3 (Table 3) includes a list of parameters to be analyzed. Please clarify if the parameters listed in Table 3 are the required analysis for Task 1 Annual Groundwater Monitoring. If this is not the list, please provide list of analytes required for analysis under Task 1 It appears the number system for attachments got thrown off, but yes, Table 3 contains the relevant parameters. This is the attachment list as it appears at the end of the SOW:

Attachment 1: Groundwater Well Data and Minimum Sampling Schedules

Attachment 2: Groundwater Well Parameters Attachment 3: GEM Report Attachment 4: Map Book

17. Section VI, 3.a.ii of the SOW indicates that the written report will include deviations from Work Plan. There is no task for generating a Work Plan in this SOW. Will the contractor follow the procedures included in an existing Work Plan? If so, can NPS provide the existing Work Plan for review?

· A Work Plan will be required. See earlier answer related to work plan/ sampling and analysis plan.

18. Section VI, 3.a.ii of the SOW indicates that the written report will include IDW disposal documentation. Should the contractor assume that all IDW will require off-site disposal at a permitted facility?

· Yes, all IDW will require off-site disposal at a permitted facility.

19. Section X of the SOW indicates that reports from previous years will be provided as needed. Can NPS please provide the most recent reports for the sites?

· Yes.

20. Attachment 2 does not include groundwater depth or elevations. Can this data be provided to assist in developing the appropriate sampling approach?

· The groundwater depths fluctuates depending on the year and time of year. See most recent report for an estimation of what to expect.

21. Can you provide the current water depth ranges for the wells?

Looking at the most recent report, the depth to water from TOC was anywhere between 4 feet and 107 feet.

22. Can you confirm that the minimum well casing size is 2”?

The minimum well casing size is 2".

23. Can you provide the current well sampling standard procedures? A brief discussion will be fine.

For the annual monitoring: Purge a minimum of 1x well-volume with a target of 3x well volume to prevent cross-contamination between samples and wells. Rinse pump and tubing using Clorox solution.

For the Colter Bay Landfill monitoring: D:\Wordperfect\shw\SWG15.PDF (wyoming.gov