Rock_Point_SDV_SOW_12-18-2024.pdf

Scope of Work

Sheep Dip Vat Site (SDV) Sampling/Removal

Rock Point SDV, Apache County, Rock Point, Arizona

INTRODUCTION

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Navajo Regional Office (NRO) Branch of Environmental

Management (BEM) is seeking an environmental contractor to conduct the sampling and removal of the former Rock Point Sheep Dip Vat (SDV) structures and contaminated soil. The project shall be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 shall require site assessment/characterization of the dip vat area.

Phase 2 shall require the demolition and removal of all structures associated with the SDV, excavation of contaminated soils at the dip vat area, discharge pit, known drainage area, along with the backfilling the excavated area with clean soil, and reseed to restore to natural vegetation in the area.

The Rock Point SDV is located approximately 10 miles west on US Highway 191 and approximately ½ mile off Navajo Route N8090. The site is located on the Navajo Nation Reservation under the Rock

Point Chapter. Coordinates are 36°36'17.48" N, 109°42'36.60" W (Figure 1). The surrounding land is undeveloped and is primarily used for grazing and wildlife habitat.

BIA NRO BEM is conducting a voluntary cleanup of sheep dip vat sites across the Navajo Nation reservation under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and

Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) which requires sampling, site characterization and the complete removal of all SDV structures and contaminated soil. The primary soil screening value for toxaphene is set for 0.49 parts per million (ppm) as required by the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency

(NNEPA) Superfund Program to protect human health and the environment. BEM is working in conjunction with the NNEPA Superfund Program to cleanup and remediate former SDV sites across the

Navajo Nation reservation.

BACKGROUND

A site investigation was conducted by OA Systems Corporation in 2003 for the NRO BIA. In Phase I, the site was screened to determine if toxaphene was present at levels above 40 ppm (mg/Kg) in the surface soils. If any samples came back above 40 ppm, additional samples were taken to determine the lateral extent of the toxaphene contamination. One location at the site was above 40 ppm, so additional samples were taken (Figure 2). Due its persistence and no bioremediation conducted at the site; BEM is requesting that site be resampled to determine the extent of any contamination.

Toxaphene and lindane-based solutions were primarily used at these SDV sites as a pesticide to eradicate skin conditions and parasites on livestock. A typical SDV included an entrance corral, vat or trough, post-dip corral, heating system, discharge pit and a discharge area. The corrals were commonly constructed with wood. A typical vat was made of concrete and approximately five feet deep and thirty feet long and built at or below grade. The livestock were herded into the entrance corral that had a concrete pad at the entrance to the vat. The livestock were prodded through a pesticide solution and exited into a post-dip corral. The pesticide solution was a mixture of water and toxaphene/lindane-based solution. The water for the dip solution were supplied by a nearby well by way of underground piping and sometimes plumbed to an aboveground heating system to warm the water. At the end of a dipping event, the remaining pesticide solution were typically discharged into unlined pits or pumped out onto the ground.

Description of this site entails a well located next to the trench and a pipe connects the well to the trench at the dip vat site. On the opposite side of the trench is a drainage pit that is lined with rocks and cement. A plastic drainpipe appeared to exit at a drain pit close to the river. The distance from the vat the drainage pit is approximately 63 feet. No fire pit was observed. The ground surface is relatively flat and consists of dirt, natural desert vegetation and weeds.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: February 1, 2025, through June 1, 2025. The period of performance will be 120 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

PHASE 1-Sampling/Site Characterization

TASK 1: Pre-Work Submittals

All pre-work submittals shall be submitted to the Navajo Region BEM within thirty (30) calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.

A. The contractor shall submit a work plan for Phase 1 and 2, along with the project schedule for BIA’s review and approval prior to commencement of work. The plan should document the proposed work, project work schedule, soil sampling plan including a quality assurance/quality control plan, excavation plan, and off-site disposal activities. The work plan shall also include traffic routes, dust control, and a hazard communication plan for the public or residences living nearby the site.

B. The contractor shall provide a Health and Safety Plan (HASP) to address worker protection in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120. The HASP shall contain certifications/licensures of all workers involved in the project. The plan shall identify all required personnel protective equipment (PPE) for all task and provide procedures for proper usage. The plan will address any known and potentially occurring environmental and biological hazards that may be encountered at the site. Biological hazards include venomous insects, snakes/reptiles, and asbestos containing material. In addition, the plan shall address precautions for human health hazards such as the Covid-19 virus.

C. The contractor shall prepare a letter on behalf of the BIA to the NNEPA Superfund Program located in Window Rock, Arizona. The letter will describe the proposed work and proposed schedule.

D. The contractor shall work with the Navajo Nation Historical Preservation Program to obtain Cultural

Resource Compliance Form (CRCF) Section 106 and the Navajo Nation Fish and Wildlife for

Biological Resource Compliance Form (BRCF) Section 7 review of the Endangered Species Act. These programs are in Window Rock, Arizona. Should the contractor require additional assistance the NRO

Branch of Environmental Quality Act Compliance Review (BEQACR) can be a resource for guidance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.

E. The contractor shall utilize an accredited and certified laboratory to analyze the soil samples using

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 8081A. The contractor shall provide the name and certifications of the selected laboratory in the work plan.

TASK 2: Coordination/Sampling/Analyses

A. The contractor shall arrange a meeting with the Navajo Nation Superfund point of contact on the work plan and work schedule for guidance and recommendations. Other sampling requests may be required following consultation with NNEPA Superfund Program. In these situations, the sampling protocols will be identified, and a bid submittal will be sent to the BIA Contracting Officer for inclusion in the SOW without further advertisement.

B. Soil sampling shall be done to determine the extent of contamination at the Rock Point SDV site.

Contractor shall fully define the vertical and horizontal extent of toxaphene in soils. The potential receptors will determine the cleanup plan to be conducted for this SDV site.

1. Determine the vertical extent of soil and sediment contamination by taking a minimum of three (3) samples at the maximum depth of 12 inches at the entrance and exit pads, heating unit, trench, disposal area/pit, and if no pit is found, sampling shall be conducted at the nearest stream down gradient from the SDV site.

2. Water samples shall be collected from the nearest ponds/lakes near the SDV site or where water is present. If there is an operational down gradient pump or cistern or adjacent water sources samples shall be collected. If water samples are to be taken from cistern, the cistern will be purged at least three times the water volume of the cistern and a water sample than collected following recharge. If no water is available, contractor shall document this information in the final report.

3. Decontamination of sampling equipment shall be in accordance with the approved sampling and analyses plan. Sampling the locations outlined shall be conducted to define the horizontal and vertical extent of toxaphene.

4. Sampling grid and a table showing the Global Positioning System (GPS) shall be utilized to show the assessment area, drainage area/disposal pit and locations exceeding the RSL of 0.49 mg/kg.

C. Confirmation of the extent of contamination must be verified through laboratory analyses of soil for organochlorine pesticides by EPA Method 8081A.

TASK 3: Soil Sampling – SDV perimeter with RSL exceedance

A. Based on initial sampling results, if the soil sampling results show exceedances further sampling is required. If confirmation samples contain toxaphene in exceedance of the RSL, it is assumed that the contamination extends an additional 10 ft outside the investigation area. Therefore, the recommended sampling grid shall be by 10 ft by 10 ft rows. The soil boring placement of one (1) boring on each of the corners and in center of each grid of the investigation area. Soil samples will be collected at depths of 0-

0.5 ft, 0.5-1 ft, 1-3 ft, and 3-5 ft, for total of four (4) samples per boring. The sampling grid will be extended until results indicate soil is clean.

B. Soil samples taken at the extended area shall be submitted to accredited laboratory to be analyzed for toxphene using EPA Method 8081A. The complete analytical data reports from the laboratory shall be provided to the BIA and show the extent of toxaphene contamination at the perimeter areas.

C. All contaminated soil requires excavation and disposal. If no contamination is found, excavation of the site shall be backfilled with clean soil.

D. The contractor will provide detailed maps to illustrate the requirements for excavation to remove all contaminated soil.

PHASE 2 Removal of Contaminated Soil/Structures

TASK 1: Removal

A. All wooden posts, fencing wire, concrete debris/pads, and associated SDV structures such as piping shall be removed and dispose of accordingly.

B. All contaminated soils shall be removed by contractor and backfilled with clean soil.

C. The contractor shall prepare a map of the SDV’s existing structures and associated developments before removal/demolition.

TASK 2: Excavation

A. The soil removal action for the Rock Point SDV site shall be conducted based on the sampling results as defined in Tasks 2 and 3, along with the site investigation by the contractor. The contaminated soil and concrete shall be sent to a Subtitle D landfill unless the contamination is not acceptable at

Subtitle D landfill.

B. The contractor shall submit to the BIA BEM the volume of contaminated soil to be excavated, along with the estimated weight of concrete, associated piping and other solid waste/other debris to be disposed of.

C. If the site identifies contaminated soil outside the initial sampled area and the perimeter sampled area of RSL exceedance, the contractor shall update the BIA CO and BEM Contracting Officer

Representative (COR) of any revised cost estimates. The contractor shall provide a map of the extended sampling grid with results to the BIA BEM and recommended excavation area. The contractor shall provide cost estimates for the additional work before work is conducted.

D. During excavation, care shall be taken due to the public and livestock in the area. Perimeter fencing shall be installed and maintained for the duration of the work to prevent entry into the site. The contractor shall apply dust control when the public is within proximity of the work area. Contractor shall utilize secondary containment during excavation to prevent spread of contaminated soil.

E. The excavated areas will be backfilled with clean soil. Contractor shall fill all voids and excavated areas with clean fill and compact the area to 90% proctor density; grade and contour the area to prevent ponding or subsidence and meet the existing grad elevations contours. Backfill sources shall be provided to BIA prior to use by the contractor.

F. Upon completion of the excavation and backfill, the contractor shall reseed the disturbed area to match existing vegetation.

G. A project manager or equivalent must be present to supervise, direct, assist, and ensure the safety of the technicians and the public for the entire duration of the work.

TASK 3: Disposal

A. The contractor shall provide a traffic plan during transport of the contaminated soil and concrete debris. The removal of all concrete dip vat, entrance pads, exit pads, and associated piping/concrete structures shall be excavated and disposed of in a Subtitle D landfill unless the contamination is not acceptable at Subtitle D landfill. The contractor shall provide the name and address of the disposal facility for the soil and concrete to be transported to. All governing laws shall be adhered to during transport of the material.

B. Contractor shall ensure that all documentation for the disposal is maintained and shall be made record and provided in the final report. The contractor may not sign the manifest on behalf of the BIA.

When a signature is required, the contractor will inform the BIA in advance via a phone call or email and the BIA BEM will provide arrangements. Any variation to this task will be pre-approved by the

BIA NRO BEM Regional Environmental Scientist.

TASK 4: Reports

The contractor will provide a draft of the final report to the BIA BEM and the Navajo Nation Superfund program within 15 business days upon completion of the project. The report will contain:

A. A description of the work performed.

B. Figures of all drawings/maps showing the sampling locations and results and tables with GPS coordinates and any figures of extended sampling area and results shall be included. Sample log, field forms, boring logs, and photographic logs suitable for an explanation of findings/work will be presented in the report.

C. Full documentation shall be maintained for all field testing, results, and project completions. During field settings, the contractor shall maintain a daily log and record all events relevant to a task order. Any additional subcontractors shall do likewise. The logs will be signed and closed daily. The logs shall be included in the final report and shall become the property of BIA.

D. Excavation/disposal logs and all transportation documents shall be included in the final report.

E. A copy of all bills, receipts and time sheets shall be maintained and included in the final report.

F. The draft report shall be submitted to BIA BEM for review within 15 business days upon completion of the project for approval.

G. When the draft is approved to finalize, the contractor shall prepare a final version of the report in

Adobe Acrobat pdf format for distribution and two (2) electronic file copies in Microsoft Word® format one read-only and one writeable version marked for “BIA Use Only”. The BIA shall be the owner of all documents prepared by the contractor. The contractor shall not copyright or write protect any documents or utilize any data from the project without written consent from the government.

Environmental Professional Certification: The final report shall be stamped and certified by an environmental professional that the work was conducted in accordance with work plan and applicable environmental federal regulations.

Acceptance Requirements: The COR, in consultation with the BEM and possibly representatives of the USEPA and NNEPA, will determine the acceptability of work performed. In the event, any agent of the Navajo Nation communicates with the contractor the NRO BIA BEM COR shall be immediately informed.

Source of Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals from contractors shall contain the following information:

1. A Summary of:

▪ Qualifications and related experience

▪ Environmental Project Manager Resume

▪ Demonstrate project experience on Navajo Trust lands.

2. A list of all subcontractors, including qualifications/certifications and experience

3. Best technological approach

4. References from clients documenting experience.

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO CONTRACTORS

Special conditions:

The contractor shall adhere to all applicable federal and tribal laws and regulations and payment of tribal taxes.

The contractor shall participate in project meetings during both phases of the project and be readily available to present updates and progress on the project as requested by BEM to any regulatory agency.

The contractor must furnish electrical power and procure water to perform the remedial actions for toxaphene cleanup. All testing equipment or solid waste shall be removed on daily basis from the site.

Contractor shall not distribute concrete or any materials to the local public due to potential liability issues for BIA and the contractor.

The contractor is responsible for any sub-contractors employed during the project and shall ensure proper training and certifications are maintained for the project. Certifications and any necessary training shall be included in the work plan.

All contact with the public, private and regulatory community shall be made through BIA CO and the

BIA BEM COR. The contractor shall not communicate any project work on behalf of the federal government to the public. No information may be released without written consent from the Bureau of

Indian Affairs, Navajo Region.