2016_NERI_Mine_Gating_-_SOW_v3-1r.pdf

Statement of Work

2016 MINE PORTAL GATING

NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL RIVER

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

GLEN JEAN, FAYETTE COUNTY, WV

Contents

GENERAL INFORMATION (GI)…………………………………………………………………………………..3

GI 1.0 – Introduction and Purpose

TABLE 1. Summary of Mine Portals to be Gated

GI 2.0 – General Description of Work

GI 3.0 – Site Specific Work Locations, Access, and Mitigations

3.1 Alaska Portal N

3.2 Ames Portal N

3.3 Beurytown Portals 1 & 2

3.4 Beury Portal A

3.5 Terry Top East Portal A

3.6 Stonecliff Portals H & I

3.7 Wolf Creek Portal I

GI 4.0 – Certification of Materials

GI 5.0 – Key Government Personnel

GI 6.0 – Safety

GI 7.0 – Flight Operations

GI 8.0 – Priority of Work for Construction

GI 9.0 – Method of Payment

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (TS)

TS 1.0 – Mobilization

TS 2.0 – Site Preparation

TS 3.0 – Bat Gate Construction

TS 4.0 – Drainage Control

TS 5.0 – Restoration

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A - MAPS

Ames Access Beury (Lower New River) Access Terry Top East Access Stonecliff Access Wolf Creek Portal Access Portal Gating 2016

APPENDIX B – CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS

C01, Adit Backfill C06, Adit Anle Iron Bat Gate C06.1, Adit Angle Iron Bat Gate Mounted on Perimeter Ring Option C15, Adit Corrugated Metal Pipe with Bat Gate

APPENDIX C – GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Section 011100, Summary of Work Section 014200, References Section 017340, Execution Section 051200, Structural Steel Framing Section 101500, Polyurethane Foam (PUF)

APPENDIX D – WNS DECONTAMINATION PROTOCOL

National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol – Version 06.25.2012

GENERAL INFORMATION (GI)

GI 1.0 – Introduction and Purpose This project will involve the installation of nine bat gates across abandoned coal mine portals within New River Gorge National River in Fayette County, WV (see map A-8). The gates will prevent the public from entering the mine workings while still allowing bats and other wildlife to access the mines. Potentially lethal conditions exist within abandoned coal mines such as roof falls and mine gases. The gates also serve to protect bat species and their habitat from human disturbance.

1.1 Gate Installation. Project work involves installation of nine bat gates at seven different mine sites: Alaska, Ames, Beurytown, Beury, Terry Top, Stonecliff and Wolf Creek. Work at Alaska, Ames, Beury and Wolf Creek involves the installation of one new gate on an open portal at each mine site. Work at Beurytown and Stonecliff involves the installation of two new gates at each mine site. Work at Terry Top involves the installation of a new, culvert-style gate. See Table 1 at the end of Section GI 1.0 for a summary of the gate installations.

For the priority of work for construction, see section GI 8.0.

1.2 Bat Species. The sites to be gated serve as habitat to seven species of bats, several which are protected by federal and state law. The Indiana bat and Virginia big-eared bat are federally listed as endangered; the northern long-eared bat is federally listed as threatened; and the eastern small-footed bat is state listed. As such, special mitigation measures must be taken to protect these species during the construction project. These protection measures and others are detailed in sections GI 1.4 Construction Schedule Restrictions, GI 1.5 General Mitigations, GI 1.6 Protection of Bats, White-nose Syndrome, and Section GI 3.0 – Site Specific Work Locations, Access, and Mitigations.

1.3 Construction Design. The project employs construction designs developed by the American Cave Conservation Association. All gates shall be constructed with a removable bar to provide for future access to the mine workings. Such access is necessary to facilitate cleanup of trash, bat surveys, or environmental monitoring. These angle iron bat gates are designed to:

Provide optimal air flow and an atmosphere beneficial for good bat habitat

Improve visitor safety by deterring gate breeching

Preserve the integrity of the opening through support provided by the gate

Allow access to the mine workings for bats and other small vertebrates.

1.4 Construction Schedule Restrictions

Mine Portals – Time of Year. In order to avoid the potential disturbance of hibernating bats, construction of the gates at all mine portals shall be performed between April 1 and July 31, 2016. Should additional time for construction be required, it shall be performed between

April 1 and July 31, 2017. In all cases, work at these portals must be completed prior to the fall swarm of bats which typically begins in early August.

Mine Portals – Time of Day. All gate construction work at portal entrances must stop by sunset to allow bats to egress the mine and forage. Gate construction operations at the mine entrances may resume again at sunrise.

1.5 General Mitigations.

In order to minimize the exposure of bats to fumes during welding operations, portal openings shall either be sealed with plastic sheeting or proper ventilation maintained through the use of exhaust fans. If plastic sheeting is used, it shall be removed at the end of each day to allow the egress and ingress of bats.

In order to avoid disturbing roosting bats, the cutting of any standing trees 3 inches DBH or larger (live or dead) shall require the express permission of a designated Park Representative on a tree by tree basis (see section GI 5.0 – Key Government Personnel). Anticipated standing tree cutting needed to open access routes to mines is as follows: about 40 saplings less than 2” DBH for the Beury access route; one 8” DBH oak for the Stonecliff access route; one 5” DBH hemlock and two 6” DBH maples for the Wolf Creek access route. This cutting is anticipated to occur during the gate construction period of April 1 to July 31. Any standing trees or snags that need to be removed within a cargo aerial drop site shall be removed between November 15 and March 31, and only after tree-by-tree approval by the Park Representative.

Park resource management advisors will be present for various stages of the construction project to advise the Contractor on sensitive plants or habitats that must be protected or avoided.

The park’s cultural resource specialist will indicate measures prior to project initiation to mitigate damaging historic structures and archeological deposits during construction. If any cultural artifact is unearthed, the Contractor shall notify the Park Representative immediately.

Conflicts to visitors during construction times shall be mitigated by signage at trailheads notifying visitors of the work being done. At Wolf Creek, operations shall be limited to Monday through Friday to reduce potential impacts to visitors on the Fayetteville Trail. Work at Alaska, Ames, Beurytown, Beury, Stonecliff, and Terry Top Mines may be performed any day of the week. Contractor vehicles, when parked at any of the staging areas, must be parked off of the access roads to allow for the passing of any vehicle. Any air operations (at any site) shall be limited to Monday through Friday to reduce potential impacts to visitors; air operations shall not occur on Memorial Day or July 4.

Equipment such as ATV’s, UTV’s, and machinery shall be rinsed thoroughly between mine sites to reduce the amount of invasive plant seeds that could be transported from one site to another.

1.6 Protection of Bats, White-nose Syndrome. The Contractor shall adhere to the “National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol – Version 06.25.2012” (see Appendix D).

Clothing, footwear, and equipment shall be decontaminated per the protocol between work visits to different mine sites. Fayette County, West Virginia is a confirmed county for white-nose syndrome (WNS) presence and WNS has been confirmed in New River Gorge National River. However, WNS has not been confirmed at all mine sites. After completion of the work at New River Gorge National River, it is important for the Contractor to be aware that their equipment and gear have been in a confirmed WNS area and that the Contractor take proper measures to avoid spreading the WNS-causing fungus to non-infected areas of the country when conducting future work.

1.7 Contractors are encouraged to attend the site visit with park personnel at New River Gorge National River to learn more about the project before submitting their bids.

TABLE 1. Summary of Mine Portals to be Gated.

1. Finished opening may be larger.

2. All sites can be accessed by hiking for materials and people. Use of the term “ATV” encompasses “UTV” as well.

3. Length of access route from full-sized vehicle road (paved, gravel or dirt) to mine portal.

Site Portal NPS ID MAP

UTM

NAD83

17S

Replace or construct

Existing Opening Approx.

Size (width x height)1

Suggested Access2

Ground Access

Distance from road

(miles)3

Steel/ materials People

Alaska N NERI-Alaska-AD-01 A-1 0496590 4196883 Construct 10’x2.5’ ATV ATV Mine Bench 0.91

Ames N NERI-Ames Complex-AD-05 A-2 0492897 4214226 Construct 6’x3’ Vehicle Vehicle Road 0

Beurytown 1 NERI-Beurytown-AD-001

A-3

0507711 4187771 Construct 15’x6’ ATV ATV Mine Bench

0.64 2 NERI-Beurytown-AD-002 0507699

4187751 Construct 12’x4’ ATV ATV Mine Bench

Beury (Lower New)

A NERI-Beury-AD-01 A-4 0489409 4218738 Construct 20’x4’ ATV ATV

Mine Bench & Foot Trail

0.42

Terry Top East A NERI-Terry Top East-AD-01 A-5 0491968

4190981

Construct (culvert gate) 4’x2.5’ ATV ATV

Mine Bench & Foot Trail

Route A- 0.31

Route B- 0.38

Stonecliff H NERI-Stonecliff-AD-06

A-6

0494772 4199248 Construct 7’x3’ ATV ATV Mine Bench 1.38

I NERI-Stonecliff-AD-01 0494938 4198527 Construct 3’x1’ ATV ATV Mine Bench 1.94

Wolf Creek I NERI-Wolf Creek Mines-

AD-006 A-7 0492843

4212127 Construct 9’x1.5’ ATV ATV Overgrown mine access road 0.58

GI 2.0 – General Description of Work

2.1 Description of Work. Work will involve:

Mobilization of all necessary equipment and supplies as described in TS 1.0.

The Contractor shall be responsible for following the established access route as determined by the NPS Park Representative. Deviations from the route shall require coordination with and approval by the Park Representative. Clearing of fallen trees, moving or routing around obstructing boulders, and establishing temporary crossing of intermittent streams are among the tasks that are the Contractor’s responsibility.

Implementation of erosion control measures as related to project work.

Site preparation as specified in TS 2.0.

Establishment of safe working conditions for construction personnel

Determination of precise gate location at each portal.

Excavation of poorly consolidated material to expose solid bedrock at mine floor and walls.

Excavation and dispersal of roof fall material or accumulated mounds of upslope sloughed material that obstruct portal/tunnel openings. Material shall be redistributed on either side of the portal along the high wall/cliff or on the mine bench subject to approval by the Park Representative.

Excavation to install pipe and establish positive drainage control measures at openings discharging mine waters as specified in TS 4.0.

Construction of a concrete sill for bat gate base at all portals, except for the culvert-style gate at Terry Top Mine.

Installation of wire mesh and application of a cementitious mix to cover the wire mesh over fractured shale bedrock on sides of mine portal and tunnel opening. Use of gunite, shotcrete, or similar techniques will be permitted. Coloring shall be added to the cementitious mix to match the surrounding rock color.

Construction of bat gates as specified in TS 3.0.

Site restoration as specified in TS 5.0.

Demobilization of all equipment and supplies as described in TS 1.2.

2.2 Modification of Work. Any proposed modification to the specified work must be approved by the NPS Contracting Officer (CO). The Park Representative, with the approval of the CO, reserves the right to:

Alter the sequence of work.

Modify the construction design and/or the location of individual bat gates according to site specific requirements.

2.3 Site Appearance. During the course of the work, the site shall be neatly maintained and kept free of litter and other debris, with site cleanup performed daily.

2.4 Dimensions, Measurements. Contractors are alerted that the dimensions provided for portal and tunnel openings are approximations only. The actual opening sizes after removal of loose material will differ from the approximations. Precise gate sizes will depend upon site specific conditions. Prior to the construction of each gate, the gate position, within or in front of the portal/tunnel, will be determined by the Park Representative in conjunction with input from the Contractor. The Park Representative will have the final approval of the gate position. Contractors are responsible for making their own on-site measurements and material quantity estimates.

GI 3.0 – Site Specific Work Locations, Access, and Mitigations

3.1 Alaska Portal N

Directions

From Canyon Rim Visitor Center, take US-19S approximately 9.5 miles to the Hilltop Exit (WV-16).

After 2.2 miles, turn left on Glen Jean Lane. Take the first left onto McKell Ave, and veer left on Thurmond Road. After crossing the New River into Thurmond (about 6.4 miles), turn right on Beury Mountain Road. Travel 6.3 miles to an unmarked right turn at 0498493 4198405. The staging area is after about 2.2 miles (17S 0496176 4197371).

Project Description

This project will involve the gating of one open mine portal at the Alaska mine off of Beury Mountain Road (see Map A-1). The existing opening is approximately 10’ wide by 2.5’ tall, but will be much larger when the earthen debris that is currently covering the opening is removed. The Contractor shall access the site by A/UTV and/or foot via designated access route (0.91 miles long).

Equipment and materials can be delivered by A/UTV to the portal without any major route alterations or obstacles. A concrete sill shall be installed to act as a base for the gate per TS 3.4a.

The sides of the portal shall be stabilized with wire mesh and cementitious material per TS 2.0. It is anticipated that 2 vertical support columns will be required. A removable bar shall be installed in the gate.

Site Specific Mitigations

These mitigations are specific to Alaska Portal. General project mitigations can be found in sections GI 1.4, GI 1.5, and GI 1.6.

Cultural Resources: The Park’s cultural resource specialist will identify historic features at the site and recommend actions to be taken by the contractor to prevent or minimize possible adverse effects to cultural resources. If any cultural artifact is unearthed, the Contractor shall notify the Park Representative immediately.

Natural/Water Resources: Standing trees, shrubs, and saplings encountered on the Alaska Portal Access Route shall be preserved or minimally disturbed. Any vegetation that is rooted outside of the access trail, but is leaning into the trail, shall either be temporarily tied back for passage or trimmed minimally.

Visitor Use: The access route shall be restored upon completion of work to discourage future ATV traffic. The Park Representative will direct the restoration of the access route; the Contractor shall pull natural obstacles back onto the route such as boulders and downed trees and remove temporary repairs that were needed to access the site.

Photos

Photo 1. Right turn off of Beury Mountain Road into reclamation area at 17S 0498493 4198405.

Photo 2. ATV access into gorge.

Photo 3. ATV access - overview of road.

Photo 4. ATV access, switchback to bench level.

Portal Photo

Photo 5. The Alaska portal (17S 0496590 4196883) is currently about 10’ wide by 2.5’ tall. It will be much larger when the earthen material is removed from in front of the opening.

3.2 Ames Portal N

Directions

From Canyon Rim Visitor Center, take Fayette Station Road (CR-86) 1.6 miles to a sharp switchback onto a gravel road on the right. The portal is located approx. 400' from the start of the gravel road on the right. The staging area is located at 17S 0492875 4214188.

Project Description

This project will involve the gating of one open mine portal at Ames Portal N off of Fayette Station Road (Map A-2). An existing structure at the opening is currently about 6’ wide and 3’ tall. This project site is immediately off of Fayette Station Road, and there is vehicle road access to the opening. The portal entrance shall be cleared of dirt and debris to equal the exterior grade; the bottom of the opening must remain higher than the nearby ditch to avoid water flowing into the entrance. Therefore, the original opening size of 6’ diameter will not be excavated, and the finished gate height shall be approximately 3 to 4 feet high. A concrete sill shall be installed to act as a base for the gate per TS 3.4a. It is anticipated that 2 vertical support columns will be required. A removable bar shall be installed in the gate. Because of the low height and shape of the entrance, the removable bar may be placed as the 2nd or 3rd bar up from the bottom instead of the usual 4th. The final removable bar position shall be decided with the Park Representative. Wire mesh and cementitious material is not needed on the sides of this portal entrance. “Men Working” and other traffic regulatory signs as needed shall be used along the road while construction workers are present.

The road shall remain open to traffic.

Site Specific Mitigations

These mitigations are specific to Ames Portal N. General project mitigations can be found in sections GI 1.4, GI 1.5, and GI 1.6.

Cultural Resources: The Park’s cultural resource specialist will identify historic features at the site and recommend actions to be taken by the contractor to prevent or minimize possible adverse effects to cultural resources. If any cultural artifact is unearthed, the Contractor shall notify the Park Representative immediately. The sandstone structure at the opening of Ames Portal N shall not be disturbed or altered without consulting the Park Representative. Anchor pin securement into the structure shall be verified with the Park Representative.

Natural/Water Resources: Any sloughed material that is pulled out of the portal to maintain entrance grade shall be distributed on the outside of the portal.

Photo 2. Ames Portal N at 17S 0492897 4214226.

3.3 Beurytown Portals 1 & 2

Directions

From Canyon Rim Visitor Center, take US 19S approximately 12.7 miles to the intersection at Glen Jean. Make a right onto WV-16 S/WV-61 S. After 2.7 miles, turn left onto WV-61 S. Drive 4.4 miles, and turn left to stay on WV-61 S towards Prince. At river level, turn left onto WV-41 N.

Continue on WV-41 for 4.8 miles. Turn right onto Backus Mountain Road. After 3 miles, turn right onto Camp Branch Road. In two miles, turn right at the sign for WVDEP property at 17S 0506708 4187608. Continue 0.6 miles on the gravel road to staging area at 17S 0507115 4187344.

Project Description

This project will involve the gating of two open portals at the Beurytown Mine Site off of Camp Branch Road (near Layland, WV, Map A-3). Beurytown Portal 1 has several very large boulders blocking most of the entrance. The dimensions of this portal are difficult to estimate due to the restricted nature of the opening. Portal 1 is estimated to be approximately 15’ wide by 6’ tall, and may change when several large boulders are pulled from the opening. Portal 2 is more accessible than Portal 1 and its current estimated dimensions are 12’ wide by about 4’ tall. Both portals will need large boulders removed from the openings. The access route is 0.64 miles long and in passable condition. A concrete sill shall be installed to act as a base for each gate per TS 3.4a. The sides of each portal shall be stabilized with wire mesh and cementitious material per TS 2.0. It is anticipated that 2 vertical support columns will be required for each portal gate. A removable bar shall be installed on each gate.

Site Specific Mitigations

These mitigations are specific to the Beurytown Portals. General project mitigations can be found in sections GI 1.4, GI 1.5, and GI 1.6.

Cultural Resources: The Park’s cultural resource specialist will identify historic features at the site and recommend actions to be taken by the contractor to prevent or minimize possible adverse effects to cultural resources. If any cultural artifact is unearthed, the Contractor shall notify the Park Representative immediately.

Visitor/Land Use: The access route shall be restored upon completion of work to discourage future visitor use, especially by unwanted ATV’s. The Park Representative will direct the restoration of the access route; the Contractor shall pull natural obstacles back onto the route such as boulders and downed trees and remove temporary repairs needed to access the site.

Photo 1. Gravel road leading to staging area.

Photo 2. Staging area for Beurytown Portals at 17S 0507123 4187349.

Photo 3. A/UTV trail to the access route on the mine bench. The access route is currently being used by ATV’s.

Portal Photos

Photo 4. The most difficult section of the access route will be this wet area located on the mine bench.

Photo 5. Buerytown Portal 1 (17S 0507711 4187771) is identified in the AML database. The large boulders located in front of the portal will need to be moved for the installation of the gate.

Photo 6. Beurytown Portal 2 (17 S 0507699 4187751) is not identified in the AML database. It is located approximately 80’ from Portal 1. Large boulders need to be removed from this opening as well.

3.4 Beury Portal A

Directions

From Canyon Rim Visitor Center, take US19 South approximately 2 miles and turn right onto WV Route 16. In 3.2 miles, turn right on Bachman Road. In one mile, turn right onto unnamed gravel road across from water plant. The staging area is located at 17S 0489711 4218149.

Project Description

This project will involve the gating of one open mine portal at Beury Mine downstream from the New River Gorge bridge near Fayetteville (Map A-4). The length of the access route is 0.42 miles from the staging area to the portal. The A/UTV accessible route is only accessible up to about 60’ above the portal. From that point, there could either be a temporary bridge put in place to cross the drainage causing the washout, or hand-carry items the rest of the way to the portal. The portal is about 60’downslope from the washout. The access route is vegetated and will need clearing for ATV passage. A concrete sill shall be installed to act as a base for the gate per TS 3.4a. The sides of the portal shall be stabilized with wire mesh and cementitious material per TS 2.0. It is anticipated that 2 vertical support columns will be required; however, if the finished opening size of the portal is greater than 20’, then a minimum of 3 vertical support columns will be required. A removable bar shall be installed in the gate. Demobilization will include pulling cleared items back into the access route to prevent unwanted visitation to the portal.

Site Specific Mitigations

These mitigations are specific to the portal at Beury. General project mitigations can be found in sections GI 1.4, GI 1.5, and GI 1.6.

Cultural Resources: The Park’s cultural resource specialist will identify historic features at the site and recommend actions to be taken by the contractor to prevent or minimize possible adverse effects to cultural resources. If any cultural artifact is unearthed, the Contractor shall notify the Park Representative immediately.

Natural/Water Resources: Standing trees, shrubs, and saplings encountered on the Beury Access Route shall be preserved or minimally disturbed. Any vegetation that is rooted outside of the access trail, but is leaning into the trail, shall either be temporarily tied back for passage or trimmed minimally. Cutting of vegetation shall be coordinated with the Park Representative.

Visitor Use: The access route shall be restored upon completion of work to discourage future visitor use to the portal. Downed trees shall be placed at the start of the access route to discourage foot traffic to the portal. The Park Representative will direct the restoration of the access route.

Photo 1. Gravel road that descends into the gorge from Bachman Road.

Photo 2. Locked Water Plant/NPS gate on gravel access road.

Photo 3. Staging area (17S 0489706 4218148) and location for the placement of downed trees to discourage future unwanted foot traffic to the site.

Photo 4. Bench is passable by A/UTVs, but has somewhat dense vegetation and is uneven in some locations.

Photo 5. Access route overview.

Photo 6. Drainage above portal that prevents A/UTV access to the front of the portal. This photo was taken about 60’ uphill directly above the opening.

Photo 7. Beury (Lower New) Portal (17S 0489409 4218738).

Photo 8. Beury (Lower New) Portal.

3.5 Terry Top East Portal A

Directions

From Glen Jean Headquarters, turn left onto WV-16 S/WV-61 S. Drive 3.1 miles, and turn left to continue onto WV-61 S. Continue 1.9 miles, and turn left onto County Route 41-3 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve sign. In just over 1 mile, look for a steep, paved road on the right. Continue for 1.6 miles until you see an NPS gate at the top of a hill on the right. Continue until you reach the staging area at 17S 0492107 4191122.

Project Description

This project involves the gating of an open mine portal at Terry Top East (Map A-5). The Contractor may choose which access route to use: Route A is 0.31 miles from staging area to portal, and Route B is 0.38 miles. Due to the collapsing nature of this opening and the apparent lack of solid rock at the entrance, a gated culvert shall be installed in this opening. Reference Appendix B, Drawing C15 and Appendix C, General Specifications, Section 101500 – Polyurethane Foam (PUF).

Standing water is currently backed up behind the berm at the portal entrance. The berm shall be removed, and a drainage pipe installed under the culvert gate to handle the water flow (Appendix B, Drawing C01). If additional fill material is required beyond that found onsite at the mine entrance, only non-calcareous fill shall be used (sandstone preferred). A concrete collar shall be constructed around the culvert mouth on the surface as described by Note 2 on Drawing C15. A removable bar shall be installed in the gate.

Site Specific Mitigations

These mitigations are specific to Terry Top. General project mitigations can be found in sections GI 1.4, GI 1.5, and GI 1.6.

Cultural Resources: The Park’s cultural resource specialist will identify historic features at the site and recommend actions to be taken by the contractor to prevent or minimize possible adverse effects to cultural resources. If any cultural artifact is unearthed, the Contractor shall notify the Park Representative immediately.

Natural/Water Resources: Standing trees, shrubs, and saplings encountered on the access route shall be preserved or minimally disturbed. Any vegetation that is rooted outside of the access trail, but is leaning into the trail, shall either be temporarily tied back for passage or trimmed minimally.

Visitor Use: The access route shall be restored upon completion of work to discourage future visitor use to the portal. Downed trees shall be placed at the start of the access route to discourage foot traffic to the portal. The Park Representative will direct the restoration of the access route.

Photo 1. Staging area for Terry Top at (17S 0492107 4191122).

Photo 2. The beginning of both access routes are densely covered in multiflora rose. This is the start of Access Route A at (17S 0492063 4191097).

Photo 3. Downslope side of access route is eroded, restricting the width of the bench to less than 6’ wide. Route returns back to full-width past this point.

Photo 5. Access route overview.

Photo 6. Access route overview.

Photo 4. Terry Top Portal (17S 0491968 4190981). The bench that would have been used to access the portal has been washed out by the drainage shown in the photo. The closest A/UTV access to the portal is about 50’.

3.6 Stonecliff Portals H & I

Directions

From Canyon Rim Visitor Center, take US-19S approximately 9.5 miles to the Hilltop Exit (WV-16).

After 2.2 miles, turn left on Glen Jean Lane. Take the first left onto McKell Ave, and veer left on Thurmond Road. After crossing the New River into Thurmond (about 6.4 miles), turn right on Beury Mountain Road. Travel approximately1.8 miles to a pulloff on the right side of the road with NPS wooden kiosk located at 17S 0494156 4200502.

Project Description

This project involves the gating of two open mine portals at Stonecliff (Map A-6). Currently, Stonecliff Portal H is approximately 7’ wide by about 3’ tall when looking into the opening. The opening at Stonecliff Portal I is currently about 3’ wide by 1’ tall, but the portal will be larger when the mound of earthen debris is removed from the opening. There are several obstacles on the access route to the portals. Machinery may be needed at Portal I, the farthest point on the access route. Two rock slides and a couple of large boulders may need to be moved with machinery. A portion of the access route forms a narrow passage through a rhododendron thicket. The rhododendron shall be trimmed minimally, and wherever possible, shall be tied back temporarily to allow for vehicles to pass. The downslope side of the bench has eroded extensively approximately 1 mile into the access route, and must have a temporary bridging method put into place for machinery to continue. A concrete sill shall be installed to act as a base for each gate per TS 3.4a. The sides of each portal shall be stabilized with wire mesh and cementitious material per TS 2.0. It is anticipated that 2 vertical support columns will be required for each portal gate. A removable bar shall be installed on each gate.

Site Specific Mitigations

These mitigations are specific to Stonecliff. General project mitigations can be found in sections GI 1.4, GI 1.5, and GI 1.6.

Cultural Resources: The Park’s cultural resource specialist will identify historic features at the site and recommend actions to be taken by the contractor to prevent or minimize possible adverse effects to cultural resources. If any cultural artifact is unearthed, the Contractor shall notify the Park Representative immediately.

Natural/Water Resources: Standing trees, shrubs, and saplings encountered on the Stonecliff Access Route shall be preserved or minimally disturbed. Any vegetation that is rooted outside of the access trail, but is leaning into the trail, should either be temporarily tied back for passage or trimmed minimally.

Visitor Use: The access route shall be restored upon completion of work to discourage future visitor use, especially by unwanted ATV’s. The Park Representative will direct the restoration of the access route; the Contractor shall pull natural obstacles back onto the route such as boulders and downed trees and remove temporary repairs needed to access the site.

Photo 1. Staging area for Stonecliff at (17S 0494156 4200502).

Photo 2. The drainage by the staging area is passable but may be difficult during high water events.

Photo 3. Boulder may be moved to allow passage of equipment and materials.

Photo 5. Downslope side of route is washed out and may need modified for crossing.

Photo 6. Drainage may need temporary bridging for crossing.

Photo 7. The access route passes through rhododendron thicket. Vegetation shall be trimmed minimally or tied back temporarily to allow vehicle passage.

Photo 8. Stonecliff Portal H. Portal opens up behind berm pile to approximately 7’ wide x 3’ tall.

Photo 9. Rock slide near Portal H may need excavated to allow for materials/equipment to pass.

Photo 10. Tree may need to be cut to allow for passage around a rocky, eroded area on bench.

Photo 11. Boulders may need moved near Portal I.

Photo 12. Bench has been washed out due to rock slide/stream drainage.

Photo 13. Stonecliff Portal I. Current opening is approximately 3’x1’. Opening much wider inside.

Photo 14. Access route overview.

3.7 Wolf Creek Portal I

Directions

From Canyon Rim Visitor Center, take Fayette Station Road 3.9 miles to the Fayetteville Trail intersection. Park on the right side of Fayette Station Road at 17S 0492907 4212454.

Project Description

This project involves the gating of one open mine portal at Wolf Creek Mine (Wolf Creek Mines AD-005) off of Fayette Station Road (Map A-7). There is a significant amount of earthen debris in front of the current opening that shall be removed to restore the opening to grade. The existing opening is about 9’ wide by about 2’ tall. There are many obstacles considering the length of the access route is relatively short (0.58 miles). A concrete sill shall be installed to act as a base for the gate per TS 3.4a. The sides of the portal shall be stabilized with wire mesh and cementitious material per TS 2.0. It is anticipated that 2 vertical support columns will be required. A removable bar shall be installed in the gate.

Site Specific Mitigations

Cultural Resources: The Park’s cultural resource specialist will identify historic features at the site and recommend actions to be taken by the contractor to prevent or minimize possible adverse effects to cultural resources. If any cultural artifact is unearthed, the Contractor shall notify the Park Representative immediately.

Natural/Water Resources: Standing trees, shrubs, and saplings encountered on the access route shall be preserved or minimally disturbed. Any vegetation that is rooted outside of the access trail, but is leaning into the trail, shall either be temporarily tied back for passage or trimmed minimally. Sloughed material that is pulled out of the portal to maintain the entrance grade shall be distributed on the outside of the portal.

Visitor Use: During construction, signs notifying visitors of the work shall be posted at the Fayette Station Road Trailhead (staging area) and at the bench/trail intersection so as to warn visitors coming from either direction on the trail. The access route shall be restored upon completion of work to discourage future visitor use to the portal. The boulders at the start of the bench shall be moved back into place to discourage foot traffic to the portal. The Park Representative will direct the restoration of the access route.

Photo 1. Boulders may be moved at the beginning of bench, but shall be replaced when construction is complete.

Photo 2. Drainage has caused a steep (but passable) section of the access route.

Photo 3. Alternate view of steep section of bench.

Photo 4. Some trees in photo may be cut from route to allow for passage, but selection must be approved by the Park Representative.

Photo 5. Bench overview. Some downed vegetation may be removed.

Photo 6. Eastern hemlock may be removed.

Photo 7. Uneven bench.

Photo 8. View of portal to be gated from behind the mound of earthen debris.

Photo 9. View of portal to be gated from the top of the mound of debris. The portal’s existing dimensions are roughly 9’ wide by about 2’ high. The dimensions will significantly increase after the mound in front of the portal has been excavated.

GI 4.0 – Certification of Materials Prior to beginning work, the Contractor shall supply documentation certifying that all installed materials meet the requirements as outlined in these specifications.

GI 5.0 – Key Government Personnel The following individuals are the key NPS personnel at New River Gorge National River responsible for oversight and approval of the proposed work:

Derek Hildebrand, Chief of Administration, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) Mark Graham, Chief of Natural Resources, Park Representative Lenza Paul, Park Representative

GI 6.0 – Safety Workplace safety shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor is alerted that hazardous conditions exist at abandoned mine sites. As the stability of the overburden and bedrock are unknown, the Contractor and the Contractor’s employees shall exercise caution when carrying out the work. Contractors shall be responsible for informing their employees of the dangers related to this project. Contractors shall make provisions for employees’ safety and workers shall be under the Contractor’s supervision at all times.

The Contractor, subcontractors, suppliers and their employees shall abide by all safety rules applicable at the work site, and shall comply with all Federal, State, OSHA, and municipal laws, ordinances, orders, codes, rules, regulations, etc. All work shall be carried out in a professional and safe manner in accordance with standard industry practices. The Contractor shall furnish employees, including those of subcontractors, with MSHA approved safety equipment, devices, and enforce compliance in their use consistent with accepted practices and applicable rules.

Under no circumstances shall the Contractor or the Contractor’s employees enter the abandoned workings beyond the limited area necessary for installation of the bat gate.

It shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor to protect the public from the dangers associated with work activities during working and nonworking hours. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that no member of the public enters a portal during the course of the work.

Methane and air quality monitoring instruments shall be present during all work activity. Methane and oxygen monitoring equipment shall operate continuously with special attention paid to readings during the onset of atmospheric low pressure fronts. In cases where methane levels reach or exceed 1% concentration, or, where oxygen levels decrease below 19.5% concentration, work in the portals must stop and the Park Representative be notified. Work may not resume until existing conditions have been ameliorated.

GI 7.0 – Flight Operations

The Contractor may utilize a helicopter to deliver materials and equipment by long-line to the work sites. All air operations and safety shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Park Representative on locations of cargo drop sites for air operations. The Park Representative will have the final approval of the cargo drop site locations. Any standing trees or snags that need to be removed within a cargo drop site shall be removed between November 15 and March 31, and only after tree-by-tree approval by the Park Representative. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Park Representative at least one week in advance of a flight on the intended flight paths that the helicopter will be taking within the Park boundaries. This is important so that consideration can be given to trail, road, or public use areas that may need to be closed to ensure the safety of visitors and park personnel should a cargo load be inadvertently dropped. On the day of any air operation, the Contractor shall notify the Park Representative in a timely manner when the helicopter enters the Park’s air space and when the helicopter has left the Park’s air space. The Contractor shall report all incidents, including unplanned cargo drops, to the Park Representative immediately. Any air operations shall be limited to Monday through Friday to reduce potential impacts to visitors; air operations shall not occur on Memorial Day or July 4.

GI 8.0 – Priority of Work for Construction An order of priority has been established for the execution of the work. Any deviations from this order of construction shall require the prior approval of the Park Representative. All portal construction work shall be performed between April 1 and July 31, 2016. Should additional time for construction be required, it shall be performed between April 1 and July 31, 2017. Tree removal work for route access may also occur between November 15 and March 31 of a given year; tree removal for cargo drop sites must occur between November 15 and March 31. Priorities for the order of installation of the portal gates are as follows:

1) Terry Top East A

2) Wolf Creek I

3) Ames N

4) Stonecliff H & I – No priority is set for the order of gate construction within the site.

5) Alaska N

6) Beurytown 1 & 2 – No priority is set for the order of gate construction within the site.

7) Beury A

GI 9.0 – Method of Payment

Payment will be made on a per portal basis, according to the unit price bid, subsequent to acceptance of the completed work by the Park Representative. No payment will be made for improper installations or installations constructed with unapproved materials. Payment for Restoration will be made upon completion of all restoration activities, subject to approval of the Park Representative.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (TS)

Contractors shall also reference the “General Specifications” in Appendix C. Should contractors encounter any apparent discrepancies, the Contractor shall seek clarification from the NPS.

TS 1.0 – Mobilization

1.1 Description. Upon receipt of the notice to proceed, the Contractor shall assemble all necessary tools, equipment, materials, and supplies to begin work. Mobilization shall include transportation of materials, equipment, clearing and grubbing, creation and maintenance of site access/working areas; storage of all materials and equipment, and the removal of all objectionable materials incidental to mobilization. Mobilization shall include the cutting of downed trees and backfilling of holes along access routes, as well as the removal of any additional impediments to the work. The provision of drinking water, air quality monitoring instruments, and toilet facilities shall be included under this item. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing a form of communication (e.g. cell phone, radio service, etc.)

between the work site and the NPS headquarters, supplied at the Contractor’s expense, for the duration of the contract.

Mobilization shall be carried out in a manner that attempts to minimize the impact on the natural environment and inconvenience to the public. As part of mobilization, the Contractor shall implement measures to control erosion along any areas disturbed or utilized by the Contractor. Mobilization of supplies and equipment through use of a helicopter will be permitted. Staging areas for Contractor vehicles are identified on Maps A1-A7 (Appendix A) and described in Section GI 3.0.

1.2 Demobilization Description. Demobilization shall consist of removing all equipment, supplies, debris and waste material from the project site upon completion of work.

Demobilization of supplies and equipment through use of a helicopter will be permitted.

1.3 Method of Payment. No separate payment will be made for Mobilization or Demobilization.

The cost of Mobilization and Demobilization shall be included as part of the price bid for construction of the bat gates at each mine site as listed on the bid schedule.

TS 2.0 – Site Preparation

2.1 General Description. Site preparation shall include:

Establishment of safe working conditions for all personnel. This shall include, but not be limited to: scaling, support, and/or stabilization of loose wall, roof, and overlying bedrock; installation of support jacks; erection of scaffolding; and installation of roof support.

Excavation and removal of loose soil, mine spoil, and roof fall material that might interfere with gate construction. Excavated material may be wasted on site, subject to approval by the Park Representative.

Establishment of drainage control measures at sites where mine drainage is an issue (see

TS 4.0).

Placement of wire mesh over fractured siltstone and shale bedrock on portal sides.

Covering fractured bedrock and wire mesh with cementitious material on portal sides.

Construction of a concrete sill, minimum 12” height, 12” wide, extending the width of the mine opening, as needed (see TS 3.4.a.). The sill shall be constructed by the use of forms, with level top, to give a finished appearance.

Provision of gate stabilization measures.

2.2 Covering Bedrock with Wire Mesh. Poorly consolidated or fractured bedrock exposed at portal walls shall be covered with a wire mesh. Placement of wire mesh shall not exceed a lateral distance of 4 feet in front of, and behind, the proposed gate location. The wire mesh shall extend a minimum of 1 foot lateral distance in front of and behind the proposed gate location (total 2 feet). For each individual site, the extent of mesh placement shall be determined by the Contractor in conjunction with the Park Representative. The extent of wire mesh placement is subject to final approval by the Park Representative. Mesh shall consist of 6” x 6” welded steel wire, 10 gage thickness, commercially available as a standard stock item (remesh).

2.3 Covering of Wire Mesh with Cementitious Mix. The Contractor shall apply a minimum 6-inch thick layer of cementitious mix over all wire mesh and the immediately adjacent fractured rock. The mix shall be applied using equipment that may include, but not be limited to, gunite, shotcrete or forms set in place. The method of application is subject to approval of the Park Representative.

2.4 Cementitious Mix Design. Each cubic yard of cementitious mix shall consist of sand, cement, nylon fibers, water, and colorant in the proportions listed below. This is the anticipated initial mix which may be adjusted as necessary subject to approval by the Park Representative. A cement coloring agent shall be added to the mix so that the cementitious mix color matches the color of the adjacent rock after drying.

Item Quantity Sand 3000 lbs.

Cement 658 lbs.

Nylon fibers 3 lbs.

Water as required Colorant as required

2.5 Cementitious Mix Materials

a. Cement. Cement shall meet the requirements of ASTM C150-84 for Type I or II cement.

b. Sand. Sand shall consist of hard, dense, durable, uncoated rock fragments obtained from a river or quarry. Sand shall not contain more than 5% of any deleterious substance. The size distribution of sand shall be as follows: 45 to 80% shall pass a Standard No. 16 sieve and approximately 10 to 30% shall pass a No. 50 sieve.

c. Nylon fibers. Nylon fibers shall be fibrillated synthetic fiber with the following salient characteristics:

Material: Nylon Color: White Morphology: Multifilament/fibrillated Length: ¾ inch Diameter: 23 microns Specific Gravity: 1.16 Tensile Strength: 130 ksi Performance criteria: Meet the requirements of ASTM C 1116.

2.6 Gate stabilization. During construction and installation, gates shall be stabilized.

Stabilization shall be accomplished by welding of steel bars to: bolts epoxied in place; steel brackets embedded in cementitious mix; other methods subject to approval by the Park Representative.

2.7 Method of Payment. No separate payment will be made for Site Preparation. The cost of site preparation shall be included as part of the price bid for construction of the bat gates at each mine site as listed on the bid schedule.

TS 3.0 – Bat Gate Construction

3.1 Description. The Contractor shall be responsible for fabricating and installing welded steel bat gates according to the specifications as outlined in TS 3.2 – TS 3.4, the general specifications in Appendix C, and the technical drawings (Appendix B).

The technical drawings in Appendix B are general drawings showing specific construction details for support columns, bat wing guards, horizontal bars with stiffeners, bar spacing, attachment points and sills. A removable bar shall be constructed per the design detailed in the drawings for each portal gate. The tortoise door option detailed in Sub Sheet No. C06 shall not be constructed.

The technical drawings in Appendix B consist of:

Sub Sheet No. C06, Adit Angle Iron Bat Gate This drawing shall apply to most of the gates to be installed. The design shown by this drawing shall be used for portals whose finished gate width is greater than 4 ft. 6 inches.

Sub Sheet No. C06.1, Adit Angle Iron Bat Gate Mounted on Perimeter Ring Option The design shown by this drawing shall be used for portals whose finished gate width is 4 ft. 6 inches or less.

Sub Sheet No. C15, Adit Corrugated Metal Pipe with Bat Gate This gated culvert design shall be used for Terry Top East Portal A. The concrete collar shall be constructed around the culvert mouth on the surface as described by

Note 2. See also Appendix C, General Specifications, Section 101500 – Polyurethane Foam (PUF).

Sub Sheet No. C01, Adit Backfill This drawing shows the detail for the drain pipe to be installed under the culvert gate at Terry Top East Portal A.

Gates and frames shall be fabricated with uninterrupted, continuous welded beads. Welding shall be done in accordance with the American Welding Society specifications D 1.1 using E80 XX electrodes.

3.2 Materials

a. Steel. Steel used in construction shall be a weathering steel, such as U.S. Steel’s CORTEN™ (type A), or an approved equivalent. Equivalent steel shall conform to the following salient characteristics:

Material: Steel Yield strength: 50,000 psi (minimum) Tensile strength: 70,000 psi (minimum) ASTM compliance: Designations A606 and A242 Copper content: 0.25 wt. per cent (minimum) Chromium content: 0.30 wt. per cent (minimum) Nickel content: 0.65 wt. per cent (minimum)

Bidders proposing to furnish an “equal” product, in accordance with the “Brand Name or

Equal” provision of this solicitation, shall insert the following description of the product:

Bidding on/Proposing ____________ Manufacturer ____________ Address ____________ Product Name ____________ Product Model ____________

Bidders shall also be responsible for submitting additional product-related information, as necessary, for the Government to determine if the product offered meets the salient characteristics of the “brand name” as listed in the solicitation.

Galvanized plates and bolts shall not be used in fabrication of bat gates. Galvanized steel is unsuitable for use in weathering steel structures because, in time, the zinc coating deteriorates, leaving an exposed carbon steel surface, a surface less resistant to atmospheric corrosion than weathering steel.

b. Epoxy. Commercially available mine-roof-bolting epoxy.

c. Welds. Welding must be done using E 80 XX electrodes.

d. Security Bolts. Identically-keyed McGard Button-Head Security Bolts (5/8” x 1 ½”) shall be used to secure the removable bars for all gates. Two bolts shall be installed for each removable bar.