The Contractor shall perform the following tasks: 1. Task 1: Literature and Geographic Data Review: In this task, desktop research will be implemented to (i) characterize the fine-textured soils (surficial geology, taxonomy, drainage, geographic distribution in the Champlain Valley) and (ii) their use for Onsite Wastewater Dispersal including prior studies in the Champlain Valley (or Champlain Sea) area as well as field methods used for the determination of Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), and methods to use that information to develop site specific Long Term Application Rates (LTAR) and Linear Loading Rates (LLR). A Geographic Information System (GIS) showing the distribution of fine-textured soil series (utilizing existing soils mapping data prepared by the NRCS) by Town in the Champlain Valley needs to be developed. 2. Task 2: Field work and data collection: In this task, practical field measurements for characterizing Long Term Acceptance Rate (LTAR) and/or Linear Loading Rate (LLR) in fine-textured soils will be performed in order to come up with a practical tool to optimize the design of OWTS in these soils. Pending the outcome of Task 1, the following sub-tasks will tentatively be implemented: a. Sub-task 1: A refined field work plan for Task 2 will be prepared based on the report findings in Task 1. Selection of multiple sites characterized by fine-textured soils based on criteria predefined based on the soil maps and literature review previously performed in Task 1 (texture, slope)...
