A04.AE SOW for Phase II Design, 07.16.2020.pdf

Garris Landing Water System Design Ph II SOW

ARCHITECT/ENGINEER STATEMENT OF WORK

FOR THE

Garris Landing Water System Design Modifications at the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Awendaw, South Carolina July 16, 2020

I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Garris Landing Work Area and Public Use Dock facilities have experienced a sustained degradation of the potable water quality from the existing well system. In spring, 2020, Pond & Company Engineers were retained to perform a Findings & Recommendations Report (Report). The Report was issued on July 3, 2020 entitled Findings & Recommendations Report on the Garris Landing Water System at the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge Awendaw, South Carolina (Attached).

B. PURPOSE:

1. The purpose of this Task Order is to move forward with the recommendations of this Report with the means and methods indicated therein. Specific recommendations include:

a. The testing and laboratory analysis of the Garris Landing well water.

b. Engineering design for an appropriate system, or blend of systems to provide desirable potable water to the crew building, laundry shed, mobile home trailers RV hookups, and public restrooms at the landing.

c. The production of construction documents suitable for both permitting with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and solicitation for construction.

d. The coordination of permitting activities with the State regulatory authorities.

C. PERMITTING ASSISTANCE

2. The A/E shall submit the approved 65% plans to the appropriate South Carolina DHEC office for the construction modification permitting. Any permitting comments shall be incorporated onto the 100% Plan set.

a. The A/E is responsible for researching the permitting requirements and ensuring the permitting submittal conforms to those requirements.

II. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT DEVELOPMENT

A. Deliverables

1. Deliverable submittals shall be required at the 65% stage (permitting) and 100% stage. The Service will provide review comments or an approval of the 65% set of documents prior to the A/E making the permitting submittal. Any comments shall be addressed with a resubmittal prior to permitting.

2. 65% Deliverables shall be handled via emails of the .pdf files and construction documents to both of the Points of Contact listed below. The Service reserves a 14-day review time on this submittal. Any permit forms requiring signature shall be handled via FEDEX.

3. 100% Deliverables shall be handled via emails of the final construction documents and the FEDEX of a USB containing all construction and permit documents to both of the Points of Contact listed below. The final .pdfs shall contain the digital stamps of the Professionals responsible for the design.

B. Drawing Requirements:

1. General: Ensure that drafting and lettering on all drawings is done clearly and to a scale that promotes accurate communication of the subject information.

2. Sheet size: 24" X 36" with 2-inch borders on all sides (unless the permitting authority has other requirements).

3. Lettering size: 1/8" (actual size) minimum height.

4. Minimum scale of floor plans: 1”= 10’

5. Minimum scale of site plan 1”= 40’

6. Title Blocks: The A/E can use their standard title block. Present a complete list of all Design Firms and Engineer(s) of Record on the Cover sheet with representative stamps.

7. Graphic Scale: All drawings shall have a graphic scale in both English and Metric units for all scales used on that sheet.

C. Specification Standards:

1. Specifications shall be written specifically for this project. Provide USB drives containing all specification sections with the final Contract Document submittal. Note: Copy the specifications as a single document (file) and copy each section as a separate document (file). Adobe .PDF files of each specification section shall be submitted at the final submittal. If a proprietary software program is used, the final specification submittal shall be exported to Microsoft Word.

a. Ensure the .pdf file has been formatted for ADOBE SCREEN

READER FORMAT.

b. Provide a Listing of Each Designer with their Stamps as on the Cover Page or a sheet Insert on Page 2.

c. FWS will provide Division 1 specifications.

d. References to “Owner” shall be changed to “Government”.

e. References to “Architect” or “Engineer” shall be changed to “Contracting Officer”.

2. ADA/ABA Section 508 Compliance for Screen Readers:

a. Develop and submit a Final Word document that meets the intent of the following template.

b. Project Title (This is the formal title of project used in the solicitation package. Include project name and location)

c. Scope of Work (Copy from drawing unless it is repeated elsewhere in the solicitation package)

d. Sheet Index: The following figures appear in the CD Package:

(Copy list from drawing. Note: This list should be straight text, not embedded within a multi-column table. Sheet number and figure name can be separated by comma, spaces, or tab)

e. General Notes: (Copy from drawing. These notes refer to the project as a whole, not to an isolated element in a drawing.

Do not include labels embedded in a drawing to give detail on an element in that drawing. Typically, these notes are a high-level list of tasks that make up the project)

f. General Construction Notes: (Copy from drawing. These notes refer to the project as a whole, not to an isolated element in a drawing. Do not include labels embedded in a drawing to give detail on an element in that drawing. Typically, these include performance and materials standards the contractor is expected to meet, such as satisfying building codes of the project location or a material standard such as gauge of metal used in bracing, etc.)

g. For More Information: Questions regarding this document or the solicitation may be submitted to the Office of Contracting following the instructions provided in the solicitation cover sheet. Please reference the project title and location with your questions.

3. Engineer’s Estimate of Costs: Provide a market-researched estimate of construction cost for the work designed. Please utilize the following factors within the estimate.

a. Contractor Overhead: 10%

b. Contractor Profit: 15%

c. Contractor Bonding: 2.5%

d. Division 1 Field Costs: 1.5%

III. POINTS OF CONTACT FOR INFORMATION

A. FACILITY MANAGEMENT ADDRESS:

Questions regarding the physical facilities, access, and fieldwork coordination for this project shall be directed to:

Sarah Dawsey, Refuge Manager U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge 5801 Hwy 17 North Awendaw, South Carolina 29429

Office: (843) 928-3264 ext. 213 Cell: (843) 509-0555 Email: sarah_dawsey@fws.gov

B. FWS PROJECT MANAGER:

Questions regarding the scope of work and technical matters for this project shall be directed to:

Brian Ellington, P.E.

USFWS IR2/IR4 Engineering 1875 Century Blvd Atlanta, GA 30345 Phone: (404) 545-5999 Email: brian_ellington@fws.gov mailto:sarah_dawsey@fws.gov

IV. PROJECT SPECIFICS FOR ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES

A. All areas of the site are easily accessible by vehicle or foot travel. Some locations are behind private gates for restricted access. Coordinate all site visits with the Refuge point of contact.

B. The Engineer(s) performing and/or facilitating the work shall coordinate any site visit with the Facility Point of Contact above, respective of any COVID-19 precautions that may be in place at the time of the visit.

C. Note the Refuge address is not the site address for Garris Landing. The street address for Garris Landing: 498 Bulls Island Road, Awendaw, South Carolina 29429.

D. Full size 1992 Construction Drawings are available onsite.

E. Timeline: Provide the 65% Permitting Set for review with all related documents, specifications, and test results within 90 days of acceptance of proposal and Notice to Proceed (NTP). Final permits and 100% drawings deliverables will be submitted in a timely fashion following the DHEC approval.

V. ATTACHMENTS

All Pond marketing materials are printed on papers containing post-consumer recycled fibers and are FSC Certified.

FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT ON THE GARRIS LANDING

WATER SYSTEM AT THE CAPE ROMAIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

AWENDAW, SOUTH CAROLINA

3 July 2020

PREPARED BY

POND

Atlanta, Georgia

Table of Contents

Contents

1. Overview

2. History and Existing Conditions

3. Observations

4. Sources / Contributing Factors

5. Potential Options and Alternatives

6. Permitting and Operations Monitoring

7. Potential Construction Work

8. Recommendations

9. Timeline and Budget Considerations

10. Photographs

1. Overview

The scope of the work for this project consists the review of the provided existing documentation and the visual condition assessment of the systems, interview with staff and volunteers, and development of a findings and recommendations report for the Garris Landing water system at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Awendaw, South Carolina. Site observations were performed June 2, 2020.

The site observations focused on the following items:

1. Facility operation and User observations.

2. Systems operation and installation.

3. Observations of potential issues impacting system performance.

This information was gathered by site investigation and through staff interviews.

2. History and Existing Conditions

Built in 1992, the site currently comprises a service crew building, water facility, oil/paint storage building, laundry shed, mobile home trailers (quantity of 2), RV hookups (quantify of 4), public restroom, boat launch areas, pier, and numerous covered storage shelters and sheds.

As part of the construction in 1992, the existing tank at the well was removed and a water treatment system was added. This water treatment system included a 3,000-gallon exterior tank, air stripper, blowers, 2,000-gallon hydropneumatics tank, chemical treatment (chlorine and corrosion inhibitor), and pumps. It is assumed that this system was added in response to hydrogen sulfide gas in the water.

Prior to 2006, the administrative office and visitor center was located on this site and served by the water treatment system. After the office and visitor center facility was destroyed by hurricane Hugo and the services subsequently relocated, the water treatment system became cost prohibitive to operate and maintain and fell into a state of disrepair. The system was taken out of operation. At this time, only the hydropneumatics tank and pumps are in use.

Non-potable water is currently provided to the service crew building, water facility, laundry shed, mobile home trailers (quantity of 2), RV hookups (quantify of 4), public restroom, and pier. The “rotten egg” smell of hydrogen sulfide was observed in the service crew building ice machine. The users stated that no water discoloration has been observed.

Since 2006, the laundry shed, mobile homes, and RV hookups have been added to serve interns, volunteers, and campers. The increased use of these amenities has resulted in a need for potable water to serve the site. A charcoal based filter system was installed in hopes of addressing occupant concerns and complaints of water quality. The issues have not been resolved and that system has been taken offline.

The stated objective of this project is to provide potable water to the service crew building, laundry shed, mobile home trailers and RV hookups. Not-potable water is acceptable at the water facility, public restroom and pier.

3. Observations

As stated above, a noticeable sulfur odor is present in the water system. It is assumed that the primary issue within the system is hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). Hydrogen sulfide is corrosive to metals such as iron, steel, copper, and brass. No piping failures of the currently operating system was noted. No metal flaking or discoloration within the water was observed.

However, the 3,000-gallon exterior tank and stripper system tanks have significant corrosion (Photograph 1). This is likely the result of the combined exposure to hydrogen sulfide and the corrosive coastal environment. The abandoned components of the system do not appear salvageable and could be removed (Photograph 2).

The well head appears to be in good condition and properly sealed. No water supply capacity issues were noted (Photograph 3).

The reason for removal of the 1992 tank at the well should be verified. It should be determined if the hydrogen sulfide has always been present or if it developed over time.

The charcoal-based filtration system is currently offline and is comprised of two carbon filters and a water softener (Photograph 4).

4. Sources / Contributing Factors

There are several potential sources of hydrogen sulfide in well water. To select the proper treatment approach, the primary source must be identified. The source of the odor currently being experienced at Garris Landing is either from the well itself or the groundwater. Potential contributors are:

A. Sulfates – naturally occurring minerals in the soil and rock formations that overtime release into groundwater. This can also occur as a result of some forms of pollution.

B. Sulfur bacteria – bacteria feeds on sulfur with hydrogen sulfide as a by-product. Typically, this occurs in the well, plumbing system, or water softener.

C. Hydrogen sulfide gas – gas naturally occurs in some groundwater. It is usually a result of decomposing of underground organic matter.

Well depth, construction, and location are also contributing factors to the exposure of hydrogen sulfide.

Wells drilled in shale or sandstone or shallow wells near septic/sewer systems commonly have the presence of hydrogen sulfide. Potential well fouling or contamination as a result of storms or construction in the area could contribute to the hydrogen sulfide levels within the well also.

Hydrogen sulfide in water is an aesthetic concern that causes a disagreeable taste and odor to the water. While the gas is poisonous and flammable, the human nose can detect it well before it causes health concerns. Most people can detect hydrogen sulfide levels well below 0.5 mg/L. Hydrogen sulfide can also cause corrosion of metals in a plumbing system, and it can cause yellow or black greasy stains on fixtures or inside pipes when it forms metallic sulfides.

Hydrogen sulfide does not have a drinking water standard because it makes the water aesthetically undrinkable long before it reaches harmful concentrations.

5. Potential Options and Alternatives

There are numerous treatment options and approaches available to address odor and/or contaminants from a water source. To ensure the proper approach is incorporated, water testing to determine type of contaminant(s) and concentration levels will be required.

Potential Water Treatment options:

A. Water Softeners:

There are three primary types of water softeners.

1. Ion exchange: Utilizes the ion exchange process to replace minerals in the water (typically calcium and magnesium with sodium). This system requires a tank of salt pellets or some other media.

2. Salt-free: Utilizes a mechanical filter for the removal of calcium.

3. Reverse osmosis: Utilizes a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities.

Water softeners are effective in the removal of calcium and magnesium. However, a standard water softener by itself will not remove hydrogen sulfide.

B. Carbon Filtration: (up to a few tenths mg/l concentration of hydrogen sulfide) Activated carbon filtration will reduce the unpleasant taste but has very little odor absorption capability. These systems cannot be recharged and must be replaced when the filter is exhausted. Sulfur bacteria can attach to the carbon filter media. This is the charcoal system currently offline.

C. Manganese Greensand Filtration: (1-10 mg/l concentration of hydrogen sulfide)

The manganese dioxide oxidizes the hydrogen sulfide. The oxidized particles are filtered out in the filter bed. These filters require recharging on a regular basis.

D. Aeration: (less than 2 mg/l concentration of hydrogen sulfide) Aeration is the process of adding air to the water. Bacterial contamination and freezing are design considerations for this type system. This was the function of the abandoned stripper system currently on site.

E. Chlorination: (more than 6 mg/l concentration of hydrogen sulfide) Chlorination utilizes an automatic chemical feed pump system and requires a mixing tank and adequate storage to allow a minimum of twenty minutes of contact time between the water and the chemical. This system may require additional filtration for chlorine removal. This was the function of the abandoned chemical feed system and existing hydropneumatics tank currently on site.

F. Distillers:

Distillers remove all impurities from water by the process of converting the water to steam and condensing the vapor to pure water.

G. Well Disinfection (Shock Chlorination):

This approach addresses sulfur bacteria in the well or plumbing system. Well disinfection is commonly the addition of chlorine bleach to the well itself. The chlorine will remain in the system for several hours before running the system.

The appropriate system for the Garris Landing site will likely be a combination of several of these treatment options. The results of the water testing will determine the proper systems.

There is a likelihood that the existing hydropneumatics tank system and portions of the charcoal filtration system may be used in the recommended solution. The maximum GPM flow of the charcoal system will require review. Preliminary estimates indicate a worst case required flow of ~36 GPM for the site. This should be confirmed during the design process.

6. Permitting and Operations Monitoring

Compliance with South Carolina Regulation 61-58 State Primary Drinking Water Regulations and South Carolina R.44-55 State Safe Drinking Water Act will be required.

Modifications to the existing well system will require a construction permit prior to the actual construction. The permitting process will require the submission of four (4) copies of the construction documents, three (3) copies of the specifications and calculations, an original permit application and two (2) copies, three (3) copies of the location map. This package must be signed and sealed by a licensed South Carolina professional engineer. Once reviewed and approved, a construction permit will be issued. After construction, a final inspection will be required and, if acceptable, an operation permit will be issued.

Per the EPA, this site would be classified as a Transient Non-Community Water System (TNCWS). A TNCWS is defined as a public water system that provides water in a place such as a gas station or campground where people to not remain for long periods of time.

SC DHEC defines a Transient Non-community water system (Type N or TNC) as a non-community water system that does not regularly serve at least 25 of the same persons over six months a year.

This type of system requires sanitary surveys to be performed every three (3) years.

The DHEC further identifies a State Water System (Type S or NP). This is considered any water system that serves less than 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of less than 25 individuals daily. This type of system requires sanitary surveys to be performed every five (5) years.

Regular monitoring and reporting will be required for the system. The level of monitoring and reporting is dependent on the system solution.

7. Potential Construction Work

A. Removal of the abandoned exterior tank and air stripper system.

B. Installation of new water treatment system. This may include utilization of existing carbon filtration system.

C. Site work to ensure crew building, laundry shed, mobile home trailers and all RV hookups are being fed from the new filter system.

8. Recommendations

We offer the following recommendations:

A. A state-accredited commercial water testing laboratory should perform water testing on the system to confirm contaminants and concentration levels of minerals, hydrogen sulfide, and water hardness.

B. Based on these findings, system design should be performed to incorporate the appropriate treatment approach.

9. Timeline and Budget Considerations

Based on the results of the water testing an appropriate water treatment system should be designed for the Garris Landing well. Water distribution system modifications should also be accomplished to ensure potable water is supplied to specific areas of the site. A planning construction budget for this work is $180,000.

Water testing, analysis, design, and SC DHEC approval would take approximately 6 months which includes FWS review and approval. Design fees for the work should be budgeted at $18,000 which includes water testing services.

10. Photographs

Photograph 1. Abandoned Water Storage Tank

Photograph 2. Abandoned Air Stripping Equipment

Photograph 3. Well Head

Photograph 4. Charcoal Filtration and Water Softener

AE SOW for Phase II Design, 07.16.2020.pdf