Exhibit K-AquaticSpeciesPlan.pdf

Exhibit K -

“Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations”

“DECONTAMINATING GROUND EQUIPMENT” • Before moving to a new water source (in a different watershed), decontaminate all external and internal surfaces of foot valve and draft hose. Three options are: o Power wash with hot water (140o F, allow spray to contact surfaces for 2 minutes) using a hot pressure washer (e.g., a

‘Hotsy’). OR o Dry the gear in the hot sun until completely dry to the touch (sunlight intensifies the decontamination process). OR o Use a chemical solution. Surfaces of the drafting hose and foot valve can be decontaminated by coiling and submerging in a bucket filled with disinfectant or by spray application with a backpack pump or a large spray bottle. • Consider carrying spare, clean, dry draft hoses and foot valves to switch out with used ones when moving to a new water source. If drying or hot water are not options, draft hoses with foot valves can be decontaminated by submerging in a bucket filled with disinfectant. Alternatively, disinfectant can be sprayed on.”

“Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations.” Decontaminating with

Chemical Disinfectants Chemical disinfectants, though effective, can be hazardous, corrosive, and difficult to dispose of. However, when other decontamination methods, such as hot water or drying, are not options, chemicals can be used for small gear items ONLY (e.g., foot valves, draft hoses, or screens) in volumes appropriate for small buckets. Bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds do not meet corrosion requirements for aluminum and shall not be used on aircraft fuselages or aerial water delivery components such as helicopter buckets and snorkels.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), common cleaning agents used in homes and hospitals, are safe for

MOST gear and equipment when used at recommended concentrations and rinsed. Chlorine products are not emphasized for use in these guidelines because of their corrosiveness to fabrics, plastics, rubber, and metal and their limited effectiveness against snails. However, bleaches are extremely effective against certain invasive organisms

(e.g., chytrid fungus, Port Orford cedar root disease) and are relatively inexpensive. (See Appendix D: Aquatic

Invasive Species of Concern to Firefighters and Disinfection Methods.) TO DECONTAMINATE GEAR WITH

QUAT DISINFECTANTS: The quaternary ammonium formulations Super HDQ® and Green Solutions High

Dilution256® (which replaces the discontinued Sparquat 256®) were recently (see Appendix D, Stout et al. 2016) found to be most effective against a variety of AIS. Green Solutions Neutral Disinfectant® is a less concentrated version of Green Solutions 256®. These formulations can be used at concentrations according to their labels (see below). Soak gear in a bucket for 10 minutes. Alternatively, gear may be disinfected by spraying with quat from a backpack weed sprayer or spray bottle. Afterwards, rinse gear thoroughly in clean water. Quat compounds are highly toxic to aquatic organisms but are immobile in soil. Keep effluent, containing this product, at least 100 feet from lakes, ponds, streams, or other waters. Do NOT allow product to enter storm drains, lakes, streams, or other waterbodies. Volume of Tap Water Super HDQ® Green Solutions Neutral Disinfectant High Dilution 256® Green

Solutions Neutral Disinfectant® (this product is a lower concentration) Soak Time Spray Time 1 gallon water ½ oz

½ oz 2 oz 10 min 5 sec spray; let stand 10 minutes; rinse 1 gallon water 1 Tbsp. 1 Tbsp. 4 Tbsp. 10 min 5 sec spray;

let stand 10 minutes; rinse Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations pg.

14 TO DECONTAMINATE GEAR WITH CHLORINE BLEACH: Bleaches are corrosive to canvas, gaskets, and metal and have limited effectiveness against snails. However, bleaches are extremely effective against other invasive organisms, especially pathogens, and the bleach concentration below has been found to be effective for chytrid fungus and other AIS (See Appendix D: Johnson et al. 2003). Soak gear in a bucket for 10 minutes. Afterwards, rinse gear thoroughly in clean water. Volume of Tap Water “Regular Clorox® Bleach” (6% sodium hypochlorite)

Soak Time 1 gallon water 9 oz 10 min 1 gallon water 1 ⅛ Cup 10 min CHEMICAL DISPOSAL Small quantities of diluted quaternary ammonium products or bleach which have been used to disinfect foot valves or other firefighting equipment may be disposed of in a sanitary sewer as allowed by the product label. Alternatively, used solutions of quaternary ammonium products or bleach may be disposed of by any application specified on product label direction, such as: • Cleaning vehicle exteriors and tires by spray application of diluted materials • For the prevention of mildew on non-porous surfaces • Disinfection of toilets (including portable) Always consult the product label in determining the appropriate PPE necessary for the mixing and use of these chemicals, and for final direction on a given products use and disposal. Do NOT allow these products to enter storm drains, lakes, streams, or other waterbodies.