Questions from Potential Bidders.docx

Questions from Potential Bidders

1. What type of trees are currently in the forest?

The Bankhead National Forest is mostly comprised of a mix of pine and deciduous trees.

1. Can the trees be viewed from the road, or do they need to access the site?

Some trees are visible from the road. Some will be accessible only by controlled-access USFS roads.

1. Number of Trees Expected: Can you provide an estimate of how many fallen trees we should expect to remove over the course of a year? The documents mention the occasional removal of trees, but an estimate would help us better plan for labor and equipment.

A best estimate would be 3-5 trees in the first year of operations.

1. Access to Locations: Are there any specific access challenges at the three defined locations (main office, instrument field, scaffold tower) or along the access roads that might require special equipment or additional labor? For example, any tight spots or areas that are more difficult to reach?

The tower access and instrument field access roads are graded gravel roads averaging 12 ft across. The Main Office and Instrument Field areas are open, but there is fencing around the perimeter. The western half of the Instrument Field is shaped for water diversion and so may be more difficult to navigate with heavy equipment, however the perimeter of the field, where the greatest risk of tree fall is, is navigable by most vehicles.

1. Emergency Response: It’s mentioned that fallen trees threatening access roads or equipment must be removed within 24 hours. Can you provide an estimate of how frequently we might be called for such urgent removals during the year?

The area that this would be most likely would be on the tower access road. I would estimate that this sort of response could be needed 1-2 times in the first year of operations.

1. Debris Handling: We understand that tree debris is to be left on-site, moved to the side of the access roads or facilities. Is there any scenario where we would be required to move the debris to a more specific location or offsite? If so, what would the process be?

So long as the debris is not impacting operations or access to repair any damaged part of the facility, this will not be required.

1. Environmental Regulations: The documents emphasize compliance with environmental laws such as preventing pollution and protecting waterways. Are there any environmental restrictions or sensitive areas on the site we should be especially mindful of when performing the work?

The Tower Access Road and the Tower Site lie within the Sipsey Wilderness Protection Area and would require special care to comply with USFS regulations. The other sites, while not within the Wilderness Area, are still within the Bankhead National Forest and require compliance with all Federal Regulations regarding protections inside a National Forest.

1. It also looks like trees can't be taken off site...just moved to a designated area?

No trees should be removed from the site as timber in the national forest is a carefully controlled resource.