Attachment_1,_SOW_6.18.2019_Final.pdf

GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE

BEACH ENHANCEMENT AND ASPHALT REMOVAL PROJECT

2019/2020 TIDAL ZONE ASPHALT AND DEBRIS CLEANUP

SCOPE OF WORK

1. BACKGROUND

As part of the early restoration process in response to the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the Beach Enhancement and Asphalt Removal Project was funded to restore natural viewsheds and enhance future visitors’ experience to Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS), a park within the National Park Service (NPS) in Northwest Florida. Several storms and hurricanes occurring since 1995 have caused severe damage to previously existing roads along GUIS beaches. The associated storm surges eroded/lifted sections of asphalt road and road base materials and fragmented and scattered these materials considerable distances. Removal efforts landward of Mean High Water (MHW) have been ongoing since 2016. To date, these efforts have removed over 14,000 cubic yards from approximately 480 acres of GUIS. The remaining volume of asphalt debris to be removed from tidal zones across all of GUIS is estimated to be in the range of 2,500-3,000 cubic yards. Asphalt debris to be removed ranges in shape and size from large slabs (5-10 feet long) down to fragments 3 inches in diameter. Based on visual observations and historical assessments, asphalt debris throughout supratidal, intertidal and subtidal areas is assumed to range from a few inches deep to 3 feet deep. However, there are likely areas where debris is buried deeper than this. Due to the nature and uncertainty in volume of asphalt debris to be removed, assumptions have been made based on best available information – there is a possibility that more or less asphalt may be present than originally assumed.

2. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to remove asphalt and other miscellaneous non-natural debris scattered throughout nearshore areas over approximately 2 linear miles of shoreline. While efforts have previously focused on removing asphalt and road base debris onshore across GUIS, this scope is for removal of asphalt and miscellaneous non-natural debris located from supratidal, intertidal and subtidal areas throughout the Gulf shore of the Fort Pickens unit of GUIS only.

Debris is defined as derelict pavement and fragments of asphalt, as well as miscellaneous non-natural debris including, but not limited to, PVC pipes, cables ≤ 1 inch in diameter, concrete, and boat debris ≤ 4 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet.

3. LOCATION OF WORK

The project is located in the Fort Pickens unit of GUIS (Attachment 1, Location Area Map). This project includes NPS south (Gulf) shore barrier island property from parking lot 17A east to parking lot 19A (Attachment 2, Map 1). The closest cities are Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, Florida.

Work will be performed in the 1) supratidal zone, defined as areas within 50 feet landward of mean high water (MHW), 2) intertidal zone, defined as the area between MHW and mean low water (MLW) (the ‘wet sand’), and 3) subtidal zone, defined as submerged area within 20 feet seaward of MLW. The project area covers approximately 28 acres across supratidal, intertidal and subtidal zones; 12.9 acres, 9.2 acres, and 6.1 acres, respectively. In addition to the nearshore areas outlined above, removal of cable may occur throughout onshore areas as it exposes. Onshore is defined as the area landward of the supratidal zone, south of Fort Pickens Road. Cable is the only debris type to be removed from onshore areas. No seagrass beds exist within the project area. No work will be performed in subtidal areas greater than 20 feet seaward of MLW. One sensitive resource area has been identified in the project area (Attachment 2, Map 2).

Note: given the dynamic nature of sand movement in the project area due to wave, storm, and tidal influences, the exact location and shape of the tidal work zones are subject to change from what is depicted by the debris field polygons in the attached maps (Attachment 2, Maps 1-5).

4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The overall work period for cleanup activities will be a 2.5 month onsite work season occurring 16 November 2019 through 31 January 2020. Work stoppages during this period may occur due to hurricanes, severe storms, or early or late shore- and seabird and sea turtle nesting.

5. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

In accordance with the terms and conditions herein, the prime Contractor or their Sub-contractors shall perform the work of this contract for the National Park Service (NPS). It is the Contractor’s responsibility to furnish all the labor, materials, tools, and equipment to remove asphalt debris and other debris that could pose a threat to health and safety such as abandoned cables, PVC pipes, etc. (see Section 2 above). Debris shall be removed when encountered in the work area.

See below for examples of equipment that could be used. No work will be authorized from boats and/or barges. No work, including beach driving, will occur at night.

Services shall be completed for removing asphalt debris from supratidal, intertidal and subtidal areas on the south shore of Fort Pickens. NPS has identified areas of known high concentration (i.e. debris fields) at the Fort Pickens unit which the Contractor shall provide removal (Attachment 2, Maps 1-4)). An approximated 40% of asphalt debris removal will occur in supratidal and intertidal areas with the remaining 60% of removal efforts occurring in subtidal areas. Based on 2018 bathymetric Lidar data, water depth in the subtidal zone where removal is to occur ranges from 0-3 feet with 3 feet being maximum water depth. An estimated volume of roughly 450 cubic yards of asphalt debris has been identified for removal from approximately 5.5 acres. Due to the highly dynamic nature of sand movement caused by ongoing wind erosion and episodic water erosion (e.g., heavy rains or overwash events), clean up areas within the project area may change in both size and character between now and the end of the period of performance. Thus some methods of removal may change throughout the course of the project.

Derelict utility cables are evident throughout the project area and in need of removal. Several hundred feet of cable ¾”-1” in diameter have been observed. An approximated 10% of cable removal will occur in supratidal and onshore areas, 40% removal will occur in intertidal areas, with the remaining 50% of removal occurring in subtidal areas. Several areas in need of cable removal have been identified (Attachment 2, Maps 2-3). It is expected that most cable pieces can simply be pulled on and fully removed from the sand. Where a piece of cable cannot be fully removed, however, the cable should be cut 3 feet (where possible) down. Once cut, cable caps are to be placed over the cut end(s). Caps should be securely attached so they remain indefinitely to reduce cutting and impalement hazards to park visitors and wildlife. It is expected that cables in supra- and inter-tidal zones and onshore areas can be cut easily by hand. Cable located in subtidal areas that requires cutting should be pulled into the intertidal zone when reasonably possible where it can be cut and capped by hand. If this cannot be done, the cable should not be cut and should remain in the subtidal zone. Other non-miscellaneous debris including PVC pipes, concrete, and boat debris ≤ 4 feet x 4 feet X 4 feet may exist in the project area. While locations have not been identified, this debris shall also be removed if encountered in the project area.

One sensitive resource area (archaeological) has been identified in the project area (Map 1).

Cable debris has been identified throughout approximately 0.38 acres of this area. When working in the sensitive resource area, Tribal representation and monitors from the Southeast Archaeological Center (SEAC) must be present during all removal activities. Remnants of pilings, the cultural resource of interest, will not be removed or disturbed.

Services shall focus on areas identified by NPS to be cleaned based on exposure and accessibility due to factors such as tide cycle, wind speed and direction, and access/approach. These areas will be prioritized by NPS based on degree of debris visibility/exposure. Only visible debris will be targeted for removal. However, debris uncovered while removing targeted debris should also be removed if it originates 3 feet or less below the substrate surface. Small particles are to be avoided during removal efforts. No asphalt debris smaller than the size of a baseball (~3 inches in diameter) warrants removal from supratidal and intertidal zones. Similarly, debris less than the size of a basketball (10 inches in diameter) does not require removal from subtidal areas. When removing pieces, the Contractor shall dig down up to 3 feet to remove debris across the project area (i.e. in all 3 tidal zones). However, if a large piece of debris extends deeper than 3 feet, an attempt should be made to pull it out entirely. If it cannot be pulled out, it should be broken off at a point 3 feet deep (where possible) and removed. Any holes created during removal efforts should be filled when reasonably possible with adjacent material. Attempts to minimize substrate disturbance and/or removal should be taken. Methods and equipment that removes debris but leaves sand are desired. As much of the sand (as is reasonably possible) that is incidentally scooped up with debris should be returned to the spot from where it was excavated.

The contractor will complete the following items:

1. Obtain any additional permits required for disturbance of areas larger than 5 acres, including NPDES storm water permits.

2. Gather and (recycle if possible) dispose of materials, and complete the project.

3. After (or as) the work is completed, return sites to pre-construction conditions such as smoothing ruts and filling holes greater than 12-inches deep.

4. Provide weekly progress reports for weeks where work is completed for at least 1 day

(once work has commenced) and a Project Completion Report summarizing information from the progress reports as well as any final activities. Reports can be 2-4 pages long (longer if maps or diagrams are needed).

• Dates/times NPS requested services;

• Dates work performed, including any work stoppages;

• Activities performed and areas worked in, including staging area / temporary debris handling area that was used;

• Volumes and type of debris removed (including cumulative totals), where removed from and mechanisms by which it was removed;

• Table showing dump or load receipts data and invoices (time and date, weight, estimated volume in cubic yards, number of trips, etc.);

• Final disposition of debris;

• Any deviations from the relevant planning documents and how issues were resolved.

Tasks performed under this Scope of Work shall be completed in accordance with OSHA regulations.

6. GENERAL CONDITIONS

Combined staging and temporary debris holding areas (2) will be designated within the project area. Staging/temporary debris holding areas are located at the outer limits of the project area;

parking lot 17A (western boundary) and parking lot 19A (eastern boundary) (Attachment 2, Maps 1, 2 and 5). Equipment and vehicles are to be staged overnight in the parking lot closest to debris removal activities. Equipment and vehicles are not authorized to remain on the beach after daily/weekly work has completed. NPS is not responsible for the security of equipment and vehicles staged overnight.

All vehicles and equipment will access the beach using 1 of 2 designated access corridors; 1 corridor will be delineated per staging/temporary debris holding area and marked with posts and/or flagging. Only 1 lot shall be used at any given time; lot 17A is recommended for use while removing debris from the western section of the project area while lot 19A is recommended for staging and disposal for the eastern section of the project area. The central point at each of 4 debris fields identified to contain large concentrations of asphalt and/or cable are located within the following distances from staging/temporary debris holding areas: Field 1 is < 0.10 miles east of lot 17A (Attachment 2, Map 2); Field 2 is 0.30 miles east of lot 17A (Attachment 2, Map 2);

Field 3 is 0.63 miles east of lot 17A (Attachment 2, Map 3); Field 4 is 0.58 miles west of lot 19A (Attachment 2, Map 4). While additional debris outside of the aforementioned locations is expected to require removal throughout the project area, the maximum distance of debris transport is 1 mile. Equipment and vehicles will traverse a straight north-south transect from the staging/disposal area to the tide line, and will then drive parallel to shoreline as close to MHW as reasonably possible to access debris removal areas. Following excavation/removal of debris, equipment will return to the temporary debris holding area by following the same corridor designated for entry onto the beach. The distance travelled in soft sand from parking lots to the shoreline ranges between 150 – 350 feet. Equipment used may be tracked or wheeled but should be adequate to complete the task at hand in soft and wet sand conditions. Examples of appropriate equipment include utility vehicles, skid steers, front end loaders, dump trucks, backhoes, and excavators. Methods that avoid breaking or damaging edges of paved lots when entering/exiting the beach from staging/temporary debris holding areas shall be used.

After excavation/removal, debris will be transported to the staging/temporary debris holding area and dumped into containers. No debris will be sorted or stockpiled on the sand or on parking lot pavement. This method will minimize handling, incidental deposition of debris on the beach, and removal of sand from the system. Once containers are full, material will be hauled offsite to approved local facilities and preferably recycled.

7. PERMIT CONDITIONS

NPS will acquire a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for compliance with the Rivers and Harbors Act (Section 10) and the Clean Water Act (Section 404) and will acquire an Environmental Resource Permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for compliance with Florida Statutes (F.S.) Chapter 373 Part IV, the Coastal Zone Management Act (Section 307), the Clean Water Act (Section 401), and Sovereignty Submerged Lands Authorization (F.S. Chapter 253). The Contractor is responsible for acquiring National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits required through Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The Contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, obtain any necessary NPDES permits prior to the commencement of work. Through Section 404, permits are required to discharge dredged and fill materials into waters of the United States, including wetlands. Debris removal projects such as dredging, demolition, and construction and operation of sites used for debris management must comply with the requirements of CWA as administered by the Federal, State, or local regulatory agency. In addition, the Contractor is responsible for complying with all Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the performance of the work outlined in this Scope of Work.

8. DELIVERY SCHEDULE AND TIME FOR COMPLETION:

The Contractor shall comply with time requirements and commence work in accordance with the accepted working schedule and provide sufficient labor, materials and equipment to complete the work within the time limit(s) set forth in the Scope of Work. Should the Contractor fail to furnish sufficient and suitable equipment, forces, and materials, as necessary to prosecute the work in accordance with the required schedule, the COR may withhold all estimates that are, or may become due, or suspend the work until the Contractor corrects such deficiencies.

The services and work within this Scope of Work and attached bid schedule shall be completed on or before January 31, 2020 and all reporting shall be completed on or before March 20, 2020 in accordance with the following schedule:

Tasks Description Date

A Fort Pickens Project Area Debris removal and disposal begins Not earlier than November 16, 2019 Debris removal and disposal ends Not later than January 31, 2020

All equipment and temporary debris handling areas removed from field

Not later than January 31, 2020

Demobilization from staging area(s) complete

Not later than February 14, 2020

B Reporting

Weekly Progress Reports – Draft 1 work day after completion of previous week’s work (usually COB Monday)

Weekly Progress Reports – Final 2 work days after submitting Draft and receiving NPS comments (usually COB Tuesday)

Project Completion Report – Draft 1 Not later than February 21, 2020

(NPS review and submit comments) Not later than February 28, 2020

Project Completion Report – Draft 2 Not later than March 6, 2020

(NPS review and submit comments) Not later than March 13, 2020

Project Completion Report – Final Not later than March 20, 2020

9. INDEX OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1: Location Area Map Attachment 2: Project Area Detail Maps Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Pickens Unit Maps 1-5 Attachment 3: Photographs

ATTACHMENT 1: Location Area Map

ATTACHMENT 2: Detail Maps

ATTACHMENT 3: Photographs

Photograph 1 – Exposed cable, looking southwest. Photograph 2 – Asphalt debris, looking south.

Photograph 3 – Intertidal and subtidal asphalt debris, looking southeast.

Photograph 4 – Intertidal asphalt debris, looking southwest.

Photograph 5 – Intertidal and subtidal asphalt debris, looking southwest.

Photograph 6 – Intertidal and subtidal asphalt debris, looking southwest.

Photograph 7 – Subtidal asphalt debris, looking southwest. Photograph 8 – Sensitive resource area, pilings to be avoided, looking southeast.