Request for Proposals for Professional Design Services for Agricultural Shoreline Stabilization Projects.pdf

All programs and services of the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:

DESIGN SERVICES FOR SHORELINE STABILIZATION/LIVING SHORELINE PROJECTS

IN CHARLES CITY COUNTY, VIRGINIA

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION:

Name: Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) Address: 205-C Bulifants Blvd, Williamsburg VA 23188 Contact Person(s): Jim Wallace, District Programs Manager / Robyn Woolsey, Conservation Specialist Phone: 757-645-4895 Email: jim.wallace@colonialswcd.org / robyn.woolsey@colonialswcd.org

ISSUE DATE: November 26, 2024

INTRODUCTION: The Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) received a federal grant, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), to design and construct living shorelines on agricultural lands located in Charles City County, Virginia in partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Shoreline Erosion Advisory Service (DCR-SEAS). CSWCD is requesting proposals from qualified firms for living shoreline design and construction observation services to be provided for the project.

BACKGROUND: CSWCD provides technical and financial assistance to landowners to improve conservation efforts and reduce sediment and nutrient pollution to the Chesapeake Bay. One way this is accomplished is through the Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost Share (VACS) program, which helps fund a suite of best management practices (BMPs) on agricultural lands, including shoreline stabilization and living shorelines. CSWCD, along with partners from the James River Association and DCR-SEAS, recently completed the first agricultural living shoreline through the VACS program in Charles City County, VA.

With this NFWF grant, CSWCD will leverage VACS funding available for living shoreline implementation to support the design and installation of approximately 5,200 linear feet of shoreline stabilization across up to four (4) properties along the James River in Charles City County, VA.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: CSWCD is seeking proposals from qualified firms for living shoreline design and construction observation services on multiple agricultural properties. CSWCD, utilizing NFWF funding, will cover the full cost for design and construction observation services. Construction costs will be split among the NFWF funding, VACS, and the landowners. CSWCD will lead landowner engagement, and CSWCD and DCR-SEAS will coordinate the design and construction components with the selected engineering firm. Given the size and complexity of the projects and VACS programmatic specifications, professional services are required for these designs. All sites are on the James River in Charles City County.

All sites are exposed to medium-to-high wave energy environments. Structural components may be required, as determined via site assessment and surveys. The duration of the contract awarded through this RFP will extend until project completion (see note under Project Schedule section for details), estimated to be December 2027.

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PROJECT LOCATION: The image below identifies the sites included in this RFP and their respective shoreline lengths. The cost of designing and constructing the full length of eligible shoreline for each property exceeds the grant funding currently available. It is expected that only a portion of each shoreline will be addressed through this RFP. CSWCD is committed to addressing the highest priority areas along each shoreline, including those with the greatest potential for load reductions and those with the most severe vulnerability.

SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED: The selected designer will be responsible for meeting the following deliverables:

● Site Assessment

○ Visiting the three (3) to four (4) project sites and meeting with the property owners, DCR-

SEAS, and CSWCD.

○ Site assessment will include physical, hydrodynamic, and biologic settings that will affect the shoreline. A general biologic assessment will determine the proximity of marine resources, such as submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), within the project boundaries.

○ Many parameters affect the estuarine shorelines of Virginia, and the importance of any given parameter is site-specific. Site assessment will examine parameters including, but not limited to, fetch, depth offshore, shoreline geometry, shoreline orientation, nearshore morphology/stability, SAV, tide range, storm surge frequency, historic erosion rate, design wave determination, bank condition, bank height, bank composition, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) Resource Protection Area buffer, upland land use/proximity to infrastructure/cover, width and elevation of sand beach or low marsh, width and elevation of backshore region, boat wakes, and existing shoreline defense structures.

○ The bank, beach, and nearshore will be surveyed by a licensed surveyor along the identified sections of the shoreline. The physical elevation surveys will be conducted by a licensed surveyor and tied into horizontal and vertical survey control systems (NAD 83 horizontal datum / NAVD 88 vertical datum) and adjusted to mean low water (MLW).

○ Vertical control elevations for the project site shall be established from reliable monuments (e.g., benchmarks from the National Ocean Service or USGS). The Professional Engineer (PE) shall establish a benchmark at the project site for the purpose of controlling the survey of the project site and setting proposed elevations during construction.

○ The shore zone will be assessed to determine the nature of the underlying strata to ascertain its suitability for living shorelines.

○ Sediment nutrient analysis of eroding banks will be conducted in accordance with Recommendations of the Expert Panel to Define Removal Rates for Shoreline Management Projects (USEPA Chesapeake Bay Program 2019) (see References).

● Design Services

○ The design must meet DCR VACS guidelines as outlined in the SE-2 Shoreline Stabilization practice specifications included in Appendix A.

○ As required by the DCR VACS SE-2 practice specification, the design is subject to the requirements of applicable USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation practice standards and specifications. The design must include a note on the cover sheet, signed by the PE that states: “To the best of my professional knowledge, judgment, and belief, the design and construction drawings meet applicable NRCS standards and specifications.”

■ The primary practice is Streambank and Shoreline Protection, NRCS Conservation Practice Code 580 included in Appendix C.

■ Additional NRCS Conservation Practice Specifications that apply to the SE-2 practice may be found at the NRCS electronic Field Office Technical Guide in the Virginia section: https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/details

○ Designs shall be consistent with VIMS Living Shoreline Design Guidelines for Shore Protection in Virginia’s Estuarine Environments (Sept 2017) (see References).

○ Designs shall be consistent with VMRC Tidal Wetlands Guidelines (May 2021). Per the Guidelines, all shoreline alterations should be functionally resilient and structurally designed to endure the impacts of sea level rise (see References).

○ Site designs will include, at a minimum, an existing conditions sheet(s), proposed plan sheet(s) all with appropriately spaced cross-sections with typical cross-sections for construction detail, and a marsh planting plan.

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○ Per VACS requirements, CSWCD will initiate state resource reviews (e.g., survey for cultural resources; survey for threatened, endangered, or rare species; analysis for floodplain review). The PE shall address any concerns resulting from the state resource reviews and modify the design plan accordingly.

○ The design must be reviewed by DCR-SEAS and meet the intent of DCR-SEAS advisories and guidelines. The PE shall address any concerns resulting from the DCR-SEAS review and modify the design plan accordingly.

○ The design shall be signed and sealed by a PE licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

○ The design plan will be submitted to DCR Division of Soil and Water Conservation (DSWC)

District Engineering Services (DES) for a VACS programmatic/functional review before being approved for project continuation and before submission of joint permit application (JPA). The PE shall address any concerns resulting from the DCR-DES review and modify the design plan accordingly.

● Bid Services

○ PE will prepare construction bid packages for the projects based on the design, including plans, specifications, and cost estimates. Landowners will be responsible for securing a qualified contractor utilizing the prepared bid packages.

○ For each project, once the design is found to be satisfactory, and DCR DES issues approval, the landowner will follow the VACS bid process to solicit bids for construction. The PE shall assist landowners in this process by answering questions from prospective bidders regarding the technical details of the approved design and construction plans, including but not limited to attending a pre-bid meeting with potential contractors at the project site(s).

● Permitting Services

○ PE shall serve as the landowner agent for the permitting process and develop and submit the necessary tidewater joint permit applications (JPA) to Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) and other regulatory entities. PE shall coordinate and conduct a pre-application meeting with the relevant permitting agencies prior to submission of the JPA.

○ PE shall complete Water Quality Impact Assessment and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) permit on behalf of the landowner, attend and participate in local wetlands board meetings, and represent the landowner at VMRC hearings as necessary (including explaining components of the project and answering questions).

● Construction Support Services

○ In accordance with VACS guidelines, the landowner will engage a contractor to build the project in accordance with the approved design. Once the landowner engages a contractor, the PE shall work with the selected contractor to satisfy other services detailed herein.

○ The PE or their representative is responsible for all required construction inspections to ensure the project is in compliance with the design plans and specifications and to ensure inspection requirements for the development of “as built” drawings are met. At a minimum, these milestones represent when site inspections should occur:

■ Structural component construction begins

■ Structural component placement complete

■ Sand nourishment complete and after minimum 2-week settling period

■ Marsh plantings complete

○ Once construction is complete, and prior to VACS payment to the landowner, the PE must develop an “as-built” drawing that adheres to the SE-2 Shoreline Stabilization Practice letter released by DCR on May 5, 2021 (see Appendix B). The “as-built” shall be signed and sealed by the Professional Engineer of Record and is expected to be a complete set of drawings. The drawings shall document any changes or deviations from the original design.

○ The “as-built” surveys will include a delineation of the area where the marsh grass is planted.

The “as-built” surveys will be tied into horizontal and vertical survey control systems (NAD 83 horizontal datum / NAVD 88 vertical datum) and adjusted to mean low water (MLW).

○ The PE shall develop a monitoring protocol and maintenance plan for use by property owners to maintain the practice for a minimum of 15 years. The protocol should allow the property owners to determine basic characteristics of the structural effectiveness, functional success, and overall stability of the living shoreline project over the useful life of the project.

The protocol should also provide an assessment of deficiencies that require remedial attention such as excessive sand loss or plant mortality.

● Project Management

○ The designer will consult closely with the landowners so that their goals and needs can be addressed in the designed shoreline management solution.

○ All documents including but not limited to, design plans, specifications, permit applications, and cost estimates will be submitted for review by CSWCD and DCR DES approval.

○ Expect weekly check-in phone calls and/or emails, monthly project coordination conference calls, presentation of each deliverable, as well as revision of deliverables to address the SEAS review of the design, the DES review of the design, CSWCD comments, and any revisions requested by the permitting agencies.

PROJECT SCHEDULE: The schedule requires:

● Design services by the selected entity begin no later than February 3, 2025.

● JPA shall be submitted to VMRC no later than August 1, 2025.

● Bid package for construction services for landowner use should be complete for release no later than

October 15, 2025.

Payment for services rendered will be provided as each phase is completed and approved:

1) Design completed and approved and permits submitted and approved

2) Structural component construction is complete and sand fill has been placed

3) Plants have been installed and as-builts are approved by DCR DES

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS: At a minimum, applicants must be able to provide the following:

● Cover Letter - Official representative and point of contact for the Contractor relative to this RFP. Identify such representative’s title, address, phone numbers, and email address. Letters should be signed by an authorized representative of the designer’s organization.

● Summary of Qualifications - Present a list of key staff who will work on this project, indicating years of experience and any relevant certifications held by key team members. Describe any potential conflicts of interest in conducting this project. Identify whether your firm is a licensed Small, Woman-owned business enterprise or Minority business enterprise. Provide Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR) license details (business name, address, registration type, registration number, and expiration date) for any individual offering to practice professional services as part of the proposed work. Such information shall include the name, address, registration type, registration number, and expiration date. Please indicate if the company is or is not on the Federal Debarment List or listed in the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS).

● Prior Experience - Describe the firm’s experience with design of living shorelines. Provide examples for up to three active or past projects (within the previous five years) that are similar to the living shoreline projects being proposed. For each project, please prepare a succinct project summary including the following information: project name, JPA number, location, description, illustrations, cost, and reference contact information.

● Insurance Requirements - Must show proof of the following insurance requirements:

○ General Liability Insurance, with a combined single limit of $1,000,000 for each occurrence and $1,000,000 in the aggregate

○ Automobile Liability Insurance, with a combined single limit of $1,000,000 for each person and $1,000,000 for each accident

○ Worker’s Compensation Insurance in accordance with statutory requirements and

Employer’s Liability Insurance, with a limit of $500,000 for each occurrence

○ Professional Liability Insurance, with a limit of $1,000,000 annual aggregate

● Project Schedule and Costs - Project schedule and design and construction observation services costs by site (see Contingency)

● References - Contact information of a minimum of three client references

● Completed RFP Response Form (attached)

PROPOSAL EVALUATION: Proposals should respond to the requirements of this RFP in a straightforward and concise manner. Proposals will be evaluated based on staff qualifications, experience, project cost, and approach to bringing the project to a successful completion. CSWCD will employ good faith efforts to engage disadvantaged/minority/women business enterprises by reaching out to DBE/MBE/WBE firms to submit proposals. This RFP is not a contract or commitment and CSWCD is not responsible for any expenses that may be incurred during the preparation of a proposal responding to it.

Submitted proposals become the property of CSWCD.

The Proposal Evaluation Committee will consist of the landowners and representatives from CSWCD, DCR-SEAS, and DCR DES.

DESIGNER SELECTION SCHEDULE: Proposals should be emailed to Robyn Woolsey of the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District (robyn.woolsey@colonialswcd.org) by no later than 5:00pm on

January 6, 2025. CSWCD intends to complete its evaluation and decision process within three (3) weeks after submission of offers. The selected contractor will be notified via email and letter via a “Notice of Intent to Award.” It is the intent of CSWCD to make a selection no later than January 24, 2025. The following outlines the procurement and project schedule:

● November 26, 2024: RFP is sent to prospective designers and posted to project webpage

● December 18, 2024: Mandatory, in-person pre-bid meeting at a probable project location in the

Sandy Point area in Charles City County. RSVPs are required. To RSVP, fill out this form. Firms that submit this form will be notified via email of the exact meeting location.

● January 6, 2025: Proposals due to CSWCD

● January 7 – January 17, 2025: Proposal Evaluation Committee reviews proposals and schedules virtual interviews

● January 24, 2025: Determination of contract award and Notice of Intent to Award sent

Contingency - CSWCD intends to award a contract for professional design and construction observation services for a total of 5,200 linear feet of living shorelines on multiple, up to four (4), individual properties.

The number of individual properties included in the final contract may be less than four (4) depending on total costs, funding availability, and landowner commitment. Any firms responding to this RFP must submit fee proposals for each site individually.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS: Please direct questions about this RFP to Jim Wallace, CSWCD District Programs Manager, at jim.wallace@colonialswcd.org or 757-645-4895 or Robyn Woolsey, CSWCD Conservation Specialist at robyn.woolsey@colonialswcd.org or 757-645-4895.

Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District employment opportunities, programs, and services are offered to all on a nondiscriminatory basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, or veteran's status.

REFERENCES

● Hardaway, C.S., Milligan, D.A., Duhring, K., & Wilcox, C.A. 2017. Living Shoreline Design Guidelines for Shore Protection in Virginia’s Estuarine Environment. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. https://doi.org/10.21220/V5CF1N

● Hardaway, C.S., Milligan, D.A., Wilcox, C.A., Berman, M., Rudnicky, T., Nunez, K., & Killeen, S.A. 2015. Charles City County Shoreline Management Plan. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. https://doi.org/10.21220/V5FP4T

● U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG), Virginia. https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/state/VA

● Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost-Share (VACS) Program Manual, Program Year 2025.

https://casdsis.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/agbmptoc.htm

● Virginia Marine Resources Commission. 2021. Tidal Wetlands Guidelines.

https://www.mrc.virginia.gov/Regulations/Final-Wetlands-Guidelines-Update_05-26-2021.pdf https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1w42sT_b86Bdcv3aKXK2KJVBrwaSRAVvACgVEQb1UpaoWqw/viewform?usp=sf_link about:blank about:blank about:blank about:blank about:blank#/state/VA

● Recommendations of the Expert Panel to Define Removal Rates for Shoreline Management Projects.

USEPA Chesapeake Bay Program. 2019. https://chesapeakestormwater.net/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2018/05/SHORT_Final_Shoreline-Management-Protocol_11-24- 19_FINAL.pdf

RFP RESPONSE FORM

Please complete the following information for your response:

1. The name and full contact information of your company and, if applicable, any other entity comprising your team: [Attach resumes of individuals involved; see #6 below.]

2. List and describe three projects completed within the previous five years that are relevant to this project. If the relevance is not immediately obvious, please describe briefly the relationship as you see it: [Attach additional information as appropriate.]

3. List three client references and their contact information for whom you or your team members have completed work similar to that described in this RFP:

4. Include basic information and history about the business entity, financial information, technical capability, and any other information you feel is important for us to know.

5. Fee Proposal, detailed to the greatest extent possible – cost for service: hourly rates (if applicable), typical direct out-of-pocket costs such as travel reimbursement, copies, mailings etc., and any other anticipated expenses that you foresee. Please itemize your fee proposal by the categories listed under “Services to be Provided” section (e.g., site assessment, design services, bid services, permitting services, construction support services, and project management). Please provide individual fee proposals for the four prospective sites included in this RFP.

6. Additional information, such as you/your team member’s particular experiences, training, and/or academic background(s) that may make you uniquely qualified for this position. [Attach additional materials as appropriate.]

Proposals that answer the following questions in the affirmative will be viewed more favorably:

● Does the firm have any recent experience in tidal shoreline erosion/stabilization designs in Virginia?

If so, provide 3-5 submitted and approved JPA references.

● Does the firm have any recent experience working on designs for private property owners in

Virginia (as opposed to federal/state/locality owned properties), specifically tidal shoreline/erosion stabilization? If so, provide contact information for 2-3 property owner references.

● Does the firm have any experience working on agricultural or silvicultural lands in Virginia, specifically tidal shoreline/erosion stabilization? If so, provide contact information for 2-3 property owner references.

● Does the firm have any experience working with SWCDs and DCR on VACS? Or with SWCDs on the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)? If so, provide examples.

● Does the firm have any experience with satisfying design requirements of USDA-NRCS conservation practice standard 580, specifically on tidal shorelines (anywhere in the United States)?

If so, provide 2-3 examples with supporting documentation.

● Does the firm hold a contractor’s license from DPOR with Marine Facility (MCC) specialty? If only a design firm, has the firm worked with a construction contractor with that license and specialty?

● Has the firm participated in a living shoreline design workshop hosted by VIMS Shoreline Studies Program? If so, list staff names and dates of attendance.

A successful applicant must provide proof of insurance based on the services or product provided.

The undersigned certifies that the information submitted above is true and accurate.

The undersigned certifies that the person, firm, association, co-partnership or corporation herein named, has not, either directly or indirectly, entered into any agreement, participated in any collusion, or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competitive bidding in the preparation and submission of a proposal to the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District for consideration in the award of a contract.

The undersigned further certifies that the firm, association, or corporation or any person in a controlling capacity associated therewith or any position involving the administration of federal funds; is not currently under suspension, debarment, voluntary exclusion, or determination of ineligibility by any federal agency;

has not been suspended, debarred, voluntarily excluded, or determined ineligible by any federal agency within the past three years; does not have a proposed debarment pending; and has not been indicted, convicted, or had a civil judgment rendered against said person, firm, association, or corporation by a court of competent jurisdiction on any manner involving fraud or official misconduct within the last three years.

I further acknowledge that by signing this page of the proposal, I am deemed to have agreed to the provisions of the affidavit.

(Name of Firm)

(Authorized Signature) (Title)

(Please print Name)

(Date)

APPENDIX

Appendix A: FY25 DCR Specification for No. SE-2

Appendix B: SE-2 Shoreline Stabilization Practice letter released by DCR on May 5, 2021

Appendix C: NRCS Conservation Practice Standard, Streambank and Shoreline Protection, Code 580

Appendix D: NRCS Statement of Work, Streambank and Shoreline Protection (580), Virginia

Appendix E: Charles City County Shoreline Management Plan

Appendix F: Aerial Maps of Proposed Sites

Project designs must meet the entire specification. Please make special note of highlighted items.

SE-2-1

Name of Practice: SHORELINE STABILIZATION VACS Program Specification for No. SE-2

This document specifies terms and conditions for the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program’s agricultural Shoreline Stabilization practice which are applicable to all contracts entered into with respect to that practice.

A. Description and Purpose

Structures and/or vegetative measures will be designed and implemented to stabilize shoreline areas of tidally-influenced streams and rivers, estuaries, bays, and the ocean.

The purpose of this practice is to improve water quality by stabilizing shoreline areas that are being eroded because of waves, boat wake, or overland flow.

B. Policies and Specifications

1. Cost-share and tax credit are authorized:

i. For land shaping to achieve a stable slope.

ii. For the construction of riprap revetments, sills (riprap or oyster shell bags), groins, break-waters, and gabion systems.

iii. For the establishment of vegetation. New vegetation must maintain a cover of 85% or more. Spot treat invasive species to maintain density to less than 5% cover.

iv. For engineering and design assistance.

v. For shorelines bordering only agricultural lands. Other lands such as recreational, urban and built-up or residential lots are not eligible.

vi. For tidally-influenced waters only.

2. To qualify for cost-share and/or tax credit, all designs must be reviewed by DCR’s Shoreline Erosion Advisory Service (SEAS) and meet the intent of SEAS program guidelines.

3. All appropriate local, state, and federal permits must be obtained before cost- share or tax credit is authorized.

4. This is a one-time incentive payment and not eligible for reapplication on the same site. Lifespan requirements can be waived if damaged by acts of nature.

5. Livestock must be excluded from the project area.

6. This practice is subject to the requirements of applicable NRCS Standards including 342 Critical Area Planting, 580 Streambank and Shoreline Protection, 382 Fence, and 612 Tree/Shrub Establishment.

SE-2-2

7. All practice components implemented must be maintained for a minimum of 15 years following the calendar year of certification of completion. The lifespan begins on Jan. 1 of the calendar year following the year of implementation. By accepting either a cost-share payment or a state tax credit for this practice, the participant agrees to maintain all practice components for the specified lifespan. This practice is subject to spot check by the District or SEAS throughout the lifespan of the practice and failure to maintain the practice may result in reimbursement of cost-share and/or tax credits.

C. Rate(s)

1. The VACS payment will not exceed 75% of the approved estimated cost or eligible actual cost, whichever is less, of all necessary components needed to implement shoreline stabilization.

2. As set forth by Virginia Code, the Commonwealth currently provides a tax credit for implementation of certain agricultural best management practices as discussed in the Tax Credit Guidelines.

3. If a participant receives cost-share, only the participant’s eligible out-of-pocket share of the project cost is used to determine the tax credit.

D. Technical Responsibility

Technical and administrative responsibility is assigned to qualified technical DCR and District staff in consultation, where appropriate and based on the controlling standard, with DCR, Virginia Certified Nutrient Management Planner(s), NRCS, DOF, and VCE.

Individuals certifying technical need and technical practice installation shall have appropriate certifications as identified above and/or Engineering Job Approval Authority (EJAA) for the designed and installed component(s). All practices are subject to spot check procedures and any other quality control measures.

Revised April 2024

Matthew J. Strickler Secretary of Natural Resources

Clyde E. Cristman Director

Rochelle Altholz Deputy Director of

Administration and Finance

Russell W. Baxter Deputy Director of

Dam Safety & Floodplain Management and Soil & Water

Conservation

Nathan Burrell Deputy Director of

Government and Community Relations

Thomas L. Smith Deputy Director of

Operations

600 East Main Street, 24th Floor | Richmond, Virginia 23219 | 804-786-6124

State Parks • Soil and Water Conservation • Outdoor Recreation Planning Natural Heritage • Dam Safety and Floodplain Management • Land Conservation

May 5, 2021

To: Colonial SWCD Eastern Shore SWCD Hanover Caroline SWCD Northern Neck SWCD Peanut SWCD-E. Keith Three Rivers SWCD Tidewater SWCD

Tri-County/City SWCD Virginia Dare SWCD

RE: SE-2 Shoreline Stabilization Practice

Charles Hill Carter, III-Colonial SWCD, DCR wanted to take the time to remind Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) that are located within tidally influenced areas of a relatively new VACS practice for Shoreline Stabilization.

For your reference, the program eligibility requirements for such practices, as well as the process for practice approval are listed below. This practice, consistent with NRCS standard #580, requires design and construction services from a Professional Engineer (PE).

The SE-2, Shoreline Stabilization, practice became an eligible practice in PY20. This practice is specifically for tidally influenced streams and rivers, estuaries, bays, and the ocean. The purpose of this practice is to improve water quality by stabilizing shoreline areas that are being eroded because of waves, boat wake, or overland flow.

Please keep in mind the following when determining program eligibility:

This is an agricultural practice and participants must demonstrate the same program eligibility requirements as with any other VACS practice. The erosion must be occurring on agricultural land, which must be a minimum of five consecutive agricultural acres, and the participant must demonstrate a minimum of $1,000 of income from agricultural products produced on the associated land for a period of at least three consecutive years.

An individual from DCR’s assigned staff should visit the site to determine eligibility prior to board approval. This individual should either be from DCR’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation District Engineering Services (DES) or the Shoreline Erosion Advisory Service

(SEAS).

Once it has been determined that the practice is eligible, the following process is required for design and construction:

The participant must engage a professional engineer to determine the appropriate design for stabilization and develop a design plan, signed and sealed by the Professional Engineer of Record (PEOR).

This design shall include a note on the cover sheet, signed by the PEOR that states, “To the best of my professional knowledge, judgement, and belief, the design and construction drawings meet applicable NRCS standards and specifications.”

The design plan must be submitted to DCR District Engineering Services for a functional review.

Upon completion of this review, if the plans are found to be satisfactory, an approval letter will be issued by DCR District Engineering Services.

Once the design is found to be satisfactory, and approval is issued, the District and the participant should follow the Cost Share Program Bid Process to solicit bids for any NRCS components estimated to be $30,000 or greater (see VACS Guidelines, Page II-35).

The PEOR will need to perform construction inspections to ensure the project is constructed in accordance with the design plans and specifications.

Once construction is completed, and prior to payment to the participant, the PEOR must develop an “as-built” drawing that shall contain the following statement on the cover sheet, “to the best of my professional knowledge, judgment, and belief, these practices are installed in accordance with the construction drawings (as shown in these “As Built” plans dated XXXX) and meets applicable NRCS standards and specifications.”

Upon completion of the as-built review, which must include a post construction inspection by a member of the DCR District Engineering Services staff, if the project is found to be satisfactorily completed, an approval letter will be issued. Once the approval letter is received, the District may make payment to the participant for the project.

If the participant should need assistance in selecting a PEOR for the project, the local Wetlands Board may be able to assist with the selection process. Additionally, a list of engineering firms that DCR is aware of having previously performed this type of work is attached. Please note that inclusion on this list is not a DCR recommendation; other firms not on this list could also be qualified.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact Amanda S. Pennington, PE at 804- 786-0113.

Sincerely, Darryl M. Glover Director Division of Soil and Water Conservation

United States Department of Agriculture -CPS-1580

NRCS, VA

October 2022

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and type FOTG in the search field.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

STREAMBANK AND SHORELINE PROTECTION

CODE 580

(ft)

DEFINITION

Treatment(s) used to stabilize and protect banks of streams or constructed channels and shorelines of lakes, reservoirs, or estuaries.

PURPOSE

This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes:

Prevent the loss of land or damage to land uses or facilities adjacent to the banks of streams or • constructed channels and shorelines of lakes, reservoirs, or estuaries. This includes the protection of known historical, archaeological, and traditional cultural properties.

Maintain the flow capacity of streams or channels. •

Reduce the offsite or downstream effects of sediment resulting from bank erosion. •

Improve or enhance the stream corridor or shoreline for fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetics, or • recreation.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

This practice applies to streambanks of natural or constructed channels and shorelines of lakes, reservoirs, or estuaries susceptible to erosion. It does not apply to erosion problems on main ocean fronts, beaches, or similar areas of complexity.

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes

Plan, design, and construct this practice to comply with all Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations. The landowner must obtain all necessary permissions from regulatory agencies, or document that no permits are required. The landowner and/or contractor is responsible for locating all buried utilities in the project area, including drainage tile and other structural measures.

Sites with drainage areas equal to or greater than 25 square miles require approval from the State

Conservation Engineer.

Assess unstable streambank or shoreline sites in enough detail to identify the causes contributing to the instability. The assessment should provide details necessary for design of the treatments and convey reasonable confidence that the treatments will perform adequately for the design life of the measure. If the failure mechanism for a streambank is a result of the degradation or removal of riparian vegetation, if possible, implement stream corridor restoration, along with bank treatment.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

Causes of instability include—

Livestock access; •

Watershed alterations resulting in significant modifications of discharge or sediment production; •

In-channel modifications such as gravel mining; •

Head cutting; •

Water level fluctuations; and •

Boat-generated waves. •

Design streambank and shoreline treatments that are compatible with—

Existing bank or shoreline materials; •

Planned improvements or improvements installed by others; •

Water chemistry; •

Channel or lake hydraulics; and •

Slope characteristics above and below the water line. •

Avoid adverse effects on—

Endangered, threatened, and candidate species and their habitats; •

Archaeological, historical, structural, and traditional cultural properties; and •

Existing wetland functions and values. •

Design treatments that result in stable slopes based on the bank or shoreline materials and the type of measure proposed. Account for anticipated ice action, wave action, and fluctuating water levels. Ensure that installations are protected from overbank flows, upslope runoff, and flooding. Include internal drainage where bank seepage is a problem. Use geotextiles, designed filters, or bedding to prevent piping or erosion of material from behind the treatment. Anchor end sections into existing treatments or existing stable areas.

Revegetate all areas disturbed during construction in accordance with the criteria in VA NRCS

Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Critical Area Planting (Code 342). If climatic conditions preclude the use of vegetation, use VA NRCS CPS Mulching (Code 484) to install inorganic cover materials such as gravel. Protect the area from livestock and human traffic until the site is fully stabilized.

Design treatments to achieve recreation objectives as determined by a site-specific assessment or management plan. Safety requirements shall be based on type of human use and recreation objectives.

Evaluate safety hazards to boaters, swimmers, or people using the shoreline or streambank when designing treatments. Place warning signs as necessary.

Livestock exclusion is required for sites with vegetative measures. Use VA NRCS CPS Fence (Code 382) for all fences. Wildlife may need to be controlled during establishment of vegetative measures.

Temporary and local population control methods should be used with caution and within state and local regulations. Exclude vehicles and/or people during vegetative establishment, as appropriate.

Additional Criteria for Streambanks

Classify stream segments requiring protection according to National Engineering Handbook (NEH) 654, Chapter 3, Site Assessment and Investigations. Evaluate incised segments or segments that contain the

5-year return period (20 percent annual exceedance probability) or greater flows for further degradation or aggradation.

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NRCS, VA

October 2022

Use a site assessment to determine if the causes of instability are local (e.g. poor soils, high water table in banks, alignment, obstructions deflecting flows into bank, etc.) or systemic in nature (e.g. aggradation due to increased sediment from the watershed, increased runoff due to urban development in the watershed, degradation due to channel modifications, etc.). The assessment need only be of the extent and detail necessary to provide a basis for design of the bank treatments and reasonable confidence that the treatments will perform adequately for the design life of the measure.

Do not realign the channel without an assessment of upstream and downstream fluvial geomorphology that evaluates the impacts of the proposed alignment. Determine the current and future discharge-sediment regime using an assessment of the watershed upstream of the proposed channel alignment.

Do not install bank protection treatment in channel systems undergoing rapid and extensive changes in bottom grade and/or alignment unless designing the treatments to control or accommodate the changes.

Construct bank treatment to a depth at or below the anticipated lowest depth of streambed scour.

Stabilize toe erosion by treatments that redirect the stream flow away from the toe or by structural treatments that armor the toe. Where toe protection alone is inadequate to stabilize the bank, shape the upper bank to a stable slope and establish vegetation, or stabilize with structural or soil bioengineering treatments.

To the extent possible, retain or replace habitat-forming elements that provide cover, food, pools, and water turbulence. This includes stumps, fallen trees, debris, and sediment bars. Only remove these stream habitat elements when they cause unacceptable bank erosion, flow restriction, or damage to structures.

Design treatments to remain functional and stable for the design flow and sustainable for higher flow conditions. Evaluate the effects of changes to flow levels compared with the preinstallation flow levels, for low and high flow conditions. When flooding is a concern, the effects of protective treatments shall not increase flow levels above those that existed prior to installation. Ensure treatments do not limit stream flow access to the floodplain. Do not design treatments that result in negative offsite impacts such as increased channel or bank erosion downstream.

Additional Criteria for Shorelines

For the design of structural treatments, evaluate the site characteristics below the waterline for a minimum of 50 feet horizontally from the shoreline measured at the design water surface. Base the height of the protection on the design water surface plus the computed wave height and freeboard. Use mean high tide as the design water surface in tidal areas. Limit revetments, bulkheads, or groins to no higher than 3 feet above mean high tide, or mean high water in nontidal areas. Key-in structural shoreline protective treatments to a depth that prevents scour during low water.

When using vegetation as the protective treatment, include a temporary breakwater during establishment when wave run-up could damage the vegetation.

Additional Criteria for Stream Corridor Improvement

Establish stream corridor vegetative components as necessary for ecosystem function and stability. The appropriate composition of vegetative components is a key element in preventing excess long-term channel migration in reestablished stream corridors. Establish vegetation on channel banks and associated areas according to the criteria in VA NRCS CPS Critical Area Planting (Code 342).

Design treatments to achieve habitat and population objectives for fish and wildlife species or communities of concern as determined by a site-specific assessment or management plan. Establish objectives on the survival and reproductive needs of populations and communities, including habitat diversity, habitat linkages, daily and seasonal habitat ranges, limiting factors, and native plant communities. Develop the requirements for the type, amount, and distribution of vegetation using the requirements of the fish and wildlife species or communities of concern.

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NRCS, VA

Design treatments to meet aesthetic objectives as determined by a site-specific assessment or management plan. Establish aesthetic objectives based on human needs, including visual quality, noise control, and microclimate control. Use construction materials, grading practices, and other site development elements compatible with adjacent land uses.

CONSIDERATIONS

When designing protective treatments, consider changes that may occur in the watershed hydrology and sedimentation over the design life of the treatments.

Incorporate debris removed from the channel or streambank into the treatment design when it is compatible with the intended purpose to improve benefits for fish, wildlife, and aquatic systems.

Use construction materials, grading practices, vegetation, and other site development elements that minimize visual impacts and maintain or complement existing landscape uses such as pedestrian paths, climate controls, buffers, etc. Avoid excessive disturbance and compaction of the site during installation.

Use vegetative species that are native and/or compatible with local ecosystems. Avoid introduced species that could become nuisances. Consider species that have multiple values such as those suited for biomass, nuts, fruit, browse, nesting, aesthetics, and tolerance to locally used herbicides. Avoid species that may be alternate hosts to disease or undesirable pests. Consider species diversity to avoid loss of function due to species-specific pests.

Select plant materials that provide habitat requirements for desirable wildlife and pollinators. The addition of native forbs and legumes to grass mixes will increase the value of plantings for both wildlife and pollinators. Consider and refer to VA NRCS CPS Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management (Code 644).

Use treatments that promote beneficial sediment deposition and the filtering of sediment and sediment-attached and dissolved substances.

Maintain or improve fish and wildlife habitat by including treatments that provide aquatic habitat in the treatment design and that may lower or moderate water temperature and improve water quality.

Stabilize side channel inlets and outlets, and outlets of tributary streams from erosion.

Maximize adjacent wetland functions and values with the project design to the extent practicable.

To maintain plant community integrity, exclude livestock during establishment of vegetative treatments and apply appropriate grazing practices after establishment.

Control wildlife during establishment of vegetative treatments. Use temporary and local population control methods with caution and within applicable regulations.

When appropriate, consider establishing a buffer strip and/or diversion at the top of the bank or shoreline protection zone to help maintain and protect installed treatments, improve their function, filter out sediments, nutrients, and pollutants from runoff, and provide additional wildlife habitat.

Consider installing self-sustaining or minimal maintenance treatments.

Consideration should be given to selecting vegetative species with the growth potential to quickly stabilize the site. The mature size of the vegetation and its potential for future problems should also be assessed.

Shrubs are encouraged over tree species. A zone of shrubs close to the bank with larger trees farther back from the bank is the preferred planting design.

Consider aquatic habitat when selecting the type of toe stabilization.

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NRCS, VA

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Prepare plans and specifications that describe the requirements for applying the practice according to this standard. Include provisions to minimize erosion and sediment production during construction and provisions necessary to comply with conditions of any environmental agreements, biological opinions, or other terms of applicable permits. Record all required information in an engineer field book, on a plan sheet or design computation sheet, or in another appropriate location. At a minimum, include—

DESIGN DATA

Completed Environmental Evaluation and subsequent requirements. •

Site investigation report with supporting data including flow information, channel materials, source • of streambank or shoreline instability (if known), land use upstream and downstream, activities in the watershed impacting the stream, etc. Include photographs.

Soils investigation. •

Survey and plot data: profile, cross-sections, topography, as needed. •

Design computations, including purpose of practice and references used. •

Structural drawings adequate to describe the construction requirements. •

Plan view of site with existing features; location of treatment(s), including planting areas; location of • borrow area(s) if on site; location of disposal area (s) if on site; and apparent property lines and owners.

Planned profile and cross sections. •

For streambanks, include velocities, water surface profiles, and other geomorphic parameters as • required for permit(s).

For shoreline, include fetch and wave height. •

Safety features. •

Standard Cover Sheet (VA-SO-100). •

Materials and quantities needed. •

Vegetation and/or ground cover requirements. •

Identification of needed Erosion & Sediment Control measures. •

Supplemental practices required. •

Virginia Construction Specifications (700 Series). •

Operation and Maintenance Plan. •

CHECK DATA

As-built survey. •

As-built plans including dimensions, types and quantities of materials installed, and variations from • design. Include justification for variations.

Locations of appurtenant practices. •

Adequacy of vegetation and/or ground cover. •

Complete as-built section of Cover Sheet. •

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Prepare an operation and maintenance plan for the operator.

At a minimum, include—

Instructions for operating and maintaining the system to ensure it functions properly. •

Periodic inspections and prompt repair or replacement of damaged components. •

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NRCS, VA

Periodic inspections and prompt repair of erosion. •

Instructions for maintaining healthy vegetation, when required. •

Instructions for controlling undesirable vegetation. •

REFERENCES

USDA NRCS. 1996. National Engineering Handbook (Title 210), Part 650, Chapter 16, Streambank and

Shoreline Protection. Washington, D.C.