PWS_-_Navajo_Dam_Weed_Treatment-_Updated.pdf

US Department of the Interior Western Colorado Area Office Bureau of Reclamation Durango, Colorado

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Navajo Dam Weed Treatment (2026-2030)

1 SCOPE

1.1 Objective

The objective of this award is to acquire contractor services to control invasive plant and algae species and other undesirable plant and algae species within the Primary Jurisdiction Area (PJA) and the “Boneyard” at Navajo Dam in northwestern New Mexico. The approximate treatment area is 100 acres total, as described in Appendix A.

The two primary purposes for noxious weed control at Navajo Dam are: 1) safety of dams and related structures, and 2) noxious and/or nuisance weed control around public facilities and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) facilities. Certain weeds, primarily woody vegetation, must be controlled where species roots have the potential to cause or contribute toward structural problems on dams and related structures. Furthermore, noxious and nuisance weeds have the potential to create fire hazards, preclude desirable vegetation and associated wildlife, increase maintenance costs, and detract from aesthetics.

1.2 Background and Location

Navajo Dam, which is part of the Navajo Unit of the Colorado River Storage Project, is located about 38 miles upstream of Farmington, New Mexico and about 55 miles southeast of Durango, Colorado. Navajo Dam was completed in 1963 under the authority of the Colorado River Storage Project Act (CRSPA) to meet multiple water resource purposes. The reservoir provides important recreation and fish and wildlife benefits; however, its primary purposes are for flood control and to provide irrigation water for the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP). Navajo Reservoir, which extends into both Colorado and New Mexico, has a surface area of 15,610 acres, is approximately 35 miles long, and includes over 150 miles of shoreline.

In 2006, the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) and a Record of Decision were completed, addressing impacts associated with the construction and operation of Navajo Dam and Reservoir to meet Endangered Species Act (ESA) and related Flow Recommendations for the San Juan River or a reasonable alternative to those recommendations, in a manner which enables both current and future water depletions to proceed in compliance with the ESA.

1.2.1 Excluded Areas

Areas excluded from this document are those areas outside of the PJA designated boundary, except for the Boneyard.

2 REFERENCES

The following list of documents is required in the performance of this contract:

Number Title & Edition Date Source 1 Pesticide Discharge Management Plan and Integrated

Weed Management Plan 9/2020 US Bureau of Reclamation

3 TASKS

This Performance Work Statement addresses vegetation management for the PJA and Boneyard area as defined in the map provided in Appendix A.

3.1 Treatment of Noxious Weeds and Other Undesirable Plant and Algae Species The contractor will be required to treat the following vegetation, at a 90% kill rate:

Noxious plants and algae identified on the State of New Mexico Noxious Weed List (Appendix B), to include the priority species listed below:

a. Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare),

b. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)

c. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)

d. Musk thistle (Carduus nutans)

e. Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

f. Tamarisk or salt cedar (Tamarix spp.)

Priority non-noxious broadleaf plants to include the species listed in Appendix C.

Native plant species that have the potential to impact dam infrastructure, including, but not limited to, species listed in Appendix C.

Non-noxious aquatic plants growing along the San Juan River shorelines downstream from the dam, and in canals and ditches, including, but not limited to, species listed in Appendix C.

Qualified applicants will be knowledgeable about plant species of northwestern New Mexico, including both native and nonnative species, and be able to distinguish between them in the field.

Reclamation requires that the Contractor be fully certified to apply appropriate weed and vegetation control measures in the project area. The Contractor (or designated subcontractor) must possess, at a minimum, a commercial applicator’s license for the State of New Mexico to dispense herbicides in industrial rights-of-way, rangeland settings, and in wetland areas. License documentation must be provided to Reclamation within 20 business days of contract award and/or when personnel changes occur; and must be provided prior to any herbicide application.

Chemicals intended for use must be reviewed and approved by Reclamation prior to application unless they on the Bureau of Land Management’s approved herbicide list (https://www.blm.gov/documents/wyoming/public-room/technical-reference/herbicides-formulations-approved-use-lands-blm) and must be legal and appropriate to the site-specific conditions where they are to be applied. To the extent possible and if appropriate to local conditions and weed species, the contractor shall use biobased herbicides available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred Program (https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/catalog/Catalog.xhtml). The contractor is required to use the appropriate herbicide for each species, according to label.

A safety hazard analysis and the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals used must be submitted to the COR at least 5 days prior to application of any chemical.

3.1.1 Herbicide Application Areas and Requirements

Aquatic approved herbicide and surfactant must be applied to seepage, wetland, and riparian areas per label instruction. Application of a colored biodegradable dye which holds its color for three days will also be required. Seepage areas include locations on the downstream face of the dam to include the right and left toe drains, face of the bench on the right side, and ten feet adjacent to the road system at the toe of the dam, starting at the O&M headquarters and ending at the Outlet Works.

Bare ground treatment is required along roadways, at the parking lots located at the top of Navajo Dam, the Outlet Works Parking area, Headquarters, and the Boneyard. Furthermore, a 6-foot kill zone is required on each side of fence lines located within and bordering the PJA.

No spraying or disturbance will occur within 150 feet of the osprey nest near the spillway.

The contractor will be required to coordinate with the Navajo Dam Maintenance Supervisor and COR to identify these areas prior to commencing spraying activities.

Kill rates of targeted species will be assessed by the contractor and Reclamation staff after thirty

(30) days to determine herbicide efficacy. If a 90% kill rate has not been obtained, the contractor will be required to retreat at their own expense. It is the responsibility of the contractor to attend the 30-day inspection, which will occur with or without the contractor’s presence.

3.1.2 Timing

Based on plant phenology and herbicide response, spring, summer, and fall treatments are required.

Spring Treatments: Spring treatments will be accomplished between April 15-June 1 each year and focus on seepage areas and on the treatment of other early seral plant species.

Summer Treatments: Summer treatments will be completed between June 1-September 1 each year to target thistles and other summer noxious weeds. Treatment of woody plant species is not required during the summer months.

Fall Treatments: Fall treatments will be completed between September 1-December 31 each year and focus on woody plant control on the downstream face of the dam, along with the control of other woody plant species in the treatment area. Rabbitbrush and any other woody plants will be targeted; only grass should be left on the face of the dam for erosion control. Based on the efficacy of the spring treatment, additional treatment of the seepage area may be required, with an aquatic approved herbicide. Likewise, additional treatment of the bare ground areas may require spot spraying.

3.1.3 Application Techniques and Considerations

Application of herbicide can be accomplished using a low-pressure hand sprayer, backpack sprayer, tractor, or all-terrain vehicle, depending on the location of the infestation. As some areas consist of steep, rock covered embankments, some non-technical climbing will be required to treat infested areas. When working on the dam, care must be taken to prevent damage to the embankment.

The contractor will exercise care to preserve the natural landscape and will access and conduct work operations to prevent unnecessary destruction, scarring, or defacing of the natural surroundings in the vicinity of the work area. If damage to the property, other than the treatment of targeted vegetation, occurs, the contractor will agree to repair damage at their expense. This is to include privately owned vehicles parked in public parking lots on the top of Navajo Dam.

The contractor will furnish labor, materials, and equipment to apply approved herbicides. An on-site storage facility for herbicide is unavailable; however, the contractor may furnish their own shed for herbicide and fuel storage for the duration of the contract. Water is available for herbicide mixing, but wash-out must occur off-site.

3.2 Notification and Work Hours

The contractor will be expected to schedule work with the Navajo Dam Maintenance Supervisor or an appointed representative three days prior to the anticipated start date of treatment activities. Jerry Tensfield is the current Navajo Dam Supervisor and can be reached at 505-632- 3115.

The contractor is expected to check in at the Navajo Dam O&M headquarters building prior to starting any work at the site, including site inspections or treatment of plant species. The contractor is also required to check out at the conclusion of each workday.

All work must be completed between the hours of 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday-Friday. No work will be completed on Federal holidays or on weekends.

3.3 Cultural Compliance

The contractor will be expected to coordinate with Reclamation regarding any activities that may impact cultural resources (e.g. repairing or removing structures, ground disturbing activities, etc.).

3.4 Reporting

The contractor will be required to complete and submit a report to the COR no later than a week following the end of each treatment period (spring [June 1], summer [September 1], and fall [December 31]) that includes the following information:

Treatment date(s) Map of treatment area, including shapefile of treatment sites Acres treated, including both treatment and coverage acres o Treatment areas are defined as the amount of area covered by herbicide.

o Coverage acres includes the total area covered by field staff assessing an area for weeds.

Amount and type of herbicide used Percentage of target weed species remaining after treatment Representative photos

3.5 Development of Safety Plan

The Contractor is required to furnish a Safety Plan to Reclamation’s technical representative within 20 days of contract award and to employees assigned to task work. The Safety Plan, at a minimum, shall include requirements for use of protective clothing such as protective eye wear and long sleeves, as well as a summary of safety and emergency procedures to be used in the event of insect, rodent, or reptile bites (i.e. rattlesnake bites). A good source of Reference is Reclamation’s Safety and Health Standards (https://www.usbr.gov/safety/rshs/index.html).

This task will take place within the base year of the contract and will remain in effect for the duration of the contract unless amended and approved.

4 Performance Requirements Summary Task Task Descriptions Timeframe Performance

Indicator Surveillance Method Incentive & Disincentive

3.1 Treatment of Noxious Weeds and Other Undesirable Plant and Algae Species

Treatment: Treatment shall include all State of New Mexico noxious weeds and all other undesirable broadleaf and woody plant species. Treatment of algae may also be required. Treatments will occur during the specified timeframes using approved herbicides and approved application methods.

April-December annually

Percent cover of species.

Treatment commensurate with plant growth

30-day post-treatment inspections

Document when performance exceeds the standard. If performance is below standard for a given period, require contractor to re-perform service at no additional cost to the government.

Certifications and Personnel Requirements: Provide Commercial Applicator’s license documentation, Safety Hazard Analysis, and SDS info.

Certifications within 20 days of contract award. Safety Hazard Analysis and SDS 5 days before spraying.

Documentation submitted. Review documentation. Same as above.

3.2 Notification and Work Hours

Contractor must work specified hours and follow check-in and check-out procedures.

April-December annually

Communication with Reclamation

Visitor logs and work reports Same as above

3.3 Cultural Compliance

The contractor will be expected to coordinate with Reclamation regarding any activities that may impact cultural resources (e.g. repairing or removing structures, etc.).

Extent of contract Communication with Reclamation

Random inspection Same as above

3.4 Reporting

The contractor will be required to complete and submit a report no later than a week following the end of each treatment period (spring [June 1], summer [September 1], and fall [December 31]) that will include a synopsis of the assessments and treatment plans utilized, to include requirements outlined in the Tasks section above.

End of spring, summer, and fall treatment periods

Reports submitted Review reports Same as above

3.5 Development of Safety Plan

The Safety Plan, at a minimum, shall include requirements for use of protective clothing such as protective eye wear, leather leg chaps, etc. as well as a summary of safety and emergency procedures to be used in the event of insect, rodent, or reptile bites.

20 days within award of contract

Report submitted Review plan Same as above

5 DATA, REPORTS, AND DELIVERABLES

Item No.

Description Content Format Medium Delivery

1 Commercial Applicator’s License(s)

PWS Section 3.1

PDF or JPEG Electronic document(s)

1 copy delivered to COR within 20 business days of award and/or when personnel changes

2 Safety Hazard Analysis and Safety Data Sheets

PWS Section 3.1

Microsoft Word of PDF

Electronic document(s)

1 copy at least 5 days prior to application of any chemical

3 Herbicide Spray Reports/Treatment Info

PWS Section 3.4

Microsoft Word and GIS

Electronic report and GIS .shp files of treatment areas

1 copy delivered to COR within 5 days of treatment

4 Safety Plan PWS Section 3.5

Microsoft Word

Electronic document(s)

1 copy delivered to COR within 20 business days of award

6 REGULATIONS

The Contractor must comply with State and local authority, laws and associated regulations, and chemical labels and SDS information and requirements as associated with any chemical applications.

Applicable Federal laws include:

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) o No chemicals that are banned or severely restricted under FIFRA will be used under the scope of this contract. All chemicals will be utilized in compliance with their labeled uses and precautions.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) o Any disturbance of vegetation between April 1 and September 1 of any year will require pre-work surveys to ensure the activity will not disturb any nesting migratory birds. Contractor will be required to coordinate with Reclamation’s COR to schedule migratory bird surveys during these times. Surveys will ‘clear’ an area for 7 calendar days.

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) o Integrated vegetation management activities are not anticipated to require disturbance of any vegetation with the potential for bald or golden eagle nesting.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) o Reclamation will ensure any required NEPA compliance documentation is completed.

Federal Noxious Weed Act Clean Water Act (CWA) Endangered Species Act (ESA)

The Contractor must have a valid business license. Any vehicle or equipment operators operating on the site must have appropriate valid operators/drivers licenses.

The Government will periodically make field site visits to review the progress made in the completion of Tasks and provide instructions/comments on an as-needed basis. The Government shall periodically review the safety practices of the Contractor.

7 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The contract base period will be from April 15, 2026 (or award date) to December 31, 2026, with four potential option years (calendar year) to follow.

TIME FRAME Period of Performance - Start Date

Period of Performance - End Date

Base Year April 15, 2026 December 31, 2026 Option Year 1 January 1, 2027 December 31, 2027 Option Year 2 January 1, 2028 December 31, 2028 Option Year 3 January 1, 2029 December 31, 2029 Option Year 4 January 1, 2030 December 31, 2030

8 MATERIAL TO BE FURNISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT

The Contractor is responsible for providing all supplies, materials and equipment to accomplish these work items.

XI. APPENDICES

Appendix A. Herbicide Treatment Area

Appendix B. New Mexico Noxious Weed List; Updated June 2020

Appendix C. Non-Noxious Plants and Algae Identified for Treatment at Navajo Dam

Broadleaf Plants Common Name Scientific Name Blue mustard Chorispora tenella Burdock Arctium minus Common purslane Portulaca oleracea Common sunflower Helianthus annuus Curly dock Rumex crispus Dandelion Taraxacum officinale Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis Flixweed Descurainia sophia Horseweed Conyza canadensis Kochia Kochia scoparia Lambsquarter Chenopodium species Marsh sowthistle Sonchus arvensis Phragmites Phragmites australis Prickly lettuce Lactuca serriola Puncturevine Tribulus terrestris Ragweed Ambrosia spp.

Redroot pigweed Amaranthus retroflexus Russian thistle Salsola kali Spotted spurge Euphorbia maculata Tansy mustard Descurainia pinnata Tumble pigweed Amaranthus albus Western salsify Tragopogon dubius Yellow sweetclover Melilotus officinalis

Native Plants Common Name Scientific Name Rabbitbrush (chamisa) Ericameria nauseosa Willow Salix spp.

Aquatic Plants Common Name Scientific Name American pondweed Potamogeton nodosus Blue green algae Cyanobacteria Cattail Typha sp.

Common waterweed Elodea canadensis Northern watermilfoil Myriophyllum sibiricum Sago pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus