4-Telfair County DSR-5042-010 RFP.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

TELFAIR COUNTY, GEORGIA

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

CLEARING AND SNAGGING

DSR-13-08-24-5042-010

PROPOSAL DUE

SEPTEMBER 16, 2025

AT 9:00 A.M. E.S.T.

TELFAIR COUNTY - DSR-13-08-24-5042-010 - RFP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. PURPOSE:

II. SCHEDULE

A. PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM EST

B. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM EST

D. WORK TO BE COMPLETED NO LATER THAN: Monday, October 27, 2025

III. POINT OF CONTACT:

IV. GENERAL TERMS & INFORMATION:

V. PROJECT SCOPE

VI. PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

Attachment 1: Certification and Cost Proposal Form

Attachment 2: NON-COLLUSION DECLARATION

Attachment 3: CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING

Attachment 4: FORM 200.321 AFFIRMATIVE STEPS

Attachment 5: CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION

Attachment 6: CONFLICT/NON-CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

Attachment 7: DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE AFFIDAVIT

APPENDIX A: CONSERVATION STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS 18

APPENDIX B: CONSTRUCTION PLANS & NOTES 33

TELFAIR COUNTY, GEORGIA

EWP CLEARING AND SNAGGING SERVICES

DSR-13-08-24-5042-010

I. PURPOSE:

Telfair County, (hereafter referred to as “County”) is soliciting proposals from experienced contractors to provide Clearing and Snagging services at four (4) sites throughout the county as part of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental

Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, according to NRCS Standard Practices and

Specifications and Construction Plans, attached or referenced in Appendices A and B.

The work to be performed includes the removal of selective vegetation from the bank

(clearing) and/or the selective removal of snags, drifts, or other obstructions (snagging) from natural or improved channels and streams and vegetating disturbed areas.

The purpose of this work is to reduce risks to agricultural resources or civil infrastructure by removing obstructions that hinder channel flow or sediment transport in order to restore flow capacity and direction, prevent excessive bank erosion by eddies or redirection of flow, and reduce the undesirable formation of bars and/or minimize blockages by debris.

II. SCHEDULE

A. PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM EST

B. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM EST

C. MEETING FOR AWARD: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM EST

D. WORK TO BE COMPLETED NO LATER THAN: Monday, October 27, 2025

III. POINT OF CONTACT:

Points of contact for this proposal: Please copy all contacts on emails.

Nancy Livingston, Clerk: telfairco@gmail.com

Christy Purvis, Commissioner: cpurvis.telfairboc5@gmail.com

ER Assist Grant Manager: ga-telfair@erassist.com

IV. GENERAL TERMS & INFORMATION:

A. Proposals and all required documents must be submitted online to the DFS Procurement Portal (hereinafter “DFS Portal” or “Portal”) at dfs.bonfirehub.com no later than September

16, 2025 at 9:00 AM, local time (EST).

mailto:telfairco@gmail.com mailto:cpurvis.telfairboc5@gmail.com mailto:ga-telfair@erassist.com http://dfs.bonfirehub.com

B. Submittals received after the closing time will not be accepted. Multiple submittals from the same entity will not be accepted. Submission is electronic only through the DFS Portal. Hard copy proposals or offers by telephone, fax, or email will not be accepted.

C. All proposers are highly encouraged to attend a Pre-Proposal Meeting scheduled for 9:00

AM EST on September 11, 2025 at the Telfair Board of Commissioners Office at 91 Telfair

Ave, Suite A, McRae-Helena, GA 31055. Meeting will include visits to the project sites and a summary or synopsis of the meeting will not be provided for those not in attendance.

D. Addenda regarding this RFP will be posted to the DFS Portal at dfs.bonfirehub.com.

Proposers are responsible for obtaining addenda and are advised to check the website frequently.

E. Questions regarding this RFP are to be submitted to dfs.bonfirehub.com. For questions regarding portal registration or navigation, please email: procurement@erassist.com.

F. Technical proposals should contain enough information for the County to make an evaluation; however, overly complex or excessive proposals will be a burden to the proposal scoring committee and should be avoided.

G. All proposals must be properly certified by the entity bidding for the work and signed by an officer, director or owner that has authority to bind and commit the Contractor to perform said work and services.

H. Clearing and snagging work shall be bid per linear foot (LF) per site and all prices shall be all-inclusive and shall include all work required to complete the scope of work according to the Standards, Specifications, and Construction Plans in Appendices A and B, including but not limited to vegetating disturbed areas, traffic control, mobilization and demobilization, contractor quality control, and pollution control measures.

I. Prices offered in the Cost Proposal Form by contractor shall be all inclusive and in accordance with the NRCS Standards and Specifications attached in Appendix A and B and shall not be increased or changed for any reason other than changes requested or approved by Telfair County.

J. Telfair County reserves the right to request additional information for any and all prices offered in the Cost Proposal Form, including but not limited to a comprehensive breakdown of prices offered.

mailto:procurement@erassist.com

K. The following forms are provided in this RFP for reference. Proposers must review each form and enter their response as directed in the Portal’s Required Information section. The confirmation or declaration statement for each form for which a response is required is provided in a gray box at the bottom of each form in this document. All responses must be true and accurate and shall be considered the equivalent of a legally-binding electronic signature.

1. Attachment 1: Proposal Certification and Cost Proposal Form

2. Attachment 2: NON-COLLUSION DECLARATION

3. Attachment 3: CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING

4. Attachment 4: FORM 200.321 AFFIRMATIVE STEPS

5. Attachment 5: CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY and VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION

6. Attachment 6: CONFLICT/NON-CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

7. Attachment 7: DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE AFFIDAVIT

L. Costs of preparation of a response to this request for proposals are solely those of the proposers. The County assumes no responsibility for any such costs incurred by the proposer. The proposer also agrees that the County bears no responsibility for any costs associated with any administrative or judicial proceedings resulting from the solicitation process.

M.Award is scheduled to occur at the Telfair Board of Commissioners Meeting at 91 Telfair Ave, Suite A, McRae-Helena, GA 31055 at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

N. Successful proposers must provide insurance policies showing proof of liability coverage, auto coverage and workers compensation. Policies must be provided to the County prior to the commencement of work.

O. Successful proposers, assigns, subcontractors must be compliant with all applicable Federal, State and Local laws.

P. The County has the right to cancel a solicitation at any time prior to approval of the award by the County.

Q. Telfair County reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals, in addition, the

County reserves the right to accept multiple proposals and award work per location or per line item.

R. Telfair County reserves the right to seek clarification from proposers.

S. Telfair County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

V. PROJECT SCOPE

A. Remove downed and snagged material from the stream channel plus 25' adjacent to the top of both stream banks (“Buffer Area”). Only storm debris in the adjacent floodplain area

(within 25 feet) that could easily migrate to the stream channel shall be removed.

B. Remove fallen trees and leaning trees that are at an angle of 30° or less with the ground.

Undermined or storm damaged trees within or outside the banks which are still standing but likely to fall into the stream should be removed. Root wads attached to the bank should be left in place with the tree sawn off.

C. Trees and debris less than 8" in diameter are not required to be removed. However, if it can block the downstream culvert or bridge during a flooding event and easily migrate into the stream channel, it should be removed.

D. All storm event related foreign debris, down trees (except for intact stumps/root wads), brush, limbs, tops, vines, and other washed-in woody vegetative materials lying completely or partially within the stream banks should be removed. Under no circumstance shall old

(pre-storm event) debris that is in advanced stage of decay be removed. Only storm debris in the adjacent flood plain area (within 25 feet) that could easily migrate to the stream channel shall be removed.

E. Contractor shall not remove the roots, root balls, or stump of any trees or vegetation.

F. Only tree stumps completely uprooted by the storm event are to be removed. Snags are to be cut off at stump level and removed. Stumps from snags will remain in place.

G. Contractor shall remove the tree from the root ball or stump using saws or other hand equipment.

H. All work must be conducted in accordance with NRCS Conservation Practice Standards 326 Clearing And Snagging, 484 Mulching and 342 Critical Area Planting.

I. Methods to remove flow obstruction include sawing, cabling, winching, lifting, or dragging.

Equipment used will generally include hydraulic excavators equipped with mechanical thumb or grapple attachment, loaders, winches mounted on tracked or rubber-tired equipment, portable winches, and chain saws.

J. Contractor shall enter the stream buffer at right angles to the stream. Contractor shall not turn any vehicle inside the 25' wide stream buffer.

K. No equipment will be permitted within the stream. All equipment will operate from beyond the top of the stream banks. Heavy equipment working in wetlands must be placed on mats or other measures must be taken to minimize soil disturbance. Mechanized land clearing will not occur within wetlands at any time.

L. Best management practices shall be employed during the operation to avoid stream bank erosion and sedimentation run off into the stream.

M.Contractor shall minimize the disturbance of wetlands, riparian areas, and fish and wildlife habitat sites, and avoid disturbance where possible and retain habitat-forming elements that provide cover, food, pools, and water turbulence, to the extent possible.

N. All disturbed areas above water levels shall be stabilized with erosion control matting if the stump cannot be replaced. Matting is not necessary in flat areas.

O. Damage to adjacent stream areas shall be kept to a minimum during clearing and snagging operations. All damaged areas shall be stabilized concurrent with land disturbing activities.

P. Street mats/mats are required on asphalt roadways. Contractor shall be required to take pictures of asphalt roadways utilized in this project before and after work occurs and provide the photos to the County. Contractor is responsible for any damages to the roadway caused by the Contractor’s equipment and shall repair the damages in a timely manner at no expense to the County.

Q. Debris from project areas shall be disposed of by the contractor. Debris may be burned if appropriate permits are obtained. Also, debris may be mulched and spread on site. Do not place debris in tributaries, side ditches, nor other defined water entrances to the watercourse being cleaned. No debris will be disposed of in a wetland or within the 100-year floodplain.

R. Permits that may be required from GDOT, EPD, or USACE will be obtained by the County.

Permits are not anticipated at this time.

S. Access points for each site are from the stream crossing at the coordinates provided.

Specifics regarding construction entrances will be provided at the Pre-Proposal meeting and added to the final drawings. Final drawings will be provided to the awarded contractor upon award.

T. The clearing and snagging operations shall be confined to the Buffer Area, which is 25 feet from the top of the bank on each side of the stream (distance varies)). No work shall occur outside of the buffer area.

U. All assigned work shall be performed at the specified location(s) and within the site parameters as determined by NRCS and provided below and in Appendix B.

V. The project limits at each site are provided in linear feet (LF). The total of linear feet of clearing and snagging for all four (4) sites is 2,000 LF.

W. The project site locations and linear feet of clearing and snagging are listed below, along with a site ID that correlates to the project map in Appendix B consisting of a number and a letter.

1. Site 1a: Fishing Creek at Hwy 117; 31.894500, -82.742236

i. 250 LF upstream and 250 LF downstream (500 LF)

2. Site 2b: Little Horse Creek at Hwy 149; 31.915941, -82.866018

i. 250 LF upstream and 250 LF downstream (500 LF)

3. Site 3c: Coffee Branch at Hwy 117; 31.820873, -82.919811

i. 250 LF upstream and 250 LF downstream (500 LF)

4. Site 4d: Turnpike Creek at Hwy 160; 31.949080, -82.810117

i. 250 LF upstream and 250 LF downstream (500 LF)

VI. PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

Below are the criteria that will be used by the County to evaluate and score responsive and qualified proposals. Proposers shall include sufficient information to allow Telfair County to thoroughly evaluate and score their proposals. Each proposal submitted shall be evaluated and ranked by an evaluation committee. The contract will be awarded to the most qualified proposer, per the following:

CRITERIA POINTS

Contractor’s Capacity and Experience Individual Credentials of Contractor and Team allowed

Experience: Ability to deliver the work as delineated by NRCS (special care should be noted to address ability and experience as per the specifications).

Capacity: Resources and Ability to provide proper staffing and equipment to complete the work by October 27, 2025.

References

Entities listed as clients for previous projects other than those listed as References may be contacted.

Price [1 - (B-A)/A] x C = Final Cost Score

A—the lowest Offeror's cost.

B—the Offeror's cost being scored.

C—the maximum number of cost points available.

Note: If the formula results in a negative number, zero points shall be assigned.

Total Score 100

Interviews (Optional at County’s decision) 20

Total Score with Interviews 120

Attachment 1: Certification and Cost Proposal Form

Proposing Certification: I have carefully examined the Request for Proposals and any other documents accompanying or made a part of this Request for Proposals.

I hereby propose to furnish the goods or services specified in the Request for Proposals at the rates quoted in my Proposal. I agree that my Proposal will remain in effect for a period of up to one hundred eighty (180) days.

I agree to abide by all conditions of this Proposal and understand that a background investigation may be conducted prior to award.

I certify that all information contained in this Proposal is truthful to the best of my knowledge and belief. I further certify that I am duly authorized to submit this Proposal on behalf of the Proposer as its act and deed and that the Proposer is ready, willing and able to perform if awarded the Contract.

I certify this Proposal is made without prior understanding, agreement, connection, discussion, or collusion with any other person, firm or corporation submitting a Proposal for the same product or service. I further certify that no officer, employee or agent of County or of any other Proposer has a financial interest in this Proposal. I further certify that the undersigned executed this Proposer's Certification with full knowledge and understanding of the matters therein contained and was duly authorized to do so.

DFS Portal Confirmation / Declaration:

By completing and submitting the Cost Proposal Form, you are certifying all of the above as well as the prices and data entered in the Cost Proposal Form in the DFS Portal. The following

Cost Proposal Form is provided for reference only.

Attachment 1: Certification and Cost Proposal Form

SAMPLE COST PROPOSAL FORM

Emergency Watershed Protection Program - Telfair County

DSR # 13-08-24-5042-010

The prices offered shall be “all-inclusive,” and shall not be increased or changed for any reason other than changes requested or approved by the county and shall conform to the NRCS Standards & Specifications.

Breakdown of costs will be required upon request by the county or NRCS.

This is a Sample Cost Proposal Form ONLY. Actual bid prices shall be entered in the Portal. This form is not required but can be submitted. In the case of price discrepancies, the prices in the Portal will prevail.

ITE

M # Stream Name

Work Description Unit QTY Unit Rate

Proposed Cost (Qty x Unit Rate)

1a Fishing Creek at Hwy 117 Clearing & Snagging

LF 500

2b Little Horse Creek at Hwy 149 Clearing & Snagging

LF 500

3c Coffee Branch at Hwy 117 Clearing & Snagging

LF 500

4d Turnpike Creek at Hwy 160 Clearing & Snagging

LF 500

Total Cost

Attachment 2: NON-COLLUSION DECLARATION

The proposal is not made in the interest of, or on behalf of, any undisclosed person, partnership, company, association, organization, or corporation. The bid is genuine and not collusive or sham.

The bidder has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any other bidder to put in a false or sham bid. The bidder has not directly or indirectly colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed with any bidder or anyone else to put in a sham bid, or that anyone shall refrain from bidding. The bidder has not in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement, communication, or conference with anyone to fix the bid price of the bidder or any other bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of the bid price, or of that of any other bidder.

All statements contained in the bid are true. The bidder has not, directly or indirectly, submitted his or her bid price of any breakdown thereof, or the contents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto, to any corporation, partnership, company, association, organization, bid depository, or to any member or agent thereof to effectuate a collusive or sham bid, and has not paid, and will not pay, any person or entity for such purpose.

Any person executing this declaration on behalf of a bidder that is a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or any other entity, hereby represents that he or she has full power to execute, and does execute, this declaration on behalf of the bidder.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the applicable laws that the foregoing is true and correct.

Do you confirm that you have read the Non-Collusion declaration and therefore declare under penalty of perjury under the applicable laws that the Non-Collusion Declaration is true and correct? (Y/N)

Attachment 3: CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING

The undersigned certifies that, to the best of their knowledge and belief, that:

1. No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a

Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.

2. If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of

Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instruction.

3. The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award document for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.

This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31 U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

Do you, the Contractor, confirm that you have read the Certification Regarding Lobbying form and certify or affirm the truthfulness and accuracy of each statement of its certification and disclosure, if any. In addition, the Contractor understands and agrees that the provisions of 31

U.S.C. Chap. 38, Administrative Remedies for False Claims and Statements, apply to this certification and disclosure, if any. (True/False)

Attachment 4: FORM 200.321 AFFIRMATIVE STEPS

CONTRACTING WITH SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESSES, WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES,

AND LABOR SURPLUS AREA FIRMS §200.321

The county is required to take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority business, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. If contractor uses subcontractors, they are also required to take the following affirmative steps:

1. Placing qualified enterprises on solicitation lists.

2. Assuring that enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources.

3. Dividing total requirements when economically feasible into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by enterprises.

4. Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by enterprises.

5. Using the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business

Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of

Commerce.

Do you confirm that you have read the 200.321 Affirmative Steps Confirmation and agree to take the listed affirmative steps when using subcontractors. (Y/N)

Attachment 5: CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY and

VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION

Neither the entity or its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation by any federal department or agency.

Do you confirm that neither the entity nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation by any federal department or agency? (Y/N)

Attachment 6: CONFLICT/NON-CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

To the best of our knowledge the bidder has no potential conflict of interest due to any other clients, contracts, or property interest for this project. [ SELECT YES IF TRUE ]

OR

The bidder, by attachment, submits information which may be a potential conflict of interest due to other clients, contracts, or property interest for this project. [ SELECT NO IF TRUE & UPLOAD

DOCUMENTATION ]

Failure to answer appropriately may result in disqualification of your bid.

Do you confirm that to the best of your knowledge the undersigned proposer has no potential conflict of interest due to any other clients, contracts, or property interest for this project?

(Y/N)

If answered no, documentation must be uploaded containing information regarding what may be a potential conflict of interest due to other clients, contracts, or property interest for this project.

Attachment 7: DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE AFFIDAVIT

The undersigned certifies that the responding firm has taken steps to :

1. Publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition.

2. Inform employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the business's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.

3. Give each employee engaged in providing the commodities or contractual services that are proposed, a copy of the drug- free workplace statement.

4. In the statement specified in drug-free workplace statement, notify the employees that as a condition of working on the commodities or contractual services that are under bid the employee will abide by the terms of the statement and will notify the employer of any conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any violation of any controlled substance law of the United States or any state for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

5. Impose a sanction on or require the satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program if such is available in the employee's community by any employee who is so convicted.

6. Make a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of this section.

I certify that this firm complies fully with the above requirements.

Do you confirm that you have read the Drug-Free Workplace Affidavit and certify that the responding company complies fully with the listed requirements? (Y/N)

- Upload the contractor's Drug Free Workplace Policy

APPENDIX A

United States Department of Agriculture -CPS-1326

NRCS, GA

October 2023

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and type FOTG in the search field.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

CLEARING AND SNAGGING

CODE 326

(ft)

DEFINITION

Removal of specified vegetation along the bank (clearing) and selective removal of snags, drifts, or other obstructions (snagging) from natural or improved streams (includes channels).

PURPOSE

This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes:

Restore flow capacity and direction to prevent and/or reduce ponding and flooding •

Prevent and or reduce excessive bank erosion •

Prevent and/or reduce sediment transported to surface water •

Prevent or reduce debris impacts to infrastructure •

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

Any natural or improved stream where the removal of vegetation, trees, brush, and other obstructions is needed to accomplish one or more of the listed purposes.

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes

Notify landowner and/or contractor of responsibility to locate all buried utilities in the project area, including drainage tile and other structural measures. The landowner is also required to obtain all necessary permits for project installation prior to construction.

The design must address all modified flow conditions caused by clearing and snagging.

Location

Include the work limits and flow area of the stream in the area to be cleared and snagged. Trees on the bank that are leaning over or other objects that may fall into the stream may be included.

Clearing and snagging may also be used for other areas, such as temporary disposal areas or travelways, required for implementation of this practice.

Capacity

Determine the capacity of the stream, both before and after modification as needed, using NRCS National

Engineering Handbook (NEH) (Title 210), Part 654, Chapter 6, “Stream Hydraulics.” Select a value of

Manning’s “n” roughness coefficient to determine stream capacity after modification that reflects the degree of natural changes and maintenance expected to occur in future years. Other capacity analysis may be performed at the discretion of the design engineer, area engineer, or state engineer.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

Stability

Clearing and snagging activities may affect stream stability. The effect on downstream and upstream reaches due to the removal of obstructions must be analyzed using appropriate stream geomorphologic procedures. Avoid or mitigate activities that negatively affect stability.

Debris disposal

Remove cleared and snagged material from the floodplain or deposit in areas or in a manner that will not significantly affect the flow capacity of the floodplain. Designate proper locations to dispose of all debris including invasive species and where the debris will not remobilize during future flood events.

Hazardous materials

Hazardous materials such as propane tanks and car bodies may be part of the debris that is to be removed. The contractor will investigate the debris in the work limit area prior to and during removal to ensure that all work is performed in a safe manner and hazardous debris is properly disposed of.

Vegetation

Restore all areas denuded and/or disturbed during clearing and snag removal by planting vegetation, unless the disturbance is minimal and conditions are highly conducive for natural regeneration of vegetation. Use native vegetation where practical. Vegetation established as part of this practice should include ecologically suitable species obtained from local sources wherever practical. Take precautions to prevent introduction of invasive species.

Minimize disturbance of wetlands, riparian areas, and fish and wildlife habitat sites, and avoid disturbance where possible.

The establishment of vegetation on cleared and snagged areas will be in accordance with the criteria contained within NRCS Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Critical Area Planting (Code 342).

CONSIDERATIONS

Debris in stream systems affects the physical characteristics of the stream as well as the diversity and abundance of its aquatic organisms. Fisheries and/or aquatic biologists can assist in evaluating and incorporating measures to improve aquatic and riparian-wetland habitat.

Incorporate enhancements for fish and wildlife values as needed and practical. Special attention should be given to landscape aesthetics and to protecting and maintaining key shade, food, and den trees. Use

NRCS CPS Stream Habitat Improvement and Management (Code 395).

In addition to NRCS CPS Critical Area Planting (Code 342), for areas where it is difficult to establish vegetation consider NRCS CPSs Riparian Herbaceous Cover (Code 390), Riparian Forest Buffer (Code

391), Access Control (Code 472), Mulching (Code 484), Streambank and Shoreline Protection (Code

580), and Tree/Shrub Establishment (Code 612).

Retain habitat-forming elements that provide cover, food, pools, and water turbulence, to the extent possible.

Root balls of fallen trees that are securely anchored in the stream or naturally formed logjams may provide fish habitat and/or stability. The effects of these items should be included in the stream capacity hydraulic analysis. Existing root structure and stumps firmly within the soil should remain to help stabilize the soil and facilitate resprouting of woody vegetation.

Erosion rates decline as a percentage of vegetative roots in a streambank increases. Selection of appropriate riparian vegetation will increase the streambank’s ability to resist future erosion.

Clearing and snagging activity may resuspend sediments in the flow. Consider techniques that promote beneficial sediment deposition and the filtering of sediment.

-CPS-2

NRCS, GA

October 2023

During construction, woody materials may float downstream and cause additional snags and drifts.

Incorporate measures as needed and practical to address this concern.

Schedule in-stream work to avoid environmentally sensitive periods such as spawning and migration to the fullest extent possible.

Incorporate measures and practices, as needed and practical, to address modified flow conditions that adversely affect resources such as—

A lowered hydraulic gradient that may drain adjacent flood plains more quickly. •

Decreased ground water recharge in water-losing streams resulting from reduced residence time in • the stream and adjacent floodplains.

Ground-disturbing activities associated with this practice have the potential to adversely affect protected plant species and may encourage the establishment of invasive plant species. Quickly revegetating disturbed areas can minimize the introduction of nonnative species.

Temporary erosion and sediment best management practices can be used to minimize the delivery of fine sediment to adjacent and downstream reaches.

Incorporate construction methods that enhance fish and wildlife values as needed and practical to include—

Use of hand-operated equipment, water-based equipment, or small equipment to minimize soil, • water, and other resource disturbances.

Operation of heavy machinery from atop adjacent streambanks to the fullest extent possible. •

After the material has been removed from streambank locations, limiting machinery access to • riparian areas to minimize damage to stream habitat.

No special considerations have been identified for this practice.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Prepare plans and specifications for clearing and snagging that describe the requirements for applying the practice to achieve its intended purpose(s).

As a minimum, include, as applicable, the following items in the plans and specifications:

Map of overall area including work limits and limits of clearing and snagging required. •

Location of ingress and egress to the site. •

Description of works of improvement, extent of removal, and manner of disposal. •

Location of disposal areas or location of areas off limits for disposal of debris. •

Requirements for stabilization and vegetation in disturbed areas. •

Location and description of trees or vegetation to be left undisturbed. •

Manner and sequence of construction operations so that impacts on the environment will be • minimized.

Hazardous material identification procedure. •

Erosion control measures, as applicable. •

Carry out all operations in a safe and skillful manner. Observe all safety and health regulations and use appropriate safety measures.

-CPS-3

October 2023

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Provide an operation and maintenance plan to the landowner/user to maintain stream capacity and vegetative cover. Items to include are—

Assessing the area after each major storm event for downed trees and debris accumulation. •

Remove or relocate and anchor downed trees and debris accumulations that are causing bank erosion problems as soon as possible.

Periodically inspecting the area for signs of streambank undermining or instability. Remove any • debris accumulations that may contribute to the instability and closely monitor the area.

Clearing any vegetation and/or debris that blocks side drainage structures and streams. •

Promptly repair eroded areas. •

Maintain companion conservation practices to NRCS specifications. •

REFERENCES

USDA NRCS. 2007. National Engineering Handbook (Title 210), Part 654, Stream Restoration Design.

Washington, D.C. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/

USDA NRCS. 2009. National Biology Handbook (Title 190), Part 614.00, Stream Visual Assessment

Protocol Version 2. Washington, D.C. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/

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NRCS, GA

October 2023 https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/ https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/

NRCS, GA SPECIFICATION - Page 1 of 3 October 2023

Practice Specification

Clearing and Snagging (Code 326)

1. Scope

The work consists of providing all equipment, materials, labor, and overhead for clearing, snagging, removal, and disposal of woody vegetation from the stream (includes channel) streambank, and other designated areas in accordance with these specifications, the construction drawings, or as staked in the field.

2. Construction Operations

The landowner is responsible for obtaining all necessary local, Tribal, State and Federal permits.

Site ingress and egress routes will be shown on the drawings or staked in the field. Removal or damage to riparian trees and vegetation will be minimized. Once the designated routes have been established, equipment and vehicular travel over other areas will be avoided.

No construction equipment will be operated below the existing water surface except in specific circumstances as noted in Section 10 of this specification.

All construction activities will be performed in a skillful and workmanlike manner and must conform to the lines, grades and elevations shown on the drawings or as staked in the field. The completed work shall have a neat appearance.

All temporary measures such as culverts, cofferdams, or silt fences specified or shown on the drawings must be completely removed at the conclusion of construction.

3. Workmanship

All construction activities must be performed in a skillful and workmanlike manner and shall conform to the lines, grades and elevations shown on the drawings or as staked in the field. The completed work will have a neat appearance. Control of all construction activities in accordance with the specifications and drawings will be the responsibility of the landowner and contractor.

All operations will be carried out in a safe manner. Safety and health regulations will be followed and appropriate safety measures taken.

4. Utilities

Landowners or operators, sponsoring organizations, and/or contractors will be liable for damage to utilities and damage resulting from disruption of service caused by construction activities.

It is the responsibility of the landowner or contractor to determine if there are buried or overhead utilities in the vicinity of the proposed work. The contractor is required to call (811) or contact the state utilities locator service website for utilities to be located prior to commencing construction. They must follow proper procedures to ensure that the utilities are not jeopardized and that equipment operators and others will not be injured during construction operations. They will conduct all work and operations in accordance with the proper safety codes for the types of construction being performed with due regard to the safety of all persons and property.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) makes no representation on the existence or non-existence of any utilities. Absence of utilities on the drawings is not assurance that no utilities are present at the site.

5. Pollution and Erosion Control

Construction operations will be conducted to minimize erosion and air and water pollution, holding them within legal limits as required by any required permits. Fuel and oil storage and transfer will be conducted away from the streambank. Fuel and oil spills must be cleaned up and handled in accordance with any permits. Specific pollution and erosion control measures applicable to the site will be described in the site

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, if required, and in Section 10 of this specification.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

6. Clearing and Snagging

Unless otherwise shown on the drawings or marked in the field, all down trees, logs, drifts, debris, and other obstructions lying wholly or partially within the work area of the stream must be removed. Piling, piers, headwalls, and sediment bars within the work area that obstruct the free flow of water must be removed when so designated.

Selective snagging, where possible, must be performed primarily with hand-operated equipment, water-based equipment, or small equipment used in a manner that will minimize soil, water, and other resource disturbance.

Clear all logs, stumps, brush, trees, and rubbish not marked for preservation from within the limits of the work area. Trees and other vegetation to remain undisturbed will be marked or designated as described in Section 10 of this specification.

Trees, stumps, and brush within the stream perimeter will be cut as close to the ground as the cutting equipment permits. In other areas to be cleared, the trees brush and other vegetation will be cut within the maximum distance from the ground level specified in Section 10 of this specification.

Trees will be felled in a safe manner that avoids damage to trees, property, or other objects outside the work area or otherwise designated to be undisturbed.

Cut stumps and root wads on the streambank must remain undisturbed to minimize soil disturbance ands erosion. Where designated, sound logs will be placed against banks and anchored to serve as bank protection and/or fish habitat. The placement location and anchoring details of such logs will be shown on the drawings.

If herbicide treatment is planned, the stumps and brush in the designated area must be treated at the time of clearing according to the recommendations of the herbicide manufacturer.

The use of explosives in clearing and snagging operations, when allowed, must be in strict accordance with applicable State statutes and regulations.

7. Disposal

Burn, bury, or pile trees, logs and other combustible material from the clearing and snagging operations in the location and manner shown on the drawings. All burning, if allowed, must occur outside the stream and be in accordance with local, Tribal, and State regulations. Bury residue from burning and noncombustible material in the designated disposal area(s) outside the stream and provide adequate soil cover, but not less than the depth specified in Section 10 of this specification. Disposal of trash and garbage such as rubber, plastic, glass, and metal must be taken to an approved waste disposal area.

After burning and disposal, uniformly grade the areas to drain to the surrounding, undisturbed area. The finished areas must be suitable for the land use of the adjacent land.

8. Vegetation

Shape the area within and adjacent to the clearing and snagging work limits to blend with the surrounding land. The shaped area must drain or divert overland runoff from the work area without excess soil erosion. All disturbed areas will be mulched, fertilized, and seeded in accordance with CPS 642, Critical

Area Planting unless otherwise specified in Section 10 of this specification.

9. Final Inspection and Acceptance

NRCS will periodically review the work for the benefit of the agency. NRCS will make a final construction checkout for acceptance

NRCS may periodically review the work to ensure the work complies with the specifications and drawings.

Upon completion of the work, the installation will be subjected to a final inspection. All work will be complete, cleaned and ready for use. All work must meet the requirements as to line, grade, cleanliness and workmanship. All discrepancies must be repaired. The work will be accepted and certified only after the final inspection and satisfactory completion of all items not in compliance.

NRCS, GA October 2023SPECIFICATION - Page 2 of 3

United States Department of Agriculture -CPS-1342

October 2018

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and type FOTG in the search field.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

CRITICAL AREA PLANTING

CODE 342

(ac)

Establishing permanent vegetation on sites that have, or are expected to have, high erosion rates, and on sites that have physical, chemical, or biological conditions that prevent the establishment of vegetation with normal seeding/planting methods.

PURPOSE

This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes:

Stabilize areas with existing or expected high rates of soil erosion by wind or water •

Stabilize stream and channel banks, pond and other shorelines, earthen features of structural • conservation practices

Stabilize areas such as sand dunes and riparian areas •

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

This practice applies to highly disturbed areas such as—

Active or abandoned mined lands. •

Urban restoration sites. •

Construction areas. •

Conservation practice construction sites. •

Areas needing stabilization before or after natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornados, • and wildfires.

Eroded banks of natural channels, banks of newly constructed channels, and lake shorelines. •

Other areas degraded by human activities or natural events. •

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes

Site preparation

Conduct a site investigation to identify any physical, chemical, or biological conditions that could affect the successful establishment of vegetation.

Clear areas to be planted of unwanted materials and smooth or shape, if needed, to meet planting purpose(s).

Prepare a suitable seedbed for all seeded species. Rip compacted layers and re-firm the soil prior to seedbed preparation, as needed.

As site conditions dictate, when grading slopes, stockpile topsoil to be redistributed over area to be planted.

Species selection

Select species for seeding or planting that are suited to local site conditions and intended uses, and common to the site or location.

Selected species will have the capacity to achieve adequate density and vigor to stabilize the site within an appropriate period.

Establishment of vegetation.

Plant seeds using the method or methods best suited to site and soil conditions.

Limit sod placement to areas that can naturally supply needed moisture or sites that can be irrigated during the establishment period. Place and anchor sod using techniques to ensure that it remains in place until established.

Specify species, rates of seeding or planting, legume inoculation, minimum quality of planting stock (e.g., pure live seed (PLS) or stem caliper), method of seedbed preparation, and method of establishment before application. Use only viable, high-quality seed or planting stock.

Seed or plant at a time and in a manner that best ensures establishment and growth of the selected species.

Plant during approved times for the species to be used.

Apply soil amendments (e.g., lime, fertilizer, compost) according to the requirements in the local Field

Office Technical Guide.

Mulch or otherwise stabilize (e.g., polyacrylamide (PAM)) plantings as necessary to ensure successful establishment.

Additional Criteria to Stabilize Stream and Channel Banks, Pond and Other Shorelines, Earthen

Features of Structural Conservation Practices

Bank and channel Slopes

Shape channel side slopes so that they are stable and allow establishment and maintenance of desired vegetation.

A combination of vegetative and structural measures may be necessary on slopes steeper than 3:1 to ensure adequate stability.

Species selection.

Plant material used for this purpose must—

Be adapted to the hydrologic zone into which they will be planted. •

Be adapted and proven in the regions in which they will be used. •

Be compatible with existing vegetation in the area. •

Protect the channel banks but not restrict channel capacity. •

Establishment of vegetation.

Specify species, planting rates, spacing, methods and dates of planting based on local planting guides or technical notes.

Identify and protect desirable existing vegetation during practice installation.

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NRCS, GA

October 2018

Use a combination of vegetative and structural practices with living and inert material when flow velocities, soils, and bank stability preclude stabilization by vegetative establishment alone. Use Conservation

Practice Standard (CPS) Streambank Stabilization (Code 580) for the structural measures.

Control existing vegetation on a site that will compete with species to be established vegetatively (e.g..

bare-root, containerized, ball-and-burlap, potted) to ensure successful establishment of the planted species.

Plant streambank stabilization vegetation in accordance with the NRCS Engineering Field Handbook Part

650, Chapter 16, “Streambank and Shoreline Protection,” and Chapter 18, “Soil Bioengineering for Upland

Slope Protection & Erosion Reduction.”

Site protection and access control.

Restrict access to planted areas until fully established.

Additional Criteria to Stabilize Areas Such As Sand Dunes and Riparian Areas

Plants for sand dunes and coastal sites must be able to survive being buried by blowing sand, sand blasting, salt spray, salt water flooding, drought, heat, and low nutrient supply.

Include sand trapping devices such as sand fences or brush matting in the revegetation/stabilization plans where applicable.

CONSIDERATIONS

Species or diverse mixes that are adapted to the site and have multiple benefits should be considered.

Native species may be used when appropriate for the site.

To benefit pollinators and other wildlife, flowering shrubs and wildflowers with resilient root systems and good soil-holding capacity also should be considered for incorporation as a small percentage of a larger grass-dominated planting. Where appropriate consider a diverse mixture of forbs to support pollinator habitat.

Planning and installation of other CPSs such as Diversion (Code 362), Obstruction Removal (Code 500), Subsurface Drain (Code 606), Underground Outlet (Code 620), or Anionic Polyacrylamide Application

(Code 450) may be necessary to prepare the area or ensure vegetative establishment.

Areas of vegetation established with this practice can create habitat for various type of wildlife.

Maintenance activities, such as mowing or spraying, can have detrimental effects on certain species.

Perform management activities at the times and in a manner that causes the least disruption to wildlife.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Prepare plans and specifications for each field or management unit according to the criteria and operation and maintenance sections of this…