1  

Scope of Work Pavillion, WY 2016 Supplemental Groundwater Investigation

Phase 3: Sampling and Analysis of Water Supply Wells

The 2016 Pavillion, Wyoming Area Domestic Water Wells and Palatability Study Report (Report) identified data gaps and made recommendations for additional investigation activities within the Pavillion Gas Field. Not all recommendations which are outlined in the Report are included in this SOW. This SOW will focus on the following:

1. Identification of groundwater constituents that cause palatability issues. Additional sampling is recommended for constituents associated with palatability issues (e.g. organosulfides, sulfides analysis in field) or other geochemical/biomarkers for bacteria such as next generation sequencing of bacterial populations in groundwater. This additional sampling would help identify the microbial community within the well and assist in designing a treatment method for the well water. The additional targeted sampling should be complemented with limited analyses for general water quality parameters (e.g. major cations/anions and total dissolved solids (TDS)) to assess comparability of the groundwater samples to earlier sample data. The additional analyses could include:

Microbial community characterization

Organosulfides (e.g. thiols, thioethers, disulfides)

Sulfides

Major cations, anions, and TDS as in the 2014 sampling

2. Organic chemical detection limits. As part of the additional sampling recommended above, analyze samples for VOCs and SVOCs to achieve lower MDLs for the specific chemicals listed on Table 29 (attached) as necessary. To achieve lower MDLs for these chemicals, the contractor must select an analytical laboratory and analytical methods capable of achieving reporting limits at or below the applicable screening criteria.

The Consultant shall provide assistance to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) Water Quality Division (WQD) to fulfill the above recommendations in the Report by completing the tasks detailed in this SOW. The major task to be accomplished during the Phase 3 Pavillion, WY Supplemental Groundwater Investigation includes collection and analysis of groundwater samples and quality assurance samples from thirteen (13) domestic water supply wells previously sampled as part of the Phase 1 investigation and as outlined in the June 2013 Framework Document. Data collected during Phase 3 will be submitted to WDEQ/WQD in electronic and hardcopy formats. All Phase 3 work shall be performed in accordance with project specific Sampling and Analysis Plan(s) (SAP), Quality Assurance Project Plan(s) (QAPP) and procedures developed by the Consultant and approved by WDEQ/WQD.

  2  

Phase 3 tasks and deliverables will be completed according to the project schedule included below. A description of the tasks related to Phase 3 include, but are not limited to:

TASK 1 – Project Planning

The Consultant will provide an approved SAP and QAPP in order to meet the objectives of Phase 3. This will include verifying analytical methods to achieve lower detection limits to meet Drinking Water Standard or Comparison limits listed in Table 29 of the Draft Report. This may also be achieved by identifying suitable surrogates, alternate methods (i.e. silica gel cleanup, SIMS analysis), or literature review of acceptable levels evaluated through other agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration or U.S. Department of Agriculture. Consultant shall provide to the WDEQ/WQD a memo identifying the constituents and analytical methods for Phase 3 as well as how uncertainties or issues previously encountered (holding times, shipping issues, laboratory reporting limits) will be planned for and minimized during this project phase. As part of the planning process, the Consultant shall provide information on the objective of analysis for microbial community characterization. Discussion should include the selected analytical method to characterize the microbial community and the usability of the data once collected for decision making. If WDEQ determines the information will not provide data that is required under the framework document, further evaluation and analysis of these analyses may not occur. Task 1 Deliverables:

Memo detailing constituents and analytical methods; SAP, QAPP and/or SAP; and uncertainties/issues with contingency plans to minimize such issues during Phase 3.

A memo explaining the need for microbial community characterization and how the data may be useful.

TASK 2 – Conduct a Project Kickoff Meeting

The Consultant Principal or Senior Project Manager shall attend a kick-off meeting by teleconference with the WDEQ prior to commencing on-site activities. The project kick-off meeting will be hosted by the WDEQ in order to review the project tasks and objectives with the Consultant.

TASK 3 – Field Sampling and Laboratory Analysis

The Consultant shall conduct one sampling event on up to 13 private water wells ranging in a total depth of 30 to 750 feet below ground surface. Consultant shall schedule the field activities and coordinate with the analytical laboratories for sample receipt and analysis

  3  

within required sample holding times. Consultant shall be aware of holding time issues encountered during the 2014 sampling effort, and attempt to minimize these issues (i.e. direct delivery of samples to contract and sub-contract labs as necessary). Consultant shall mobilize necessary staff and equipment to the site and conduct groundwater sampling. Any non-dedicated sampling equipment shall be decontaminated according to the SAP/QAPP prior to the commencement of first sample collection and between each subsequent sample. Wells to be sampled for Phase 3 include: LD02, PGDW05, PGDW14, PGDW20, PGDW23, PGDW30, PGDW32, PGDW33, PGDW41A, PGDW41B, PGDW44, PGDW45, and PGDW49 (See Figure 2, attached). The samples will be collected and managed as detailed in the WDEQ approved SAP and QAPP. Samples will be analyzed using the following methods, or other available method in order to meet the Drinking Water Standard or Comparison limits identified in Table 29 of the Report:

Analysis Laboratory Method Dissolved Oxygen Optical luminescence (ROX™) Ferrous iron Field Measurement - Hach Method 8146 with

AccVac™ Oxidation-Reduction Potential Field Measurement - AG/AgCl reference

electrodes pH Field Measurement - Glass sensing and

AG/AgCl reference electrodes Salinity NA (Calculation) Specific Conductance Field Measurement - Four electrode cell Temperature Field Measurement - Thermistor Turbidity Field Measurement - Optical Sulfide Field Measurement - Hach EPA SW8131 Major Cations (Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium, Strontium)

SW846 6010B

Major Anions (Alkalinity-Bicarbonate, Alkalinity-Carbonate, Alkalinity-Hydroxide, Alkalinity-Total CaCO3, Bromide, Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrate, Nitrite, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solids)

EPA 300.0, SM 2320B, SM 2450C       

 

Organosulfides GC/MS (EPA SW8270D-M; lab-specific)

  4  

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (See Table 29)

EPA SW8260B (method should be modified or other method identified which will reach lower method detection limits below Drinking Water Standard or Comparison limits)

Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) (See Table 29)

EPA SW8270C (method should be modified or other method identified which will reach lower method detection limits below Drinking Water Standard or Comparison limits. A possible method may include a SIM Analysis)

Micro-organisms (Iron-related bacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria, slime-forming bacteria, methanogens, methanoforms, etc.)

Next Generation Sequencing (proprietary methods)

On-site field activities will be conducted in a manner that minimizes the generation of investigation derived wastes (IDW) to the extent practical. Consultant, with the input of the landowner, shall identify available discharge locations of purged groundwater. In addition, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) samples will be collected during the sampling event in accordance with the approved SAP and QAPP. Analytical data will be validated according to the QAPP. Task 3 Deliverables:

Analytical data in electronic and hardcopy format. Electronic and hardcopy data shall include analytical laboratory reports including QA/QC data, QA/QC review, and revision of applicable data tables from the Draft Report. Data validation shall be performed with the same procedures and requirements as implemented during the previous sampling event.

Scope of Work Assumptions: 1. Active involvement and prompt responses to Consultant requests by the WDEQ Project

Manager and other project stakeholders. 2. Site access for the Consultant will be obtained by the WDEQ 3. Field Activities are weather permitting. 4. The WDEQ Project Manager is Ms. Nicole Twing. Her contact information is: 307-777-

8275 or email at Nicole.twing@wyo.gov.

Optional Task Item

The WDEQ may request an additional round of groundwater sampling, to be completed under the requirements of Task 3, based on the results of the initial round of groundwater sampling.

  5  

TASK 4 – Sampling Update Memo The Consultant shall provide a memo with explanatory text detailing the field work that was conducted, any issues encountered in the field that could compromise sample integrity or quality, laboratory analysis, and provide a summary of data usability. Task 4 Deliverables:

Sample memo in electronic and hardcopy format.

If microbial community characterization is conducted, a memo in electronic and hardcopy format will be provided with an evaluation of the data collected to include an interpretation of the microbial community results, potential effects of the microbial communities on water palatability, and potential treatment options for the specific strains detected in the water wells.

Scope of Work Schedule: The estimated time for completion of this scope of work is December 31, 2017.

Work specified in this SOW shall be completed by December 31, 2017. This SOW will be paid on a Time and Materials Basis, using the billing rates provided by the Consultant. Total payment for this SOW shall not exceed the task specific estimates provided. Consultant may bill monthly. Please submit electronic copies of draft invoices to the WDEQ Project Manager, Nicole Twing, at Nicole.twing@wyo.gov prior to submission of final invoices. Final invoices should then be sent to DEQ Administration, Attn: Lara Kay Asbury, 200 West 17th St, Fourth Floor, Cheyenne, WY, 82002.

Schedule: Please submit a proposed schedule of all required tasks and include the time in which they will be conducted and completed. Time should be allowed in the schedule for WDEQ review and Consultant revision of contract deliverables. The WDEQ anticipates the field activities outlined in the ‘Project Objectives’ section to begin as soon as possible after notice to proceed, weather permitting, with final reporting to the WDEQ by December 31, 2017. Additional Considerations

1. The Consultant, in consultation with the WDEQ, is responsible for identifying needed additional resources, experts, etc. to ensure the project timeline, budget, and scientific goals and integrity are met. If the Consultant determines that a third party is required to assist with fulfilling this scope of work, the Consultant shall be responsible for subcontracting, and managing sub-contractors to ensure timely project completion. The Consultant shall provide vetting information of suggested sub-contractors to WDEQ/WQD for screening and approval. The WDEQ/WQD retains final approval authority for all sub-contractors.

2. Consultants should be aware of and comply with all applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to this type of project.

  6  

3. The WDEQ project manager will request and obtain any access agreements necessary for access on private property.

4. The Consultant and sub-contractors are not authorized to act as agents of WDEQ, but rather, are to engage in communication with third parties strictly in performance of their duties as negotiated in the contract.

5. All deliverables are subject to approval of the WDEQ/WQD.

6. Performance of Work: The Consultant is responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, timely completion and coordination of all designs, drawings, specifications, reports and other services furnished by the Consultant under this contract. The Consultant shall, without additional compensation, correct or revise any errors, omissions or other deficiencies in designs, drawings, specifications, reports and other services.

WDEQ approval of drawings, designs, specifications, reports and incidental work or materials furnished hereunder shall not in any way relieve the Consultant of responsibility for the technical adequacy of his/her work. WDEQ review, approval, acceptance or payment for any of the services shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights under the contract or of any cause of action arising out of the performance of the contract associated with this SOW.

The Consultant shall be, and remain liable, in accordance with applicable law for all damages to the state caused by the Consultant’s negligent performance of any of the services furnished under this contract, except for errors, omissions or other deficiencies to the extent attributable to WDEQ, WDEQ-furnished data or any third party. The Consultant shall not be responsible for any time delays in the project caused by circumstances beyond the Consultant’s control.

The Consultant’s obligations under this clause are in addition to the Consultant’s other express or implied assurances under this contract or state law and in no way diminish any other rights that WDEQ may have against the Consultant for faulty materials, equipment or work.

7. Removal of Equipment When No Longer Necessary: Equipment utilized by the Consultant and/or sub-contractors will be removed from work areas upon completion of field activities.

8. Changes in Key Personnel: If key personnel originally identified by name by the Consultant (or sub-contractor) in the contract are replaced by another employee, this change in staffing must be approved by the WDEQ project manager prior to the change going into effect. If the staff change is not approved by the WDEQ project manager and no other qualified staff is available for consideration, as determined by the WDEQ project manager, the contract may be terminated for cause at the WDEQ project manager’s discretion.

  7  

9. Laboratory Analyses: All laboratory analyses for any sampling or monitoring completed

under this contract, whether by the Consultant or sub-contractor(s), shall be performed in accordance with: all QA/QC standards outlined in this SOW, the SAP and the QAPP. Any deviation from the QA/QC standards which are the direct result of Consultant error and results in laboratory data that can be only used for qualitative purposes, shall be at the expense of the Consultant and the WDEQ will not reimburse for the associated expenses.

10. Site Safety Plan and Protection of Property: The Consultant shall be responsible for initiating, maintaining and supervising all safety precautions and programs in connection with the work. To the extent it is within the Consultant’s control, the Consultant shall take all necessary precautions for the safety of, and shall provide the necessary protection to prevent damage, injury, or loss to:

i) All employees conducting the work and other persons who may be affected thereby;

ii) All work and all materials or equipment to be incorporated therein, whether in storage or off-site; and

iii) Other property at the Site or adjacent thereto, including trees, shrubs, lawns, walks, pavements, roadways, structures and utilities not designated for removal, relocation or replacement in the course of project activities.

Attachments: Figure 1: Pavillion Gas Field Table 29