HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGREEMENT BETWEEN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA; THE UGA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.; AND, SAVANNAH RIVER ECOLOGY LABORATORY AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
SAVANNAH RIVER ECOLOGY LABORATORY
AND
AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA
Effective, October 1, 2017,the University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.,
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory,hereinafter called the"University", accepts from Augusta-
Richmond County, a political subdivision of the state of Georgia through its Board of
Commissioners, hereinafter called the "Sponsor", a research grant,the conditions of which are as
follows:
I. Objectives: There are six objectives of this research grant. First,the University will
replace the previously-used aerial surveys with ground-based surveys (via UGA vehicle)
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), raptors, and avian species of special interest(bald
eagles, ospreys)using man-made wetlands in the vicinity of Augusta Regional Airport at Bush
Field, hereinafter called the "Airport". Specifically,this includes only the nearby Messerly
Wastewater Treatment Plant's artificial wetlands comprised of twelve individual wetland cells.
Surveys of the Merry Land and Investment Company's Brickyard Ponds will no longer be
included. 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
serve as a resource to Airport personnel by providing assistance for the purpose of identifying
birds involved in collisions with aircraft at the Airport and otherwise consulting with Airport
personnel on bird issues. 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 conduct a once-per-week
evening qualitative assessment of blackbird use of the wetlands during October—March to guide
bird harassment efforts conducted by the Sponsor's bird-harassment team. At the time of these
assessments, University personnel will also provide assistance to the bird-harassment team
members to refine their use of bird-harassment tools. Sixth and finally,the University will
summarize the above data in a manner so as to provide Airport and Augusta Utilities Department
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.
II. Programs: The principal contractor/investigator, Robert A. Kennamer, Savannah River
Ecology Laboratory,will direct the programs. The contractor/investigator will be assisted by
certain technical consultants. Commitments as to the extent of the obligations of this investigator
2
will be the responsibility of the investigator, within the scope of the work plans approved by the
Sponsor. Work plans for accomplishing each of the objectives listed above are attached.
III. Funds: (a). For the work accomplished by the University during the grant period from
October 1, 2017—September 30, 2018 (total cost- $87,682), the Sponsor will pay the University
$87,682 upon submission of periodic invoices and upon receipt of evidence approved by the
Sponsor that the work programs are progressing. 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. Liability: 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 eight(8) copies of a final report to the
Sponsor on November 1, 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. Interim presentations 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 Office of Management and Budget 2
CFR 200 in regard to accounting for staff workloads.
VII. 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.
(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 and/or
other University staff involved in the work may choose to be co-author(s) 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.
VIII. Duration: (a). The period of performance shall be from October 1, 2017—
September 30, 2018.
3
(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. Equal Opportunity Employment: 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 CONTRACTOR/INVESTIGATOR
BY: gli,,t--4, 4,..,..., DATE: $,%/ii
Robert A. Kennamer,
Research Professional I (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
BY: DATE: 08/11/17
Dr. David C. Lee,
Vice President for Research and Associate Provost
AUGUSTA-- RICHMOND COUNTY
J' !
BY: DIM,,... , . .._.___, ..,
Hardie Davis, Jr. Air ...12,ACH Mp,"k
e%w
' I / Mayor 4.p,'•,...•'.+.y• 4 i
q/67() i 0 (it 4' --,, .1.' IS, -.94 e 1)• .
I
t./r�/ A
AttesX.O'A,I'//,Ce, i
er .0Co: •`: on
EURG1t*
wsww+a"
4
General Scope of Work
for a Bird Study at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field
and Messerly Wastewater Treatment Plant Constructed Wetlands Project
While always endeavoring to effectively monitor bird populations that may or may not
pose a hazard to air traffic operations, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) at this time
intends to discontinue aerial survey coverage of: (1)the artificial wetlands (i.e., Constructed
Wetlands Project) constructed to process effluents from the Messerly Wastewater Treatment
Plant, and(2)the Merry Land and Investment Company Brickyard Ponds. The decision to
discontinue aerial bird surveys at this time is based upon results from more than 600 previous
aerial surveys (1998-2017) of these areas and other programmatic ground-based surveys,
together indicating that distributions and movements of heavily-bodied birds such as geese, other
waterfowl, and wading birds using these wetlands in the vicinity of Bush Field Airport have not
posed a particular concern from the perspective of a potential aircraft-bird strike hazard. In the
place of these aerial surveys, SREL will broaden the program of ground-based counts (described
below) at the Constructed Wetlands Project by counting these heavy-bodies bird species from a
vehicle visiting each of the twelve Constructed Wetlands Project cells on a twice-monthly basis.
If warranted, due to a perceived increase in the threat of aircraft strikes with such large-bodied
birds, SREL may consider resuming a program of aerial surveys to include the Constructed
Wetlands Project and Merry Land Brickyard Ponds in future contracts.
While discontinuing aerial surveys as described above, SREL also will 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, with the
habitat alterations now being implemented at the artificial wetlands during fall/winter(i.e.,
airboat crushing of vegetation) and with active bird dispersal activities (e.g.,pyrotechnics, or
acoustics) now being used at the airfield and the artificial wetlands, these ground-based bird
movement surveys have the further importance of helping to evaluate the effectiveness of these
techniques and identifying any new problematic bird movement patterns that might be created by
such bird disturbances.
This contract period will also include a series of qualitative assessments of blackbird use
of the entire artificial wetlands and surrounding tree-line that will be used to guide the bird
harassment activities conducted there. Particular areas within the wetlands harboring relatively
large numbers of roosting blackbirds will be identified before, during, and after Augusta Utilities
Department vegetation crushing by airboats. The results from these once-per-week assessments
(conducted from October through March)will be communicated to the bird-harassment team so
that optimizing adjustments can be made quickly to the bird harassment activities. These same
evening visits to the wetlands will also be used to meet with the Sponsor's bird-harassment team
members to train and refine their use of all the tools they have to work with, including the Avian
Dissuader laser and various pyrotechnic/launcher devices. These qualitative assessments will
5
further be used in the decision-making process to determine if and when vegetation crushing by
airboats will need to be carried out.
In addition to bird surveys described above,the SREL principal investigator and/or
technical consultants supported under this contract will act as an avian information resource by
providing professional consultation to the Sponsor's bird-harassment team and Bush Field
Airport personnel with regard to bird issues, including help in identifying the remains and/or
photographs of any birds involved in aircraft strikes in the vicinity of Bush Field or in the
effective use/deployment of bird-harassment techniques (e.g., sound, lasers,pyrotechnics, etc.)
that may be used. Additionally, Senior Ecologist Emeritus and former co-investigator on this
project, Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr.,will remain available for Sponsor consultations and meetings
with airport personnel as an unpaid contribution to the effort.
In order to keep the cost of this work as low as possible, SREL will continue to provide
an annual report to Augusta that is similar in detail to the previous year's (2017)version that
includes a comprehensive,yet simplified approach of summarizing the results primarily in
tabular and graphical form (excluding detailed statistical analyses),with an accompanying
Executive Summary explaining the meaning and importance of the data that have been collected.
The SREL principal investigator and/or technical consultants will be available however to
verbally discuss the findings with Augusta Utilities Department and 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 budget to personnel
who are involved directly with the collection and reporting of critical data.
Specific details for carrying-out the research programs of this study ([I] conducting
ground-based bird-movement surveys, [II] conducting qualitative assessments of roosting
blackbirds in the Constructed Wetlands Project with bird-harassment techniques refinement) are
provided in the two individual scope of work plans that follow. Separate budgets for each of the
two major study components are also provided.
6
RESEARCH PROGRAM I :
Scope of Work for Ground-Based Bird-Movement Surveys
at the Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field and
the Constructed Wetlands Project
(12 months, beginning October 1, 2017)
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 found in the area, numerous wading birds, divers
including cormorants and anhingas, blackbirds, gulls, and raptors including 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. Based on previous ground-based
bird-movement surveys, extremely large numbers (in the millions) of migrant blackbirds may
move through airspace in the vicinity of Bush Field and the Constructed Wetlands Project in the
fall/winter period on a twice-daily basis. These blackbirds, in particular, have created an annual
period of increased hazardous conditions to aircraft operating in the area.
SREL personnel will continue to collect ground-based bird data to determine daily
behavior and movement patterns (i.e.,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. In the absence of aerial surveys in this contract period, SREL intends to
broaden the program of ground-based counts at the Constructed Wetlands Project by counting
these heavy-bodies bird species from a vehicle by visiting each of the twelve Constructed
Wetlands Project cells on a twice-monthly basis.
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;
one hour added 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, for four weeks each month of the study. 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 10-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 final 30-minute observation bout ends approximately 15
7
minutes after sunset. During the observation bouts, observers will scan the 360°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 (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, soaring, 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 and/or JMP Pro 10 (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.
As a part of this Research Program,the SREL principal investigator and/or technical
consultants will act as an avian information resource by providing professional consultation to
Bush Field Airport personnel with regard to bird-strike issues, including help in identifying the
remains and/or photographs of any birds involved in aircraft strikes in the vicinity of Bush Field
or in the effective use/deployment of bird-harassment techniques (e.g., sound, lasers,
pyrotechnics, etc.)that may be used.
8
RESEARCH PROGRAM II :
Scope of Work for Conducting Qualitative Assessments
of Roosting Blackbirds in the Constructed Wetlands Project
with Bird-Harassment Techniques Refinement
(6 months, beginning October 1, 2017)
Based on previous ground-based surveys of bird abundance and movements in
and around the Constructed Wetlands Project of the Messerly Wastewater Treatment Plant
(WTP) near the Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field, blackbirds numbering into the millions
have been shown to roost at night within and adjacent to the Constructed Wetlands where they
use the standing vegetation of the wetland cells as a roosting substrate. This behavior is
particularly notable in the fall/winter months (November—February)when migratory blackbirds
frequent the area. Fall crushing of standing vegetation in the entire Constructed Wetlands was
first used as a successful habitat alteration for dissuading use of the wetlands by roosting
blackbirds in November and December 2008, and the process was continued again in 2009
through 2016, each time successfully removing the blackbird roost. This vegetation crushing will
be carried out once again as early as mid-October in 2017 by contractors working for the
Augusta Utilities Department. Although not necessary in past years,multiple airboat crushing
events in the same fall/winter may be required to maintain the desired vegetation alteration and
thus keep roosting blackbird numbers in check as the season progresses, so insight as to
whether/when vegetation re-crushing is needed will be valuable. In addition to altering habitat as
a bird deterrent,the WTP operator prior to December 31, 2009, Operations Management
International (OMI), Inc., first assembled a bird-harassment team in late 2008 to begin actively
engaging the roosting blackbirds with the aid of propane cannons and other pyrotechnic/acoustic
devices. Since January 1, 2010, operations of the WTP have been assumed by Environmental
Services Group (ESG), Inc. and they have provided a bird-harassment team to continue the bird
abatement program. As in 2009 through 2016, and with a continued desire to develop the
activities of the bird-harassment team, SREL personnel will again make qualitative assessments
of numbers of roosting blackbirds in the fall/winter of 2017-18 at all wetland cells and the
surrounding tree-line that will be used to guide and coordinate the activities of the bird-
harassment team. These same qualitative assessments will further be used in the decision-making
process to determine whether/when vegetation re-crushing by airboats will need to be carried
out. Additionally, SREL personnel will work with the bird-harassment team as needed to
increase basic bird knowledge and provide further training and refinement in their use of bird-
harassment tools.
During this contract period, once-per-week visits to the Constructed Wetlands will be
made from October through March. Since blackbirds roosting in the wetland cells arrive in the
evening and depart at dawn,the assessments will concentrate on the evening arrival period.
Observations will be conducted from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunset
(Eastern Standard Times). Each evening while at the Constructed Wetlands, SREL personnel
will qualitatively examine blackbird use of all wetland cells and the surrounding tree-line while
traversing the site in a vehicle, noting areas of high-density bird-use and prioritizing areas for the
concentration of bird harassment activities. SREL personnel will communicate the findings of
9
these assessments within 24-hours to designated ESG and/or Augusta Utilities Department
personnel via e-mail (primary) or voice communication (secondary). SREL personnel will also
assemble the communications/assessments made over the course of the 6-month period into a
text record (pdf file) for inclusion with annual final report documents. SREL personnel will also
coordinate to meet with bird-harassment team members while at the Constructed Wetlands as
needed for the purpose of general consultation on matters related to wetlands and birds,
improving basic knowledge of bird identification/behavior, and providing training/refinement in
the use of such devices as the Avian Dissuader laser,propane cannons, and various
pyrotechnic/launcher devices.
Under this agreement, SREL personnel will only be responsible for conducting the
assessments of bird use of the artificial wetlands and offering refinement of bird-harassment
techniques associated with this scope of work. SREL will not assume responsibility for
conducting the vegetation crushing or any other type of vegetation alteration. Costs and logistics
for conducting the vegetation alteration and costs associated with bird-scaring devices and the
actual bird harassment will be the responsibility of the Sponsor.
10
RESEARCH PROGRAM I :
Budget for Ground-Based Bird-Movement
Surveys at the Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field
and the Constructed Wetlands Project
(12 months, beginning October 1, 2017)
Personnel costs, including benefits
R.A. Kennamer(PI; Research Professional, 32%FTE)
Salary:$17,002 Benefits @ 13%: $2,210 $19,212.00
M. Oberkircher(Research Technician, 70%FTE)
Salary: $19,934 Benefits @ 66%: $13,156 $33,090.00
Vehicle expenses $ 2,500.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM II DIRECT COSTS $54,802.00
UGA/SREL INDIRECT COSTS (@ 34%) $18,633.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM II: TOTAL $73,435.00
11
RESEARCH PROGRAM II :
Budget for Conducting Qualitative Assessments
of Roosting Blackbirds in the Constructed Wetlands Project
with Bird-Harassment Techniques Refinement
(6 months, beginning October 1, 2017)
Personnel costs, including benefits
R.A. Kennamer(PI; Research Professional, 8.0%FTE)
Salary:$4,251 Benefits @ 13%: $553 $ 4,804.00
M. Oberkicher(Research Technician, 10%FTE)
Salary: $ 2,848 Benefits @ 66%: $ 1,880 $ 4,728.00
Vehicle expenses $ 1,000.00
Expendable supplies $ 100.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM III DIRECT COSTS $10,632.00
UGA/SREL INDIRECT COSTS (@ 34%) $ 3,615.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM II: TOTAL $14,247.00
RESEARCH PROGRAM I: TOTAL (from page 12) $73,435.00
GRAND TOTAL: $87,682.00
Prepared by: Robert A. Kennamer
The University of Georgia
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (803) 725-0387
P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802 rkennamer@srel.uga.edu