A04 0040491073 SOW.pdf

SCOPE OF WORK

Restoring Connectivity of Tubbs Spring to the Kings Spring Outflow Channel Through Barrier

Removal and Channel Modification to Promote Ash Meadows Speckled Dace Habitat and

Distribution at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR), Nevada

Lahontan National Fish Hatchery Complex

GENERAL: Reconnecting Tubbs Spring to the Kings Spring Outflow Channel is essential to promoting habitat and distribution of the federally endangered Ash Meadows Speckled Dace

(Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis). Much of the area, now known as AMNWR, experienced human disturbance during the last 100 years that included habitat alterations during agricultural, municipal, and mining developments. Due to these alterations, connectivity is limited by the presence of human-caused hydrological barriers. This project reverses those problems. Major restoration projects have already occurred in the Kings Springs Drainage (1997) and the Point of Rocks Spring Pool and

Channels (2001). These restorations along with the proposed project request to restore the Tubbs spring outflow, contributes to the functionality of the Greater Carson Slough watershed. Other habitat restoration efforts have been implemented at five Upper Carson Slough springs as well:

Fairbanks (2011), Soda (2011), Rogers (2014), Longstreet (2014), Scruggs (2015) and Five Springs

(2016). Historic flow-paths and connectivity were restored in these systems, similar to what is planned for Tubbs spring, and substantial benefits to endangered fish and threatened plant species are evident as a result. Historically, the Ash Meadows Speckled Dace was present in the spring pools and outflows of Fairbanks, Rogers, Longstreet, Bradford, Forest, Tubbs, Big, Kings, Point of Rocks, and Jackrabbit springs (USFWS 1990) but by 1985, the species was only found at Big, Jackrabbit, Bradford and Tubbs springs (Williams, Scada, 1985). Reintroduction of the Ash Meadows Speckled

Dace has been reported to have occurred at Forest and Point of Rocks springs (Scopettone et al.

2008), however, annual AMNWR native fish survey data gathered between the years of 2010-2018 has not resulted in the Ash Meadows Speckled Dace capture at Forest or Point of Rocks springs when surveyed. Survey data does continue to support presence of the species within Kings Spring

(only 2018) and Tubbs spring (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2018). It has been suggested that the presence of the species at Tubbs spring has occurred in coordination with hydrological connection when applicable. Restoration of this system is critical for the long-term conservation of the endangered

Ash Meadows speckled dace.

SCOPE: This project would remove a section of pipeline and replace it with a natural channel and complete the design only for a bottomless culvert to replace an existing one. This will restore natural hydrologic connectivity between Tubbs spring and the Kings spring outflow channel within the Point of Rocks Complex to promote habitat availability and distribution of the federally endangered Ash

Meadows Speckled Dace population. Restoration will restore vital ecosystem dynamics currently hindered and will benefit not only the Ash Meadows speckled dace but other endemic species, including the endangered Ash Meadows Amargosa Pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis) located within the Point of Rocks Complex. The proposed activities will further enable meeting goals established by the FWS Comprehensive Conservation Plan and the Recovery Plan for the Threatened and Endangered Species of Ash Meadows. The contractor will be responsible for completing all elements of the project: Concepts/Alternatives, Design, Permitting/Approvals, and Construction.

Tasks include:

1. The contractor will conduct a site visit with FWS and obtain available information from

FWS.

a. If necessary, due to information gaps, conduct topographic surveys and collect necessary data for both the pipeline and culvert project areas. Develop HEC-RAS hydraulic model of expected flood flows through the project areas contributing to the Kings-Tubbs spring and stream system.

b. Develop conceptual designs for both project areas and present them to refuge staff.

2. Complete designs for approved concepts and create CAD drawings of the proposed actions.

a. Finalize HEC-RAS hydraulic model for expected flood flows through the project area

b. The contractor will work with suppliers to size and design an open bottom culvert.

The culvert will pass all expected high flows and will have a natural bottom to facilitate passage of aquatic organisms. Design must be stamped by Engineer licensed in the State of Nevada.

c. Develop a restoration plan for the area around the new culvert and the area where the pipe will be removed and the channel modified.

d. Develop specifications for road resurfacing, including road base, gravel, construction procedures and traffic control

e. Develop a construction plan for ingress/egress routes; hauling and stockpiling materials; equipment staging, etc.

3. Obtain all permits and approvals related to the construction as required, including but not limited to: Army Corps of Engineers 404 and Nevada Division of Environmental

Protection 401, Working in Waterways, and Construction Stormwater Permits. This scope does not include cultural resource surveys or permits or NEPA compliance.

4. The contractor will complete project construction

a. Perform daily construction oversight and coordination, including guidance of heavy equipment activities

b. All equipment to be used for implementation of the project will be washed and visually inspected for materials that may contain invasive, non-native seeds and reproductive parts attached to the equipment prior to transport to AMNWR. Non-native materials will be removed and disposed of appropriately. If equipment needs to be washed again upon arrival at the Refuge, washing will occur in a location designated by the Refuge biologist or the Refuge manager.

c. Relocate or protect utilities in the project construction area.

d. Control traffic with all appropriate barriers and signs.

e. Remove approximately 600 ft of pipeline and construct a naturalized channel in its place

f. Haul waste, construction debris and materials to appropriate waste site

g. Provide as-built drawings and specifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Qualified contractors must have a variety of skills and abilities; specifically, successful contractors must be capable of and experienced with the following:

1. Licensed Ecological Engineer and/or Civil Engineer – The contractor must have engineering capability for design of small spring/stream channel and habitat restoration projects, and fish passage facilities from design to build. The contractor must be capable and experienced with incorporating landscape ecology or biological principles into engineering designs. The contractor must have an engineer licensed by the State of Nevada. The contractor must be capable of producing professional quality Auto-CAD 2D and 3D drawings as needed.

2. Hydraulic Modeling – The contractor must be capable and experienced in calculating hydrologic and hydraulic water surface profiles, ranging from the 2 - 100 year floods, for small spring and stream systems using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS model, or similar model.

3. Site Assessment – The contractor must be capable and experienced with site assessment data collection, analysis/designs and reports, as needed (topographic, geomorphic, hydrologic, imagery, engineering plans, etc.)

4. Construction in Threatened and Endangered Species Habitat – The contractor must demonstrate successful completion of restoration projects in small spring or stream systems with threatened and endangered aquatic species or habitat.

5. Permitting and Compliance – The contractor must be capable and experienced in independently leading or assisting FWS in obtaining compliance with and approvals from county, state, and federal environmental and planning regulations, as well as implementing permit or regulatory requirements during project construction activities.

PLACE/DELIVERY AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Project Location: Project location latitude/longitude: 36.425198/-116.365264

Performance Period is approximately 34 weeks from issuance of Notice Proceed.

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE: The work shall be accepted when all the work is completed as described here within and in accordance with any contract specifications. Work shall be inspected to assure compliance with the contract documents. Quality control and adherence to all contract requirements is still the responsibility of the contractor. All final data, drawings, plans and other project information shall be provided to the government in paper or electronic form upon final acceptance.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS: No equipment or materials shall be furnished. Data (topographic, hydrologic, species requirements, etc.) would be provided if available.

ON-SITE AVAILABILITY: The contractor will coordinate on-site with Corey Lee, Refuge

Manager, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, (775) 372-5435 x. 121. Michael Reeves, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Ash Meadows NWR, 775-372-5435 x. 122, may be contacted as an alternate for on-site coordination.