U-F2_2020 NALF Final SWCP.pdf

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PLAN

Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Unit-F-2 Fentress Farmable Area: 260.8 Acres Chesapeake, Virginia March 13, 2020

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Plan was prepared by Mr. Bryan Alexander the Agricultural Lease Manager at the Environmental Planning and Conservation Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC MID- ATLANTIC), Building Z-140, Room 116, 9324 Virginia Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23511 phone 757-341-1656.

Mr. Alexander will be the Government Representative of the Navy in administering the Soil and Water Conservation Plan.

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

Daily operational conflicts or problems can be resolved by calling the NASO Natural Resources Specialist, Michael Wright at 757-433-3461 or the NAVFAC MID-ATLANTIC Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander at 757-341-1656.

The unit of land available for agriculture leasing is located at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, Chesapeake, Virginia. The gross area of approximately 260.8 acres includes access roads and drainage ditches and is made up of two non-contiguous parcels of land. Net farmable acres will be less than 260.8 acres. The unit is located on the Southern side of side of the Station, and is accessed off of Fentress Airfield Road and Government Road. A location map is found in (Attachment 1).

Special Provisions

Current military use of the land is to provide buffer and peripheral areas to perform military air operations within an effective compatible use zone. There is a strict prohibition of electronic interference with communications.

The station requires that the lessee coordinate at least 72 hours prior to bringing equipment and/or chemicals onto the installation, with the NAS Oceana’s Natural Resources Specialist, Michael Wright at 757- 433-3461.

In the event that the lessee experiences a delay or problem caused by the Navy, they must immediately notify the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander to resolve the problem at 757-341-1656.

Hunting on the leased lands is permitted. The Station is responsible for coordinating the programs with the lessee. Excessive damage caused by these activities must be reported immediately to the NAS Oceana Natural Resources Specialist, Michael Wright at 757-433-3461.

Farming operations are to be restricted to the production of corn, soybeans, small grains, cotton, or hay/silage crops. When agreeing to the terms and conditions of the agricultural lease, special attention shall be paid to crop selection and its underlying impacts to the Bird/Animal Strike Hazard (BASH) program.

The Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander 757-341-1656 requires a crop report including crop location and planting schedules be provided to him 1 month prior to field preparation and planting each season. A copy of this plan will be forwarded to NAS Oceana’s Natural Resources Specialist, Michael Wright. Tilling of soil prior to planting should be conducted at night whenever possible to reduce the affinity of exposed ground and food sources for birds. When harvesting crops, spillage should be minimized and cleaned up promptly.

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

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

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

All equipment shall be clean (no visible soil, plant or animal material) prior to arrival on the installation to minimize and avoid the spread of non-native invasive species. It is required that all equipment after utilization on the installation also be cleaned prior to utilization on other properties. If equipment is being utilized on one Navy installation and is transported to another Navy installation it must be cleaned prior to use on the other Navy property.

Cultural Resources

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

ATLANTIC 757-341-1656.

Conservation Inventory

The 260.8 acres is considered a single farming unit. The land is wet and requires drainage. The land capability is Class IIIW for soil type 71, Acredale silt loam. The land capability is Class III when properly drained. Open ditch drainage is required to assure production.

Conservation Practices

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

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

The use of Hampton Roads Sanitation Division’s biosolids disposal program will be approved on a case-by-case scenario. Coordination of this program must be made, 30 days prior to application with the NAVFAC MID- ATLANTIC Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander at 757-341-1656.

Herbicides/Pesticides

Pesticides to be used by the Lessee must be coordinated and approved by Mr. Christopher Martin 757-322- 4611 Entomologist at NAVFAC Atlantic, within 30 days of award of the lease. This includes any potential pesticides used for aerial application. Pesticide requirements are found in Attachments 2, and 3 of this

Plan, as well as the Armed Forces Pest Management Board Technical Guide 15. All pesticide approvals and the reporting of pesticide use, must be done through the NAVFAC Online Pesticide Reporting System.

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

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

Mixing of pesticides is allowed on site if the lessee uses spill containment equipment. Storing of pesticides on site is not allowed.

The Lessee shall report all farm chemical spills, leaks or releases to the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander at 757-341-1656 and to NAS Oceana via the emergency coordination number at 757-433-3911.

All aerial application request will be approved on a case by case scenario. The lessee must contact the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander at 757-341-1656 at least 72 hours prior to application event.

The Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander, will coordinate aerial spray schedule with NASO PWD EV. The pilot of the crop dusting aircraft must contact the NAS Oceana Air Operations Duty Officer (757- 433-2163) prior to take off to update ETA and location, and coordinate with Air Traffic Control (757-433- 3471). This approval / notification must be direct contact and not voice mail message. Notification shall include POC for the Crop Dusting pilot, date, time and location of the spray application.

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

The Air Operations Officer will determine whether or not to cancel or reschedule the operation.

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

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

Additional requirements for pesticide use on the property are provided in Attachment 2, Pesticide Mixing, Storage and Use on Navy-Owned Property Leased for Agricultural Purposes.

Conservation Requirements

Non-Reimbursable work

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

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

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

https://noprs.pestlogics.com/

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

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

b. It is highly encouraged/recommended that no-tilled strips/Vegetation buffer strips, a minimum of three

(3) feet wide, shall be maintained along edges of ditch banks to prevent soil sloughing into ditches, and to serve as erosion control filter strips. Width of no-tilled strips will be strictly enforced. Width of no-tilled strips are measured from the top of the ditch bank and away from the ditch, towards the crop. Lessee shall avoid “ scalping” ditch banks to avoid eroding ditch banks.

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

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

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

Reimbursable Work

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

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

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

GOVERNMENT OFFICES CONCERNED WITH THIS LEASE

Mr. Bryan Alexander Ms. Michael Wright Code EV22 NASO Oceana NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic 953 Hornet Drive 9324 Virginia Avenue. Building 820 Norfolk, VA 23511 Virginia Beach, VA 23460-2273

(757) 341-1656 (757) 433-3461

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

(757) 433-2678 757-341-1996

Attachment 1

ATTACHMENT 2

Pesticide Mixing, Storage, and Use on

Navy-Owned Property Leased for Agricultural Purposes

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

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

2. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

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

b. Certificate of Insurance If a commercial applicator will apply pesticide(s), proof of Insurance as a pesticide applicator business shall be forwarded to the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander, before the pesticide application(s) are performed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. PESTICIDE APPLICATION AND CONTROL OPERATIONS

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

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

a. Pesticide Preparation and Use.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

b. Pesticide Mixing.

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

c. Storage of Pesticides.

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

d. Pesticide Disposal.

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

e. Spill Management.

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

f. Safety Equipment.

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

g. Pesticide Spills and Decontamination.

The Lessee is responsible for properly cleaning, decontaminating, and reporting pesticide spills to the Agricultural Lease Manager, Bryan Alexander 757-341-1656 as well as to NAS Oceana via the emergency coordination number at 757-433-3911.

h. Pesticide Dispersal Equipment Markings.

All pesticide dispersal equipment shall be clearly and plainly marked with

"DANGER"..."PESTICIDES".

4. SPECIFIC PESTICIDE USE PROVISIONS

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

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

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

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

5. HERBICIDE REQUIREMENTS

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

ATTACHMENT 3

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Item # Description Submit To

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

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

Include copies of proof of insurance by Commercial Applicator.

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

4. Report pesticide use in NOPRS annually Submit online at https://noprs.pestlogics.com/

5. Pesticide Spill Report immediately Bryan Alexander, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Agricultural Lease Manager

Emergency Communication Center

6. Approval of Aerial Pesticide application Bryan Alexander, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic 72 hours prior Agricultural Lease Manager

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

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