construction quality assurance plan brawley ... - County of Imperial

Prepared for 

Imperial County 

Department of Public Works 

155 S. 11 th Street 

El Centro, CA 92243 

County Project Number: 4173SW 

CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE 

PLAN 

BRAWLEY SOLID WASTE SITE 

Prepared by 

10875 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 200 

San Diego, California 92127 

Project Number SC0531 

November 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1 

1.1 Project Overview ......................................................................................... 1 

1.2 Purpose of the Construction Quality Assurance Plan .................................. 1 

1.3 References ................................................................................................... 1 

2. DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................... 3 

3. PARTIES INVOLVED WITH CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE .. 4 

3.1 Owner .......................................................................................................... 4 

3.2 Engineer ....................................................................................................... 4 

3.3 Construction Manager ................................................................................. 4 

3.4 Contractor .................................................................................................... 5 

3.5 CQA Personnel ............................................................................................ 5 

3.6 CQA Engineer ............................................................................................. 5 

3.7 Field Monitors ............................................................................................. 6 

4. PROJECT CONTROL MEETINGS .................................................................... 8 

4.1 Preconstruction Meeting .............................................................................. 8 

4.2 Progress Meetings ........................................................................................ 9 

4.3 Problem or Work Deficiency Meeting ........................................................ 9 

5. DOCUMENTATION ......................................................................................... 10 

5.1 General ....................................................................................................... 10 

5.2 Daily Recordkeeping ................................................................................. 10 

5.2.1 Monitoring Logs and Testing Data Sheets .................................... 10 

5.2.2 Construction Problems .................................................................. 11 

5.3 Design and/or Specifications Changes ...................................................... 11 

5.4 As-Built Drawings ..................................................................................... 11 

5.5 Final CQA Report ...................................................................................... 12 

6. MONOLITHIC FINAL SOIL COVER .............................................................. 13 

6.1 Monitoring ................................................................................................. 13 

6.2 Laboratory and Field Tests ........................................................................ 14 

6.3 Survey ........................................................................................................ 14 

6.4 Deficiencies ............................................................................................... 14 

SC0531.CQA.20110923.JG.docx ii November 2011

6.4.1 Notification ................................................................................... 15 

6.4.2 Corrective Action .......................................................................... 15 

6.4.3 Repairs and Retesting .................................................................... 15 

7. ENGINEERED FILL .......................................................................................... 17 

7.1 Monitoring ................................................................................................. 17 

7.2 Laboratory and Field Tests ........................................................................ 17 

7.3 Deficiencies ............................................................................................... 18 

7.3.1 Notification ................................................................................... 18 


7.3.3 Repairs and Retesting .................................................................... 18 

8. WASTE RELOCATION .................................................................................... 20 

8.1 Monitoring ................................................................................................. 20 

8.2 Deficiencies ............................................................................................... 21 

8.2.1 General .......................................................................................... 21 

8.2.2 Notification ................................................................................... 21 


9. GEOSYNTHETICS ............................................................................................ 22 

9.1 Manufacturing Quality Control Testing .................................................... 22 

9.2 Delivery, Storage, and Handling ............................................................... 22 

9.3 Handling and Placement ............................................................................ 23 

10. SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE CONTROL SYSTEM ................................. 25 

10.1 General ....................................................................................................... 25 


10.3 Material Properties .................................................................................... 25 

10.3.1 Quality Control Testing ................................................................ 25 

10.3.2 Quality Assurance Testing ............................................................ 26 

10.4 Placement ................................................................................................... 26 

10.4.1 Bedding Material ........................................................................... 26 

10.4.2 Riprap ............................................................................................ 26 

10.4.3 Pipe ................................................................................................ 27 

SC0531.CQA.20110923.JG.docx iii November 2011

11. RIVER BANK STABILIZATION ..................................................................... 28 


11.2 Material Properties .................................................................................... 28 

11.2.1 Quality Control Testing ................................................................ 28 

11.2.2 Quality Assurance Testing ............................................................ 28 

11.3 Placement ................................................................................................... 28 

12. SURVEYING ..................................................................................................... 30 

12.1 Survey Control ........................................................................................... 30 

12.2 Precision and Accuracy ............................................................................. 30 

12.3 Survey Control ........................................................................................... 30 

12.4 Frequency and Spacing .............................................................................. 31 

12.5 Documentation ........................................................................................... 31 

LIST OF TABLES 

Table 1: Final Cover Field and Laboratory Testing 

Table 2: Engineered Fill Field and Laboratory Testing 

SC0531.CQA.20110923.JG.docx iv November 2011

1. INTRODUCTION 

This plan describes the construction quality assurance (CQA) for the monolithic final 

cover, engineered fill, waste relocation, geosynthetics, surface drainage control system, 

and river bank stabilization system (closure activities) associated with the Brawley 

Solid Waste Site (BSWS) final closure. The plan was prepared in accordance with the 

California Code of Regulations, Title 27 (27 CCR) Sections 20323 and 20324. 

1.1 Project Overview 

The Imperial County Department of Public Works (ICDPW) is closing the BSWS, 

which is an inactive Class III municipal solid waste landfill located at 4700 Brawley 

Dump Road in Brawley, California. The site is approximately 55 acres, 36.3 acres of 

which are the current estimated waste footprint. 

1.2 Purpose of the Construction Quality Assurance Plan 

The purpose of the CQA Plan is to address the CQA procedures and monitoring 

requirements for final closure activities at the BSWS. The CQA Plan is intended to: 

� Define the responsibilities of the parties involved with the construction; 

� Provide guidance in the proper construction of the significant construction 

components of the landfill closure; 

� Establish testing protocols; 

� Establish guidelines for construction documentation; and 

� Provide means for monitoring that the construction is performed in conformance 

with the Technical Specifications, Construction Drawings, permit conditions, 

and applicable regulatory requirements. 

This plan does not provide CQA for installation or maintenance procedures for storm 

water pollution prevention features. These features are assumed to be installed and 

maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention 

Plan (SWPPP). 

1.3 References 

This CQA Plan includes references to the Technical Specifications developed as a part 

of the Final Closure-Post Closure Maintenance Plan (FCPCMP) for the BSWS. The 

SC0531.CQA.20110923.JG.docx 1 November 2011

CQA Plan also references the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 

testing procedures and the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction 

(SSPWC), also known as the “Greenbook”. The construction will utilize the latest 

edition of these references. 


2. DEFINITIONS 

In the context of this document, Construction Quality Assurance and Construction 

Quality Control are defined as follows: 

Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) - A planned and systematic pattern of means 

and actions designed to assure adequate confidence that materials and/or services meet 

contractual and regulatory requirements and will perform satisfactorily in service. 

Construction Quality Control (CQC) - Those actions which provide a means to measure 

and regulate the characteristics of an item or service in relation to contractual and 

regulatory requirements. 

In the context of this document: 

� CQA refers to means and actions employed by the CQA Consultant to assure 

conformity of the Project “work” with this CQA Plan, the Construction 

Drawings, and the Technical Specifications, known collectively as the Project 

Documents. 

� CQC refers to those actions taken by the Contractor, Manufacturer, or 

subcontractor to verify that the materials and the workmanship meet the 

requirements of the Project Documents. In the case of earthwork components, 

CQC is combined with CQA and is provided by the CQA Consultant. In the 

case of the geosynthetic and piping components of the work, CQC is provided 

by the Manufacturer and/or the Contractor. CQA testing of soil and rock 

components is provided by the CQA Consultant. 


3. PARTIES INVOLVED WITH CQA 

3.1 Owner 

Responsibilities 

The Owner is the legally responsible party for the project. In this CQA Plan, the term 

“Owner” refers to ICDPW. The Owner is responsible for selection of the Engineer, 

Construction Manager, CQA Consultant, and Contractor. 

3.2 Engineer 


The Engineer is responsible for the preparation of the design, Construction Drawings, 

and Technical Specifications for the closure activities. In this CQA Plan, the term 

“Engineer” refers to Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. (Geosyntec). 

Qualifications 

The Engineer of Record shall be a qualified engineer, registered as required by 

California regulations. The Engineer will have expertise which demonstrates significant 

familiarity with landfill and earthwork, including design and construction experience 

related to monolithic final cover systems and river bank stabilization systems. 

3.3 Construction Manager 


The Construction Manager is responsible for overseeing the construction and the 

Contractor’s work. The Construction Manager is also the liaison between the Owner 

and the Contractor. 


The Construction Manager shall have familiarity and experience with waste and/or 

landfill sites, earthwork, and construction experience related to evapotranspiration cover 

systems. 


3.5 Contractor 


In this CQA Plan, Contractor refers to party or parties, contracted by the Owner, 

performing the work. The Contractor will be responsible for constructing the closure 

components in general accordance with the Project Documents and complying with the 

CQC requirements in the Technical Specifications. 


Qualifications of the Contractor are specific to the construction contract. The 

Contractor should have a demonstrated history of successful earthwork construction and 

maintain current state and federal licenses as appropriate. 

3.6 CQA Consultant 

For closure activities at the BSWS, the CQA Consultant’s personnel shall include: 

� The CQA Engineer, who operates from the office of the CQA Consultant and 

who conducts periodic visits to the site as required; and 

� Field Monitor(s), who are located at the site. 

The duties of the CQA personnel are discussed in the following sections. 

3.7 CQA Engineer 

The CQA Engineer or his designated representative: 

� Reviews the design and Construction Drawings; 

� Reviews all other site-specific documentation; unless otherwise agreed, such 

reviews are for familiarization and for evaluation of constructability only, and 

hence the CQA Engineer and the CQA Consultant assume no responsibility for 

the design; 

� Attends the preconstruction meeting; 

� Administers the CQA program, including assigning and managing Field 

Monitors, reviewing field reports, and providing engineering review of all CQArelated 

activities; 


� Provides quality control of CQA documentation and conducts site visits; 

� Reviews proposed changes to the Project Documents; 

� Familiarizes Field Monitors with the site, Project Documents, and CQA 

requirements; 

� Manages the daily activities of the Field Monitors; 

� Attends CQA-related meetings; 

� Prepares or oversees the preparation of the record drawings; 

� Verifies the calibration and condition of on-site CQA equipment; 

� Reports to the Owner and documents relevant Field Monitor observations; 

� Oversees the collection and shipping of laboratory test samples; 

� Reviews results of laboratory testing and makes recommendations; 

� Reports unresolved deviations from the Project Documents to the Owner and 

Engineer; and 

� Prepares the final CQA report. 

3.8 Field Monitors 

The duties of the Field Monitors, as assigned by the CQA Engineer, include monitoring 

and documenting construction of closure activities. Specifically, these duties include: 

� Acting as the on-site (resident) representative of the CQA Consultant; 

� Monitoring of material stockpiles; 

� Assuring proper surface-water drainage away from soil stockpiles and exposed 

waste; 

� Collecting soil samples for material conformance testing; 

� Preparing daily field reports; 

� Recording CQA activities on field logs; 

� Reporting problems to the CQA Engineer and Engineer; 

� Assisting with collection of test samples in accordance with the CQA Plan; 


� Monitoring closure activities; 

� Visually examining soil, rock and geosynthetics as placed; and 

� Monitoring soil layer repair operations. 

In addition to these specific duties, Field Monitors will take note of on-site activities 

that could result in damage to the closure components. Any observations so noted by 

the Field Monitors will be reported immediately to the Construction Manager, Engineer, 

and CQA Engineer. 


4. PROJECT CONTROL MEETINGS 

Clear, open channels of communication are essential for high quality construction, 

including regular meetings of key project personnel. 

4.1 Preconstruction Meeting 

A Preconstruction Meeting will be held at the site prior to closure activities. At a 

minimum, the Preconstruction Meeting will be attended by the CQA Engineer, the 

Construction Manager, the Engineer, the Owner, and the Contractor (or their designated 

representatives). 

Specific requirements for this meeting are to: 

� Distribute any relevant documents; 

� Review critical project design components; 

� Review this CQA Plan and make appropriate modifications or clarifications; 

� Review the Project Documents; 

� Review the schedule for operations; 

� Establish protocols for testing; 

� Reach a consensus on the quality control procedures, especially on methods of 

determining acceptability of the soil materials comprising the monolithic final 

cover; 

� Assign the responsibilities of each party; 

� Establish work area security and safety protocol; 

� Confirm the methods for documenting and reporting, and distributing 

documents; 

� Confirm the lines of authority and communication; 

� Establish protocols for handling deficiencies, repairs, and retesting; and 

� Conduct a site reconnaissance to observe the site and to establish soil stockpiling 

and staging locations. 


The Construction Manager or his representative will record the discussions and 

decisions of the meeting in the form of meeting minutes. Copies of the meeting minutes 

will be distributed to all attendees. 

4.2 Progress Meetings 

A weekly progress meeting will be held between the CQA Engineer, the Engineer, the 

Construction Manager, the Owner, the Contractor, and other concerned parties (or their 

designated representatives). The progress meetings will be used to discuss current 

progress, planned activities for the upcoming week, and any new business or revisions 

to the work. The CQA Engineer will document problems, decisions, or questions 

arising at this meeting in their daily reports. Any matter requiring action which is raised 

in this meeting will be reported to the appropriate parties. Minutes of the weekly 

progress meetings shall be documented by the Construction Manager or his 

representative and distributed to all appropriate parties. 

4.3 Problem or Work Deficiency Meeting 

A special meeting will be held when and if a problem or deficiency is present or likely 

to occur. The meeting will be attended by the Construction Manager, the Engineer, the 

Owner, the CQA Engineer, the Contractor, and other parties as appropriate (or their 

designated representatives). If the problem requires a design modification, the Engineer 

should either be present at, consulted prior to, or notified immediately upon conclusion 

of this meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to define and resolve the problem or 

work deficiency as follows: 

� Define and discuss the problem or deficiency; 

� Review alternative solutions; 

� Select a suitable solution agreeable to all parties; and 

� Implement an action plan to resolve the problem or deficiency. 

The Construction Manager shall appoint one attendee to record the discussions and 

decisions of the meeting. The meeting record shall be documented in the form of 

meeting minutes and copies will be distributed to all affected parties. The Construction 

Manager will notify appropriate regulatory agencies of significant design changes and 

obtain their approval, as needed. 


5. DOCUMENTATION 

5.1 General 

An effective CQA plan depends largely on recognition of construction activities that 

should be monitored and on assigning responsibilities for monitoring of each activity. 

This is most effectively accomplished and verified by the documentation of quality 

assurance activities. The CQA Consultant will document that quality assurance 

requirements have been addressed and satisfied. 

The Field Monitors will maintain signed reports containing descriptive remarks, data 

sheets, and logs to verify that monitoring activities have been completed. The Field 

Monitors will also maintain at the site a complete file of Project Documents, the CQA 

Plan, checklists, test procedures, daily logs, and other pertinent documents. 

5.2 Daily Recordkeeping 

Standard reporting procedures will include preparation of daily CQA documentation 

which, at a minimum, will consist of: (i) field notes, including memoranda of meetings 

and/or discussions with the Engineer or Construction Manager; (ii) CQA monitoring 

logs, and testing data sheets; and (iii) construction problem and resolution summary 

sheets. This information will be regularly submitted to and reviewed by the CQA 

Engineer. 

5.2.1 Monitoring Logs and Testing Data Sheets 

Monitoring logs and testing data sheets will be prepared daily. At a minimum, these 

logs and data sheets will include the following information: 

� An identifying sheet number for cross referencing and document control; 

� Date, project name, location, and other identification; 

� Data on weather conditions; 

� A site plan showing work areas and locations selected for recovery of random 

sampling for CQA testing; 

� Descriptions and locations of ongoing construction; 

� Equipment and personnel in each work area; 


� Descriptions and specific locations of areas, or units, of work being tested and/or 

observed and documented; 

� Locations where in-situ CQA tests and samples for laboratory CQA tests were 

taken; 

� A summary of test results; 

� Calibrations or recalibrations of test equipment, and actions taken as a result of 

recalibration; 

� Decisions made regarding acceptance of units of work, and/or corrective actions 

to be taken in instances of nonconforming test results; and 

� Signature of the Field Monitors. 

5.2.2 Construction Problems 

The Construction Manager and Engineer will be made aware of any significant 

recurring nonconformance with the Project Documents. The cause of the 

nonconformance will be determined and appropriate changes in procedures or 

specifications will be recommended, as appropriate. These changes will be submitted to 

the Engineer for approval. When this type of evaluation is made, the results will be 

documented, and any revision to procedures or specifications will be approved by the 

Engineer. 

5.3 Design and/or Specifications Changes 

Design and/or specifications changes may be required during construction. In such 

cases, the CQA Engineer will notify the Construction Manager and Engineer. Design 

and/or specifications changes will be made only with the written agreement of the 

Engineer and the LEA (in accordance with 27 CCR, Section 21870(d)) and will take the 

form of an amendment to the Project Documents. A design change notification (DCN) 

will be issued by the Engineer to the Construction Manager, CQA Engineer, and 

Contractor and will be included in the CQA Report. The Construction Manager will 

notify appropriate regulatory agencies of significant design and/or specifications 

changes and obtain their approval, as needed. 

5.4 As-Built Drawings 


The findings from the field surveys should be documented on a set of as-built drawings 

as discussed in Section 12.5. 

5.5 Final CQA Report 

At the completion of the work, the CQA Consultant will submit to the Owner a signed 

and sealed final CQA report within 180 days of completion of closure construction. 

This report will document that: (i) work has been performed in compliance with the 

Construction Drawings and Technical Specifications; (ii) physical sampling and testing 

has been conducted at the appropriate frequencies specified in the CQA Plan; and 

(iii) required CQA documentation has been completed. 

At a minimum, this report will include: 

� Summaries of all construction activities; 

� Monitoring logs and testing data sheets, including sample location plans; 

� Construction problems and solutions summary sheets; 

� Changes from design and specifications; 

� As-built drawings; 

� As-built costs of closure in the same arrangement and sequence as the estimated 

costs of closure included in the approved final closure plan; and 

� Certification by a Registered Professional Civil Engineer or Engineering 

Geologist in the State of California that the BSWS was closed in accordance 

with the approved Final Closure Plan, including the Construction Drawings, 

Technical Specifications, and CQA Plan. 

The as-built drawings will include scale drawings depicting the location of the 

construction and details pertaining to the extent of construction (e.g., depths, plan 

dimensions, elevations, soil thicknesses, etc.). These documents will be prepared by the 

CQA Consultant and included as part of the CQA plan documentation. Topographic 

survey for the project will be provided to the CQA Consultant by the Contractor’s 

surveyor. 


6. MONOLITHIC FINAL COVER 

CQA will be performed on soil components used to construct the monolithic final 

cover. The criteria to be used to determine acceptability of the monolithic final cover 

soil is presented in Table 1. Monolithic final cover construction and associated 

earthwork will conform to Section 02200 of the Technical Specifications. 

6.1 Monitoring 

The CQA Consultant will monitor and document the construction of all monolithic final 

cover components. Monitoring the construction work includes the following: 

� Monitoring clearing of the existing intermediate cover surface; 

� Monitoring the scarification and recompaction of the existing cover surface in 

accordance with the approved Final Closure Plan; 

� Monitoring the quality of the material stockpiles and obtaining borrow soil 

samples for conformance testing; 

� Rejecting material that does not meet the Technical Specifications; 

� Testing to determine the moisture content and unit weight of each lift of soil 

during placement and compaction; 

� Noting any deficiencies; 

� Monitoring the thickness of soil lifts; 

� Monitoring that the minimum thickness of the final cover soil is as indicated in 

the approved Final Closure Plan; 

� Monitoring the action of the compaction and other heavy equipment on the 

construction surface (i.e., penetration, pumping, cracking, etc.); 

� Monitoring the repair and retesting of nonconforming areas; 

� Monitoring soil for deleterious material; 

� Recording field density and field moisture content measurement at location of 

each test on test logs; and 

� Reviewing documentation of quality control test results. 


Monitoring the earthwork for the foundation layer also specifically includes the 

following: 

� Monitoring clearing of the existing intermediate cover surface in areas of waste 

relocation (excavation or placement); 

� Monitoring the scarification and recompaction of the existing intermediate cover 

surface in accordance with the approved Final Closure Plan; and 

� Visually monitoring the intermediate cover stability under the action of the 

compaction or other heavy equipment. 

6.2 Laboratory and Field Tests 

The laboratory and field test methods, laboratory and field testing frequencies, and 

criteria used to determine acceptability for monolithic final cover soil materials are 

presented in Table 1. An increased testing frequency may be used at the discretion of 

the Engineer or the CQA Consultant when visual observations of construction 

performance indicate a potential, existing, or recurring deficiency. 

6.3 Survey 

The top of the monolithic final cover layer shall be surveyed by the Contractor 

immediately following the end of construction. The thickness of the monolithic final 

cover layer shall be determined by comparing the survey of the existing ground surface 

with the top of the monolithic final cover layer. Alternative methods of thickness 

verification may be utilized as approved by the Engineer and Construction Manager. 

Alternative methods may include, for example, placement of metal plates below the 

final cover layer and resurvey of the plates after final cover placement. In areas where 

waste has been relocated, the thickness of the monolithic final cover layer shall be 

determined by comparing the survey of the top of exposed waste and the top of the 

monolithic final cover layer. 

6.4 Deficiencies 

If a defect is discovered in the monolithic final cover, the Field Monitors will 

immediately inform the CQA Engineer or his designated representative. The Field 

Monitors, in consultation with the CQA Engineer, will determine the extent and nature 

of the defect. If the defect is indicated by an unsatisfactory test result, extent of the 


deficient area will be determined by additional tests, observations, a review of records, 

or other means that the CQA Engineer deems appropriate. 

If the defect is related to adverse site conditions, such as overly wet soil or surface 

desiccation, the Field Monitors, in consultation with the CQA Engineer, will define the 

limits and nature of the defect. 

6.4.1 Notification 

After determining the extent and nature of a defect, the CQA Engineer will notify the 

Engineer and Construction Manager and schedule appropriate retests when the work 

deficiency is to be corrected. 

6.4.2 Corrective Action 

At locations where the field testing of the soil indicates that the compacted unit weight 

or moisture content do not meet the requirements presented in Table 1, the failing area 

will be reworked as indicated below: 

� The Contractor shall recondition and recompact the area represented by that test. 

� In-place density and moisture content testing will be performed in the vicinity of 

a nonconforming area to delineate area of deficient in-place density and 

moisture content. 

� As necessary, samples of soil material will be obtained from nonconforming 

areas for potential laboratory testing to evaluate differences in soil properties 

that could contribute to the nonconforming test results. 

Criteria to be used for determination of acceptability will be as identified in this CQA 

Plan. Other tests performed will consist of particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, and 

permeability. 

6.4.3 Repairs and Retesting 

The Contractor will correct the deficiency to the satisfaction of the CQA Engineer. If a 

criterion of the Technical Specifications cannot be met, or unusual weather conditions 

hinder work, then the CQA Engineer will develop and present to the Engineer suggested 

solutions for approval. 


All retests recommended by the CQA Engineer must verify that the defect has been 

corrected before any additional work is performed by the Contractor in the area of the 

deficiency. The CQA Engineer will also verify that all installation requirements are 

met. 

Penetrations into the compacted monolithic final cover resulting from sampling or other 

activities shall be properly backfilled with hand-tamped monolithic final cover soil 

material. The Contractor shall repair perforations and/or excavations resulting from 

CQA sampling and testing. All repairs will be inspected by the Field Monitors for 

compliance. 


7. ENGINEERED FILL 

CQA will be performed on engineered fill during earthwork construction, including but 

not limited to, the south and southeastern depression areas, trench backfill, and waste 

relocation backfill. The criteria used to determine acceptability of engineered fill is 

presented in Table 2. Engineered fill will conform to Section 02200 of the Technical 

Specifications. 


The CQA Consultant will monitor and document the construction of engineered fill 

components. Monitoring the work includes the following: 

� Monitoring clearing of subgrade; 

� Reviewing documentation of quality control test results; 

� Monitoring the quality of the material stockpiles and obtaining borrow soil 

samples for conformance testing; 

� Testing to determine the moisture content and unit weight of each lift during 

placement and compaction of soil used in construction; 

� Noting any deficiencies; 

� Monitoring the thickness of soil lifts; 

� Monitoring the action of the compaction and heavy equipment on the 


� Monitoring the repair of nonconforming areas and testing perforations; and 

� Recording field density and field moisture content measurement at the location 

of each test on test logs. 

7.2 Laboratory and Field Tests 

The laboratory and field test methods, laboratory and field testing frequencies, and 

criteria used to determine acceptability of engineered fill are presented in Table 2. An 

increased testing frequency may be used at the discretion of the Engineer or the CQA 

Consultant when visual observations of construction performance indicate a potential, 

existing, or recurring deficiency. 



If a defect is discovered in the earthwork product, the Field Monitors will immediately 

inform the CQA Engineer or his designated representative. The Field Monitors, in 

consultation with the CQA Engineer, will determine the extent and nature of the defect. 

If the defect is indicated by an unsatisfactory test result, extent of the deficient area will 

be determined by additional tests, observations, a review of records, or other means that 

the CQA Engineer deems appropriate. 

If the defect is related to adverse site conditions, such as overly wet soil or surface 

desiccation, the Field Monitors, in consultation with the CQA Engineer, will define the 

limits and nature of the defect. 


After determining the extent and nature of a defect, the CQA Engineer will notify the 

Engineer and Construction Manager and schedule appropriate retests when the work 

deficiency is to be corrected. 


At locations where the field testing of the soil indicates that the compacted unit weight 

or moisture content do not meet the requirements presented in Table 2, the failing area 

will be reworked as indicated below: 

� The Contractor shall recondition and recompact the area represented by that test. 

� In-place density and moisture content testing will be performed in the vicinity of 

a nonconforming area to delineate area of deficient in-place density and 

moisture content. 

� As necessary, samples of soil material will be obtained from nonconforming 

areas for potential laboratory testing to evaluate differences in soil properties 

that could contribute to the nonconforming test results. 

Criteria to be used for determination of acceptability will be as identified herein. 

7.3.3 Repairs and Retesting 

The Contractor will correct the deficiency to the satisfaction of the CQA Engineer. If a 

project specification criterion cannot be met, or unusual weather conditions hinder 


work, then the CQA Engineer will develop and present to the Engineer suggested 

solutions for approval. 

All retests recommended by the CQA Engineer must verify that the defect has been 

corrected before any additional work is performed by the Contractor in the area of the 

deficiency. The CQA Engineer will also verify that installation requirements are met. 

Penetrations into the engineered fill resulting from sampling or other activities will be 

properly backfilled with hand-tamped engineered fill material. The Contractor will 

repair perforations and/or excavations resulting from CQA sampling and testing. 

Repairs will be inspected by the Field Monitors for compliance. 


8. WASTE RELOCATION 

This section of the CQA Plan outlines the CQA activities to be performed during waste 

relocation, including waste excavation and placement. Waste relocation will be 

performed in accordance with Section 02205 of the Technical Specifications. 


The CQA Consultant will monitor and document the waste relocation activities, 

including: 

� Monitoring and documenting removal and stockpiling of existing intermediate 

cover material; 

� Monitoring the excavation of waste and direct loading to haul trucks; 

� Monitoring and documenting placement and compaction of relocated waste; 

� Monitoring the quality of the material stockpiles; 

� Testing to determine the moisture content and unit weight of each lift during 

placement and compaction of soil backfill (engineered fill) in accordance with 

Section 7 of this CQA Plan; 

� Observing and documenting recoverable waste (tires, concrete and scrap metal) 

removal and stockpiling; 

� Recording test results and locations; 

� Documenting the thickness of daily cover and intermediate cover; 

� Documenting areas and final depth of waste excavation; 

� Monitoring the excavation of waste for hazardous materials; 

� Monitoring the excavation for leachate and/or storm water accumulation; 

� Monitoring the action of the compaction and heavy equipment on the 


� Monitoring excavation emissions using a photoionization detector (PID); 

� Observing and documenting inclination of waste slopes; 

� Monitoring dust and odor generation and mitigation measures used; 


� Noting wind speed and direction; 

� Recording type and volume of unacceptable materials and/or leachate and storm 

water removed from the site for offsite disposal. 

� Visually observing and documenting the bottom of waste excavation in 

accordance with the requirements of the Waste Relocation Plan, and observing 

and documenting test trenches. 

� Collecting and testing confirmation and background samples for Title 22 Metals 

and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). Confirmation samples shall be 

collected only in areas where waste is completely removed at a minimum 

frequency of 1 sample per 4,000 square feet of waste removal. Sampling and 

testing shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Waste 

Relocation Plan and the Project Documents. 


8.2.1 General 

If a deficiency is discovered during waste relocation activities, the Field Monitors will 

immediately inform the CQA Engineer or his designated representative. The Field 

Monitors, in consultation with the CQA Engineer, will determine the extent and nature 

of the deficiency. If the deficiency is related to incomplete waste removal or inadequate 

compaction of waste material, the extent of the deficient area will be determined by 

potholing, a review of records, or other means that the CQA Engineer deems 

appropriate. 


After determining the extent and nature of a deficiency, the CQA Engineer will notify 

the Engineer and Construction Manager and schedule appropriate investigations when 

the work deficiency is to be corrected. 


At locations where the visual observation and confirmation trenching indicates that the 

waste removal was incomplete, the Contractor will be directed to continue waste 

excavation until both the visual and analytical criteria detailed in the Waste Relocation 

Plan are satisfied. In areas where backfill or waste recompaction was inadequate, the 

engineered fill or waste will be recompacted. 


9. GEOSYNTHETICS 

This section of the CQA Plan outlines the CQA activities to be performed for the 

geosynthetic installation, including filter geotextile and geogrid for subgrade 

stabilization. Geosynthetics materials and their placement shall conform to Section 

02771 of the Technical Specifications. 

9.1 Manufacturing Quality Control Testing 

The Manufacturer will provide the CQA Engineer with a list of guaranteed “minimum 

average roll value” properties (defined as the mean less two standard deviations) for 

each type of geosynthetic to be delivered. The Manufacturer will also provide the CQA 

Engineer with a written quality control certification signed by a responsible party 

employed by the Manufacturer that the materials actually delivered have property 

“minimum average roll values” which meet or exceed all property values guaranteed for 

that type of geosynthetic. The quality control certificates will include roll identification 

numbers and results of quality control testing. The Manufacturer will also provide a 

written certification that the nonwoven, needle-punched geotextiles are continuously 

inspected and found to be needle-free. 

The Field Monitors will review Manufacturer certifications to evaluate that the property 

values listed on the certifications meet or exceed those specified for the particular type 

of geosynthetic, the measurements of properties by the Manufacturer are properly 

documented, test methods are acceptable, and the certificates have been provided at the 

specified frequency properly identifying the rolls related to testing. Deviations will be 

reported to the Construction Manager. 

9.2 Delivery, Storage, and Handling 

The Field Monitors shall observe and document delivery, storage, and handling of 

geosynthetic materials, including: 

� Monitoring that equipment used to unload the rolls does not damage the 

geotextile. 

� Verifying that rolls were not damaged during unloading. 

� Monitoring that rolls are wrapped in impermeable and opaque protective covers. 


� Monitoring that all documentation required by the Technical Specifications has 

been received. 

� Monitoring that each roll is marked or tagged with the following information: 

manufacturer’s name; project identification; lot number; roll number; roll 

dimensions. Logging this information on a geosynthetic receipt form. 

� Monitoring that the geosynthetic receipt form is completed. 

� Monitoring that materials are stored in a location that will protect the rolls from 

ultraviolet light exposure, precipitation, mud, dirt, dust, puncture, cutting, or any 

other damaging or deleterious conditions. 

Any damaged rolls may be rejected. Rejected material will be monitored so that it is 

removed from the site and stored at a location separate from accepted rolls. Geotextile 

rolls that do not have proper manufacturer’s documentation must also be stored at a 

separate location, until all documentation has been received and approved. 

9.3 Handling and Placement 

The Field Monitor shall observe and document handling and placement operations of 

geosynthetics, including: 

� Monitoring that crews working on the geosynthetic do not smoke, wear shoes 

that could damage the geosynthetic, or engage in activities that could damage 

the geosynthetic; 

� Monitoring that, on slopes, the geosynthetics will be securely anchored and then 

rolled down the slope in such a manner as to continually keep the geosynthetic 

sheet in tension; 

� Observing and documenting that panels are overlapped in accordance with the 

Technical Specifications; 

� Monitoring that all geosynthetics will be weighted with sandbags or equivalent 

in the presence of wind; 

� Monitoring that geosynthetics are cut using an approved geosynthetic cutter 

only; 

� Monitoring that the Contractor takes all necessary precautions to prevent 

damage to underlying layers during placement of geosynthetics; 


� Monitoring that rocks, excessive dust, or moisture that could damage the 

geosynthetic, or generate clogging of drains or filters is not entrapped in the 

geosynthetic; 

� Observing and documenting that holes or tears in the geosynthetic will be 

repaired in accordance with the Technical Specifications; and 

� Observing and documenting that all soil or rock materials placed on top of 

geosynthetics are placed in such a manner to ensure no damage to the 

geosynthetics, minimal slippage of the geosynthetics on underlying layers, and 

no excess tensile stress in the geosynthetics. 

The Field Monitors will note non-compliance and report it to the CQA Engineer. 


10. SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE CONTROL SYSTEM 

10.1 General 

CQA requirements for surface water drainage control features include the erosion 

protection layer, storm water conveyance structures, rock-lined channels, piping and 

riprap construction. Drainage control materials and their placement shall conform to 

Section 02200, Section 02226, Section 02240, Section 02711, and 02771 of the 

Technical Specifications. 


The Field Monitors will be present during delivery and unloading and shall verify the 

following: 

� Riprap and bedding material visually appear to be reasonably well-graded and 

falls within the limits of the Technical Specifications; 

� No rock is furnished from any source which has not been sampled, tested, and 

approved for use by the Construction Manager; 

� Delivery of pipe is done in a competent manner such that damage to the pipe 

does not occur; 

� Pipe is stored on pallets on level ground; 

� Pallets of pipe are not stacked more than 3 feet in height; and 

� Pipe is not stored outdoors for more than 6 months or per Manufacturer’s 

recommendations, whichever is more stringent. 

The Field Monitors will obtain gradation documentation prior to each delivery of 

erosion protection layer and bedding material and to confirm that the material gradation 

is consistent with the Technical Specifications. 

10.3 Material Properties 

10.3.1 Quality Control Testing 

The CQA Engineer will review certified test results from the quarry and the pipe 

manufacturers to verify that riprap and pipe meet the Technical Specifications. 


10.3.2 Quality Assurance Testing 

A minimum of 1 CQA test will be performed for gradation of the erosion protection 

layer (top deck and side slope) and bedding material to ensure that the material meets 

the requirements of the Technical Specifications. The Field Monitors will visually 

inspect and measure riprap delivered to the site. The Field Monitors will advise the 

CQA Engineer on the need for additional CQA testing. The Field Monitors will verify 

representative samples are used for this testing. 

The Field Monitors will visually inspect and measure the pipe delivered to the site. The 

Field Monitors will also inspect the package labeling for compliance with the Technical 

Specifications. 

10.4 Placement 

By visual inspection, the Field Monitors will verify that placement of bedding material, 

riprap, and pipe is in compliance with the following sections. 

10.4.1 Bedding Material 

Verify the following during bedding material placement: 

� Bedding material is spread uniformly on prepared subgrade; 

� Any damage to the subgrade during placement of bedding material is repaired 

before proceeding with work; 

� Bedding material is finished to present a reasonably even surface free from 

depressions, mounds, or windrows; and 

� Particle size separation does not occur during placement. 

10.4.2 Riprap 

Verify the following during riprap placement: 

� Riprap is placed in a manner to produce a reasonably well-graded mass of stone 

with the minimum practicable percentage of voids; 

� Damage to bedding material does not occur; 

� The entire mass of riprap in the final position is roughly graded to conform to 

gradation specified; and 


� Dumping riprap at the top of slopes and rolling or pushing into place does not 

occur. 

10.4.3 Pipe 

Verify the following during pipe placement: 

� The soil beneath, around and above buried pipe shall be sand bedding in 

accordance with the SSPWC; 

� The sand bedding extends a minimum of one pipe diameter above the buried 

pipe, or at least 12 inches; 

� All pipe fittings are in accordance with the Manufacturer’s specifications; 

� Surface pipe is constructed with anchor systems in accordance with the 

Construction Drawings. 


11. RIVER BANK STABILIZATION 

The river bank stabilization construction CQA components include longitudinal stone 

toe protection, riprap keys, and bendway weirs. River bank stabilization materials and 

their placement shall conform to Section 02200, Section 02226, and Section 02230 of 

the Technical Specifications. 


The Field Monitors will be present during delivery and unloading of materials and shall 

verify the following: 

� Riprap material visually appears to be reasonably well-graded and falls within 

the limits of the Technical Specifications; 

� No rock is furnished from any source which has not been sampled, tested, and 

approved for use by the Construction Manager; and 

� Riprap will be stored on site so as not to damage other improvements. 

11.2 Material Properties 

11.2.1 Quality Control Testing 

The CQA Engineer will review certified test results from the quarry to verify that riprap 

meets the Technical Specifications. 

11.2.2 Quality Assurance Testing 

The Field Monitors will visually inspect and measure riprap delivered to the site. No 

formal CQA conformance testing for riprap will be performed unless deemed necessary 

by the Engineer or Construction Manager. 

11.3 Placement 

By visual inspection, the Field Monitors will verify preparation of bedding and 

foundation material to support riprap and will verify that the riprap is placed in 

compliance with the following: 

� Riprap is placed in a manner to produce a reasonably well-graded mass of stone 

with the minimum practicable percentage of voids; 


� Damage to bedding material does not occur; 

� Trenches for riprap placement are excavated to the minimum dimensions 

specified on the Construction Drawings; 

� The largest dimension of the riprap is not larger than the trench width; 

� The entire mass of riprap in the final position is roughly graded to conform to 

Technical Specifications; 

� Dumping riprap at the top of slopes and rolling or pushing into place does not 

occur; and 

� The location of the riprap for the bendway weirs is surveyed in at least five 

locations on the riprap face for each dimension, including elevation, width and 

length. The average of the five surveyed locations shall be within ±0.5 feet of 

the location specified on the Construction Drawings. 


12. SURVEYING 

12.1 Survey Control 

Survey control will be performed by the Contractor. A permanent benchmark will be 

established for the site in a location convenient for daily tie-in. The vertical and 

horizontal control for this benchmark will be established within normal land surveying 

standards. 

12.2 Precision and Accuracy 

A wide variety of survey equipment is available for the surveying requirements for 

these projects. The survey instruments used for this work should be sufficiently precise 

and accurate to meet the needs of the projects and in accordance with the precision 

levels in the Technical Specifications. 

12.3 Survey Control 

The following surfaces will be surveyed to verify the lines and grades achieved during 

soil placement and compaction: 

� Existing condition; 

� Bottom of waste excavation; and 

� Top of monolithic final cover soil and engineered fill. 

The following features will be surveyed to verify and document the lines and grades 

achieved during construction of the Project: 

� Final limit of waste; 

� All culverts, inlet, and drop structures; 

� Drainage pipe location; 

� Ditch bottoms and side slopes; 

� Other permanent surface drainage control features; and 

� Security fencing. 

SC0531.CQA.20110923.JG.docx 30 June 2011

12.4 Frequency and Spacing 

Surveying should be performed immediately upon completion of a given installation to 

facilitate progress and avoid delaying commencement of the next installation. In 

addition, spot checks during earthwork will be necessary to assist the Contractor in 

compliance with required grades. 

12.5 Documentation 

Field survey notes should be retained by the Land Surveyor. The findings from the 

field surveys should be documented on a set of as-built drawings, which shall be 

provided to the CQA Engineer in AutoCAD 2007 format or other suitable format as 

directed by the CQA Engineer. 

SC0531.CQA.20110923.JG.docx 31 June 2011

TABLE 1 

Final Cover Soil Field and Laboratory Testing 

Brawley Solid Waste Site 

TEST METHOD MINIMUM TEST 

FREQUENCY 

Visual Classification 

(ASTM D2487) 

In-Place 

Moisture/Density 

Nuclear Method 

(ASTM D6938) 

Modified Proctor 

Compaction Test 

(ASTM D1557) 

Particle Size Analysis 

(ASTM D422) 

Atterberg Limits 

(ASTM D4318) 

Permeability of Soils 

(Constant Head) 

(ASTM D2434) 

1 per 5,000 yd 3 or 

each material type 

1 per 1,000 yd 3 or 4 

tests per day 

1 per 10,000 yd 3 or 

1 test per week 

or each material 

type 

1 per 10,000 yd 3 or 


1 per 5,000 yd 3 

or each material 

type 

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA 

Not Applicable 

Dry density no less than 90% of the 

maximum dry density as obtained from 

ASTM D1557 and a moisture content 

within ±3 percent of optimum moisture 

content as obtained from ASTM D1557 


No particle greater than 3 inches; at 

least 60 percent passing No. 200 sieve; 

no greater than 2% by weight retained 

on the No. 4 sieve 

Average Plasticity Index less than or 

equal to 22 

1 per 5,000 yd 3 Average permeability of Final Cover of 

less than or equal to 2x10 -5 cm/sec

TEST NAME AND 

METHOD 

In-Place 

Moisture/Density 

Nuclear Method/Sand 

Cone 

(ASTM D6938/ASTM 

D1556) 

Modified Proctor 

Compaction Test 

(ASTM D1557) 

Particle Size Analysis 

(ASTM D422) 

TABLE 2 

Engineered Fill Soil Field and Laboratory Testing 

Brawley Solid Waste Site 

MINIMUM TEST 

FREQUENCY 

1 per 1,000 yd 3 

1 per 20,000 yd 3 or 


1 per 20,000 yd 3 or 


ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA 

Dry density no less than 90% of the 

maximum dry density as obtained from 

ASTM D1557 and a moisture content 

within ±3 percent of optimum moisture 

content as obtained from ASTM D1557 

unless otherwise stated 


No particle greater than 6 inches

construction quality assurance plan brawley ... - County of Imperial

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