A04_-_SOW.pdf

Performance Work Statement Re-treatment of Established Kudzu at Cache River NWR 2023

Project Title: Re-treatment of Established Kudzu at Cache River NWR 2023

Project Time Frame: July 15th, 2023 to September 30th, 2023.

Purpose: This project is part of the Refuges’ kudzu elimination program designed to treat and control established patches of kudzu and prevent its spread. It is critical for this requirement that proper application of these chemicals be performed to ensure safety of the public, staff, and wildlife; monitor as required.

Parameters: All work must be supervised by a Licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicator and all applicators must comply with all federal regulations, and where applicable, state regulations and local ordinances. This will include assurances of all applicable permits and reporting requirements. The Contractor shall be responsible for creating and maintaining any required records that are specifically required by the Arkansas State Plant Board, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, and Environmental Protection Agency. If requested by the

Government, the Contractor shall provide the original record or a reproducible copy of any such record within 2 working days of receipt of the request.

The Contractor must give the Government Representative (GR) notice by telephone the day before any day in which work will be done. The Contractor must meet with the GR on-site before any work is begun.

Work will be accomplished only during weekdays; no weekend work will be allowed; no work on Federal Holidays. Work must be accomplished during favorable weather conditions; no precipitation, no precipitation forecast for 6 hours post-treatment, no flooding, and no local temperature inversion.

The Contractor will allow pre-inspection of all products and equipment used for this contract, and, if necessary, will support with documentation verification of purchase and use of the prescribed chemical solutions to complete the work. The Contractor will provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) according to SDS or specimen label and EPA regulations.

FWS CACHE RIV NWR

26320 HIGHWAY 33 SOUTH

AUGUSTA AR 72006-5027

During applications of these chemicals, the Contractor will follow all regulations imposed by the

Arkansas State Plant Board and the Department of Agriculture. The Contractor shall make every effort to use the pesticides and application techniques that are effective in controlling target pests while minimizing any adverse impact on the environment of the site. Contractor will ensure proper techniques are followed throughout the chemical application process, including the posting of “chemical warning” or “do not enter” signs, where appropriate. The

Contractor is responsible for ensuring that no damage results from chemical applications and that the chemicals meet EPA regulations and environmental safety programs. When any spraying is performed, care shall be taken to avoid drifting which could damage or kill non-target trees, shrubs or plants, or agricultural crops. If the Contractor spills or releases any substance listed in 40 CFR 302 into the environment, the Contractor shall immediately report the incident to the GR and contact FPS at 303.236.2911. The Contractor shall be liable for the spill or release of such substances.

Contractor is responsible for all storage and disposal of chemical. The Contractor shall be responsible for complying by these procedures for safe chemical storage. The Contractor shall dispose of chemicals, including all containers, in accordance with the product label and Material

Safety Data Sheets and all other laws and regulations. The Contractor will not dispose of these materials or containers on federal property.

Contractor is responsible for chemical certification and licensing requirements of chemicals provided by the Contractor. The Pesticide applicator must have proper licensing and shall keep it current through periodic training as required per the Department of Agriculture for each category that he is spraying. This is the responsibility of the Contractor. Pesticide Applicators

License: State Certification by the Arkansas State Plant Board is required. The Contractor shall maintain all applicable certification requirements for the handling of restricted and non-restricted pesticides as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All pesticides must be registered by the EPA and the State Department of Agriculture, where applicable. No pesticide will be used in any manner inconsistent with its labeling. No pesticide classified as a

“restricted use pesticide” by the EPA or State shall be used without the prior permission of the

GR. The Contractor shall maintain a valid Pesticide Applicators License as required by the

Arkansas State Plant Board.

Scope of Work:

Within 3 zones (59 acres total) at Cache River NWR workers will use backpack sprayers for foliar application to all of the reachable kudzu foliage. All taller (out of reach) kudzu vines will be severed as high as possible and the un-severed portion treated. Chemicals to be used are

Transline (clopyralid 40.9% active ingredient) and Metsulfuron methyl 60% active ingredient or equivalents; Transline must be used when kudzu overlaps trees or other desirable vegetation.

Spray solution must be mixed in water with surfactant. Refuge will provide chemical.

Payment:

The GR will make regular inspections and conduct random sampling to survey completed work according to the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). Areas not meeting the Acceptable

Quality Levels (AQL) two weeks post treatment will be retreated by the Contractor to meet the

AQL. The Contractor will be paid according to the contracted amount for the acres successfully treated and successfully retreated (if necessary). The Contractor may submit for an acreage-prorated-payment for those acres that have been successfully treated/retreated on a monthly basis or may wait to submit for payment when the treatments are complete, at their option.

Overview Map – Kudzu Control Zones:

Maple Slough Zone (±16 Acres):

Plunkett Farm Zone (±15 acres):

George Tract Zone (±28 Acres):