HomeMy WebLinkAboutUniversity of Georgia Research Foundation
Augusta Richmond GA
DOCUMENT NAME: U(\J IV~S n y of Gt O,e.(i~J A R€ se:ilRc.1-l h> ON l)trT1O.J\l
DOCUMENT TYPE: 'A '3 R.E: E m l2.dJf
YEAR: ;). 0 t) Y
BOX NUMBER: ~ S-
FILE NUMBER: l1 5" q I
NUMBER OF PAGES:
I~
c'
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE UNNERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INe.
SA V ANNAB RNER ECOLOGY LABORATORY
AND
THE AUGUSTA - RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA
CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT
Effective, October 1,2004, the University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.,
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, hereinafter called the "University", accepts from the
Augusta - Richmond County Consolidated Government, hereinafter called the "Sponsor", a
research grant, the conditions of which are as follows:
Obiect: There are six main objectives of this research grant. First, the University will continue to
develop and add to a previously-established aerial survey database describing the abundance and
distribution patterns of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans), wading birds (herons, egrets, ibises,
wood storks), other waterbirds (American coots, grebes, gallinules, cormorants, anhingas, gull
species), and avian species of special interest (bald eagles, ospreys) using wetlands (both natural
and man-made) in the vicinity of Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field, hereinafter called the
"Airport". Specifically, additions to this database will continue to describe use by the
aforementioned species of the nearby Messerly Wastewater Treatment Plant's artificial wetlands
and Merry Land and Investment Company's brickyard ponds. Second, the University will
continue to conduct ground-based bird movement surveys at both the Airport and the adjacent
artificial wetlands. These ground-based surveys are designed to provide time-and location-
specific information regarding the daily patterns of movement, altitude, and behavior of flocking
bird species such as blackbirds and larger-bodied bird species including waterfowl, wading birds,
and birds of prey. Third, the University will continue to provide assistance to Airport personnel,
as requested, for the purpose of identifying birds involved in collisions with aircraft at the
Airport. Fourth, the University will continue to examine historical and updated bird strike data
from the Airport to identify patterns that may be associated with the construction and operation
of the 'artificial wetlands. Fifth, the University will summarize the above data in a manner so as to
provide Airport officials useful information for identifying potential bird hazards in the vicinity
of the Airport, guiding bird control efforts, and gauging the effectiveness of bird control
measures over time. Finally, the University will cooperatively conduct once-a-month ground-
based bird movements surveys in association with real-time examination of radar imagery at the
Airport by personnel of Geo-Marine, Inc.
n. Programs: The principal contractor/investigator, Dr. 1. Lehr Brisbin, Jr., Savannah
River Ecology Laboratory, will direct the programs. The contractor/investigator will be assisted
2
by certain technical consultants. Commitments as to the extent of the obligations of these
investigators will be the responsibility of the principal investigator, within the scope of the work
plans approved by the Sponsor. Work plans for accomplishing each of the objectives listed above
are attached.
m. Funds: (a). For the work accomplished by the University during the grant period from
October 1,2004 - September 30,2005 (total cost - $81,588.00), the Sponsor will pay the
University $81,588.00 upon submission of an invoice and upon receipt of evidence approved by
the Sponsor that the work programs are well underway. Budgets for the research programs are
attached.
(b). If this research grant is terminated prior to the end of the grant period, payments by
the Sponsor shall be provided based on the actual incurred and/or obligated expenditures as of
the date of termination.
(c). Expenditures shall be made at the discretion of the principal investigator in
conformity with the approved budgets and work plans and in relation to the fiscal policies of the
University.
IV. Liabilitv: To the extent provided by Georgia law, each party agrees to be responsible
for any and all liability including claims, demands, losses, costs, damages, and expenses of every
kind and description, or damages to persons or property, arising out of or in connection with, or
occurring during the course of this contract, where such liability is founded upon or grows out of
the acts or omissions of any of the officers, employees, or agents of the party. The University
assumes no responsibility for its interpretation of the data collected under these studies, with
regard to aircraft accidents occurring as the result of bird strikes at the Airport.
V. Reports: The principal investigator will submit fifteen (15) copies of a final report to
the Sponsor on October 31, in the year of the investigation's completion, covering all aspects of
these investigations, in accordance with the conditions defined in the work plan agreed to by the
University and the Sponsor. An interim report or presentation summarizing the results to date of
the study, as described above, may be provided to the Sponsor if requested.
VI. Records: The University agrees to abide by the General Services Administration
Federal Management Circular O.M.B. A-21 in regard to accounting for staff workloads.
VIT. Publications: (a). The University shall have freedom of publication of the research
conducted under this contract.
(b). All manuscripts written for publication will be a collaborative effort between the
principal investigator and a designee of the Sponsor. In the event that no Sponsor collaborator is
designated, the Sponsor will be provided two (2) courtesy copies 'of any manuscripts written by
the principal investigator prior to publication.
3
(c). In the event that the Sponsor elects to provide data collected by the University under
this research program to a third party for publication purposes, the principal investigator shall
have the following options in regard to such publications: (1) The principal investigator may
choose to be a co-author of the publication, with editorial privileges and/or (2) The principal
investigator shall be allowed the option of having a disclaimer appear in the publication claiming
no responsibility for the use and interpretation of data collected by the University.
vrn. Duration: (a). The period of performance shall be from October 1,2004-
September 30, 2005.
(b). This research grant may be terminated at any time upon 30 days written notice by
either party.
(c). The contract covering these research programs shall be renewable on an annual basis
upon agreement of both the Sponsor and the University.
IX. Eaual Opportunity Emplovrnent: During the performance of this contract, the
University/Contractor agrees not to discriminate in its employment practices or subcontracts with
regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin or disability.
X. Inventions: Investigators/Contractors shall comply with the stipulations of P.L.96-517.
PRINCIPAL CON~A<JTORlINVESTIGATOR
BY: J.,j .J~ Ih<. DATE: /1./~Jt>Y
Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr.,
Senior Ecologist (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory)
UNNERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
BY: g~tjJJi DATE: /drioj
Dr. Gordhan L. Patel,
Vice President for Research
AUGUSTA - RICHMOND COUNTY CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT
-+
BY:
Bob YO~t: ~.~
Mayor~ .... .-;,,;- :'~"'" "
~: . ,~~--'.~:'~
DATE:
1f/11-/Ol{
ATTEST:
. ...........
II;J-...:""
; ~ -
4
Ecological Studies of Birds in the Vicinity of
the Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field and
the Messerly Wastewater Treatment Plant
To effectively monitor bird populations that mayor may not pose a hazard to air traffic
operations, we propose to continue aerial survey coverage of: (1) the artificial wetlands (i.e.,
Constructed Wetlands Proje~t) constructed to process effluents from the Messerly Wastewater
Treatment Plant, and (2) the Merry Land and Investment Company brickyard ponds.
Continuation of more limited bird surveys at only those two wetlands mentioned above is based
upon prior survey results (1998-2001) from a larger wetland complex indicating that these are the
wetlands in the vicinity of Bush Field that consistently attract the largest numbers of heavily-
bodied birds such as geese, other waterfowl, wading birds, and flocking blackbirds to the vicinity
of the airport where such species are of particular concern from the perspective of a potential
aircraft-bird strike hazard.
While limiting the extent of aerial surveys as described above, we also propose to
continue ground-based bird movement surveys at both the airfield and the adjacent constructed
wetlands. These ground-based surveys are designed to provide time-and location-specific
information regarding the daily patterns of movement, altitude, and behavior of the larger-bodied
bird species including waterfowl, wading birds, and birds of prey, as well as flocking blackbirds.
This specific information will provide the type of detail that will allow airport management and
flight controllers to continue to predict times, locations, and conditions of increased bird-strike
hazard potential that would be of particular consequence to aircraft in the area. Furthermore, in
the event that deliberate bird dispersal activities (e.g., custom-trained harassment dogs or birds of
prey, pyrotechnics, or acoustics) are initiated at the artificial wetlands, these ground-based bird
movement surveys would have the further importance of evaluating the success of such a bird
dispersal program and identifying problematic bird movement patterns that might be created by
bird disturbances.
In order to keep the cost of this work as low as possible, we propose to continue to
provide an annual report to Augusta that is reduced in detail from the earlier (1998-2001)
comprehensive versions that included extensive data analyses, statistical testing and
interpretations. Instead, a simplified approach will be used that summarizes the results in tabular
and graphical form, and is accompanied by a brief Executive Summary explaining the meaning
and importance of the data that have been collected. We will be available however to verbally
discuss our findings with Bush Field officials, including the Wildlife Control Specialist, as
necessary. This approach will continue to be the most cost-effective in terms of directing a
greater proportion of the overall personnel/salaries to field technicians who are involved directly
with the collection and reporting of critical data.
In addition to bird surveys described above, the principal investigator anellor technical
consultants supported under this contract will respond to all calls during the contract period for
assistance from airport officials, to help in identifying the remains anellor photographs of any
birds involved in aircraft strikes in the vicinity of Bush Field. If desired, these same individuals
will work with any Bush Field personnel during the contract period who may be interested in
5
improving their own abilities to identify such remains, and/or better understand the factors
involved in any bird strike incidents occurring in the vicinity of the airfield.
Specific details for carrying-out the research programs of this study ([I] conducting aerial
bird surveys, [m conducting ground-based bird movement surveys, [Ill] providing real-time
comparative bird movement data for the bird radar system) are provided in the three individual
work plans whic~ follow. Separate budgets for each of the three major study components are also
provided.
6
RESEARCH PROGRAM I:
Work Plan for Conducting Aerial Surveys of Birds
at the Constructed Wetlands Project
and the Merryland Ponds
(12 months, beginning October 1, 2004)
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) personnel will continue to engage the
services of Augusta Aviation, Inc., based at Daniel Field Airport in Augusta, to provide aircraft
and pilots for conducting aerial bird surveys over selected wetlands in the vicinity of Augusta
Regional Airport at Bush Field. Areas to be surveyed for birds will include only the Constructed
Wetlands Project ofthe Messerly Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Merry Land and
Investment Company brickyard ponds. These aerial surveys will be conducted in close
coordination with Bush Field administrative officials and air-traffic controllers to assure safety of
all aircraft operating in the vicinity of the airfield during the execution of these surveys.
During aerial surveys, SREL observers will reference only species and numbers of
individuals from the following list: waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans), wading birds (herons,
egrets, ibises, wood storks), other large and/or flocking waterbirds (coots, cormorants, anhingas,
gull spp.), and raptors (hawks, kites, vultures, bald eagles, ospreys). Sightings will. be map-
referenced at the time of occurrence. Other data to be included with each aerial survey are: date,
beginning and ending times of the survey, Savannah River stage at Butler Creek, local weather
conditions (including temperature, wind speed, extent of wetland icing in winter, etc.), and
sightings (map-referenced) of people, watercraft, or other disturbance-related activities taking
place during the aerial survey. Actual duration of these aerial surveys will be approximately 45
minutes each, allowing additional flight time of about 10 minutes for travel time to and from
Daniel Field and the possibility of surveys being interrupted by air-traffic controllers while other
aircraft move through the survey area. Aerial surveys will be conducted from a height of
approximately 250-300 ft and at a minimal, but safe airspeed given the prevailing weather
conditions.
This project will include fifty-one (51) flights over a contract period of twelve (12)
months to be executed at approximately weekly intervals (no aerial surveys will be undertaken
during the week of the Masters Golf Tournament). If inclement weather or aircraft unavailability
precludes the completion of more than five (5) flights over the contract period, flights may be
added to the end of the contract period or may be used for other purposes related to the study
during the contract period, at the discretion of the Sponsor.
For the purposes of electronic data storage and summarization, map-referenced data from
the aerial surveys will be pooled into two groupings of wetland locations. These wetland
groupings will include: (1) the Constructed Wetlands Project near the Messerly Wastewater
Treatment Plant, and (2) the Merry Land and Investment Company brickyard ponds.
7
Data will be stored on a networked PC-workstation operating in a Microsoft-Windows
environment. Upon project completion, all data will be provided to the Sponsor in a mutually
agreeable database format (e.g., Microsoft Excel). Data summaries will be performed using the
Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute, Inc.). Summaries will include locational (wetland
groupings as described above) differences in avian species assemblages and numbers, as well as
temporal (annual and seasonal) changes in the species assemblages and distributions.
8
RESEARCH PROGRAM ,II :
Work Plan for Conducting Ground-Based Bird-Movement
Surveys at the Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field
and the Constructed Wetlands Project
(12 months, beginning October 1, 2004)
Based on previous aerial surveys of bird abundance and distribution in wetlands near the
Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field, relatively large numbers of large-bodied aquatic birds
are found in the area, particularly during the winter period when migratory waterfowl are most
abundant. In addition to the many waterfowl, numerous wading birds, divers including
cormorants and anhingas, blackbirds, gulls, and vultures are known to frequent the area as well.
Wetlands near Bush Field harboring the majority of these birds include the Merry Land and
Investment Company brickyard ponds and the Constructed Wetlands Project of the Messerly
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) personnel will collect ground-based bird
data to determine daily behavior and movement patterns (Le., timing, directions, altitudes) of
birds moving through the airspaces of Bush Field and the Constructed Wetlands Project.
Emphasis will be placed on documentation of movements of flocking bird species such as
blackbirds and large-bodied bird species such as waterfowl that are most likely to produce
serious consequences when involved in collisions with aircraft.
Bird movements will be documented from routinely-monitored ground stations at Bush
Field and the Constructed Wetlands Project. Stations selected at Bush Field (3) and at the
Constructed Wetlands Project (1) in December 2001 will continue to be used to ensure adequate
coverage of the areas of interest. The daylight hours will be divided into four approximately
equal time blocks: (1) 15 minutes before sunrise until 9:00AM, (2) 9:01AM until 12:00PM, (3)
12:01PM until 3:00PM, and (4) 3:01PM until 15 minutes after sunset (Eastern Standard Times;
add one hour when Eastern Daylight Saving Time is in use). Emphasis will be placed on the time
blocks coinciding with sunrise and sunset, because most bird movements occur during these
times of the day. Observations will be made at two different stations within two different time
blocks daily, for two days each week. This methodology allows for all possible combinations of
the four locations and the four time blocks to be chosen monthly in a randomized design.
Observations will be made over a 2.5 hr period and will consist of four 30-minute observation
bouts with a lO-minute lapse between each observation period. Observations will be initiated at
the beginning of a time block with the exception of the last time block, which will be timed so
that the fmal30-minute observation bout ends approximately 15 minutes after sunset. During the
observation bouts, observers will scan the 3600 horizon with binoculars, attempting to collect
data on as many flying birds as possible with no upper limit on distance from the observer. Short
movements by birds (<100m) or movements by small passerine birds in flocks of less than 20
birds will not be recorded. Emphasis will be placed on movements of waterfowl (ducks and
geese), wading birds (herons, egrets, ibises, wood storks), other large and/or flocking waterbirds
9
(coots, cormorants, anhingas, gull spp., blackbird spp.), and raptors (hawks, kites, vultures, bald
eagles, ospreys). During times of intense movements, observers will give priority to larger birds
and larger flocks. Observations will be conducted regardless of weather conditions. In addition to
meteorological data, the following data will also be recorded for each observation: time, species,
actual or estimated number of individuals, approximate distance from the observer, approximate
direction from observer, estimated altitude above land or water, approximate direction of bird
movement, and flight behavior (e.g., level flight, landing, taking-off).
Data will be stored on a networked PC-workstation operating in a Microsoft-Windows
environment. Upon project completion, all data will be provided to the Sponsor in a mutually
agreeable database format (e.g., Microsoft Excel). For the purposes of electronic data storage and
summarization, bird movement data from Bush Field and the Constructed Wetlands Project will
be retained according to each of four observational stations. Data summaries will be performed
using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute, Inc.). Summaries will be made for each
observation station and will be comprised of avian species movement patterns including timing
and direction of flight, flight altitudes, and temporal (annual and seasonal) changes in bird
movement patterns.
. ,
]0
RESEARCH PROGRAM ill:
Work Plan for Providing Real-Time, Ground-Based Bird-Movement
Data for Direct Comparison with the Augusta Regional
Airport at Bush Field Bird Radar System
(12 months, beginning October 1,2004)
In July, 2004, under the direction of Augusta's Utilities Department, Geo-Marine, Inc. of
PIano, TX installed a Mobile Avian Radar System (MARS) for the automated detection of bird
movements at the Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field. In support of this effort, Savannah
River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) personnel will collect ground-based bird data to provide
real-time behavior and movement patterns (i.e., timing, directions, altitudes) of birds moving
through the airspace surrounding Bush Field to Geo-Marine designated personnel actively
operating the bird radar system. This effort will have the purpose of quickly making
adjustments to the radar system as necessary for the efficient operation of the equipment.
Observations will be made at one station on the airfield immediately adjacent to the radar
system for one day each month, for up to three (3) hours per day. SREL personnel will
coordinate directly with Geo-Marine personnel to determine precise dates and times for
undertaking the activity. During the observations, SREL personnel will scan the 3600 horizon
with binoculars, attempting to vocally relay data on as many flying birds as possible with no
upper limit on distance from the observer. The following data will be relayed for each
observation: species, actual or estimated number of individuals, approximate distance from the
observer, approximate direction from observer, estimated altitude above land or water,
approximate direction of bird movement, and flight behavior (e.g., level flight, landing, taking-
off). Any failure of Geo-Marine personnel to participate in previously scheduled events on
mutually accepted dates does not constitute a forfeiture of SREL's incurred expenses.
. .
RESEARCH PROGRAM I :
Budget for Conducting Aerial Surveys of Birds at the
Constructed Wetlands Project and the Merryland Ponds
(12 months, beginning October 1,2004)
Personnel costs, including benefits
I.L. Brisbin, Jr. (Principal Investigator, 3% FfE)
Salary: $3,764 Benefits: $979
R.A. Kennamer (Research Coordinator, 10% FfE)
Salary: $4,245 Benefits: $1,104
W.L. Stephens, Jr. (Flight Observer, 20% FI'E)
Salary: $6,673 Benefits: $2,403
Aircraft and pilot (Augusta Aviation, Daniel Field)
weekly aerial surveys @ approx. 0.75 hr each
Vehicle expenses
RESEARCH PROGRAM I DIRECT COSTS
Other direct SREL costs (facilities, operations)
SREL DIRECT COSTS (PROGRAM I)
Indirect costs (Univ. Georgia overhead, 11%)
RESEARCHPROGRAM I: TOTAL
$ 4,743.00
$ 5,349.00
$ 9,076.00
$ 4,590.00
$ 1,500.00
$25,258.00
$ 5,052.00
$30,310.00
$ 3,334.00
$33,644.00
] ]
a .
RESEARCH PROGRAM II:
Budget for Conducting Ground-Based Bird-Movement
Surveys at the Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field
and the Constructed Wetlands Project
(12 months, beginning October 1,2004)
Personnel costs, including benefits
I.L. Brisbin, Jr. (Principal Investigator, 3% FfE)
Salary: $3,764 Benefits: $979
R.A. Kennamer (Research Coordinator, 15% FfE)
Salary: $6,368 Benefits: $1,656
C. Eldridge (Bird Observer, 45% FfE)
Salary: $14,550 Benefits: $4,947
$ 4,743.00
$ 8,024.00
$19,497.00
Vehicle expenses
$ 2,500.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM II DIRECT COSTS
$34,764.00
Other direct SREL costs (facilities, operations)
$ 7,000.00
SREL DIRECT COSTS (pROGRAM II)
$41,764.00
Indirect costs (Univ. Georgia overhead, 11%)
$ 4,594.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM IT: TOTAL
$46,358.00
12
< .
13
RESEARCH PROGRAM ill :
Budget for Providing Real-Time, Ground-Based Bird-Movement
Data for Direct Comparison with the Augusta Regional
Airport at Bush Field Bird Radar System
(12 months, beginning October 1, 2004)
Personnel costs, including benefits
C. Eldridge (Bird Observer, 2.5% FrE)
Salary: $808 Benefits: $81
$ 889.00
Vehicle expenses
$ 300.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM III DIRECT COSTS
$ 1,189.00
Other direct SREL costs (facilities, operations)
$ 240.00
SREL DIRECT COSTS (pROGRAM III)
$ 1,429.00
Indirect costs (Univ. Georgia overhead, 11%)
$ 157.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM III: TOTAL
$ 1,586.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM II: TOTAL (from page 12)
$46,358.00
$33,644.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM I : TOTAL (from page 11)
GRAND TOTAL:
$81,588.00
Prepared by: Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr. and Robert A. Kennamer
University of Georgia
S.avann~ River Ecology Laboratory (803) 725-0387
P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802 kennamer@srel.edu
R E<CIE DVElD>
DEe 0 6 2004
---------------