Amendment_1_Q_As_0001.docx

AMENDMENT 0001

SOLICITATION NO. 140P1424R0022

INSTALLATION OF GROUNDWATER MONITORING WELLS, YELLOWSTONE

JUNE 18, 2024

QUESTION 1: Attachment 2 under project notes mentions clearing top four inches for construction site, and a SWPPP must be prepared. Attachment 1 mentions silt fencing being placed but does not mention a SWPPP. Is a SWPPP needed for installation of monitoring wells?

ANSWER 1: Due to each area being under one acre of disturbance, a formal SWPPP is not required for permitting. However, the contractor shall submit a plan to protect groundwater and nearby surface water describing containment methods for drilling fluids and potential equipment leaks.

QUESTION 2: Is it necessary to clear the top four inches of topsoil for a drilling project? Usually the drill rigs, whether tracked or wheel-based for movement, have little impact on dry ground conditions, especially if mud mats or plywood is being used.

ANSWER 2: Yes, topsoil must be stripped from any areas to be excavated. Topsoil shall not be stripped from the access routes that contractor will use to access the drilling sites, though the contractor may be required to place plywood on some routes if they go through sensitive or wet areas. As stated in the Project Note 18 (Sheet 2) of Attachment 2 – P1424R0022 Plans, "Prior to construction, strip 4" of topsoil, grass, and bushes from areas to be excavated. Minimize disturbance by driving along approved routes and parking in areas designated by park staff. Protect sensitive areas by placing plywood as designated by park staff."

QUESTION 3: Field verification for materials is listed in Attachment 1. Will there be a site visit prior to bidding, or should this be included in the project cost prior to mobilization?

ANSWER 3: Offerors are urged and expected to inspect the sites where the work will be performed prior to preparing their proposal. An official site visit will not be scheduled as the locations are accessible to the public. Specific coordinates can be found in Attachment 2 – P1424R0022 Plans, pages 4 through 7. For locations indicated in purple, the exact locations will be finalized with the contractor after award as to pick the best location for the drilling rig.

QUESTION 4: Attachment 1 mentions steam cleaning equipment prior to entrance to the park and an inspection being conducted. Also mentioned in Attachment 1 is that equipment must be washed prior to moving to the next location. Is it possible to wash/decon the equipment at the current drill site, or must this be done outside of the park?

ANSWER 4: The initial cleaning must be done prior to entering the park. The initial inspection shall occur before entering the park. Cleaning equipment prior to moving to subsequent drill sites within the park, can be done at the drill site.

QUESTION 5: Can cuttings that are retained for logging purposes be farmed at the drill location?

ANSWER 5: Cuttings retained for drill logging shall be removed from the site after each well is logged.

QUESTION 6: Does wash/decon water need to be contained, or can it be farmed?

ANSWER 6: Wash water needs to be contained using the approved methods in the SWPPP plan to prevent wash water from entering adjacent streams or ponds. Wash water may percolate into the surrounding ground.

QUESTION 7: Does development water need to be contained, or can it be farmed?

ANSWER 7: Development water needs to be contained using the approved methods in the SWPPP plan to prevent turbid water from entering adjacent streams or ponds. Development water may percolate into the surrounding ground.

QUESTION 8: Can you provide a list of park-certified pits?

ANSWER 8: Included as Attachment 5 – Gravel Pit Inspection Report. Only pits listed as "PASSED" in the "2023-2024 Status" column are approved.

QUESTION 9: The Wyoming State Engineer does not require a Wyoming Well Drilling License for drilling/constructing monitoring wells with a nominal casing size less than 4-inches in diameter and used exclusively for obtaining water quality samples or water levels [Wyoming Statute Section 33-42-112]. Are drilling companies required to possess a Wyoming Well Drilling License, as stated as a requirement in the solicitation?

Answer: Due to the State of Wyoming not requiring a Wyoming licensed well drilling company for monitoring wells smaller than 4” in diameter, proposals will be accepted from monitoring well drillers not licensed in the State of Wyoming.

END OF AMENDMENT 0001