Specifications for Reducing Potential Resource Impacts.pdf

AG-91T5-S-12-0008

West Fork Trail Bridge Construction

SPECIFICATIONS FOR REDUCING POTENTIAL RESOURCE IMPACTS

In order to mitigate potential resource impacts associated with project implementation, the contractor shall implement the following measures:

1. To limit the spread and establishment of invasive plant species into the project area, The Contractor shall free all ground disturbing equipment and vehicles used during project implementation of noxious weeds and seeds, and invasive exotic weeds and seeds, before entering the project area.

The Forest Botanist will provide guidance for a wash down method that will be effective and practical. Refer to Appendix A in this document for equipment cleaning and vehicle washing guidance.

2. The Contractor shall certify that any plant material (e.g. mulch, seeds, etc.) used for erosion control or otherwise is weed-free. If the Contractor is unable to secure straw or mulch which the Contractor can certify as weed free, the Contractor shall use rice straw and mulch provided the Contractor certifies such rice straw and mulch to be weed-free.

3. The Contractor shall not use any seed mixtures or plant species in any site re-vegetation or landscaping activity without the prior approval of the Forest Botanist.

4. The Contractor shall limit ground disturbance to the minimum necessary for demolition and construction activities. The Contractor shall confine all project activities including vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic and staging to the smallest area possible. To the extent feasible, the Contractor shall only use vehicles, tools and equipment on existing access roads or disturbed areas.

5. The Contractor shall create no new access roads for the purpose of project implementation.

6. To the extent feasible, the Contractor shall avoid trampling native herbaceous or shrubby vegetation.

7. To the extent feasible, The Contractor shall implement improvements such as construction of bridge abutments, rock wall, steps, and bridge installation operations outside the dripline of trees and away from tree roots unless noted ON THE DRAWINGS.

8. Where work occurs within the dripline of a tree or in proximity of the tree roots, monitoring may be required. Monitoring will be provided by the Forest Service to detect evidence of soil compaction, loss of vigor and any other signs indicating that the tree is negatively impacted by the recreation uses or construction activity occurring in its proximity. If monitoring reveals these conditions, the Forest Botanist and District Resource Officer will coordinate with the District Recreation Officer to identify corrective measures which may be recommended to the Contracting Officer’s Representative as a change order.

9. The Contractor shall perform all ground disturbing activities with the potential for erosion, consistent with FSH 2509.22 – Soil and Water Conservation Practices Handbook and Best Management Practices.

10. The Contractor shall perform all excavations in a manner that reduces the potential for entrapment of small mammals, reptiles or amphibians. If excavations are to be left open and unattended for more than 12 hours, the Contractor shall install an escape ramp from the bottom of the pit with less than a 2 to1 slope. If appropriate or required by the Forest Biologist or the CO/ COR, the Contractor shall also place a drift fence around the entire perimeter of the excavation to reduce the potential for animals to accidentally become entrapped. Prior to commencement of work activity each day, and before backfilling an excavation, the Contractor shall visually verify that no animals are trapped in any excavation. The Contractor shall not backfill an excavation unless the Contractor verifies immediately prior to backfilling that the excavation is clear of live animals.

11. The Contractor shall ensure that all equipment contain appropriate spill containment kits to respond to leaks and spills. The contractor shall provide a Spill Contingency Plan for this project.

12. The Contractor shall properly dispose of, off National Forest land, any project-generated garbage daily for the duration of the project. When operations are complete, the Contractor shall remove and haul off Forest, any excess materials or debris in the work area.

13. The Contractor shall allow any wildlife encountered during the course of project implementation the opportunity to evacuate the site. The Contractor shall not harass, handle, feed, remove, or leave food accessible for any wildlife at the site and on National Forest.

14. Other resource mitigations may require additional monitoring by the Contractor during excavation work activities. The contractor shall notify the Forest Service whenever digging and excavation activities are planned prior to start.

APPENDIX A

VEHICLE WASHING GUIDELINES

To minimize the potential for spreading and/or introducing invasive plant species, the following precautionary measures shall be followed:

1) All equipment except trucks, vans, pickups, and cars used for daily transport of personnel, will be cleaned prior to entering Forest Service land. This includes wheels, undercarriages and bumpers. All washing must take place where rinse water is collected and disposed of in either a sanitary sewer, a landfill, or other facility authorized to accept such rinse water.

2) If equipment has operated in areas identified as containing target invasive plant species, all equipment, and tools used at that site must also be washed AFTER work has been completed.

4) The contractor shall certify in writing compliance with the terms of this provision prior to each start-up of operations.

5) Any new infestations of invasive species in the work area or on the access route shall be promptly reported to the Forest Botanist.

6) Upon request, the Forest Botanist can provide a current list of invasive species of concern.

CERTIFICATION OF CLEANING EQUIPMENT

Project Name:

Contractor:

I certify that the following equipment is free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other debris that could contain or hold seeds. Cleaning was done outside the proclaimed boundary of any National Forest.

Equipment Description, Identification Number

Location of last Operation or Storage

Cleaning Location

Date Cleaned

Signature of Holder or Authorized Representative Date

Inspected by Forest Service (at FS discretion):

FS Representative Date

Certification is needed any time equipment is moved onto National Forest land or between work sites for this project.