Final SOW.docx

Statement of Work Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (MGVC) Steep Creek Hydrological Evaluation

Scope Through this contract the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will obtain design flow calculations for Steep Creek. A summary report of this data will be used to aid the MGVC Master Plan Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) effort. Once flow calculations are complete, the information will be used to support and finalize multiple designs proposed for Steep Creek which are in-line with agency goals for habitat restoration, enhancement, and protection.

Background The purpose of this acquisition is to collect stream condition data to support enhancement and restoration efforts on Steep Creek in Juneau, Alaska for the Juneau Ranger District (JRD). Steep Creek is an anadromous system that supports a run of sockeye and coho salmon. The nearby MGVC attracts over 600,000 visitors yearly to the site. The majority of visitors are there to learn about and enjoy the natural setting. Currently the stream flows through two undersized and failing culverts which negatively impacts stream health. The district is interested in pursuing options with partners to replace the culverts with a bridge to address these issues. In addition, the district would like to investigate options to move a section of the channel away from the existing road to further restore stream conditions. To properly engineer any of these activities a design flow for the creek will be necessary. Typical design flows require a minimum of five years of hydrologic data to minimize the need for modeling (educated guesses based on existing data from similar systems). The JRD does not have a hydrologist on staff but there are private contractors in town with these skill sets. Furthermore, the USFS is currently undertaking a Master Planning effort for the area to update the design and infrastructure of the MGVC. This effort proposes multiple improvements which would impact the stream either because they occur within the floodplain of the stream or within the stream itself. Work by contractors on the proposals as directed by this effort will also require and rely on current and accurate stream condition data prior to completion and submittal of the designs to the USFS.

In addition to the data being used to support enhancement and restoration design efforts, they also relate to obtaining instream water rights for the creek. The USFS will establish senior water rights from the State of Alaska for Steep Creek using this data. The data must meet minimum criteria and is evaluated prior to establishing any rights. Currently, there are no established water rights on Steep Creek. Obtaining water rights is a separate effort from the restoration and Master Plan objectives but would utilize the same data necessary to achieve them.

Objectives Contract goals are as follows:

· Perform stream gauging services which include operation and maintenance, field data collection, calibration and rating curve development, data analysis, and computation of stream discharge records for Steep Creek (coordinates: 58.41321°, -134.54526° Legal Description: C040S066E08), Juneau, Alaska.

· Obtain stream flow data on Steep Creek using methodologies developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, as attached to this contract and available at: https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/wsp2175.

USFS needs are as follows:

· Finalized data set used to calculate design flows to support stream restoration efforts on Steep Creek. Discharge data will specifically be necessary for the following:

· Installation of a new crossing structure (bridge) to replace the undersized culverts. This will improve the hydrologic condition and function of the stream and provide safe passage for wildlife and pedestrians under the road. A cross-section model based on sufficient discharge data will be necessary for an accurate bridge abutment design.

· Realignment of Steep Creek downstream of the crossing structure to enhance habitat conditions for salmon and move the stream away from the existing road to improve visitor experience along the proposed boardwalk. Will ensure hydrologic functions are met for channel stability.

· Development of a fish viewing window within the stream channel of the realigned section as part of the Master Plan proposal. Exact location and design of the structure on the creek will rely heavily on accurate discharge data.

· Connection of an off-channel kettle pond to Steep Creek. This connection would help meet anticipated mitigation requirements for site development related to the parking lot expansion proposed as part of the Master Plan. Accurate discharge data will be necessary to determine design and depth of the channel.

· The collection of a minimum of five (5) years hydrologic data is required to apply for and receive State of Alaska instream water rights and reservations. Steep Creek supports an anadromous run of salmon which also attracts bears to the site. The growing visitation to the site has made salmon and bear viewing a highly valuable component of the experience guests have when visiting the MGVC. Steep Creek has been reviewed by federal, state, and private agencies for potential power generation opportunities due to its accessibility and proximity to infrastructure in Juneau. Currently the Forest Service has 2.5 years of data but has been inconsistent in its ability to continue collecting data at the site. The collection of data to satisfy the needs for stream restoration listed above will also contribute to completing the minimum 5 years of data necessary to apply for water rights.

Tasks/Requirements Data collected on stream flow conditions must be robust in quantity, quality, and duration as to be found sufficient by Tongass forest-level hydrologists and engineers for the purposes of supporting design work as part of MGVC Master Plan proposals. Data must adhere to specifications in the attached US Geological Survey methodologies and be based on a minimum of five (5) years of continuous flow data on Steep Creek. Data will be finalized annually with a station analysis report that describes how the data were collected and how the computations were made. The final report must include data collected throughout each year with no gaps of more than 10 weeks at any given time. This will ensure a quality data set and establish confidence for any USFS personnel, contractors, or partners who would incorporate the data into their designs. A final report must be submitted by the end of the Period of Performance. Any interested parties will need to either provide existing data that meet the stated requirements and/or obtain additional data to supplement existing data to meet the limited timeframe. Any and all data collection, data analysis, or reporting by the contractor will be conducted independently of USFS personnel. Any and all equipment installation, usage, or maintenance outside of the government-furnished property (listed below in the Government-Furnished Property section) is the sole responsibility of the contractor.

Delivery:

A summary report of findings for Steep Creek utilizing continuous stream flow data on 15-minute increments which establishes daily mean discharge, including annual, peak, and low flow data. The report will be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative. For accuracy and design confidence, a minimum of 5 years of data (recommended by U.S. Geologic Survey) is required. The final report must be completed and delivered by 4:30pm local Alaska time on 03/31/2023.

Government-Furnished Property Government-furnished property for this effort includes:

One (1) Solinst Levelogger Edge 3001 housed in 1-inch galvanized pipe and set and referenced to vertical datum established by USFS TEAMS engineers in 2019, and;

One (1) Solinst Barologger Edge 3001 and a gauge height pin set into the streambed.

All items are currently installed at the dedicated survey site on Steep Creek.

Security Requirements Contractors will be granted permission to conduct field data collection activities in Steep Creek when necessary. MGVC personnel must be notified prior to any collection efforts. Contractors will be responsible for adhering to strict no food or smoking policies at the site. MGVC personnel will be available to assist with bear management during data collection activities upon request with advanced notice.

Place of Performance Data collection will be performed at Steep Creek (MGVC in Juneau, Alaska) at the established survey site.

Period of Performance The Period of Performance will be from date of award through 03/31/2023.