Suggested Contract Language: Decontamination

Contractors working on invasive exotic removal project within the Florida Keys must adhere to the following protocol:

Mandatory decontamination protocols must be followed for vehicles and equipment prior to entering Monroe County from areas outside of the County.
When moving equipment from site to site within Monroe County, decontamination requirements will be at the discretion of the project manager will be dependent upon the exotic species that were treated at the previous site, and will depend on the nature of the treatment sites.
If decontamination is required by the project manager then the contractor must utilize a designated decontamination site within Monroe County. The project manager shall supply the contractor with a list of designated decontamination sites (these may include Monroe County Transfer Stations and DOT storage sites).

Decontamination protocols:

All equipment including but not limited to vehicles, trailer, ATV's, and chippers must be cleaned with a pressure washer (at a facility approved by the managing agency's project manager). Decontamination protocols include spraying down all equipment surfaces including the undercarriage and tires to insure that mud, vegetative debris and other debris is not transported from the previous treatment site. Special attention will be paid to equipment that has worked at sites where Lygodium, Cogon grass and other exotics specific to the mainland were treated to prevent the spread of these species into Monroe County.
Equipment such as chain saws, loppers, etc. used for cut stump treatment must be wiped down and cleaned so that they are free of debris.

Prior to the commencement of an invasive species removal project, the contractor and the project manager shall discuss the necessity for a decontamination plan. If the project manager requires a plan, then the contractor shall submit a brief decontamination plan in writing, to the project manager for approval. The decontamination plan shall identity specific decontamination procedures and decontamination sites. Decontamination protocols may vary depending upon the nature of the treatment site, type of treatment conducted at the site, and the exotic species that were treated. It will be the responsibility of the project manager to inspect all equipment prior to work commencing on the first day at the project site.

Failure to comply with decontamination protocols constitutes reason for contract cancellation and dismissal of the contractor.