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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-221-E DEAPR - SePRO Corp. - participate in 2nd year of Eno River Hydrilla Mgmt. Task Force Pilot Study DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 [Departmental Use Only] TITLE Eno River Hydrilla Study FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 ORANGE COUNTY CONTRACT UNDER$15,000.00 NORTH CAROLINA THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 1st day of March, 2016, ("Effective Date") by and between Orange County, North Carolina, a political subdivision of the State of North Carolina, (the "County"), party of the first part; and SePRO Corporation of Carmel, Indiana (the "Provider"), party of the second part; WITNESSETH: For the purpose and subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the County hereby contracts for the services of the Provider, and the Provider agrees to provide the following services to the County in accordance with the terms of this Agreement,time being of the essence: The services and/or materials (hereinafter referred to collectively as "Services") to be furnished under this Agreement are as follows: The second year of a two-year pilot study conducted by the Eno River Hydrilla Management Task Force to manage the spread of an aquatic weed (hydrilla) in the Eno River. The project is described in the attached "Technical Modifications Summary and Cost Quote for 2016 Project Support", dated February 22, 2016. The total estimated project cost is $56,399 which is to apportioned equally amongst seven project partners: Orange County, Durham County, Town of Hillsborough, City of Durham, City of Raleigh,NC Division of Parks and Recreation and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The County's share($8,057) is to be paid in two installments: $4,500 in FY 2015-16 and $3,557 in FY 2016- 17. The term of this agreement rendered shall be from April 1, 2016 to October 20, 2016. Provider represents and agrees that Provider is qualified to perform and fully capable of performing and providing the services required or necessary under this Agreement in a fully competent, professional and timely manner to the satisfaction of the County. Provider shall be responsible for all errors or omissions, in the performance of the Agreement. Provider shall correct any and all errors, omissions, discrepancies, ambiguities, mistakes or conflicts at no additional cost to the County. Provider agrees that Provider shall not sub-contract any of the services to be provided in this Agreement, nor shall Provider assign any right or responsibility granted or required by this Agreement, without the prior written approval of the County. SPECIFIC TERMS 1. Payment: The County agrees to pay at the rates specified for Services satisfactorily performed in accord with this Agreement. The amount to be paid by the County shall not exceed Eight Thousand and Fifty-Seven Dollars, ($8,057.00). Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days of an invoice properly submitted to County. Should Provider fail to perform its duties under the terms of this Agreement, County may, without fault or penalty, withhold any payment associated with the work to be performed until such time as said work is completed. 2. Non--waiver: Failure by County at any time to require the performance by Provider of any of the provisions hereof shall in no way waive or affect the County's right hereunder to enforce the same, nor shall any waiver by the County of any breach be held to be a waiver of any succeeding breach or a waiver of this Non-Waiver Clause. 3. hidewndent Contrwor: The Provider shall operate as an independent contractor and the County shall not be responsible for any of the Provider's acts or omissions. The Provider shall not be treated as an employee with respect to the Services performed hereunder for federal or state tax, unemployment or Revised 1/16 1 DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 workers' compensation purposes. The Provider understands that neither federal, nor state, nor payroll tax of any kind shall be withheld or paid by the County on behalf of the Provider or the employees of the Provider. 4. [nsuranre: Provider shall obtain, at its sole expense, Commercial General Liability Insurance, Automobile Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance, and any additional insurance as may be required by County's Risk Manager as such insurance requirements are described in the Orange County Risk Transfer Policy and Orange County Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements (each document is incorporated herein by reference and may be viewed at http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments purchasing division/contracts.php). If County's Risk Manager determines additional insurance coverage is required such additional insurance shall consist of (if no additional insurance required mark N/A as being not applicable). Provider shall not commence work until such insurance is in effect and certification thereof has been received by the County's Risk Manager. 5. llldellmity: The Provider agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Orange County from all losses, liabilities, claims, demands, suits, costs, damages or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from bodily injury, including death, to any person or persons or damage to or destruction of any property caused in whole or in part by any negligent or intentional act or omission on the part of the Provider, its agents, or assigns directly or indirectly related to the Services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement on the part of the Provider. 6. Termination: This Agreement may be terminated at any time by mutual written agreement of the parties or by the County upon written notice to the Provider. County may suspend this Agreement upon reasonable notice to the Provider. 7. Entire A�trcenient and Signatin-es: The parties have read this Agreement and agree to be bound by all of its terms, and further agree that it constitutes the complete and exclusive statement of the Agreement between the parties unless and until modified in writing and signed by the parties. This Agreement together with any amendments or modifications may be executed electronically. All electronic signatures affixed hereto evidence the intent of the Parties to comply with Article I IA and Article 40 of North Carolina General Statute Chapter 66. 8. Priority: In determining the basic services to be provided, should any documents be referenced in or attached to this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall have priority in any conflict between the terms of referenced documents and the terms of this Agreement. 9. Governing, Law: Both parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. Provider shall at all times remain in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations including but not limited to all anti-discrimination laws. By executing this Agreement Provider affirms that Provider is and shall remain in compliance with Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the North Carolina General Statutes. 10. Dispute Resolution: Any and all suits or actions to enforce, interpret, or seek damages with respect to any provision of, or the performance or non-performance of, this Agreement shall be brought in the General Court of Justice of North Carolina sitting in Orange County, North Carolina. It is agreed by the parties that no other court shall have jurisdiction or venue with respect to such suits or actions. Binding arbitration may not be initiated by either Party, however, the Parties may agree to nonbinding mediation of any dispute prior to the bringing of such suit or action. 11. Noll Appropriation: Provider acknowledges that County is a governmental entity, and the validity of this Agreement is based upon the availability of public funding under the authority of its statutory mandate. In the event that public funds are unavailable and not appropriated for the performance of County's Revised 1/16 2 DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 obligations under this Agreement, then this Agreement shall automatically expire without penalty to County immediately upon written notice to Provider of the unavailability and non-appropriation of public funds. [SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW] Revised 1/16 3 DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, County and the Provider have signed this Agreement, effective as of the day first written above. ORANGE COUNTY PROVIDER DocuSigned by: By: &6VGVLic, RMM By: County age_f4B755E477... Title: 200 S. Cameron St. Tyler J. Koschnick,VP-Sales and Research P.O. Box 8181 SePRO Corporation Hillsborough,NC 27278 11550 N. Meridian St.,#600, Carmel, IN 46032 Revised 1/16 4 DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 10, 2015 Action Agenda Item No. 6 SUBJECT: Eno River Hydrilla Management Pilot Study Update DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) ATTACHMENTS: INFORMATION CONTACTS: A. Hydrilla Verticillata and Eno David Stancil, 245-2510 Infestation Photographs Thomas Davis, 245-2510 B. Photograph of Eno Hydrilla Management Task Force Open House C. Example of Hydrilla Public Outreach Flyer D. Eno River at Pleasant Green Road, August 2012 and August 2015 PURPOSE: To receive an update on the first year of a two-year pilot study examining the management of hydrilla in the Eno River. BACKGROUND: Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) is an invasive aquatic plant native to Asia that was first noted in the United States in the 1960s (Attachment A). Since then, hydrilla has spread rapidly in the U.S., reaching nuisance levels in many locations. Hydrilla has been called "the perfect aquatic plant" because it spreads rapidly, is able to reproduce in four different ways, grows in extremely low light, and is able to crowd out native aquatic vegetation. For many years hydrilla has been present in portions of the Eno watershed, including Lake Orange, Corporation Lake, and the West Fork of the Eno Reservoir. More recently, Eno River State Park staff noted that hydrilla is their "number one resource management problem in the Eno". Hydrilla causes negative water quality impacts, can be harmful to the river ecosystem, and adversely impacts the recreational experiences of people visiting the State Park and elsewhere. Hydrilla can be spread from one water body to another via watercraft or waterfowl. The plant can also be spread by people discarding aquarium materials into waterways. In 2011 the Eno River Hydrilla Management Task Force, comprised of local governments and state agencies, including the Aquatic Weed Program of the NC Division of Water Resources, began planning to address the hydrilla infestation in the Eno River. The Task Force agreed to conduct a two-year pilot study to examine the effectiveness of using a US Environmental Protection Agency-approved herbicide to manage hydrilla in a portion of the river. In April 2015 the Task Force hosted a public information open house in Hillsborough concerning the pilot DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 2 study (Attachment B). Details were provided on the problem, the results of an Environmental Assessment for the proposed project, and the selection of a contractor to apply and monitor the herbicide in the Eno. Additional public outreach efforts were conducted throughout the watershed (Attachment C). Pilot study herbicide treatments in the Eno River began in late May 2015. Low stream flows over the summer aided in maintaining a consistent concentration of fluridone, the active ingredient in the herbicide, throughout the treatment zone, from Lawrence Road east of Hillsborough downstream to Roxboro Road in Durham. Monitoring of the concentration of fluridone in various locations along the river occurred throughout the duration of the study. Monitoring of native vegetation, snails, crayfish and fish above and within the treatment zone was also conducted before and during the hydrilla treatment. Bleaching of hydrilla was observed after just one week of herbicide treatments. Within four weeks, there was notable reduction in the density of hydrilla in the treatment zone. Further herbicide treatment resulted in dramatic differences in hydrilla density between the treatment area and the untreated area upstream. Nearly-complete removal of visible hydrilla vegetation was reported at locations within the area of treatment (Attachment D). The Eno Hydrilla Management Task Force will continue to evaluate data from surveys of the Eno River ecosystem both within and above the treatment zone. Native vegetation is responding positively. It is anticipated that the results of the first year of the pilot study will be overwhelmingly positive, and that the Task Force will proceed with the second year of treatment. Over the winter months, the Task Force will consider using a lower concentration of fluridone, starting the injection process earlier in the growing season, and adding a second injection location in order to further minimize the apparent impact to native plants. Following completion of the full two-year pilot study, the Task Force will begin to discuss long-term objectives for the management of hydrilla throughout the Eno River watershed. Lastly, the County recently completed a contract with the NC Division of Water Resources for the addition of sterile grass carp to Lake Orange, which is infested with hydrilla. Grass carp are routinely used to help control hydrilla in lakes and reservoirs. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The total cost of this two-year pilot study is $150,000, with the NC Division of Water Resources providing half of the funding. DEAPR has agreed to provide $10,716 for the pilot study. Additional hydrilla management, especially if the treatment area is increased, could require some level of financial commitment on the part of the County after the pilot study concludes in FY2015-2016. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this agenda item: • GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies. DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 3 This two-year pilot study to manage hydrilla aims to increase access to the Eno River and Eno River State Park for all. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the information presented and provide direction to staff as needed. DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 I Attachment A. • I and infestation • River, summer 2015 w � JS Hydrilla I I To +.r 5 . .. �, - •��•°=�. rte. � �. _ . r,. T. ! DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 5 Attachment B. Eno Hydrilla Management Task Force public information open house in Hillsborough, April 2015 Ta 1 � T i DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 6 Attachment C. NC State Parks Hydrilla in the Eno trifold flyer, front and back Cooperative How Can Partners R ! YDRILLA YOU M . . 01 �rIl in the 7-, L Educate yourself and others on Hydrilla ' }�illslann`ugh 2.Report sightings of Hydrilla to Eno PA River State Park staff 1_.. - 0 3.Clean your boat and equipment "c=° STEPS to clean your wuaa�, boat and equipment 1.Remove,brush and wash any visible mud,plants,other debris before Center for Aquatic&Invasive Plants transporting. plants.ifas.ufl.edu/ 2.Drain water from boat before going into another water body. NCSU 3.Let boat/trailer/equipment completely www.weedscience.ncsu.edu/ dry out prior to using at another site. aquaticweeds/hydrilla.pdf 4.Check your canoe or kayak storage areas,paddles and carry straps. NC Aquatic Weed Control Program S.Check your fishing pole,gear and bait ncwater.org/?page=72 bucket for plants,mud or debris. Beforeleavingandbeforelavmhing.,. Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council inspect everything! se-eppc.org/manual/HYVE.htmi �L r� vwl i Point of ' F Eno River State Park /f 913383-1686 Pravrd.d Lyth.RC.owff—&Pams.nd R..r..don W ." r. as ,. - Inc paranon with Nc.oivken o7 wsmr R.xnumes eno.river6z�ncparks.AOv Hydrilla Hydrilla Facts Current Infestation •Even a small fragment of hydrilla can Hydrilla verticillata r i grow into a new plant. •Hydrilla is an invasive exotic species _ (native to Asia). Y �`°�""•'"""°"""" 'Hydrilla is one of the worst aquatic weeds in the United States. It is illegal to transport hydrilla. Most of the Hydrilla plant is below the surface of the water. Management Strategies .. Key Characteristics to look for: Herbicide applications in summer. •Leaflet Number:3-10 leaves per whorl Effects of Hydrilla •Leaf Margin:Finely serrated Selected herbicides are: •Leaf/Leaflet Shape:oblong •Approved by the EPA for aquatic sites. •it has the potential to negatively +Leaf Length:1/3-1/2 inch •Pet safe/non-toxic to fish. impact p s< ?r a s s a , `Do not restrict recreational activity at •Interferes with recreation(boating, r,: application rates. fishing and swimming) - � •Harmful to native aquatic communities >~ t r Hydrilla Is invading North Carolina and it •Reduces water flow /. can overwhelm waterways after only a •Loss of property values and tourism few growing seasons!•Harbors toxic cyanobacteria that leads E' to bird deaths from AVM " — _ People play a critical role in preventing, detecting and reporting new infestations. DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 7 Attachment D. Eno River near Pleasant Green Road, August 2012 (top) and August 2015 (bottom), illustrating the effect of fluridone treatment r Ae i ♦. '� • > . N rya^ -s i • 4 t iLJ 4. 0 �. i y l� � DocuSign Envelope ID: CCD5A630-F3A4-4984-86E5-2F9BFE4A9469 PAT MCCRORY DONALD R. VAN DER VAART S. JAY ZIMMERMAN November 30, 2015 Mr. Tom Davis,Water Resources Coordinator Orange County 306A Revere Rd. Hillsborough,NC 27278 Re: Future State Funding for Aquatic Weed Control Projects Dear Mr. Tom Davis; As a unit of local government currently receiving financial assistance for aquatic weed management through our cooperative funding program,this letter is intended as notification of a change in the funding process for the Aquatic Weed Control Program(AWCP). Under G.S.143-215.73F [Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Lake Maintenance Fund]—Uses of Fund.; states the following: "(2)For aquatic weed control projects in waters of the State located within lakes under Article 15 of Chapter I I 3 of the General Statutes. Funding for aquatic weed control projects is limited to five hundred thousand dollars($500,000)in each fiscal year." The above referenced statute limits the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality—Division of Water Resources' (DEQ-DWR)AWCP to only provide technical assistance and funding of projects that are located within lakes. In the past,the AWCP funding was provided through the Water Resources Development Projects with no limitations on aquatic weed control projects in the states surface waters. This change in the use of funds for the AWCP may affect one or more of your projects, for which the DWR has previously provided technical and financial assistance. We understand this operational change may result in management issues with existing aquatic weed infestations within your jurisdiction that previously qualified for technical and financial assistance. At this time, only projects located within lakes will be eligible for the technical and financial assistance. Thank you very much for your attention to this important matter. Please contact Linwood Peele at ll nwood. ceIe(avncdenr.�oy or(919)707-9024, or Tom Fransen at toln.franseli(u ncdenr.�4ov or(919)707- 9015,if we can be of further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Fransen,Water Planning Section Chief Division of Water Resources State of North Carolina I Enviromnental Quality I Water Resources 1611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1611 919 707 9000