USDA FS - Rabbit Ears EECA - MRAS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to find suitable contractors for a project focused on the Rabbit Ears Manganese mine site in Jackson County, Colorado. This initiative is part of the broader goals of ensuring environmental safety and compliance through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The project aims to perform an Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) to assess contamination levels and determine potential remedial actions at this inactive mine site.

The work involves a detailed evaluation of environmental risks posed by contaminants such as lead, arsenic, and manganese found at the site. Contractors will be responsible for conducting thorough sampling and analysis in accordance with CERCLA requirements. They will also compile data to identify risks to human and ecological receptors, guiding future steps for non-time critical removal actions. The contractor must also provide a comprehensive project approach including a proposed work schedule, qualifications of key personnel involved, and ensure all necessary resources such as aerial imagery and laboratory analysis are utilized effectively.

Background information indicates that this effort is funded by the Tronox Environmental Settlement Agreement, which allocated $194 million for restoration activities across various sites associated with Tronox Incorporated and its affiliates. The Rabbit Ears Manganese mine site has been identified due to its historical mining activities that have left significant environmental disturbances. These include areas with mining artifacts, retention ponds potentially affecting local waterways like Grizzly Creek, and elevated concentrations of hazardous metals in soil samples.

This project not only aims at addressing contamination concerns but also ensures that any remedial efforts respect recreational uses currently enjoyed at the site such as hiking and camping. Contractors are expected to manage all aspects from health safety plans for their employees to ensuring compliance with environmental standards throughout the project's lifecycle.