HomeMy WebLinkAboutC2008-455 - 11/18/2008 - ApprovedCITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
RINCON BAYOU DIVERSION PROJECT -
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING: 2008-2009
CONTRACT FOR SERVICES
The City of Corpus Christi, Texas, hereinafter called "City", and the Harte Research Institute at Texas
A&M University -Corpus Christi, hereinafter called "Harte", hereby agree as follows:
I. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED
Harte hereby agrees to perform all consulting services necessary to plan, develop, undertake, complete, and
report the results of a study for:
• Biological monitoring at three (3) locations as described in the "Research Contract Proposal titled
"Rincon Bayou Diversion Project, Biological Monitoring, Year 8:2008 -2009 dated August 18, 2008"
attached as Exhibit A.
II. SCOPE OF SERVICES
HARTE's services will be those necessary to provide the monitoring required deliver an annual written report
corresponding to the major tasks outlined in the Research Proposal dated August 18, 2008. Harte will
complete the tasks set forth by Section II.A as set forth in the research proposal attached as Exhibit A.
A. TASKS
Rincon Bavou Monitorino-
The monitoring will assist in the:
• Determination of whether any harm occurs as the result of freshwater diversion from the Nueces
River into Rincon Bayou;
• Assessment of the benefits of the diversion on primary and secondary productivity in Rincon Bayou;
and
• Development of an optimal operational management procedure for freshwater pass-through based on
sound scientific basis.
Tasks to be completed include monthly:
• Water column hydrography (salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen concentrations) will be
measured during each station at each sampling period.
• Benthic infauna biomass, abundance, density, diversity and species distribution in Rincon Bayou will
be determined and compared to relevant changes in water hydrography (e.g., salinity).
• Sediment characteristics (e.g., sediment grain size) samples will be collected and analyzed.
B. RESEARCH PLAN AND METHODS
The specific research plan and methods for the 2008 - 2009 monitoring period are set forth in the Research
Contract Proposal incorporated as Exhibit A of this contract.
C. PRODUCTS
Harte will deliver an annual written report by January 2009. The annual report will be written by the principal
investigators Harte will not change the principal investigators without_nntifying the Ci of the_propoged
replacement and receiving written approval from the City. The City will not unreasonably withhold approval.
The comprehensive annual report will describe the results of the tasks associated with the Rincon Bayou and
Allison Wastewater Diversion. Findings will be integrated and presented to assess the current status of the
estuarine ecosystem of the Nueces Delta. All annual reports will be technical reports of the Harte Research
Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The principal investigators involved with this project will
assist the City of Corpus Christi, either through written or personal communication ordirect presentation to the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, should any proposed changes to the work plan be necessary.
Principal investioators will participate In any meetings necessary to allow the City to coordinate the findings
2008-455 Page 1 of 3
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M2008-311
Tx. A&M - CC
with other studies prepared by separate contract. The City reserves the right to terminate monitoring Allison
Wastewater Monitoring services by written notice to the principal researcher.
Each chapter will incorporate the results of the current year with that of prior year data. Temporal and spatial
comparisons that display significant correlations or patterns among various physical parameters (e.g., as
salinity and sediment grain size) will be presented in graphic or tabular format. Comparisons with past studies
and other neighboring studies will be made where data exist.
D. ORDER OF SERVICES
The monitoring period will be for 12 months, from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.
III. FEES AUTHORIZED
The City will pay HARTE a fixed fee not to exceed $59,383.00 for providing all services. This fee will be full
and total compensation for all services provided and expenses incurred in pertorming the tasks specified in
Section II. Invoices will be submitted to the Director of Engineering Services. Invoices will be submitted once
per quarter for services rendered. All invoices shall be accompanied by a cover letter summarizing project
status and the tasks undertaken during the time period covered by the invoice. Invoices will be based on the
budget included as part of Exhibit A. Invoices will be sequentially numbered for each project, state the project
name (Rincon Bayou Diversion Project- Biological Monitoring -2008-2009) and City project number (8443).
The letter shall state the number of the current invoice, the total authorized fee, the amount previously
invoiced, and the current amount due. Statements will be based upon percent of project completed.
However, a final payment of $3,500 will be retained until delivery of the final report.
IV. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT
The City may, at any time, with or without cause, terminate this contract upon 30 days written notice to HARTE
at the addresses specified below. If termination occurs prior to the final completion of all work contemplated
by this contract, HARTE shall be paid for all reasonable costs incurred or contractually committed to be
expended as of the effective termination date, including salaries of appointees for the remainder of their
appointment. The foregoing shall not be construed to require the City to compensate HARTE for any services
not performed in a proper, professional manner.
V. NOTICE ADDRESS
Correspondence concerning this contract shall be sent to the City and HARTE as follows:
City:
Director of Engineering Services
City of Corpus Christi
P.O. Box 9277
Corpus Christi, TX 78469-9277
512-880-3500
Fax:512-880-3501
KevinsCa ci.corpus-christ.tx.us
HARTE:
Paul A. Montagna, Ph. D.
Harte Research Institute
Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
361-825-2040
Fax: 361-825-2050
VI. LOCAL PARTICIPATION
The City Council's stated policy is that City expenditures on contracts for professional services be of maximum
VII. ASSIGNABILITY
Harte will not assign, transfer or delegate any of its obligations or duties under this contract to any other
person without the prior written consent of the City, except for routine duties delegated to personnel of Harte.
No part of Harte's fee may be assigned in advance of receipt by Harte without written consent of the City.
The City shall not pay the fees of expert or technical assistance and consultants unless such employment,
including the rate of compensation, has been approved in writing by the City.
VIII. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Page 2 of 3
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Incompliance with City of Corpus Christi Ordinance No. 17112, Harte agrees to complete the City of Corpus
Christi Disclosure of Interests form attached as Exhibit "B".
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
By: ~~ _ ~~- u-u~ By:
Oscar Martinez Date
Assistant City Manager
ATTEST: ,,'~ ~~'~ /
City Secretary Date/ r
APPROVED AS TO FORM: '/
Assistant City Attorney Date
(- II/pl/D4
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY -CORPUS
~~ ~ Jd ~J~lar
P I A. Mont a, Ph. D. Date
Prlneipal Investigator
Scholarly Activity
I,6~~D ~
D an Date
Graduate Studies, Assoc. V.P. &
`^~~tli..~. AUTHORIIF~
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Page 3 of 3
H:\H OM E\KEVI NS\GE N\WATE R\R I N CON\2008-2009\HarteContract.doc
RESEARCH CONTRACT PROPOSAL
TO: Mr. Kevin Stowers, Contracts/Funds Administrator
City of Corpus Christi
Engineering/Director's Office, 3`d Floor
1201 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Telephone: (361) 880-3506, Fax: (361) 880-3501
TITLE: RINCON BAYOU DIVERSION PROJECT,
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING, YEAR 8: 2008 - 2009
COST: $ 59,383
PERIOD: 1 October 2008 - 30 September 2009
FROM: Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi
Harte Research Institute
6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5869
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412
PRINCIPAL
INVESTIGATOR: Paul A. Montagna, Ph.D.
Phone: 361-825-2040, Fax: 361-825-2050
DATE: August 18, 2008
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STATEMENT OF WORK
RINCON BAYOU DIVERSION PROJECT
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING YEAR 8: 2008 - 2009
Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
1. SUMMARY
In South Texas, low annual rainfall, high evaporation, and diversion of river water to
support growing municipal, agricultural and industrial needs have substantially reduced
freshwater inflow into the Nueces Estuary. Low freshwater inflow results in hypersaline waters
and soils that are diluted only through direct precipitation or by flooding of the Nueces River
during extreme hydrographic events, such as the passing of a tropical storm or hurricane (Texas
Department of Water Resources, 1982; Bureau of Reclamation, 2000). Hypersaline conditions
compromise productivity of phytoplankton, benthos (bottom dwelling organisms) and emergent
vegetation, eventually impacting productivity at higher trophi levels including finfish and
shellfish. A previous demonstration project was conducted October 1994 through December
1999 by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). The BOR concluded that freshwater additions to the
upper reaches of the Nueces Marsh had positive impacts including decreased soil and water
column salinity, improved habitat quality and availability, and increased productivity of some
estuarine species (Bureau of Reclamation, 2000).
In October 2001, the City of Corpus Christi (City) elected to continue freshwater
diversions through the Nueces River Overflow Channel (NOC), which was initially created as
the primary diversion channel in the BOR project. The City re-dug this channel to a depth of 0.3
m above mean sea level (MSL) to increase freshwater inflows into Rincon Bayou, the natural
headwater of the estuary. In addition, a pipeline has been constructed that can deliver up to 3.7 x
106 m3 mo ~ (3,000 acre-ft mo ~) from Calallen Pool to Rincon Bayou. To further understand the
impacts of these freshwater diversions, the City has undertaken along-term monitoring program.
Monitoring is required under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
operating rule for the Nueces Estuary adopted 4 April 2001. Specifically, the rule requires the
City to "implement an on-going monitoring and assessment program designed to facilitate an
adaptive management program for freshwater inflows into the Nueces Estuary." This proposal
supports that monitoring requirement. Monitoring objectives include detecting changes in water
column, benthos, emergent vegetation, and soil characteristics at several study stations along
Rincon Bayou and the Nueces River. Monitoring at many of these stations began during the
BOR Demonstration Project.
2. MONITORING GOALS
1) Determine if "no harm" occurs as a result of fres water aversion rom t e ueces rver
into Rincon Bayou.
2) Assess the benefits of the diversion on primary and secondary productivity in Rincon
Bayou.
3) Develop an optimal operational management procedure for freshwater pass-throughs
based on sound science.
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3. TASKS
1) Water column hydrography (salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen concentrations)
will be measured during each station at each sampling period.
2) Benthic infauna biomass, abundance, density, diversity and species distribution in Rincon
Bayou will be determined and compared to relevant changes in water hydrography (e.g.,
salinity).
3) Sediment characteristics (e.g., sediment grain size) samples will be collected and
analyzed.
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1. Locations of the Rincon Bayou Diversion Project monitoring stations, the Nueces
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4. RESEARCH PLAN AND METHODS
4.1. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Studies will be conducted in the Nueces Estuary, Corpus Christi, Texas (Figure 1).
Sampling stations are located at sites where baseline data are available to facilitate assessment of
ecosystem changes. Sampling methodologies will be the same as those performed during the
BOR Demonstration Project. The scope of the BOR Project, however, was limited to an area
approximately 6.4 km downstream From the NOC. Presumably, the effects of freshwater
diversion through the channels will decrease with increasing distance from the Rincon Overflow
Channel (ROC) and NOC, while the potential for marine forcing will be greatest at distances
closest to the bay. The NOC connects the Nueces River to upper Rincon Bayou, the headwater
of the estuary. Flow through the NOC occurs when river water elevation reaches 0.6 m above
MSL (1929 Datum). The ROC connects upper Rincon Bayou to an area of hypersaline tidal
flats. Discharge exceeding 11.9 m3s-~ and reaching levels of 1.14 m above MSL activates the
ROC. Inflow through the NOC is measured at the United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Rincon Gauge located in Rincon Bayou near Calallen (Station 08211503). This gauge was
originally installed in May 1996, removed in August 2000, and re-installed December 21, 2003.
Monitoring will be conducted at three stations located in the upper and central Rincon
Bayou (Table 1, Figure I). Water column characteristics and Benthos will be measured monthly.
All stations to be monitored by HRI as part of the Rincon Project are listed in Table 1.
Tahla 1 ~'amn~in0 ljacian 1T1ri1lf~l ll0 T}1P. 1lAiATT1P.TP.7_ }llllP. TIP.rlnd. Ctan nTlS.
Sam lin Parameter Anal sis Parameter Stations
Monthly Hydrography Monthly Salinity 463, 400F, 466C
Monthly Benthos Monthly Benthos 463, 400F, 466C
Annual Sediment Annual Sediment 463, 400F, 466C
At each station, water depth, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, will be
measured monthly. Monthly sampling is recommended because it is a practical, cost-effective
sampling frequency for documenting annual variation.
Benthic infauna characteristics (Table 2) will be measured monthly at three stations
within the upper and central portions of Rincon Bayou (466C, 400F, 463). Monthly sampling
has been demonstrated to be most effective in past benthic studies. Each month, three replicate
samples are collected at each station. Parameters and methodology will be compatible with
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4.2. ASSESSMENT OF HYDROGRAPHY
Discrete hydrographic measurements will be made monthly at each station with amulti-
parameter instrument (YSI 600XL and 610 DM Probe; Yellow Springs Instrument Co.) just
beneath the water surface and at the bottom. The following parameters are recorded (accuracy
and units): temperature (t 0.15 °C), pH (t 0.2 units), dissolved oxygen (mg/l t 0.2 and t 2% air
saturation), depth (t 0.02 m), salinity (fl% of reading or t0.1 ppt, whichever is greater), and
conductivity (f0.5% of reading plus 0.001 mS/cm).
4.3. BENTHIC INFAUNA STUDIES
Changes in benthic species abundance, composition and distribution often serve as useful
indicators of freshwater inflow effects (Montagna and Kalke, 1992; Montagna et al., 2002).
Estuarine benthic infauna are particularly susceptible to changes in salinity because of their
relative immobility. In the BOR Demonstration Project, freshwater inflow into the upper reaches
of the marsh ameliorated stress on benthic organisms and increased biomass and abundance
(Bureau of Reclamation, 2000). Proposed benthic monitoring is summarized in Table 2.
Table 2. Benthic macrofauna and water column parameters to be measured at three
crar;nns (466C_ 400F. 4631. items 1-3 are measured monthly. Item 4 is measured annually
1. Benthic macrofauna abundance, density, diversity
2. Benthic macrofauna biomass
3. Water column parameters (temperature, DO, pH, depth, and salinity)
4. Sediment grain size
The location of all monitoring stations will be established with a Garmin Differential
Global Positioning System (DGPS) with an accuracy of t3 m. Three replicate macrofauna
samples will be collected at each station with a 6.7-cm diameter tube, sectioned at depth intervals
of 0-3 and 3-10 cm to examine vertical distribution of macrofauna, and preserved with 5%
buffered formalin. Afrer sorting on 0.5-mm sieves macrofauna will be identified to the lowest
taxonomic level possible (usually the species level) and counted. Biomass of higher taxa
categories (i.e., Crustacea, Mollusca, Polychaeta, and others) will be measured by combining
individuals into composite samples. Samples will be dried for 24 h at 55°C and weighed.
Molluscs will be placed in 1 N HCl until carbonate shells dissolve, washed, dried, and weighed
to the nearest 0.01 mg for shell-free dry weight.
Sediment grain size can also affect organism distribution and abundance. Sediment grain
size analysis will be performed following standard geologic procedures (Folk, 1964). Percent
contribution by weight is measured for four components: rubble (e.g. shell hash), sand, silt, and
clav. A 20-cm3 sediment sample is mixed with 50 ml of hydrogen peroxide and 75 ml of
deionized water to digest organic material in the sample. The sample is wet sieved through a
0.062-mm mesh stainless steel screen using a vacuum pump and a Millipore Hydrosol SST filter
holder to separate rubble and sand from silt and clay. Afrer drying, the rubble and sand are
separated on a 0.25 mm screen. The silt and clay fractions are measured using pipette analysis.
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5. DELIVERABLES
An annual report will be submitted to the City Engineer by January 2010. This report
will be technical report of HRI that incorporates current year results with data from previous
years. Temporal and spatial comparisons that display significant correlations or patterns among
various physical parameters (e.g., as salinity and sediment grain size) will be presented in
graphic or tabular format. Comparisons with past studies and other neighboring studies will be
made where possible. Data analyses will be presented to the City and other interested parties at
an annual meeting. If requested, a brief presentation to the Nueces Estuary Advisory Council
will be given. Recommendations and suggestions for project changes will be presented and
discussed at this meeting.
6. BUDGET
6.1 JUSTIFICATION
The total amount of work is approximately 13 man-months per year. Different skill
levels and rates are required for different parts of the project as presented in the detailed budget.
Benefits are estimated at 28% of the salaries. Travel funds are requested annually for travel to
meetings ($1,400). The purchase of material and supplies directly associated with field and
laboratory work will cost $2,200, which includes filters, flasks, cores, chemicals, batteries,
protective weather and safety gear, charts, storage bags, renewal of the analysis, image, word
processing and GIS software licenses, maintenance, and repair costs for field instruments. A
total of $1,500 is budgeted for rental fees for field equipment which brings the total cost of other
expenses to $3,700. Field travel is estimated as follows: Expedition = $60/d, four-wheel Mule =
$50/d, gas = $15/d, for a total $1,500 (=$125/d * 12 d). Indirect costs of 15% are added to the
cost of salaries only.
6.2 DETAILED BUDGET
Table 3. The budget covers the period 1 October 2008 - 30 September 2009.
Categories Rate/mo Effort (mos) Costs
a. Salaries & Wages
Res. Assoc., R. Kalke $5,480 5 $27,400
Res. Assoc., L. Hyde $4,000 2 $8,000
Data Manager, C. Simanek $1,280 2 $2,560
Salary Subtotal $37,960
b. Fringe (28% a) $10,629
c. Other Expenses $3,700
d Travel $1400
e. Subtotal $53,689
f. F&A (15% of a) $5,694
g Total Costs (sum f g) $59,383
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Bureau of Reclamation. 2000. Concluding Report: Rincon Bayou Demonstration Project.
Volume II: Findings. United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation,
Oklahoma-Texas Area Office, Austin, Texas.
Folk, R. L. 1964. Petrology of Sedimentary Rocks. Hemphill's Press. Austin, Texas. 155 pp.
Montagna, P. A. and R. D. Kalke. 1992. The effect of freshwater inflow on meiofaunal and
macrofaunal populations in the Guadalupe and Nueces Estuaries, Texas. Estuaries
15:266-285.
Montagna, P. A., R. D. Kalke, and C. Ritter. 2000. Chapter 5: Benthic Communities. In: Bureau
of Reclamation (ed.), Concluding Report: Rincon Bayou Demonstration Project. Volume
II: Findings. United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation,
Oklahoma-Texas Area Office, Austin, Texas.
Montagna, P.A., R.D. Kalke, and C. Ritter. 2002. Effect of restored freshwater inflow on
macrofauna and meiofauna in upper Rincon Bayou, Texas, USA. Estuaries 25:1436-
1447.
Texas Department of Water Resources. 1982. Nueces and Mission-Aransas Estuaries: An
analysis of bay segment boundaries, physical characteristics, and nutrient processes. LP-
83. Texas Department of Water Resources, Austin, Texas.
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CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS
City of Corpus Chri~i Ordinance 17112, as amended, requires all persons or firms seeking to do business with the City to
provide the following i ered. If the question is not applicable, answer with'NA'.
FlRM NAME:
STREET:
FlRM is: 1. Corporation o
5. Other D
CITY:
2. Partrrership o 3. Sole
DISCLOSURE
If additional space is necessary, please use the reverse side of this
1. State the names of each "employee" of the City of Corpus
or more of the ownership in the above named "firm". ~
Name
or attach separate sheet
ZIP'
4. Assoaation v
having an "ownership interest" constituting 3°k
Job Title pfid City Departrnent (rf known)
2. State the names of each "official" of the C' of Corpus hristi having an "ownership irrerest' constituting 3% or
more of fhe ownership. in the above ed "firm".
Name
Title (~ 1
3. Slate the names of each " member" of the City of Corpus Christi having an "ownership interest" constituting
3% or more of fhe ip in the above named "firm".
Name
4. Stale then:
matter rely
ownership
Name /
Board, Commission or Committee
of each employee or officer of a "consultant" for the City of Corpus•Christi who worked on any
to the subject of this contract and has an "ownership interest' constituting 3% or more of the
the above named "firm".
Consultant
cERnFICATE
I certify that all information provided is true and correct as of the date of this statement, that I have not Imovringiy
wdhheld dsdosure of any information requested; and that supptemental statements wrll be promptly submitted to the City
of Corpus Christi, Texas afi. f rl, Ph.D.
Certifying Person: ' -sociate Vice President for Research Title:
(type or Print) r
Signature of Certifying. Person: Date: ~~r'~ ~~i