B09_Solicitation_Amendment_3_Attach_8_Paleontology_Protection_0003.docx

– PALEONTOLOGICAL PROTECTION

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

A. The work in this section consists of protecting paleontological resources contained in bedrock deposits.

1.2 DEFINITIONS

A. Paleontological Resources: Paleontological resources are physical evidences of past animal life. Paleontological resources represent prehistoric time periods. They are found above and below ground and under water.

B. Paleontologically Sensitive Areas: Areas containing bedrock from the Eocene/Oligocene White River Group which is fossil-rich in nature.

C. Paleontological Monitor: The contractor will subcontract with a paleontological mitigation company to provide qualified individuals designated to oversee construction activities that could disturb paleontological resources. Please see list of suggested paleontological mitigation companies. The park paleontologist will review and approve the paleontological mitigation company chosen by the contractor. Please see the enclosed list of paleontological qualifications.

D. Paleontological Resources Preservation Act P.L. 111-11- March 30, 2009 defines paleontological resources as any fossilized remains, traces, or imprints of organisms, preserved in or on the earth’s crust, that are of paleontological interest, and that provide information about the history of life on earth.

E. Bedrock: Solid rock underlying loose deposits such as soil or alluvium. All bedrock preserved in Badlands National Park is fossil-rich.

1.3 SUBMITTALS

A. Daily Work Schedule; Submit a Daily Work Schedule detailing construction work in paleontologically sensitive areas. Submit to Contracting Officer 2 days before start of ground disturbing site work.

1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. At least one week before on-site work begins, Contractor shall meet with Contracting Officer and Paleontological Monitor to discuss Daily Work Schedule and equipment and special methods to be used in paleontologically sensitive areas. Contractor shall ensure that approved Daily Work Schedule is followed throughout construction.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 DAILY WORK SCHEDULE

A. A Daily Work Schedule is required for all work occurring within paleontologically sensitive areas. Include all work that is to occur within the area and key the schedule to the drawings to include the following:

1. Starting and ending dates of ground-disturbing construction.

2. Locations of temporary facilities, such as barriers, field offices, staging areas, sanitary facilities, and haul and access roads.

3. Types of construction, such as clearing, topsoil stripping, structure or trench excavation, landscaping, and post construction clean-up.

4. Methods and equipment used for each type of construction.

5. Plan for alternative work in the event of temporary work stoppages at each paleontologically sensitive area.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 PALEONTOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION BY CONTRACTED PERSONNEL

A. All monitoring will be completed by qualified paleontological monitor. (Please see attached list of monitor qualifications.) A salvage collection permit for paleontology, signed by the park superintendent will be drafted for all paleontological monitors. All fossils that are collected will be evaluated by the park paleontologist and shall be prepared, curated and recorded in the NPS ICMS database.

3.2 OBSERVATION

A. Paleontological Monitor will observe all ground-disturbing site work. The monitor will keep a daily log and will record all associated data when collecting a fossil. Photographs will be taken of work areas, all fossils collected and associated stratigraphy.

3.3 DISCOVERY OF RESOURCES

A. If Paleontological Monitor discovers resources, immediate change of work to a non-excavation activities may be required to allow Monitor to identify and document resources and, if necessary, develop an appropriate mitigation plan. While Paleontological Monitor is documenting resources in sensitive areas, Contractor shall cease all excavation work which requires a paleontological monitor.

B. If resources are discovered while Paleontological Monitor is absent, stop work in the vicinity immediately and report the discovery to the Contracting Officer/COR.

3.4 WORK STOPPAGE

A. The Contractor shall plan, schedule, and execute the work to prevent stoppages at one area from stopping all work at the construction site