31_10_00_-_SITE_CLEARING.pdf

Okaloosa County June 2026 “ITB TDD 65-26” Issue for Bid

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SECTION 31 10 00

SITE CLEARING

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

A. Section Includes:

1. Site clearing Work, including:

a. General provisions for site clearing Work.

b. Preparation for site clearing Work.

c. Clearing and grubbing.

d. Tree protection, selective removals, and selective trimming.

e. Disposal and cleaning.

f. Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil.

B. Related Requirements: Include but are not necessarily limited to:

1.2 REFERENCES

A. Terminology:

1. Terms indicated below are not defined terms indicated with initial capital letters but, when used in this Section, have the meanings indicated below:

a. “Arborist” means Subcontractor retained to perform Work requiring a specialist in trees, shrubs, brush, other vegetation of the types existing at the Site, and possessing not less than the required qualifications indicated in this Section.

b. “Clearing and grubbing” means removing and disposing of all: (1) trees, brush, and other vegetation, logs, and similar items (“clearing”); and (2) stumps, roots, logs, rubbish, and debris on or in the soil (“grubbing”) after Clearing. Clearing and grubbing includes grinding and removing of stumps. When clearing and grubbing, topsoil stripping and stockpiling, and required demolition Work is complete, the Site will be ready for grading and other new construction.

c. “Demolition” means removal, whether in whole or in part, of existing human-made construction, such as removal of buildings, structures, and building systems; site work (such as pavement, curbs, sidewalks, gutters) and the like; Underground Facilities; and other existing construction.

d. “Selective removal” means removal of specific trees, shrubs, brush, and other vegetation, whether as shown or indicated in the Contract Documents or as directed at the Site by Engineer.

e. “Selective trimming” means removal of selected parts of trees, shrubs, brush, and other vegetation, performed by arborist, for the purpose of either: (1) allowing installation of new construction adjacent to or through the tree, shrub, brush, or vegetation, or )2) removing damaged or unhealthy growth, to allow balance of the subject tree, shrub, brush, or vegetation to continue normal, healthy growth.

f. “Site clearing” means all the Work required by this Section and related Drawings.

g. “Topsoil” means existing material at the Site, visible after clearing and grubbing, to be stripped, when such material is friable, clay loam, surface soil present in depth of not less than four inches. Topsoil shall be free of subsoil, clay lumps, stones, and other objects over two-inch diameter and other objectionable material. Topsoil required for planting and landscaping Work in the Specifications of Division 32 may differ from the meaning indicated in this Section.

B. Reference Standards:

1. ASTM International (ASTM):

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a. C700, Standard Specification for Vitrified Clay Pipe, Extra Strength, Standard Strength, and Perforated.

b. D448, Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction.

2. American National Standards Institute (ANSI):.

a. A300, Standard for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices.

3. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA):

a. Container Rootball Shaving.

b. Crown Correction.

c. Balled and Burlapped Root Correction.

d. Container Root Correction.

e. High Branched Crown Observation.

f. Low Branched Crown Observation.

g. Multiple Low Branches Crown Observation.

h. Balled and Burlapped Root Observation.

i. Container Root Observation - Tree.

j. Protection Maintenance.

1.3 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

A. Pre-Clearing Conference:

1. Prior to commencing site clearing Work, actively participate in conference regarding site clearing Work. Date and time of conference will be mutually established by Contractor and Engineer.

2. Location: Conference will be held on site in or by online video conference established by Owner.

3. Participants:

a. Required Participants: Contractor’s project manager, Contractor’s site superintendent, arborist, Engineer, Owner’s Site Representative.

b. Potential Participants: Owner, facility manager (if applicable), and representative of properties (other than Owner) affected by site clearing Work,

4. Engineer will chair the conference, prepare and distribute an agenda, and prepare and distribute a record of the conference.

5. Participants shall be prepared to discuss:

a. Project requirements and the Contract requirements for site clearing Work.

b. Submittals required for site clearing Work.

c. Schedule for site clearing Work and availability of resources.

d. Locations and types of site clearing Work, with specific attention to areas of selective removals, selective trimming, and notable species. Limits of clearing and grubbing.

Proposed locations for stockpiles and temporary storage of cuttings and debris.

e. Environmental and other conditions at the Site.

f. Growth, vegetation, and existing construction requiring protection.

g. Required observations and field quality control for site clearing Work.

6. If additional information affecting site clearing Work subsequently comes to light, reconvene the conference at earliest opportunity.

1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Qualifications:

1. Arborist:

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a. Where selective removal, selective trimming, or both are required or necessary, retain the services of, and employ in the Work, accredited arborist, possessing qualifications acceptable to Engineer.

b. Arborist shall be skilled, trained, and possess documented experience in successfully protecting, trimming, and restorative care of trees and shrubs of the types necessary for the Work.

c. Certification: Arborist shall be certified by either International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).

d. Arborist shall use in selective removal and selective trimming Work only workers with specific skill and successful experience in this type of Work required. Such workers shall work under the direct, personal supervision of arborist.

e. Submit to Engineer names, employer(s), certifications, other relevant qualifications and record of relevant experience, as indicated below, for not less than three successful projects involving same species of trees, shrubs, and vegetation as involved in the site clearing Work:

1) Names and telephone numbers of site owners, architects or engineers responsible for projects.

2) Approximate contract price of the selective removal and selective trimming of trees, shrubs, and vegetation.

3) Approximate time of year work was performed on each referenced project.

4) Approximate quantity and types of selective removal and selective trimming of performed.

5) General indication of species of trees, shrubs, and vegetation involved.

1.5 SUBMITTALS

A. Action Submittals: Submit the following:

1. Shop Drawings:

a. Limits of Site Clearing Work: When limits of site clearing Work are not expressly shown on the Drawings, or where Contractor proposes alternative limits of site clearing Work, submit drawings, developed from the Drawings, clearly indicating proposed limits of site clearing Work, with dimensions indicated where appropriate.

b. Where proposed limits of clearing and grubbing, selective removals, and topsoil stripping are not identical with each other, clearly and expressly indicate limits of each on the Shop Drawings. .

B. Informational Submittals: Submit the following:

1. Permits and Approvals:

a. Submit copy of each permit required and obtained for site clearing Work, issued by authority having jurisdiction.

b. Where Owner’s permission or approval is required for selected site clearing activities, submit copy of Owner’s written permission or approval for such activity.

c. When approval of owner of property (other than Owner) is required for selected site clearing activity, submit to Engineer written copy of such approval.

2. Certificates:

a. Arborist’s certification that trees and shrubs shown or indicated to remain were protected during the site clearing Work in accordance with the Contract Documents.

b. Where trees or shrubs (shown or indicated to remain) were damaged during site clearing Work, submit arborist’s certification that such trees and shrubs were promptly and properly treated or, where successful treatment was not feasible, were replaced.

3. Qualifications Statements:

a. Arborist qualifications.

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PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 MATERIALS

A. Tree Wound Dressing:

1. Provide tree wound dressing, waterproof, adhesive and elastic with an antiseptic, free from kerosene, coal tar, creosote, and other material injurious to life of tree or other plant.

B. Drain Tile:

1. Provide four-inch diameter, standard strength, perforated wall, bell-and- spigot clay pipe, in accordance with ASTM C700.

C. Filter Fabric:

1. In accordance with requirements for temporary erosion and sediment controls indicated in Section 01 57 05 - Temporary Controls.

D. Drainage Fill:

1. Selected crushed stone, or crushed or uncrushed gravel, washed.

2. Size 24 (in accordance with ASTM D448), with 90 to 100 percent passing 2.5-inch sieve and not more than 10 percent passing 3/4-inch sieve.

E. Burlap:

1. Jute, not less than 7.2 ounces per square yard.

F. For other materials needed for site clearing Work, such as stone, topsoil, or other, comply with requirements of the Contract Documents.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 SITE CLEARING – GENERAL

A. Limits of Site Clearing Work:

1. Limits of site clearing Work are shown and indicated on the Drawings.

B. General Provisions for Site Clearing:

1. Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, tools, services, and incidentals necessary and required to perform site clearing Work in accordance with the Contract Documents.

2. Perform site clearing Work to avoid creating nuisances, pollution, and preventable adverse effects on the environment.

3. Excavation required for site clearing shall comply with Section 31 23 05 - Excavation and Fill.

4. Requirements of Authorities Having Jurisdiction:

a. Perform site clearing Work in accordance with Laws and Regulations.

b. Obtain, pay for, and comply with permits required for site clearing Work. Obtain from authorities having jurisdiction and furnish copy of each permit as a Submittal.

5. Traffic Control:

a. Where site clearing Work is along or adjacent to travelled ways subject to public traffic, comply with Section 01 55 26 - Traffic Control.

b. Establish such controls prior to and maintain in place throughout site clearing Work that has potential to affect traffic.

6. Site clearing Work shall comply with ANSI A300 and applicable ISA standards indicated in this Section’s “References” Article, unless the Contract Documents indicate more-stringent requirements.

7. Demolition Work is indicated in Section 02 41 00 - Demolition, including removal of site improvements and Underground Facilities.

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3.2 PREPARATION

A. Permits and Approvals:

1. Do not commence site clearing Work until necessary permits and approvals are obtained and copies furnished to Engineer as Submittals.

B. Delineation of Limits of Site Clearing Work Areas:

1. Locate and clearly flag at the Site:

a. Limits of site clearing Work.

b. Trees, shrubs, vegetation, and other materials to remain within limits of site clearing

Work.

c. Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to be selectively trimmed.

d. Trees, shrubs, and vegetation to be selectively removed.

e. Salvageable trees, shrubs, and vegetation (to be relocated) within limits of site clearing

Work.

2. Flagging:

a. Flagging shall be high-visibility type. Where necessary, provide lath or stakes driven into the ground, with flagging, to clearly delineate limits.

b. Provide different-colored flagging for each type of delineation required by this Article.

c. Promptly replace lost, moved, or destroyed flagging until Engineer concurs that flagging is no longer needed.

3. Review with Engineer:

a. Before starting site clearing Work, other than flagging, review at the Site with Engineer.

b. Make corrections as necessary.

c. Review all trees, 12-inch diameter (measured one foot above ground) and larger, to be removed or selectively trimmed.

d. Review with Engineer at the Site trees and shrubs to be selectively trimmed, to reach mutual agreement on extent of selective trimming required.

C. Protection: Establish protection of trees, shrubs, and vegetation to remain, in accordance with this Section’s Article, “Tree Protection, Selective Removals, and Selective Trimming”, and other applicable provisions of the Contract Documents.

D. Temporary Erosion and Sediment Controls:

1. Provide applicable temporary erosion and sediment controls before commencing clearing and grubbing and topsoil stripping Work.

2. Comply with temporary erosion and sediment control requirements of Section 01 57 05 - Temporary Controls.

3. Continue providing temporary erosion and sediment controls as clearing and grubbing and topsoil stripping and stockpiling Work progresses into previously uncleared, ungrubbed areas of the Site...

3.3 CLEARING AND GRUBBING

A. Clearing and Grubbing – General:

1. Remove and dispose of all materials constituting clearing and grubbing Work within limits shown and indicated in the Contract Documents.

2. After grubbing Work is complete, properly fill holes resulting from grubbing before commencing site grading Work.

B. Trees and Shrubs Improperly Destroyed or Damaged:

1. Refer to this Section’s Article, “Tree Protection, Selective Removals, and Selective Trimming”.

C. Trees and Shrubs to Remain:

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1. Trees and shrubs to remain shall be protected, and trimmed where necessary or required, in accordance with this Section’s Article, “Tree Protection, Selective Removals, and Selective Trimming”.

3.4 TREE PROTECTION, SELECTIVE REMOVALS, AND SELECTIVE TRIMMING

A. General Provisions for Tree Protection, Selective Removals, and Selective Trimming:

1. Provide temporary fencing, barricades, or guarding measures, as recommended by arborist, outside drip line of trees and shrubs to remain.

2. Protect root systems from damage caused by noxious materials, storm water runoff, site clearing, planting and landscaping, other Work, and storage of materials and equipment.

Protect root systems from flooding, erosion, and excessive wetting resulting from dewatering of excavations, drainage of tanks, and other construction activities.

3. Fires are not allowed under or adjacent to trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to remain.

4. Do not store matter resulting from site clearing or demolition, topsoil, or other excavated material within drip line of trees and shrubs to remain. Vehicles are not allowed within drip line. Restrict foot, vehicle and equipment traffic to prevent compaction of soil over root systems. Where such activities are unavoidable, and only as acceptable to Engineer, provide temporary, continuous, heavy-duty wood planking effectively fastened together and capable of distributing loads from such activities. Temporary planking shall be underlaid by layer of filter fabric covered with two-inch layer of gravel.

5. Cut branches and roots, when necessary, with sharp pruning instruments; do not break or chop. Fully paint cuts 1/2-inch and larger in size with tree wound dressing.

B. Excavation and Protection of Trees and Shrubs:

1. Excavate within drip line of trees only where shown.

2. Where trenching for utilities is required within drip line, tunnel under or around main lateral feeder roots by drilling, auger boring, pipe jacking, or digging by hand under supervision of arborist. Do not cut main lateral roots or tap roots; cut smaller roots, which interfere with installation of the Work.

3. Where excavation for the Work is required within drip line of trees or shrubs, hand excavate to minimize damage to root systems. Perform excavation under supervision of arborist.

Provide temporary shoring or other protective support systems at excavations, to minimize sloping and benching of excavations. Use narrow tine spading forks and comb excavated material to expose roots.

4. Relocate roots in backfill areas wherever possible. If large, main lateral roots are encountered, expose beyond excavation limits as required to bend and relocate without breaking. If encountered immediately adjacent to location of construction and relocation is not practical, cut roots approximately three inches back from construction.

5. Do not allow exposed roots to dry out before permanent backfill is provided; provide temporary earth cover. Water and maintain in moist condition and temporarily support and protect from damage until permanently relocated and covered with earth.

C. Grade Adjustments and Tree Protection:

1. Maintain existing grade within drip line of trees, unless otherwise shown or indicated.

2. Lowering of Preconstruction Grade:

a. Where required finish grade is below preconstruction grade around trees and shrubs, grade beyond drip line. Maintain preconstruction grade within drip line of trees and shrubs.

b. Prune tree and shrub roots exposed during grade lowering, or provide permanent protections as recommended by arborist. Do not cut main or lateral roots or tap-roots;

cut only smaller roots.

c. Compensate for loss of roots and prune branches to stimulate root growth.

d. Provide extended service through completion of the Contract correction period as recommended by arborist.

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3. Minor Fills:

a. Where preconstruction grade is six inches or less below elevation of finish grade shown, fill with topsoil complying with quality requirements of Specifications for finish grading and landscaping.

b. Place in single layer and do not compact.

c. Hand-grade to required finish elevations.

4. Moderate Fills:

a. Where preconstruction grade is more than six inches, but less than 16 inches, below finish grade elevation, provide layer of drainage fill and filter fabric on preconstruction grade prior to placing topsoil that complies with quality requirements of Specifications on finish grading and landscaping.

b. Carefully place drainage fill against trunk of tree or shrub approximately two inches above elevation of finish grade and extend not less than 1.5 feet from tree or shrub trunk on all sides.

c. Provide filter fabric with edges overlapping by 6 inches, minimum.

d. Place fill layer of topsoil to finish grade elevation.

e. Do not compact stone, gravel or topsoil layers. Hand-grade to required finish elevations.

5. Deep Fills:

a. Provide an open dry circular well of durable, unmortared stone, located not less than two feet s from trunk of associated tree or shrub.

b. To facilitate proper drainage, provide eight to 10 continuous runs of four-inch drain tiles horizontally on the preconstruction ground surface under the complete spread of branches in radial pattern around the tree or shrub.

c. Slope drain tiles away from tree or shrub.

d. Provide drainage fill on preconstruction ground surface in depth of two inches under and six inches over drain tiles.

e. Provide filter fabric over entire top surface of drainage fill.

f. Provide eight to 10 drainage tiles, each four-inch diameter, vertically in radial pattern around tree or shrub, located five feet from trunk of tree or shrub. Extend vertical drainage tiles from the filter fabric layer above the horizontal drainage tiles to postconstruction finished grade

g. Hold drainage tiles in place with drainage fill.

h. Hand-grade to required finish grade elevation.

D. Tree and Shrub Pruning (Selective Trimming):

1. Perform pruning and selective trimming under the supervision of arborist.

2. Remove branches from trees and shrubs to remain only after Engineer’s concurrence, only to extent necessary to clear location of permanent construction, using branch removal methods in accordance with ANSI A300 and applicable ISA standards indicated in this Section’s “References” Article.

3. Extend pruning operation to restore natural shape of entire tree or shrub where pruning is approved by Engineer and as recommended by arborist.

4. Prune branches to balance loss to root system caused by damage or cutting of root system.

5. Chip branches removed from trees and shrubs. Stockpile and spread chips as directed by

Engineer, with arborist’s recommendation.

E. Selective Trimming:

1. In addition to pruning (as required above), perform other selective trimming under direction of arborist.

2. Comply with ANSI A300 and applicable ISA standards indicated in this Section’s “References” Article.

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3. Where shown or indicated, and as directed by Engineer with arborist’s recommendation, carefully remove larger branches, when necessary, using appropriate methods.

4. Repair cut branches in accordance with this Section.

5. During selective trimming, avoid damaging healthy (to remain) elements of trees and shrubs.

6. Dispose of trimmings as indicated in this Section’s “Disposal and Cleaning” Article.

F. Selective Removals:

1. Perform selective removals under direction of arborist.

2. Comply with ANSI A300 and applicable ISA standards indicated in this Section’s

“References” Article.

3. Fully remove trees and shrubs shown or indicated for selective removal.

4. Remove stumps to not less than one feet below preconstruction ground surface.

5. During selective removals, avoid damaging adjacent trees and shrubs to remain, and other property.

6. Remove larger branches before cutting the trunk of tree or shrub being selectively removed.

7. Dispose of trees and shrubs selectively removed as indicated in this Section’s “Disposal and Cleaning” Article.

G. Repair and Replacement of Trees and Shrubs:

1. Perform tree and shrub repair under direction of arborist.

2. Cavity Repair:

a. Remove decayed areas to depth that exposes healthy tissue.

b. Shape cavities to provide drainage.

c. Paint inside of cavity with antiseptic tree wound dressing material.

d. Do not fill cavities.

e. When cavity’s cross-section exceeds 60 percent of cross-section of tree or shrub branch, selectively trim subject branch. When cavity’s cross-section exceeds 60 percent of cross-section of trunk of tree or shrub, remove tree or shrub upon Engineer’s authorization. Engineer will consider arborist’s recommendation. Comply with this Section’s requirements for selective trimming and selective removals.

3. Repair trees and shrubs damaged by construction operations, or selectively trimmed, within 24 hours of occurrence of such damage or selective trimming. Treat damaged trunks, branches, and roots according to written instructions of arborist, in accordance with ANSI A300 and applicable ISA standards indicated in this Section’s “References” Article.

4. Remove and replace trees and shrubs that are (1) dead or destroyed due to construction operations, or (2) damaged beyond reasonable hope of recovery (as determined by arborist) following repairs, or (3) damaged and determined by arborist to be incapable of resuming normal growth pattern after repairs.,

5. Obtain opinion from arborist regarding whether damaged trees, shrubs, and other vegetation is repairable with reasonable chance of success. Submit arborist’s certification required in this Section’s “Submittals” Article.

6. For each tree or shrub to remain but is destroyed or damaged (beyond repair) by Contractor:

a. For trees 8 inches or more in diameter (measured one foot above preconstruction ground surface), provide two replacements of the same species. Each replacement shall be four inches diameter (measured one foot above top of root ball).

b. For trees smaller than eight inches diameter, and for shrubs, provide one replacement for each, of same species. Replacements shall be equal in size to original, up to maximum oof four inches (measured one foot above root ball).

c. Provide replacement at locations at the Site as directed by Engineer.

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d. Provide replacements in accordance with the Contract Documents, including Specifications on planting and landscaping.

3.5 DISPOSAL AND CLEANING

A. Disposal – General:

1. Dispose of matter resulting from clearing and grubbing, selective removals, and selective trimming, at appropriate offsite location, unless otherwise expressly allowed by the Contract Documents or mutual agreement of Owner and Contractor.

2. Do not use cleared, grubbed, or trimmed material as fill, backfill, or in embankments.

3. Dispose of cleared, grubbed, and trimmed material, and other materials, rubbish, and debris, in accordance with Laws and Regulations.

4. Pay all costs associated with transporting and disposing of materials and debris resulting from site clearing Work.

5. Cleared lumber and trimmings from trees are Contractor’s property and, at Contractor’s option, may be sold or salvaged offsite.

B. Cleaning:

1. Perform progress cleaning and other cleaning Work, and disposal of resulting materials and debris.

C. Burning:

1. Burning of trees, shrubs, brush, other vegetation, and other materials at, or adjacent to, the Site, whether in-place or cut, is prohibited unless: (a) burning is not prohibited by Laws or Regulations, and (b) required permits, if any, are obtained by Contractor from authorities having jurisdiction and are furnished to Engineer as Submittals; and (c) written approval of Owner is obtained and furnished to Engineer as a Submittal; and (d) when burning will be performed on lands at the Site not owned by Owner, obtain and submit to Engineer as Submittals written approval of owners of such properties.

2. Before burning, alert local fire department (both orally and in writing) not less than 72 hours before burning, and provide at location of burning appropriate emergency materials, tools, and equipment to contain and extinguish fires. Use such items and furnish necessary labor to prevent fire from burning other than intended trees, shrubs, brush, and vegetation.

3. If burning is allowed, exercise appropriate care and judgement. Do not perform burning in high wind conditions. Do not perform burning when areas adjacent to burning are of dryness that will foster wildfires.

4. Promptly and fully extinguish fires before they burn unintended areas or materials, and when burning is completed.

5. Dispose of ashes and burned materials off-site at appropriate location.

3.6 TOPSOIL STRIPPING AND STOCKPILING

A. Stripping:

1. Before commencing topsoil stripping:

a. Perform clearing and grubbing and selective removals.

b. Remove grass and other vegetation that may remain following clearing and grubbing.

c. Provide necessary and required temporary erosion and sediment controls.

2. Strip topsoil to depths encountered, in manner that prevents intermingling of topsoil with underlying subsoil and other objectionable material. Remove heavy growths of grass and vegetation and material below topsoil.

3. Before stockpiling, separate objectionable material from topsoil.

4. Do not strip topsoil from within drip line of trees and shrubs to remain as part of the completed Project.

B. Stockpiling:

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1. Construct and maintain stable topsoil stockpiles at locations approved by Owner’s representative.

C. Reuse of Stripped Topsoil:

1. Reuse in the finish grading and landscaping Work topsoil that complies with the Contract Documents for such Work.

2. Where topsoil stripped from the Site does not comply with the Contract Documents relative to quality required for use in finish grading and landscaping Work, provide appropriate soil amendment material, properly and fully mixed into topsoil stripped from the Site, so that amended material complies with quality requirements for topsoil required for finish grading and landscaping Work.

D. Disposal of Excess Topsoil:

1. Topsoil in excess of quantity required for finished Project becomes Contractor’s property when Engineer indicates finish grading and landscaping Work is complete. Properly dispose of excess topsoil offsite. Contractor may sell excess topsoil at offsite location.

END OF SECTION

B. Related Requirements: Include but are not necessarily limited to:

6. If additional information affecting site clearing Work subsequently comes to light, reconvene the conference at earliest opportunity.

F. For other materials needed for site clearing Work, such as stone, topsoil, or other, comply with requirements of the Contract Documents.