NWA Unit 1_2020 Final SWCP.pdf

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PLAN

Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Northwest Unit NW-1 Chesapeake, Virginia Lease Area 192.8 Acres February 28, 2020

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Plan was prepared by Mr. Bryan Alexander the Agricultural Lease Manager at the Environmental Planning and Conservation Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC MID-Atlantic), Building Z-140, Room 116, 9324 Virginia Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23511 phone 757-341-1656. Mr. Alexander will be the Government Representative of the Navy in administering the Soil and Water Conservation Plan.

The Real Estate Contracting Officer, Mr. Paul Moomaw, Hampton Roads, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC MID-ATLANTIC) Norfolk, Virginia Telephone 757-433-2678 will be the Government Representative for the Navy in administering the lease.

Daily operational access issues can be resolved by calling the NSA HR-NWA Natural Resources Manager, Taylor Austin at 757-421-8240 or the NAVFAC MID-ATLANTIC Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander at 757-341-1656.

The unit of land available for agriculture leasing is located at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Northwest Annex (NSA HR-NWA), Chesapeake, Virginia. The gross area of 192.8 acres includes access roads and drainage ditches. Net farmable area will be less than the 192.8 acres. The unit is located on the northern side of the Station, and is accessed through the main gate off of Ballahack, Relay and Milepost Roads (Attachment “1”).

Special Requirements

During the term of this lease it is required that lessee mow the road shoulders within his lease area. The road shoulders measure approximately 6 acres and immediately bound the lease area. The Lessee must mow these shoulders 2 times per year. The first mowing will take place in June after spring planting, the second in late August just prior to harvest. Bids should reflect the cost of this mowing.

Special Provisions

Current military use of the land requires maintaining large expanses of cleared land without obstructions that would interfere with communication operations. There is a strict prohibition of electronic interference with communications.

The installation requires that the lessee coordinate at least 72 hours prior to bringing equipment and/or chemicals onto the installation, with the NSA HR-NWA Natural Resources Manager, Taylor Austin at 757-421- 8240.

In the event that the lessee experiences a delay or problem caused by the Navy, they must immediately notify the NSA HR-NWA Natural Resources Manager, Taylor Austin to resolve the problem at 757-421-8240.

Hunting on the leased lands is permitted. The Station is responsible for coordinating the programs with the lessee. Excessive damage caused by these activities must be reported immediately to the NSA HR-NWA Natural Resources Manager, Taylor Austin at 757-421-8240.

The Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander 757-341-1656 requires a crop report including crop location and planting schedules be provided to him 1 month prior to field preparation and planting each season.

Farming operations are to be restricted to the current agricultural fields that are highlighted on the corresponding map in this plan and to the production of corn, soybeans, small grains, cotton, or hay/silage crops. Though this installation is not an airfield it does have a helicopter landing site and on occasion special event helicopter training exercises. As such, when agreeing to the terms and conditions of the agricultural lease, special attention shall be paid to crop selection and its underlying impacts to Bird/Animal Strike Hazard (BASH). To help mitigate BASH concerns crop location and planting schedules should be provided to the NSA HR-NWA Natural Resources Manager, Taylor Austin 757-421-8240 no later than within 72 hours of field preparation and planting each season.

No farming shall occur within the 20 foot buffer security strips bordering the SATCOM & MUOS fence lines in field 6 and the Classic Owl field. These buffer strips are identified on the map that is included in this plan, see (Attachment “2”).

When harvesting crops, spillage should be minimized and cleaned up promptly.

No deviation in land use or drainage improvements, as outlined in this plan, shall be permitted without prior written consent of the Real Estate Contracting Officer.

Under Article 10B of the Lease General Provisions, cultivation of federally subsidized crops on the leased land is prohibited.

The Lessee is required to park and load all farm equipment and vehicles within leased property boundaries.

All equipment should be clean (no visible soil, plant or animal material) prior to arrival on the installation to minimize and avoid the spread of non-native invasive species. It is recommended that all equipment after utilization on the installation also be cleaned prior to utilization on other properties. If equipment is being utilized on one Navy installation and is transported to another Navy installation it must be cleaned prior to use on the other Navy property. Fueling and maintenance of farm equipment should be done offsite prior to being utilized on Navy property. In the event of an emergency, best management practices should be implemented with spill kit.

Cultural Resources

A “Phase I” archaeological survey has been completed at NSA HR-NWA. This survey has identified prehistoric and historic sites on the Station; many of these sites are found within the agricultural units. To alleviate any potential destruction of these sites the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) recommends that the only ground-disturbing activity permitted will be the ongoing agricultural cultivation practices and be limited to the current plow zone. If the lessee anticipates a problem which would cause him to deviate from his current cultivation practices he shall notify the NAVFAC MID-ATLANTIC Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander 757-341-1656.

Conservation Inventory

The 192.8 acres is considered a single farming unit. The land is wet and requires drainage. The land capability is Class IIIW for soil type 71 Acredale silt loam. The land capability is Class III when properly drained. Open ditch drainage is required to assure production.

Conservation Practices

All conservation practices shall be performed in accordance with standard specifications of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Lessee shall utilize the technical services of the local Field Office located at the Municipal Center, Chesapeake, Virginia, in the design, layout, construction, and supervision of the conservation practices performed. All improvements shall become the property of the government at the expiration of the lease.

Soil fertility shall be maintained at the optimum level for the crops that are to be grown. USDA NRCS should be notified if nutrient deficiencies arise and resolved in accordance with their recommendations. USDA NRCS or the Virginia Tech Extension Service can assist in making fertilizer and lime recommendations that will be sufficient to maintain adequate pH levels and soil fertility.

The use of Hampton Roads Sanitation Division’s biosolids disposal program will be approved on a case-by-case scenario. Coordination of this program must be made 30 days prior to application with the NAVFAC MID- ATLANTIC Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander and NSA HR-NWA Natural Resource Manager, Taylor Austin.

Herbicides/Pesticides

Pesticides to be used by the Lessee must be coordinated and approved by Mr. Christopher Martin (757- 322-4611) at NAVFAC Atlantic’s Applied Biology Section, within 30 days of award of the lease. This includes any potential pesticides used for aerial application. Pesticide requirements are found in Attachments 3 and 4 of this plan, as well as the Armed Forces Pest Management Board Technical Guide 15.

All pesticide approvals and the reporting of pesticide use, must be done through the NAVFAC Online Pesticide Reporting System. The web address is: https://noprs.pestlogics.com Contact Mr. Martin @ 757- 322-4611 for assistance setting up a NOPRS account. Actual application of herbicides/pesticides shall be reported annually into NOPRS as well as a hard copy submitted to the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander during the yearly agricultural inspection occurring during the month of December.

Application of pesticides will conform to the Environmental Protection Agencies "Worker protection standards" as stated on the Pesticide label.

Mixing of pesticides is allowed on site if the lessee uses spill containment equipment. Storing of pesticides on site is not allowed. Pesticides shall not be mixed or sprayed within the well buffer area identified in Attachment 1.

The Lessee shall report all farm chemical and/or fuel spills, leaks or releases to NSA HR-NWA via the Command Duty Officer number at 757-567-2850 and to the NSA HR-NWA Natural Resources Manager at 757-421-8240.

All aerial application request will be approved on a case by case scenario. The lessee must contact the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander at 757-341-1656 at least 72 hours prior to application event. The pilot of the crop dusting aircraft shall contact the Command Duty Officer (CDO) prior to takeoff to update ETA and location, and coordinate with Air Traffic Control, where required.

The Pilot shall contact the NTU Tower prior to entering the Class Delta airspace and receive clearance to begin the spray operations.

The Officer In Charge will determine whether or not to cancel or reschedule the operation.

The control and/or eradication of Federal and State listed noxious weeds, particularly Johnsongrass, Sorghum halepense, is required. Any pesticides and herbicides used for insect, disease, or weed control shall be approved and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Virginia. New pesticed requests are required to be submitted through NOPRS and must be approved prior to use.

The lessee is responsible for removal of all debris, refuse, garbage, pesticide containers, and unused residue of farm operations from the leased area and the Installation. The Lessee is encouraged to use the City of Chesapeake’s pesticide container recycling program (see back of pesticide form for information).

Additional requirements for pesticide use on the property are provided in Attachment 3, Pesticide Mixing, Storage and Use on Navy-Owned Property Leased for Agricultural Purposes.

Conservation Requirements https://noprs.pestlogics.com/

Non-Reimbursable work

Soil and water conservation goals on this property include control of surface run-off and concurrent reduction in soil erosion, sedimentation and nutrient loading. The following measures will achieve these goals and are the responsibility of the lessee:

1. A conservation cropping system shall be established to include minimum tillage.

2. Maintenance of ditches and culverts is the responsibility of the lessee (subject to inspection at any time during the term of the lease) and shall include the following:

a. Mowing of ditch banks is required every other year of the lease. Mowing must be completed by 31 December.

If this poses a problem for the lessee, he should notify the NAVFAC MID-ATLANTIC Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander at 757-341-1656.

c. Boundary ditches are considered lease area to the ditch center-line

3. Any acreage not cropped shall be seeded to a cover crop of hay or silage for protection and erosion control. If land is left fallow crop residue shall be left on the soil surface as a winter cover to provide mulch and soil improvement until seedbed preparation the following spring. Minimum tillage practices are encouraged.

Yearly inspections by the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander will ensure compliance with these conditions and other environmental requirements.

Reimbursable Work

During the term of this lease, it is anticipated that reimbursable work will be requested. The reimbursable work will be based on a scope of work furnished by the Agricultural Lease Manager, Mr. Bryan Alexander. The Lessee will be requested to provide an estimate for the work based on the scope of work. If the Lessee decides not to do the work himself, he may contract with a third party to do so (to be approved by the Real Estate Contracting Officer), or inform the Government that he is not capable of performing the work.

If the proposal is acceptable the Real Estate Contracting Officer will either; (1) issue a letter of authorization to begin work or (2) will forward a lease modification to the lease authorizing the work. Work should not begin until the letter of authorization or lease modification has been received.

When the work has been completed, a joint inspection will be performed by the Lessee and the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander. If the work is complete and acceptable, terms of the letter or modification will be activated (i.e., rent reduction granted).

GOVERNMENT OFFICES CONCERNED WITH THIS LEASE

Mr. Bryan Alexander Mr. Taylor Austin Agricultural Lease Manager Natural & Cultural Resources Manager NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic 1321 Northwest Blvd 9324 Virginia Avenue. Building 8 Norfolk, VA 23511 Chesapeake, VA 23322

(757) 341-1656 (757) 421-8240

Mr. Paul Moomaw Amanda R. M. Pack Real Estate Contracting Officer Deputy Director, Real Estate Services Naval Facilities Engineering Command Operations Branch Manager Mid-Atlantic NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Asset Management Virginia Ave 9324 Virginia Avenue Norfolk, VA 23511-2699 Norfolk, VA 23511-3095

(757) 433-2678 757-341-1996

Attachment 1

Attachment 2

ATTACHMENT 3

Pesticide Mixing, Storage, and Use on

Navy-Owned Property Leased for Agricultural Purposes

1. a. Certified Applicators Requirement All pesticide applications shall be performed by a State-certified pesticide applicator. Private applicator’s licenses are acceptable if the Lessee performs the work. Commercial grade license(s) are required if the Lessee hires (for fee) an application company to apply the pesticide(s). “Registered Technician” status is not permitted to apply pesticides on DoD property. The pesticide applicator shall be certified in the category in which the work will be performed.

b. Integrated Pest Management Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest population management system that uses all suitable control techniques (chemical, biological, cultural, mechanical, or physical) to maintain pest populations at or below tolerable levels. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques shall be used to the maximum extent practicable.

2. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

a. Business License If a commercial applicator will apply pesticides (i.e. the Lessee does NOT have a private applicators license), the commercial applicator shall provide proof of a business license (as a pesticide application business) as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia. A copy of this business license shall be forwarded to the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander before the pesticide application(s) are performed.

b. Certificate of Insurance If a commercial applicator will apply pesticide(s), proof of Insurance as a pesticide applicator business shall be forwarded to the Navy representative designated as responsible for oversight of the outlease before the pesticide application(s) are performed.

c. Pesticide Approval All pesticides must be approved within 30 days after award of lease. Approval is based on EPA registration number. A list of the pesticide(s) proposed for use (by either a private and/or commercial applicator) shall be submitted into NOPRS for approval before the pesticide application(s) are performed.

Any changes in pesticides to be used shall have prior approval before their use (Submittal for changes shall be entered into NOPRS).

d. Pesticide Labels and Safety Data Sheets Submit copies of labels and safety data sheets to the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander.

e. Commercial Pesticide Applicators Certificate(s) In the Appropriate Categories Submit legible copies of State pesticide applicators certificate(s) in the appropriate applicator categories (the category in which the work will be performed) to the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander.

f. Pesticide Label Reference Book The Lessee shall maintain a reference book of approved pesticide labels and Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and have it readily available ON-SITE (in the truck or other vehicle that was used to arrive on site) whenever any pesticides are on site. The reference book shall be readily available for inspection.

Label and SDS requirements are based on EPA registration number.

g. Reporting Pesticide and Fertilizer Use The Lessee shall report all pesticide and/or fertilizer use annually into NOPRS, as well as, submit a hard copy to the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander during the annual agricultural inspection occurring during the month of December.

3. PESTICIDE APPLICATION AND CONTROL OPERATIONS

All pesticides must be used in accordance with Federal, state, local, and installation publications, and any requirements identified in attachments. All pesticides shall be procured, processed, handled, and applied in strict accordance with the manufacturer's label. All pesticides shall be registered with the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pesticide regulatory agency.

a. Pesticide Preparation and Use.

During preparation, and/or application of pesticides, the Contractor shall:

(1) Always store pesticides in original containers having EPA-registered labels or in containers meeting EPA label requirements; and

(2) Use application equipment appropriate for the nature and size of work, that is clean, calibrated, and in proper operational condition; and

(3) Never leave equipment unattended during filling and application/usage; and

(4) Use back flow preventers on hoses when connected to water outlets in filling operations, and

(5) Inspect equipment (per manufacturer's label) and the area during application to insure proper and safe treatment; and

(6) Keep safety equipment and spill kit available on site when pesticides are present.

b. Pesticide Mixing.

The Lessee shall mix pesticides on a portable containment device. The device shall be capable of containing 110% of capacity.

c. Storage of Pesticides.

No pesticides shall be stored at the site. Any pesticide container and/or application tank shall be secured against theft and vandalism when the site is unattended during the day. Only those pesticides expected to be used that day should be imported to the site.

d. Pesticide Disposal.

The Lessee shall not dispose of any pesticides, pesticide containers, pesticide residue, pesticide rinse water, or any pesticide contaminated articles on government property.

e. Spill Management.

A pesticide spill containment kit shall be available on site if pesticides are being applied. Follow the requirements that are written in the Armed Forces Pest Management Board Technical Guide 15 that is attached to this plan.

f. Safety Equipment.

When pesticides are being mixed or applied, a portable eyewash station and at least 2 gallons of fresh water (in plastic jugs marked “emergency wash water”) shall be within 25 feet of the operation.

g. Pesticide Spills and Decontamination.

The Lessee is responsible for properly cleaning, decontaminating, and reporting pesticide spills to the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander.

h. Pesticide Dispersal Equipment Markings.

All pesticide dispersal equipment shall be clearly and plainly marked with

"DANGER"..."PESTICIDES".

4. SPECIFIC PESTICIDE USE PROVISIONS

a. The Lessee shall coordinate, 72 hours in advance, with the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander, that pesticide(s) and/or application equipment will be brought onto the site.

b. All application of pesticides shall conform to the Worker Protection Standards CFR 170 as amended.

c. All pesticide applications shall conform to all label and supplemental labeling of the pesticide product.

d. All applicable laws and regulations regarding notification and posting shall be strictly adhered to.

e. Pesticides shall not be mixed or sprayed within the well field buffer identified in Attachment 1.

5. HERBICIDE REQUIREMENTS

Only glyphosate herbicides may be used for non-selective vegetation management. Paraquat use is not permitted. Simizine or any simizine family herbicide use is not permitted. Selective herbicides may be approved for use. If lessee is growing cotton specialty defoliant herbicides will be authorized through the normal approval process.

ATTACHMENT “4”

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Item # Description Submit To

1. Request pesticide additions through NOPRS Submit online at https://noprs.pestlogics.com/

2. Submit copies of current State Certification Bryan Alexander, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic For all employees that will be applying pesticides, Agricultural Lease Manager Including those of contract Commercial Applicators 30 days after award of lease.

Include copies of proof of insurance by Commercial Applicator.

3. Submit Soil Test and Nutrient management plan Bryan Alexander, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic 90 days after award of lease. Agricultural Lease Manager

4. Report pesticide use on NOPRS annually Submit online at https://noprs.pestlogics.com/ Including negative reports

5. Pesticide Spill Report NSA HR-NWA Immediately Natural Resources Manager

Emergency Communication Center

6. Approval of Aerial Pesticide application Christopher Martin, NAVFAC Atlantic 72 hours prior Entomologist

Bryan Alexander, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Agricultural Lease Manager

Taylor Austin, NSA HR-NWA Natural Resources Manager

Submit all pesticide approvals in the NAVFAC Online Pesticide Reporting System:

Contact Christopher Martin @ 757-322-4611 for assistance setting up a NOPRS account.