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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The Crown will own the foreground intellectual property arising from work under this contract in accordance with exception 6.5 of the federal policy on Title to Intellectual Property Arising from Crown Procurement Contracts on the grounds that the foreground material is subject to copyright but is not software or software documentation.
I. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
At least two team members must have a degree in engineering, environmental science or a related discipline. Proof of the degrees must be provided upon request.
II. BACKGROUND
Methyl bromide is a broad-spectrum fumigant used in soils, structures and commodities. In 1992, Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) agreed to add methyl bromide to the list of ozone-depleting substances subject to control under the Montreal Protocol. In 1997, they agreed to phase out the production and consumption of methyl bromide by January 1, 2005, with possible exemptions for critical uses in order to meet market demand in the absence of alternatives.
As a Party to the Montreal Protocol, Canada implements its international obligations at the domestic level through the Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998 (ODSR 1998).
The manufacture and import of methyl bromide has been prohibited in Canada since January 1, 2005, with exemptions for quarantine applications, pre-shipment applications as well as critical uses and emergency uses.
Canada continues to request the use of methyl bromide under the critical use exemption process under the Montreal Protocol. Canada’s critical use exemption is for use in the production of strawberry runners destined for the export market (U.S.). The strawberry runners are grown in the province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) where many alternative fumigants used in other countries are not available. The most technically and economically feasible alternative for the grower’s situation (chloropicrin) is currently prohibited by the province of PEI due to concerns of potential groundwater contamination.
Pre-plant fumigation of Strawberry Runners in Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Chloropicrin can, under certain conditions, be used in Canada as a pre-plant fumigant for strawberry runners and other crops including potatoes. Several Canadian strawberry runner growers in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia phased-out methyl bromide and are now using Chloropicrin 100 Liquid Soil Fumigant (PCP Act No. 25863).
However, at this time, the PEI Department of the Environment is not prepared to allow the use of Chloropicrin 100 on PEI until it is established that groundwater contamination is unlikely in PEI soil conditions and for specific use patterns.
At this time, chloropicrin appears to be the only technically and economically feasible commercially available alternative to methyl bromide for the PEI strawberry runner grower.
III. PURPOSE
The main purpose of this contract is to develop a monitoring study to determine the environmental effects on groundwater in Prince Edward Island (PEI) from the use of chloropicrin as a pre-plant fumigant in strawberry runner production. The monitoring study must include, among other things, assessment of the feasibility of the proposed site, establishment of baseline levels, a description of the project design, methodology and protocol (including detailed sampling procedures and a data monitoring program), and implementation of the monitoring plan.
IV. OBJECTIVES
The contractor must:
1. Assess the feasibility of the proposed site for a groundwater monitoring study;
2. Establish baseline levels of chloropicrin in groundwater and develop a proposed groundwater monitoring plan; and
3. Implement the monitoring plan and prepare a report containing its findings.
V. DESCRIPTION OF WORK
The Contractor will establish a monitoring study that serves to determine the environmental impact of the use of chloropicrin as a pre-plant fumigant in the production of strawberry runners in Prince Edward Island, with the main objective of determining its impact on groundwater.
The contractor shall conduct the following tasks:
Part I – Assessment of Site Feasibility and Establishment of Baseline Levels
1. Gather data about site conditions; hydrogeology of the site, the groundwater vulnerability of site and climatic characteristics at site, in order to assess the feasibility of performing the monitoring study at the proposed site.
2. Conduct a literature review for any recent and relevant studies, (i.e.: related to chloropicrin and its presence in groundwater or test methodologies that could be correlated to PEI conditions) and other relevant issues such as peer reviewed risk assessments regarding characteristics of chloropicrin, levels of human exposure and established guidelines for chloropicrin in drinking water. Information from the literature review must be used to validate and/or complement the data collected in this Part of the project.
3. Establish/select analytical methods (i.e. need to determine the minimum concentration of the compound(s) of interest that can be measured with a specified confidence (e.g. 99% probability), consider interference problems from other substances and toxicity endpoints for the level of detection/level of quantification (LOD/LOQ).
4. Establish use history of chloropicrin in the area to be trialled, including surrounding fields (i.e.: how many years have products containing chloropicrin been used, application rates, number of applications, application timing, application method, use of other pesticides on or near the site, etc.).
5. Establish baseline/current levels of chloropicrin in groundwater and examine environmental fate.
i. Assess the transport of chloropicrin in soil. This must include the development of local/watershed groundwater flow and transport model based on information regarding various layers in the substrate (e.g.: porosity, specific yield, hydraulic conductivity, water levels, concentrations, etc). Consideration must also be given to the use of lysimeters (soil cores from the research site or nearby) for compartmentalized characterisation of pesticide and tracer flow as well as pesticide degradation.
ii. Establish the presence of existing water wells surrounding the site that could be used for monitoring and determine the need for drilling new wells. The new wells/boreholes must be cored (i.e. sampled) and analyzed for physical properties as well as for extraction of the pesticide (laboratory studies of chloropicrin degradation with this soil shall be considered as a means to qualify results). Additionally, consideration may be given to conducting tracer experiment(s) (tracer applied at the surface) to assess where and when the surface water from the respective field is reaching groundwater (i.e. it might not percolate right below the field). Examine the need to drill and core new boreholes after the application of the tracer in order to assess the movement of the pesticide and storage in the rock matrix.
iii. Develop a profile of the behaviour of the pesticide in question (i.e. the pesticide might be adsorbed in the rock or soil matrix and might have potential to be released at a later time)
6. Prepare a report on the findings of the site assessment that includes all elements set out in Part 1, as well as a recommendation on the feasibility for the work detailed in Part 2 of these terms of reference.
7. Part 2 of the description of work will be contingent on the findings of Part 1, and if the site is deemed feasible for a groundwater monitoring study.
Optional Work:
This contract has an option to extend the end date in order to have the optional work described in Part 2 (below) completed by the Contractor.
Canada reserves the irrevocable right to exercise the option at any time by sending a written notice to the Contractor at least ten (10) calendar days before the Contract expiry date, or any extension thereof.
The optional period can only be exercised by the Contracting Authority, and will be evidenced, for administrative purposes only, through a formal Contract Amendment
Part 2 – Development and Implementation of Monitoring Plan (Optional Work)
As the work of Part 2 is contingent on the findings of Part 1 and the feasibility of the site for a groundwater monitoring study, the Contractor will only be asked to complete the following work if Environment Canada exercises the option for the work of Part 2.
Phase I – Development of Monitoring Plan
8. Prepare a report detailing the project methodology/design for a monitoring study that takes the information gathered in Part 1, as well as the grower’s operations, agricultural practices, into consideration in order to monitor the potential effect of chloropicrin on groundwater. The report must include, but not be limited to, the following information:
i. Protocol for the monitoring study including objectives, implementation schedule including options for length of study, description of sampling, shipping and storage procedures, sampling frequency and timing, roles and responsibilities;
ii. Description of test methodology to meet ultimate objective;
iii. Groundwater sampling procedures with respect to distance from application, duration, timing/seasonality, and any other considerations, taking into account use patterns;
iv. Monitoring and reporting program (i.e.: systems for recording of application rates, analysis and results of groundwater samples, yields, root health, nematode counts, microbial population (biomass), etc.); and
v. Description of criteria/approach for data analysis.
9. Phase II of Part 2 (Implementation of the monitoring study) will be contingent upon the approval by the Scientific Authority of the Monitoring Plan developed in Phase I of Part 2.
Phase II – Implementation of Monitoring Plan
10. Implement the project developed in Phase I of Part 2. This shall include, among other things, drilling wells as needed, establishing a monitoring and reporting system to record application and establishing clear roles and responsibilities. During this Phase it is proposed that the strawberry runner grower fumigate with chloropicrin as per normal fumigation practices*.
11. Prepare a final report of the monitoring study discussing its results and conclusions.
*The PEI Department of the Environment has endorsed this project and has agreed to grant the grower permission to fumigate with chloropicrin through the issuance of a research permit.
VI. INFORMATION SOURCE REQUIREMENTS
In assisting the Contractor in completing the tasks stated above, Environment Canada will provide the following:
1. Chloropicrin 100 Liquid Soil Fumigant (PCP Act No. 25863) label
2. Terr-O-Gas® 67 Preplant Soil Fumigant (PCP Act No. 13477) label
3. Chloropicrin, Dazomet, Metam Sodium and Metam Potassium Label Improvements for Soil Fumigant Products, PMRA, Document REV2012-08, 14 September 2012
4. Label Amendments for Soil Fumigants Products Containing Chloropicrin, PMRA, Document REV2012-09, 14 September 2012
5. Review of US Groundwater monitoring for Consideration by PMRA, Canada, October 7, 2010, M.S. Stanghellini, TriCal Inc.
The Contractor must keep a record of discussion following any communication with industry. These records must contain the industry contact information, the subject of discussion, the questions posed or raised during the discussions, and any feedback received on the subject.
Any information and reports provided to the Contractor by Environment Canada must only be used for the purpose of this contract and shall not be used for any other purposes unless duly authorized by the Department Representative.
VII. DELIVERABLES AND SCHEDULE
Part 1 - Site Characterization and Establishment of Baseline Levels
Deliverable #1 Work Plan: The Contractor shall submit a draft work plan for discussion with the Project Authority. The work plan must detail the approach to be taken to assess the feasibility of the site proposed for the study.
Deliverable #2 Draft Assessment Report: A draft of the assessment report shall be submitted to the Project Authority. The draft report must include details listed in the Description of Work section of these terms of reference as they relate to Part 1, including a recommendation and/or options with respect to the feasibility of the site and moving forward with the optional work under Part 2 of the terms of reference. One electronic copy of the report is to be submitted. The Project Authority will review the draft report and provide feedback/comments.
Deliverable #3 Final Assessment Report: A final version of the assessment report shall be submitted to the Project Authority. This report must incorporate all feedback/comments on Deliverable #2 provided by the Project Authority. One electronic copy of the assessment report is to be submitted.
The deliverables are shown in Table 1 below.
Part 2 – Development and Implementation of Monitoring Plan (Optional Work)
Phase I - Development of Monitoring Plan
Deliverable #4 Work Plan: The Contractor shall submit a draft work plan for discussion with the Project Authority. The work plan will detail the proposed project methodology/design for a monitoring study that takes the information gathered in Part 1 into consideration.
Deliverable #5 Draft Monitoring Plan: A draft report that includes an outline of the monitoring plan shall be submitted to the Project Authority. The draft report must include the details listed in the Description of Work section as they relate to Phase I of Part 2. One electronic copy of the report is to be submitted. The Project Authority will review the draft plan and provide feedback/comments.
Deliverable #6 Final Monitoring Plan: A final report of the project methodology/design for a monitoring plan shall be submitted to the Project Authority. This report must incorporate all comments/feedback on Deliverable #5 provided by the Project Authority. One electronic copy of the report is to be submitted.
The deliverables are shown in Table 1 below.
Phase II - Implementation of Monitoring Plan
Deliverable #7 Work Plan: The Contractor shall submit a draft work plan for discussion with the Project Authority. The work plan must detail the approach to be taken to implement the monitoring study.
Deliverable #8 Draft Monitoring Study: A draft monitoring study shall be submitted to the Project Authority. The draft monitoring study must include the details listed in the Description of Work section of these terms of reference as it relates to Phase II of Part 2. One electronic copy of the report is to be submitted. The Project Authority will review the draft study and provide feedback/comments.
Deliverable #9 Final Monitoring Study: A final report of the monitoring study shall be submitted to the Project Authority. This report shall incorporate all comments/feedback on Deliverable #8 provided by the Project Authority. Three bound copies and one electronic copy of the monitoring study are to be submitted.
The deliverables are shown in the following table, with date of delivery:
Table 1: Schedule
Part Task Date of Delivery
1 Initial meeting or teleconference with Environment Canada (EC) – Deliverable #1 due prior to meeting Must be completed within five (5) days of contract award
Progress reports, via e-mail or teleconference with Project Authority As required
Draft Assessment Report
(Deliverable #2) Must be completed within six (6) weeks of contract award
Meeting or teleconference to discuss the draft report Within two (2) weeks of receipt of Deliverable #2 by Project Authority
Final Assessment Report
(Deliverable #3) Must be completed within one (1) week of Contractor’s receipt of EC’s comments on Deliverable #2
2 (Optional Work)
Phase I Meeting or teleconference with Environment Canada (EC) to discuss work-plan – Deliverable #4 due prior to meeting Must be completed within five (5) days of initiation of Part 2
Progress reports, via e-mail or teleconference with Project Authority As required
Draft Monitoring Plan
(Deliverable #5) Must be completed within five (5) weeks of initiation of Part 2
Meeting or teleconference to discuss the draft plan Within two (2) weeks of receipt of Deliverable #5 by Project Authority
Final Monitoring Plan
(Deliverable #6) Must be completed within one (1) week of Contractor’s receipt of EC’s comments on Deliverable #6.
Phase II Meeting or teleconference with Environment Canada to discuss the work plan – Deliverable #7 due prior to meeting Must be completed within five (5) days of initiation of Phase II
Progress reports, via e-mail or teleconference with Project Authority As required
Draft Monitoring Study
(Deliverable #8) Must be completed within five (5) weeks of initiation of Phase II
Meeting or teleconference to discuss the monitoring study Within two weeks after receipt of Deliverable #8 by Project Authority
Final Monitoring Study
(Deliverable #9) Must be completed within two (2) weeks of Contractor’s receipt of EC’s comments on Deliverable #8
A project initiation teleconference or meeting will be held to address the administrative requirements of the contract, confirm the process and role of each of the Project Authority and grower, clarify the statement of work and expectations, discuss assumptions and issues, and review proposed schedule to meet key milestones.
Progress reports must include progress to date on each element of the Statement of Work, expected or unforeseen delays, challenges encountered, ability to meet the timelines and schedule discussed at the initiation meeting. Further feedback through e-mails and/or phone calls may be requested by the Project Authority as desired.
VIII. ACCEPTANCE OF DELIVERABLES
All assessment reports, monitoring plans and correspondence produced by the Contractor will be subject to review by persons designated by the Department Representative. All work is to be performed to the satisfaction of the Department Representative.
IX. METHOD OF PAYMENT
Payments will be made upon submission and acceptance of the following deliverables:
? 100% of the total cost for Part 1 will be paid upon submission and acceptance by the Project Authority of Deliverable #3 in Part 1;
Optional Work:
? 34% of the total cost of the Optional Work (Part 2) will be paid upon submission and acceptance by the Project Authority of Deliverable #6 in Phase I of Part 2;
? 66% of the total cost of the Optional Work (Part 2) will be paid upon submission and acceptance by the Project Authority of Deliverable #9 in Phase II of Part 2.
X. PROJECT BUDGET
Environment Canada has established funding for this project at a maximum amount of:
Total maximum budget for the full project is $60,869.00, excluding applicable taxes.
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