B09_SOW_Groundskeeper_Morning_Star_Mine_revised_3-10-2022_0001.pdf

MOJA- Morning Star Mine Groundskeeper

Mojave National Preserve

San Bernardino County, California

STATEMENT OF WORK:

Groundskeeper duties for Morning Star Mine

DATED:

February 10, 2022

Prepared by: Sofia Andeskie

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Mojave National Preserve

STATEMENT OF WORK

1. BACKGROUND

Morning Star Mine in Mojave National Preserve requires the support of a groundskeeper.

The mine contains two leaching pads, one pregnant pond, and one open pit mine. To manage these features, NPS would like to contract the service of a groundskeeper to monitor the mine site and complete maintenance work.

2. OBJECTIVES

Mojave National Preserve (MOJA) of the National Park Service is contracting a groundskeeper to maintain Morning Star Mine. Groundskeeper responsibilities include, but are not limited to, regularly visiting the site, observing the monitoring wells, surveying leaching pads

#1 and #2, inspecting and checking the water level in the pregnant pond, syphoning water into pregnant pond, scanning the overall mine site, monitoring fencing and fixing if needed, and filing quarterly water report with the water board. Additionally, the groundskeeper will provide regular updates to Mojave National Preserve.

3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Morning Star Mine is located in Mojave National Preserve on the east slope of the

Ivanpah Mountains at 35.358224, -115.486500 (Figure 1). The site is accessible by driving on the paved Morning Star Mine Rd and turning on the unpaved Morning Star Mine Cut-Off road.

High-clearance, four-wheeled drive vehicles are needed to access the site. The unpaved, dirt roads are susceptible to wash outs from monsoonal floods in the summer and rain/snow in the winter. In the summer, temperatures can be above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, temperatures can be below 31 degrees Fahrenheit with snow.

Figure 1: General location of Morning Star Mine in Mojave National Preserve.

Figure 2: Satellite imagery of Morning Star Mine identifying leaching pads and pregnant pond.

4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this contract is for one year with four option years to follow.

5. TASKS

Tasks for this position include the following:

• Monthly site visit to check on status of mine. Monthly visit involves checking on two leaching pads, one pregnant pond, two monitoring wells (one near leaching pad 2 and the other near pregnant pond), and one open pit mine for any vandalism, destruction, erosion, or any other changes that may be problematic. The Morning Star Mine perimeter fence and the pregnant pond fence should be inspected for any damage or holes. If there are any problems at the mine site, damage to the fence or holes, or any other significant changes, please report to MOJA Physical Scientist.

• The quarterly water report responsibilities include measuring the water level in the monitoring wells, the water level in leaching pad #2, and the water level in the pregnant pond. These measurements will be taken four times a year (seasonally), when required by the water board. The pregnant pond is measured by using a measuring tape to identify the distance between the top of the liner and the water surface level. The monitoring wells water level are measured using a water level meter or siting with a mirror. Once measurements are obtained, the groundskeeper must fill out and submit the appropriate paperwork for the water board. The quarterly report includes the date, marking if there are any violations, brief description of violations (if present), and details on the wells and pregnant pond levels.

• When the water level in leaching pad #2 rises to 3-4 8-9 feet from the top of the pad, the water must be syphoned into the pregnant pond. In the past, this has been required every

2 to 3 years. However, syphoning may need to be completed more frequently if: (1) there are heavy rains causing the water in the leaching pad to rise or (2) if there is a significant drought causing the water in the pregnant pond to lower. For these reasons, it is necessary to check on the water level in the leaching pad and pregnant pond quarterly. When it is necessary for a syphon to be performed, the groundskeeper will use a generator, water pump, pipes, and other supplies to syphon the water from leaching pad #2 to the pregnant pond. This process must be closely monitored, and it is recommended that the groundskeeper must live on site for the duration of the syphoning (approximately three days). Once the water level has significantly dropped, the syphoning can stop.

6. DELIVERABLES

The groundskeeper will provide two deliverables: (1) bimonthly (every other month) updates on condition of the mine site and (2) quarterly paperwork file with the waterboard. Details on these deliverables are listed below.

1. Bimonthly updates on condition of mine site

a. Update MOJA Physical Scientist with the condition of mine site and fences. This includes any observations of vandalism, trespassing, or damage to the mine site.

This also include observations of observed flora and fauna at the site.

b. Update on water levels. This includes water level of the monitoring wells, the pregnant pond, and both leaching pads.

c. The report should be typed and emailed to the Physical Scientist. See Appendix A for a report template.

2. Quarterly paperwork filed with the California Regional Water Control Board

a. Copies of the quarterly water report must be provided to both MOJA and the water board. See Appendix B for a report template.

7. SAFETY

While at the site, the groundskeeper should not eat or consume any sediment from the site. The groundskeeper should be aware of the high summer temperatures and the low winter temperatures, and plan field work accordingly for safety

8. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

Materials may break from usual wear and tear throughout this process. Any materials needed, such as a new pump or pipe, can be requested to the Physical Scientist.

9. PROJECT PERSONNEL

Contracting Officer:

Jim Read NPS Mojave National Preserve Telephone: (760)252-6112 Email: jim_read@nps.gov

Park Physical Scientist:

Anna Sofia Andeskie NPS Mojave National Preserve Address: 2071 Barstow Rd, Barstow CA 92311 Telephone: (760) 221- 2612 Email: sofia_andeskie@nps.gov

Andeski, Annasofia Scherne TBD, filled in with Jim right now as a placeholder

Appendix A Date:

Condition of perimeter fence:

Circle one: good / damaged Description (if needed):

Condition of pregnant pond fence:

Circle one: good / damaged Description (if needed):

Any erosion, vandalism, or damage?

Any observed animals?

Any observed plants?

Water level of monitoring wells:

Water level of pregnant pond:

Water level of leaching pad #1:

Is syphoning needed? Circle one: yes / no

Any other observations?

Appendix B

DATE

California Regional Water Quality Control Board

Lahontan Region

14440 Civic Drive, Suite 200

Victorville, CA 92392

Facility Name: Morning Star Mine

Address: 2701 Barstow Rd, Barstow CA 92311

Contact Person: **Insert Groundskeeper Name

Job Title: Morning Star Mine Groundskeeper

Phone: **Insert Groundskeeper Phone Number

Email: **Insert Groundskeeper Email

WDR/NPDES Order Number: _______________________________________

WWID Number:

Type of Report (circle one): Monthly Quarterly Semi-Annual

Annual Other

Month(s) (circle applicable month(s)*: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JULY

AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

*annual Reports (circle the first month of the reporting period)

Year: 2021

Violation(s)? (Please check one): NO YES

*If YES is marked complete a-g (Attach Additional information as necessary)

a) Brief Description on Violation: None or description

b) Section(s) of WDRs/NPDES

Permit Violated: None or description

c) WDRs/NPDES

Limit/Condition: None or description

d) Date(s) and Duration of

Violation(s): None or description

e) Explanation of Cause(s): None or description

f) Corrective Action(s): None or description

**Insert description including date of last visit, water level in monitoring wells, water level in pregnant pond, and water level in leaching pads.

I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision following a system designed to ensure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my gathering, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Groundskeeper at the number provided above.

Sincerely, Signature:

Name:

Title: Groundskeeper