Atch_1_SOW.pdf

140P5424R0011 Attachment 1

Page 1 of 20 Pages

Statement of Work (SOW) National Park Service

Everglades National Park Shark Valley

Clean and Inspect Culverts

1. PARK INTRODUCTION

With the support of many early conservationists, scientists, and other advocates, Everglades National Park was established in 1947 to conserve the natural landscape and prevent further degradation of its land, plants, and animals. Although the captivation of the Everglades has mostly stemmed from its unique ecosystem, an alluring human story of the Everglades is deeply interwoven with its endless marshes, dense mangroves, towering palms, alligator holes, and tropical fauna. Various groups and people navigated through and wrestled with the watery landscape to make it home, and even to exploit its natural wonder at times. On these lands you can discover more about the Native Americans that existed and thrived; the agricultural development and drainage of the Everglades; the people and groups who advocated for the conservation of the area; the Everglades’ role in United States War efforts; the preservation and restoration work that continues today; and much more.

2. PROJECT INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

This project will conduct routine maintenance to preserve the hydraulic conduits (culverts) that transport water beneath the roadways located on the Everglades National Park. The culvert system at Shark Valley contains 175 structures ranging between 15 inches – 30 inches diameter and 20 feet – 25 feet in length.

After maintenance has been performed, each culvert shall be inspected via camera throughout its entire length and a comprehensive inspection report shall be generated.

Culverts are unique & vital structures that represent a significant part of the Everglades roadway infrastructure. Many are currently in a state of disrepair or experiencing reduced functionality due to sediment and debris clogs. Others may be outdated due to changes in surrounding terrain and runoff conditions. Culverts must be inspected on a regular basis to ensure functional hydraulic performance and structural adequacy.

3. REQUIRED SERVICES: Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, tools, and equipment to clean and inspect 175 culverts identified by Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates in Appendix A.

Scope of work includes:

a. Removal of all sediment, vegetation, and debris that could clog the system to inhibit water flow. All lengths and diameters shall be field verified during the performance of this work.

b. For the culverts located on the western side of the loop road, approximately 12 sandbags at each culvert were used as plugs to block flow. Most sandbags are located on the upstream (inside the loop) side of the culvert openings, but approximately 5-6 culverts may have sandbags on the downstream (outside the loop) side as well. The Contractor shall remove all remaining evidence of these sandbags, including any obvious loose sand obstructing hydraulic flow to or from the culvert.

c. All debris & vegetation removed from culverts shall be disposed of offsite; this includes all sandbags.

All debris and vegetation removed shall be placed in an appropriate disposal container and not collected in piles on National Park Service property. Debris piles create an unnatural attractant for wildlife such as snakes that can be dangerous to personnel.

d. All culverts shall be cleaned via jetting method. Jetting nozzle shall be primarily comprised of rear nozzles to minimize potential for harming or injuring wildlife. Nozzle shall be approved for use by the

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COR prior to mobilizing to the jobsite via submittal review.

e. Once cleaning is complete, each culvert shall be inspected via camera along its entire length and current condition shall be documented in an inspection report. At a minimum, inspection shall identify undermining, joint failure, and structural integrity deficiencies.

f. The inspection report shall include photos, quantity takeoff, and cost estimate for repair & mitigation work. It shall also include invert elevations and as-built profiles for each culvert structure listed in Attachment A. A separate tabular file that consolidates the physical attributes of all culverts into a single document shall be provided in addition to the as-built documentation.

g. Access to both ends of each culvert shall be cleared of all vegetation and debris to the mudline by a maximum 15 foot semicircle outside the culvert openings to allow unobstructed personnel access following the cleaning. The existing mudline elevation SHALL NOT be disturbed.

h. All culverts shall be inspected for presence of wildlife prior to starting any cleaning, clearing, inspection or survey activity. Wildlife presence surveys shall be conducted by a qualified Biological Monitor prior to the start of any activity at EVERY culvert. If work stops or culvert is left unattended for any period, the Biological Monitor shall re-survey the location prior to restart of any work activity. If any wildlife is encountered during the performance of this scope of work, the Biological Monitor shall be allowed to encourage non-threatened or endangered (T&E) species from the pipe culverts. If any T&E species are present, the monitor must contact NPS Biological Resources for permission, assistance, or guidance prior to disturbing the animal in any way. In most cases, it will be recommended that the contractor move on to a different culvert, to allow sufficient time for NPS to assess & respond to the contractor’s T&E species removal request. See Attachment C for Biological Monitor qualification requirements.

i. If any wildlife is disturbed or encouraged to leave a culvert in the performance of this contract, the Biological Monitor shall document each encounter via a log sheet and submit the results weekly.

j. The contractor shall be allowed to close one side of the Shark Valley Tram Road loop at a time to all traffic, vehicular and pedestrian, for a maximum of four weeks. The opposite side of the tram road will remain open for access to and from the Shark Valley Tower. The turnaround near the pump house, at the south end of the Tram Road, will remain open throughout the entire project to allow tram and pedestrian/cyclist access to / from the tower. Once the culverts are cleaned on the closed portion of roadway, that side of the roadway will then be opened, and the other side shall be closed for a maximum of four weeks.

k. All spoil material will be required to be stored in a covered dumpster and hauled off site each day.

Dump trucks will be removed each night.

l. Contractor shall be allowed to leave equipment on site overnight on paved areas along the Tram Road while that side is closed on workdays only; staging plan shall be approved by COR prior to mobilization to the project site. Contractor shall only be allowed to stage on the east or west side of the Tram Road to work at a given time.

m. The Contractor is only authorized to work on site Monday thru Thursday each week; both sides of the Tram Road shall be open without obstruction Friday thru Sunday and all Federal holidays.

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SPECIAL CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

- An on-site pre-performance meeting is required prior to mobilizing to execute the project requirements.

Contractor shall initiate meeting invitation with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at least 7-days in advance.

- The contractor shall initiate and support bi-weekly meetings in the field with the COR and other key stakeholders to discuss project schedule and field activity coordination to ensure key milestones are being communicated; the goal of this meeting is to ensure National Park Service (NPS) personnel are available to support when required. At a minimum, the site Superintendent and Biological Monitor shall be in attendance for the contractor. The COR will determine required NPS personnel attendance requirements.

- Protect other elements and finishes of the existing infrastructure from damage during the execution of this SOW. Damage to property resulting from the execution of this contract work shall be corrected at the Contractor’s expense.

- Adhere to stipulations imposed by Everglades National Park Compliance office included as Attachment D: Everglades Compliance Division Requirements.

- Submittals are required for this contract; contractor shall refer to Section 16 - SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS LIST for details.

- Use of Site: Limit use of the premises to the area immediately adjacent to the work site. Do not disturb portions of the site beyond the work area.

- Preservation of Natural Features: Prevent damage to natural surroundings. Restore damaged areas, repairing or replacing damaged trees and plants, at no additional expense to the Government.

- Preservation of Cultural Resources: No known archeological resources are in this work area. If previously unknown archeological resources are discovered during the work of this project, the Contractor will immediately stop work at the discovery and notify the Contracting Officer. An equitable adjustment will be made in accordance with the Changes clause of the contract if necessary.

- Start of Work Notification: At least two weeks prior to the start of on-site work, the Contractor shall notify the COR of the intended start date. This will allow government personnel to conduct a final review of the work site for any resource issues prior to the start of performance.

- Threatened and Endangered Species: The following threatened or endangered species could be encountered in the project area: Wood Storks, Eastern Indigo Snakes, Bonneted Bats, Florida Panthers, and American Crocodiles.

- All sightings of these species shall be reported to the COR. When an endangered species is present or observed on the work site, work shall be postponed until the individuals leave the area.

- Follow the Standard Protection Measures for the Eastern Indigo Snake published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, March 23, 2021. It has been included as Attachment E.

- At the beginning of each day, all culverts experiencing work that day shall be inspected for the presence of Eastern Indigo Snakes or other wildlife.

- At the start of the project, all on-site employees shall receive training to identify threatened and endangered species which maybe encountered on the site.

- Non-native species: To prevent the spread of non-native species into the park, the Contractor shall do the following:

--Equipment brought to the site shall be cleaned of any foreign material which could contain non-native plants, seeds, animals or noxious weeks.

--All materials (including fill dirt and aggregates) shall be free of non-native invasive plants and animals, and noxious weeds.

-Install silt fence downhill from all earth disturbing activities to prevent runoff.

-Install necessary fence, barricade, or otherwise to block off the immediate work area to prevent unauthorized entry by visitors or NPS staff.

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WORKING HOURS: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, excluding Federal holidays.

Contractor shall coordinate specific on-site work schedule with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) via the approved project schedule. While on site, the COR may be reached by mobile phone during normal business hours. Any requests to work outside of normal business hours shall be date specific and shall be pre-approved by the COR.

SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

-Contractor shall develop a Hazard Analysis & Safety Plan for the project and assign a safety officer to monitor and enforce it. Refer to the Submittal Section of this document for additional details.

-Personnel shall wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE shall meet requirements of NIOSH and ANSI.

-Contractor shall comply with pertinent provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and state, local, safety, laws.

-Contractor shall comply with pertinent Environmental Protection Agency laws and regulations.

-The Park safety officer shall have the authority to issue restraint or a stop work order to the contractor when violations or unsafe acts are present and threaten Government and contractor employees or damage to Government property.

-Contractor shall immediately report to the CO, COR, and Park Safety Officer all accidents resulting in employee injury or death or damage to property while performing this contract.

QUALITY ASSURANCE: The Contractor shall provide daily reports of activity. The form of the report is up to the Contractor, but the report shall include the following information:

• Date

• Project Title and Contract Number

• Contractor’s name and On-site Superintendent’s name

• General description of weather and ground conditions

• Number of employees (including sub-contractors) working on-site, listed by job categories.

• List of equipment working on-site.

• Description of work performed

• Any issues arising including disputes, unforeseen circumstances, differing site conditions, delays, accidents, etc.

• Reports shall be e-mailed to the COR on a weekly basis.

MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAFFIC REGULATIONS: Contractor employees operating motor vehicles shall possess a valid driver's license. Driver and vehicle permits, licenses, registrations and proof of insurance shall be maintained in the vehicle at all times and made available upon request. Contractor employees shall comply with federal vehicle motor law requiring seat belts be worn at all times.

Contractor employees shall adhere to the posted speed limits.

EMPLOYEE BADGES/PARKING: All Contractor employees shall comply with parking procedures published for the Park. Contractor employees shall return any Park issued personal or vehicle identification badges immediately upon termination of employment or completion of this contract.

REPLACEMENT OF CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE FOR SECURITY REASONS: The Government retains the right to request removal of the Contractor’s employee(s), regardless of prior clearances.

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POST-AWARD SUBMITTALS

-The contractor shall submit a post-site visit “Summary of Work” document to the COR for review at least 14 days prior to proposed start date. The Summary of Work document shall be a description of the work described by the Contractor which includes any activities omitted from the original scope of work contained herein.

-Contractor shall provide a list of equipment being utilized to conduct the work and a work plan that details means and methods for cleaning the culverts. This includes the jetting nozzle.

-Contractor Hazard Analysis & Safety Plan and qualifications of safety person.

-Contractor’s Debris Disposal Plan: plan shall include description of the proposed procedures to transport all debris, methods to reduce potential for introduction of invasive species into the park, proposed debris receiving site, and documentation methods.

-Initial Project Schedule and monthly updates with baseline markers.

-Inclement Weather Plan

INSPECTIONS

The Government will conduct periodic inspections during contract performance. Inspections shall be both random and at identified milestones during the project. These milestones shall be identified during the project schedule submittal and approval procedure. There shall also be a Final Inspection upon project completion. Final payment shall only be processed upon confirming that all noted Contractor performance deficiencies identified during the Final Inspection have been satisfactorily corrected.

Before scheduling the final inspection, remove all tools, equipment, surplus materials, and rubbish. At time of final inspection, project shall be thoroughly clean and ready for use.

Submit written certification that project, or designated portion of project, is substantially complete, and request in writing a final inspection. The COR will perform inspection within 10 days of receipt of request.

If the project is determined to be substantially complete, the COR will prepare a list of deficiencies to be corrected before final acceptance and issue a Letter of Substantial Completion. ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A: Culvert Location Table Attachment B: Site Drawing Attachment C: Biological Monitor Requirements / Qualifications Attachment D: Everglades National Park Everglades Compliance Division Requirements Attachment E: Standard Protections for Eastern Indigo Snake mstefanos Cross-Out mstefanos Cross-Out

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Attachment A: Shark Valley Culvert List Culvert # IN_POS Name LATITUDE LONGITUDE 1 at grade SVE‐1 25.65778186 ‐80.76606686 2 at grade SVE‐2 25.65787789 ‐80.76560752 3 at grade SVE‐3 25.65871547 ‐80.76443194 4 at grade SVE‐4 25.65937047 ‐80.76372273 5 at grade SVE‐5 25.6610702 ‐80.76274047 6 at grade SVE‐6 25.66163216 ‐80.76261217 7 at grade SVE‐7 25.66227587 ‐80.76244757 8 at grade SVE‐8 25.66358116 ‐80.76199307 9 at grade SVE‐9 25.66488738 ‐80.76150585 10 at grade SVE‐10 25.66560639 ‐80.76139514 11 at grade SVE‐11 25.66613182 ‐80.76135898 12 at grade SVE‐12 25.66768291 ‐80.76132213 13 at grade SVE‐13 25.66861538 ‐80.76085961 14 at grade SVE‐14 25.67010498 ‐80.75983117 15 at grade SVE‐15 25.67135432 ‐80.75959787 16 at grade SVE‐16 25.6727904 ‐80.76054628 17 at grade SVE‐17 25.67361898 ‐80.76165101 18 at grade SVE‐18 25.67463046 ‐80.76209075 19 at grade SVE‐19 25.67551452 ‐80.76241963 20 at grade SVE‐20 25.67593123 ‐80.76256309 21 at grade SVE‐21 25.67716389 ‐80.76288892 22 at grade SVE‐22 25.67862055 ‐80.76312005 23 at grade SVE‐23 25.68017665 ‐80.76302998 24 at grade SVE‐24 25.68131623 ‐80.76272219 25 at grade SVE‐25 25.68267397 ‐80.76242184 26 at grade SVE‐26 25.68395218 ‐80.76243032 27 at grade SVE‐27 25.68541187 ‐80.76245234 28 at grade SVE‐28 25.68675249 ‐80.76218261 29 at grade SVE‐29 25.68796329 ‐80.76151479 30 at grade SVE‐30 25.68829361 ‐80.76124631 31 at grade SVE‐31 25.68905682 ‐80.76059458 32 at grade SVE‐32 25.6902312 ‐80.75979588 33 at grade SVE‐33 25.69155136 ‐80.75934796 34 at grade SVE‐34 25.69212559 ‐80.75924262 35 at grade SVE‐35 25.69292778 ‐80.75927876 36 at grade SVE‐36 25.69415137 ‐80.75998609 37 at grade SVE‐37 25.6952222 ‐80.7609342 38 at grade SVE‐38 25.69631366 ‐80.76184745 39 at grade SVE‐39 25.69663827 ‐80.7620754 40 at grade SVE‐40 25.69725752 ‐80.76244624 41 at grade SVE‐41 25.69823173 ‐80.76284959 42 at grade SVE‐42 25.69880382 ‐80.76301373

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43 at grade SVE‐43 25.69974324 ‐80.76293988 44 at grade SVE‐44 25.70047069 ‐80.76261095 45 at grade SVE‐45 25.70127636 ‐80.7620113 46 at grade SVE‐46 25.7019488 ‐80.76148732 47 at grade SVE‐47 25.70369341 ‐80.76060219 48 at grade SVE‐48 25.70414108 ‐80.76062694 49 at grade SVE‐49 25.70497431 ‐80.76085482 50 at grade SVE‐50 25.70626059 ‐80.76159779 51 at grade SVE‐51 25.7072095 ‐80.76189049 52 at grade SVE‐52 25.70795384 ‐80.76161349 53 at grade SVE‐53 25.70877027 ‐80.76131991 54 at grade SVE‐54 25.71036826 ‐80.76146514 55 at grade SVE‐55 25.71199064 ‐80.76154266 56 at grade SVE‐56 25.71278938 ‐80.76094958 57 at grade SVE‐57 25.71367404 ‐80.75994929 58 at grade SVE‐58 25.71526756 ‐80.75904923 59 at grade SVE‐59 25.71620335 ‐80.75915446 60 at grade SVE‐60 25.71726246 ‐80.76010644 61 at grade SVE‐61 25.71756766 ‐80.76096232 62 at grade SVE‐62 25.71785163 ‐80.76166692 63 at grade SVE‐63 25.71915283 ‐80.76247387 64 at grade SVE‐64 25.72010433 ‐80.76226194 65 at grade SVE‐65 25.72097954 ‐80.761485 66 at grade SVE‐66 25.72234788 ‐80.7601392 67 at grade SVE‐67 25.72299352 ‐80.75963404 68 at grade SVE‐68 25.72434144 ‐80.75899659 69 at grade SVE‐69 25.7249619 ‐80.75880269 70 at grade SVE‐70 25.72532764 ‐80.75871483 71 at grade SVE‐71 25.72595359 ‐80.75860425 72 at grade SVE‐72 25.72737536 ‐80.75878477 73 at grade SVE‐73 25.72894019 ‐80.75952822 74 at grade SVE‐74 25.72988348 ‐80.75948347 75 at grade SVE‐75 25.73118159 ‐80.75899919 76 at grade SVE‐76 25.73255387 ‐80.75904848 77 at grade SVE‐77 25.73375149 ‐80.75974168 78 at grade SVE‐78 25.73514703 ‐80.75972521 79 at grade SVE‐79 25.73638636 ‐80.75926382 80 at grade SVE‐80 25.73769879 ‐80.75881732 81 at grade SVE‐81 25.73911312 ‐80.75922034 82 at grade SVE‐82 25.74037715 ‐80.75920838 83 at grade SVE‐83 25.7417429 ‐80.75911006 84 at grade SVE‐84 25.74262538 ‐80.75949977 85 at grade SVE‐85 25.7430181 ‐80.75970813 86 at grade SVE‐86 25.74404819 ‐80.76070198 87 at grade SVE‐87 25.7444914 ‐80.7621218 88 at grade SVE‐88 25.74538098 ‐80.76270141 89 at grade SVE‐89 25.74699833 ‐80.76252422 90 at grade SVE‐90 25.74831002 ‐80.76245952 91 at grade SVE‐91 25.74970456 ‐80.7628504 92 at grade SVE‐92 25.75061896 ‐80.76305469

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93 at grade SVE‐93 25.75143834 ‐80.76310331 94 at grade SVE‐94 25.75254402 ‐80.76296461 95 at grade SVE‐95 25.75405362 ‐80.76286083 96 at grade SVE‐96 25.75543993 ‐80.76321947 97 at grade SVE‐97 25.75638422 ‐80.76374001 98 at grade SVE‐98 25.75704541 ‐80.76473731 99 at grade SVW‐1 25.6588955 ‐80.76641285 100 at grade SVW‐2 25.65964429 ‐80.7664296 101 at grade SVW‐3 25.66131434 ‐80.76646201 102 at grade SVW‐4 25.66239477 ‐80.76647347 103 at grade SVW‐5 25.66376775 ‐80.76649299 104 at grade SVW‐6 25.66555578 ‐80.76651664 105 at grade SVW‐7 25.66632793 ‐80.76652069 106 at grade SVW‐8 25.66788199 ‐80.76655083 107 at grade SVW‐9 25.66926849 ‐80.76657931 108 at grade SVW‐10 25.67095902 ‐80.76658028 109 at grade SVW‐11 25.67200567 ‐80.76661025 110 at grade SVW‐12 25.67338348 ‐80.76662765 111 at grade SVW‐13 25.67460522 ‐80.76664801 112 at grade SVW‐14 25.67599936 ‐80.76666095 113 at grade SVW‐15 25.67746618 ‐80.76668483 114 at grade SVW‐16 25.67906024 ‐80.76670497 115 at grade SVW‐17 25.68023853 ‐80.7667198 116 at grade SVW‐18 25.68161911 ‐80.76674139 117 at grade SVW‐19 25.68268316 ‐80.76676694 118 at grade SVW‐20 25.68437468 ‐80.76678403 119 at grade SVW‐21 25.68574307 ‐80.76687059 120 at grade SVW‐22 25.68714307 ‐80.76674833 121 at grade SVW‐23 25.68822225 ‐80.76684609 122 at grade SVW‐24 25.68985902 ‐80.76686597 123 at grade SVW‐25 25.69123467 ‐80.76687223 124 at grade SVW‐26 25.69296733 ‐80.76687722 125 at grade SVW‐27 25.6939734 ‐80.76685962 126 at grade SVW‐28 25.6953644 ‐80.76685214 127 at grade SVW‐29 25.69701286 ‐80.76684862 128 at grade SVW‐30 25.69810957 ‐80.76689172 129 at grade SVW‐31 25.69948939 ‐80.76690253 130 at grade SVW‐32 25.70058945 ‐80.76680815 131 at grade SVW‐33 25.70158666 ‐80.76680492 132 at grade SVW‐34 25.7022274 ‐80.76678969 133 at grade SVW‐35 25.70360931 ‐80.76678669 134 at grade SVW‐36 25.7049816 ‐80.76677271 135 at grade SVW‐37 25.70811491 ‐80.76675308 136 at grade SVW‐38 25.70979445 ‐80.76674452 137 at grade SVW‐39 25.71048099 ‐80.76673302 138 at grade SVW‐40 25.71151367 ‐80.76672789 139 at grade SVW‐41 25.71240996 ‐80.76671469 140 at grade SVW‐42 25.71459896 ‐80.76670623

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141 at grade SVW‐43 25.71632794 ‐80.76668687 142 at grade SVW‐44 25.71734663 ‐80.76674487 143 at grade SVW‐45 25.71873002 ‐80.76674716 144 at grade SVW‐46 25.71965382 ‐80.76666514 145 at grade SVW‐47 25.72166847 ‐80.7666523 146 at grade SVW‐48 25.722849 ‐80.76665004 147 at grade SVW‐49 25.7233196 ‐80.7666331 148 at grade SVW‐50 25.72548369 ‐80.76662728 149 at grade SVW‐51 25.7268643 ‐80.7666161 150 at grade SVW‐52 25.72822881 ‐80.76660378 151 at grade SVW‐53 25.7295913 ‐80.7666713 152 at grade SVW‐54 25.73096468 ‐80.76665334 153 at grade SVW‐55 25.73211364 ‐80.76658275 154 at grade SVW‐56 25.73303208 ‐80.76666078 155 at grade SVW‐57 25.73508791 ‐80.76664859 156 at grade SVW‐58 25.73621377 ‐80.76662712 157 at grade SVW‐59 25.73921066 ‐80.76661051 158 at grade SVW‐60 25.7399098 ‐80.76660651 159 at grade SVW‐61 25.74059261 ‐80.76660543 160 at grade SVW‐62 25.74195545 ‐80.76657741 161 at grade SVW‐63 25.74333342 ‐80.76658871 162 at grade SVW‐64 25.74470803 ‐80.76657789 163 at grade SVW‐65 25.746086 ‐80.76656475 164 at grade SVW‐66 25.74723256 ‐80.76662405 165 at grade SVW‐67 25.74907219 ‐80.7664844 166 at grade SVW‐68 25.75014718 ‐80.76653937 167 at grade SVW‐69 25.75126312 ‐80.76653424 168 at grade SVW‐70 25.75273177 ‐80.76651434 169 at grade SVW‐71 25.75402336 ‐80.76651352 170 at grade SVW‐72 25.75536853 ‐80.76650449 171 at grade SVW‐73 25.75596733 ‐80.76649715 172 at grade SVW‐74 25.75722935 ‐80.76649182 173 at grade SVW‐75 25.75760606 ‐80.76649796

447 SVE‐100 25.7576889 ‐80.76617078

577 SVE99 25.75741752 ‐80.7658349

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Á

Cul vert

Park road

ATTACHMENT B: Shark Valley Culvert Map

Sh ar k V al le y Lo op R oa d

Sh ar k V al le y E n tr an ce R oa d

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ATTACHMENT C: Biological Monitor Requirements

BIOLOGICAL MONITOR

REQUIREMENTS /

QUALIFICATIONS

O B JEC T IV E

The ideal candidate will have experience and knowledge of the ecology and species of the Florida Everglades. This includes a minimum of three years working with large reptiles in their natural habitat. Responsibilities will include daily monitoring for compliance, wildlife disturbance tracking, and threatened and endangered species identification, and technical writing. Biological Monitors shall be always present on the work site when work is being performed.

E X P ER IEN C E

3+ years’ experience in the environmental field

Recent work history concentrated in the Florida Everglades

Excellent wildlife management skills that include large reptile handling, threatened & endangered species identification, and environmental compliance monitoring site experience

E DU C A T IO N

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Natural Resource, or closely related field

CO M M UN I CA T I O N

Ability to communicate fluently in English verbally and in writing

R E FE R E N CE S

Resume shall include (2) letters of reference that verify required experience

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ATTACHMENT D: Letter of Compliance

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Everglades National Park Date: 11/30/2023

Categorical Exclusion Documentation Form (CE Form)

Project: Clean and Inspect Culverts - Shark Valley Tram Road PEPC Project Number: 107783 Description of Action (Project Description):

The NPS proposes to clean, inspect, and inventory all culverts in the Shark Valley District of Everglades National Park. Culverts are unique and vital structures that represent a significant part of the Everglades infrastructure as they allow water to pass beneath the roadways. Many are currently in a state of disrepair or experiencing reduced functionality due to sediment and debris clogs. Others may be outdated due to changes in surrounding terrain and runoff conditions. Culverts must be inspected on a regular basis to ensure functional hydraulic performance and structural adequacy. It is suggested that culverts be inspected at least every five years, following periods of high flow and extreme storm events, and/or whenever significant changes occur upstream of the culvert. Routine inspections allow personnel to plan preventative maintenance activities when required and allow a means of meeting water runoff management goals.

The culvert system at Shark Valley contains 175 structures ranging between 15" - 30" diameter and 20' - 25' in length. GPS Coordinates for the 175 culvert locations included in this project are provided in the attached spreadsheet. There is no known record of the previous cleaning of these culverts.

The Shark Valley culverts presently have sandbags located on the western (straight) portion of the loop road, which were previously used as plugs to block flow. It is estimated that 10 to 15 bags may be located at each culvert.

Most sandbags are located on the upstream (inside the loop) side of the culvert openings, while approximately 5-6 culverts may have sandbags on the downstream (outside the loop) side. These sandbag plugs are no longer needed and will be removed as part of this project to facilitate cleaning, clearing and inspection of the pipe culverts.

The maintenance of the culvert system requires two activities: cleaning and inspection. Cleaning of each culvert entails removal of any sediment, debris and sandbag materials that could clog the system to inhibit water flow.

Inspection of each culvert involves the investigation of undermining, joint failure, and structural integrity. The complete cleaning/ clearing of each culvert is required before any inspection activities can occur. All sediment, vegetation, debris and sandbag materials removed from culverts will be legally disposed of off-site.

Cleaning of the culverts can be done via two primary methods: water jetting or mechanical auger system. Both methods will require the use of heavy machinery such as medium size excavator, dump trucks, and ancillary equipment such as water trucks, generators, or commercial hydraulic pressure systems. Inspection will be done via remote camera system. No permits are required as this is considered routine maintenance.

Even though the contractor will be utilizing an excavator to remove debris collected from culverts, there will be no excavation beyond existing topography/ bathymetry elevations. A maximum 15' semi-circle can be cleared around both sides of each culvert to allow for cleaning & inspection; however, vegetation clearance shall be kept to the minimum necessary to complete required work activities. Vegetation clearance will be limited to the ground / bathymetric surface elevation and the existing mudline shall not be disturbed.

The staging plan at this location entails closure of half of the Shark Valley Tram Road loop (eastern/meandering and western/straight portions) at a time to allow the contractor to stage along the paved surface of the road.

During this time, the road will be closed to all traffic for approximately 4 weeks, while the other side will remain open. The turnaround will remain open throughout this time to allow tram and pedestrian/cyclist access to the

Page 13 of 20 Pages tower, and all traffic will transit to and from the tower on the same side. Once the culverts are cleaned on the closed portion of roadway, this half of the roadway will then be opened, and the other side will be closed. All spoil material will be required to be hauled off site on the same day or stored in dump trucks. Staging will be restricted to paved areas only. It is anticipated that the contractor will leave excavators and/or backhoes as well as an on-site trailer in the staging area. Dump trucks will be removed each night. The overall period of performance for this project will be 120 days.

Shark Valley District culverts are located along all roads within the Shark Valley District. Please see attached spreadsheet for exact road & GPS locations. Part of the contract requirement is for the contractor to provide precise GPS coordinates for each culvert listed on the attached spreadsheet. The contractor will also be required to perform survey work and provide invert elevations and as-built profiles for all culvert structures as part of the contract deliverables. This information will be vital in the study and evaluation of the current hydrologic conditions within the district and enable hydrologists to improve hydraulic performance.

All culverts are in wetlands areas and are typically submerged in water. This project must be completed by a commercial contractor and should be done during the dry season for ease of execution, safety of contracted personnel, and lowest cost. The dry season is typically between the months of December through May each year.

A comprehensive inspection report detailing the findings at each culvert will be submitted to the government at completion of the project. The inspection report will include photos, quantity takeoff, culvert elevations and as-builts, and cost estimate for repair & mitigation work.

Project Locations:

Location County:

District:

Collier

FL25

State: FL Section:

Mitigations:

• Contractor shall be allowed to leave equipment on site overnight on paved areas along the Tram Road while that side is closed on workdays only; staging plan shall be approved by COR prior to mobilization to the project site. Contractor shall only be allowed to stage on the east or west side of the Tram Road to work at a given time.

• Contractor shall be limited to a 4-day on site work week. The Contractor is only authorized to work on site Monday through Thursday each week; both sides of the Tram Road shall be open without obstruction Friday through Sunday and all Federal holidays, to minimize impacts to visitor use.

• The Biological Monitor will be required to maintain a log of all project-related interactions with wildlife and occurrences of wildlife in the culverts, including both listed and non-listed species, the date and location of the interaction, and a description of the interaction and outcome. This log will be submitted to the NPS Biological Resources staff at least monthly.

• If any threatened or endangered species are present, the biological monitor must cease work in that area and contact NPS Biological Resources first, prior to proceeding; the contractor may need to move on to a different culvert to allow sufficient time for NPS biological resources staff to assess & respond.

• A biological monitor is required to be onsite during culvert work and must ensure that any wildlife within culverts leave the culverts prior to work starting. Biological monitor(s) will be allowed to encourage non-listed species to leave the culverts in a manner that does not harm or injure the wildlife. Once a culvert is confirmed clear and/or wildlife is encouraged from the area, the contractor will be required to complete the cleaning and inspection and not leave the culvert unattended; if the culvert is not cleaned/inspected following clearance, the contractor will be required to reinspect prior to proceeding.

• A NPS Biological Resources program representative must participate in the post-award meeting to ensure contractor methods will avoid impacts to wildlife and listed species to the degree necessary to remain consistent with the Endangered Species Act effect determinations and anticipated impacts.

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• The contractor must make a determination of whether a section 401 water quality certification will be needed for this work, and if necessary, the contractor shall secure the certification.

• An erosion/sediment control plan must be submitted by the contractor for review by NPS that includes measures to limit mobilization of sediments into adjacent waters during cleaning/clearing.

• Archeological monitoring required.

• Visitors shall be informed of the worksite activities by posting information at the visitor center, trailhead, or park website. The project leader shall work with the Public Information Office (PIO) to determine the best methods of informing the public. This will ensure that visitors don't arrive at Shark Valley expecting to be able to hop on trams without reservations.

• To the extent practical, work shall be scheduled to avoid worksite activity and related delays during peak visitation times. No holiday or nighttime work shall be allowed. Weekend work (Friday through Sunday) shall not be allowed unless authorized in writing by the park superintendent.

Recommendations for Conditions or Stipulations:

1) If there are any changes to the scope, size, location of the project, staging areas for the project, or any other associated parts, the park archeologist needs to be notified before any changes occur to determine if new compliance is required. 2) Any activity located near archaeological sites will avoid the known archaeological sites by instituting a 50-meter buffer and will be monitored by an NPS archaeologist. 3) Avoidance measures also include keeping the access/egress and staging of equipment and vehicles to existing paved areas and roads; an NPS archaeological monitor will be present for those locations that are away from the existing paved roads. 4) If any cultural material is found, including historic trash, all work must stop at that location, and the Park Archeologist must be notified immediately. Work will only continue, at that location, once a cultural resource team member can document and determine if work at that culvert can continue. 5) According to the 2008 National Park Service Programmatic Agreement Section VI, if previously unidentified cultural resources are discovered during project implementation, all work in that area must stop, and the Superintendent, Park Archaeologist, or Chief of Cultural Resources must be notified immediately. If items protected by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) are discovered during project implementation, all activity must cease in the area of discovery, and immediate notice made to the Superintendent, as well as the appropriate federally recognized Indian Tribes I Organizations and State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO).

CE Citation: 3.3.C.4 Routine maintenance and repairs to cultural resource sites, structures, utilities and grounds under an approved Historic Structures Preservation Guide or Cyclic Maintenance Guide; or if the action would not adversely affect the cultural resource.

CE Justification:

This project will conduct routine maintenance to preserve the hydraulic conduits (culverts) that transport water beneath the roadways located in the Shark Valley District of ENP. Culvert maintenance will include cleaning and inspection, which is needed on a regular basis to ensure functional hydraulic performance and structural adequacy. This project will also provide survey data, as-built plans, and structural condition of all culverts, which will be used to support implementation of the Shark Valley Site Plan EA, future planning related to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP), and evaluation of future culvert needs for increased hydraulic capacity in ENP.

Decision: I find that the action fits within the categorical exclusion above. Therefore, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEPA analysis. No extraordinary circumstances apply.

Signature

Superintendent: Date:

for Pedro Ramos

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Extraordinary Circumstances:

If implemented, would the proposal... Yes/No Explanation A. Have significant impacts on public health or safety?

No Routine maintenance cleaning and inspection of pipe culverts beneath existing roadways would not contribute to any existing or create any new impacts on public health or safety conditions.

B. Have significant impacts on such natural resources and unique geographic characteristics as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation, or refuge lands;

wilderness areas; wild or scenic rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or principal drinking water aquifers; prime farmlands; wetlands (Executive Order 11990); floodplains (Executive Order 11988);

national monuments; migratory birds; and other ecologically significant or critical areas?

No Routine maintenance of pipe culverts would occur within previously disturbed and developed areas in ENP. Activities are not anticipated to significantly impact natural or historic/cultural resources.

C. Have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources (NEPA section 102(2)(E))?

No Routine preventative maintenance and inspection of pipe culverts ensures functional hydraulic performance and structural adequacy. These activities do not have environmental effects that are considered highly controversial or involve unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources.

D. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or involve unique or unknown environmental risks?

No The proposed work would be conducted in accordance with standard practices that have no unknown or uncertain environmental risks.

E. Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision in principle about future actions with potentially significant environmental effects?

No Routine maintenance cleaning and inspection of pipe culverts beneath existing roadways would not set a precedent or represent a decision in principle about future actions.

F. Have a direct relationship to other actions with individually insignificant, but cumulatively significant, environmental effects?

No Cleaning and inspection of pipe culverts beneath existing roadways and collection of survey data is routine maintenance and facility assessment work using standard practices. The information obtained from this project will benefit the Shark Valley Site Plan project. This individually insignificant action is not anticipated to have cumulatively significant environmental effects.

G. Have significant impacts on properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as determined by either the bureau or office?

No An NHPA Section 106 determination of No Adverse Effect was approved on 10/16/23. An archaeological monitor will be on site during pipe culvert cleaning and material removal activities.

H. Have significant impacts on species listed or proposed to be listed on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species, or have significant impacts on designated Critical Habitat for these species?

No An ESA Section 7 determination of No Effect was made on 11/29/23. A Biological Monitor will be on site to ensure impacts to listed species are avoided during pipe culvert cleaning and inspection activities.

I. Violate a federal, state, local or tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of the environment?

No This project has been developed and reviewed to ensure it will not violate a federal, state, local or tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of the environment.

J. Have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations (EO 12898)?

No The pipe culverts are not located within or in close proximity to low income or minority populations.

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K. Limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on federal lands by Indian religious practitioners or adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites (EO 130007)?

No Routine cleaning and inspection of existing pipe culverts will not limit access to or ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on federal lands by Indian religious practitioners or adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites.

L. Contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area or actions that may promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of such species (Federal Noxious Weed Control Act and Executive Order 13112)?

No Routine cleaning and inspection of existing pipe culverts is not anticipated to contribute to the introduction or spread of noxious weeds or non-native species. All materials removed from the pipe culverts and culvert ends will be legally disposed of off site.

ATTACHMENT E: Eastern Indigo Snake Protection Measures

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STANDARD PROTECTION MEASURES

FOR THE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service March 23, 2021

The eastern indigo snake protection/education plan (Plan) below has been developed by the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Florida and Georgia for use by applicants and their personnel. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the applicant shall notify the appropriate USFWS Field Office via e-mail that the Plan will be implemented as described below (North Florida Field Office: jaxregs@fws.gov; South Florida Field Office:

verobeach@fws.gov; Panama City Field Office: panamacity@fws.gov; Georgia Field Office:

gaesassistance@fws.gov). As long as the signatory of the e-mail certifies compliance with the below Plan (including use of the attached poster and brochure), no further written confirmation or approval from the USFWS is needed and the applicant may move forward with the project.

If the applicant decides to use an eastern indigo snake protection/education plan other than the approved Plan below, written confirmation or approval from the USFWS that the plan is adequate must be obtained. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the applicant shall submit their unique plan for review and approval. The USFWS will respond via e-mail, typically within 30 days of receiving the plan, either concurring that the plan is adequate or requesting additional information. A concurrence e-mail from the appropriate USFWS Field Office will fulfill approval requirements.

The Plan materials should consist of: 1) a combination of posters and pamphlets (see Poster Information section below); and 2) verbal educational instructions to personnel by supervisory or management personnel before any clearing/land alteration activities are initiated.

POSTER INFORMATION

Posters with the following information shall be placed at strategic locations on the worksite and along any proposed access roads (a final poster for Plan compliance, to be printed on 11 x 17in or larger paper and laminated, is attached):

DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is one of the largest non-venomous snakes in North America, with individuals often reaching up to 8 feet in length. They derive their name from the glossy, blue-black color of their scales above and uniformly slate blue below. Frequently, they have orange to coral reddish coloration in the throat area, yet some specimens have been reported to only have cream coloration on the throat.

mailto:jaxregs@fws.gov mailto:verobeach@fws.gov mailto:panamacity@fws.gov

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These snakes are not typically aggressive and will attempt to crawl away when disturbed.

Though indigo snakes rarely bite, they should NOT be handled.

SIMILAR SNAKES: The black racer is the only other solid black snake resembling the eastern indigo snake. However, black racers have a white or cream chin, thinner bodies, and WILL BITE if handled.

LIFE HISTORY: The eastern indigo snake occurs in a wide variety of terrestrial habitat types throughout Florida and Georgia. Although they have a preference for uplands, they also utilize some wetlands and agricultural areas and often move seasonally between upland and lowland habitats, particularly in the northern portions of its range (North Florida and Georgia). Eastern indigo snakes will often seek shelter inside gopher tortoise burrows and other below- and above-ground refugia, such as other animal burrows, stumps, roots, and debris piles. Reliance on xeric sandhill habitats throughout the northern portion of the range in northern Florida and Georgia is due to the dependence on gopher tortoise burrows for shelter during winter. Breeding occurs during October through February. Females may lay from 4 - 12 white eggs as early as April through June, with young hatching in late July through October.

PROTECTION UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW: The eastern indigo snake is classified as a Threatened species by both the USFWS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Taking of eastern indigo snakes is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act without a permit is defined by the USFWS as an attempt to kill, harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, collect, or engage in any such conduct. Penalties include a maximum fine of $25,000 for civil violations and up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for criminal offenses, if convicted.

Only individuals currently authorized through an issued Incidental Take Statement in association with a USFWS Biological Opinion, or by a Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit issued by the USFWS, to handle an eastern indigo snake are allowed to do so.

IF YOU SEE A LIVE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE:

• Cease clearing activities and allow the live eastern indigo snake sufficient time to move away from the site without interference;

• Personnel must NOT attempt to touch or handle snake due to protected status.

• Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes. Â

• Immediately notify supervisor or the applicants designated agent, and the appropriate

USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake.

• If the snake is located in a vicinity where continuation of the clearing activities will cause harm to the snake, the activities must halt until such time that a representative of the USFWS returns the call (within one day) with further guidance as to when activities may resume.

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IF YOU SEE A DEAD EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE:

• Cease clearing activities and immediately notify supervisor or the applicants designated agent, and the appropriate USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake.

• Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes.

• Thoroughly soak the dead snake in water and then freeze the specimen. The appropriate wildlife agency will retrieve the dead snake.

Telephone numbers of USFWS Florida Field Offices to be contacted if a live or dead eastern indigo snake is encountered:

North Florida Field Office: (904) 731-3336 Panama City Field Office: (850) 769-0552 South Florida Field Office: (772) 562-3909 Georgia Field Office: (706) 613-9493

PRE-AWARD ACTIVITIES

1. The applicant or designated agent will post educational posters in the contractor's office and throughout the worksite, including any access roads. The posters must be clearly visible to all staff. A sample poster is attached.

2. Prior to the onset of performance activities, the applicant/designated agent will conduct a meeting with all staff (annually for multi-year projects) to discuss identification of the snake, its protected status, what to do if a snake is observed within the project area, and applicable penalties that may be imposed if state and/or federal regulations are violated. An educational brochure including color photographs of the snake will be given to each staff member in attendance and additional copies will be provided to the site superintendent to make available in the onsite contractor office (a final brochure for Plan compliance, to be printed double-sided on

8.5 x 11in paper and then properly folded, is attached). Â Photos of eastern indigo snakes may be accessed on USFWS and/or FWC or GADNR websites.

3. Staff will be informed that in the event that an…