Item P08 P8
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE �� i Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern James K.Scholl,District 3
Craig Cates,District 1
Michelle Lincoln,District 2
David Rice,District 4
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
July 17, 2024
Agenda Item Number: P8
2023-1874
BULK ITEM: Yes DEPARTMENT: Sustainability
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Rhonda Haag
N/A
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: SUSTAINABILITY: Ratification of a $410,498 with $0 match Grant
Agreement No. SF-03DO9924-0 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency "EPA" for
five water quality projects including 1)water quality sampling and monitoring, 2) technology
effectiveness evaluation and nearshore connection study evaluation, 3) gravity injection wells
monitoring, 4)public outreach, and 5) seagrass restoration within canals in the Keys; retroactive to
April 1, 2024.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
In 2023 EPA issued their FY24 South Florida Special Initiatives Request for Proposals (RFP). County
staff prepared a grant application in the amount of$410,498 of grant funds, with$0 local match, and
submitted it on July 14, 2023. Notice of the grant award was provided and Grant Agreement Number
SF-03DO9924-0 was received on May 17, 2024. This grant will be utilized to continue the initiative in
improving the water quality in the Florida Keys,
The Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP)Action Plan of the Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary(FKNMS) identifies impaired water quality in residential canals and nearshore waters as a
component of the overall South Florida aquatic ecosystem restoration. In November 2020, the Florida
Department of Economic Opportunity(DEO) amended Chapter 28-20 Land Planning Regulations for
the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern in Monroe County to include a new Work Plan for
Canal Restoration implementation. The Work Plan sets forth a definitive timeline for canal restoration
with essential milestones for the completion of the program within the next 10 years.
The County has taken action to create a Canal Restoration List containing 96 projects estimated to cost
$538 Million to implement. Under the grant, the County will perform the following tasks to provide a
deep analysis and development of an updated Canal Work Plan:
A. Canal Water Quality Sampling and Monitoring. An update to the Canal Management Master Plan
(CMMP) database will be provided to update information on the levels of dissolved oxygen(DO) in
canals not meeting state water quality standards,performing on-site water quality sampling in more
than 300 canals in Monroe County. This will provide information required to develop a revised Canal
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Restoration List, implement the Canal Work Plan, and make informed decisions on restoring the
degraded canals.
B. Canal Technology Cost Reduction and Effectiveness Evaluation. In 2014, the County completed a
series of demonstration projects to evaluate the effectiveness of canal restoration technologies
including use of culverts, backfill, organic removal, and air curtain to improve the dissolved oxygen
levels. The County has since identified injection wells as a potential new technology, which is much
lower in cost than other technologies, to improve water quality in lieu of a full restoration. The County
will evaluate the CMMP database and ranking sheets to identify canals that may be improved through
the implementation of this new technology. A revised list of projects will be
prepared that provides a more cost-effective list of restoration projects so that more projects can be
accomplished per year and overall.
C. Canal Restoration— Geographic Grouping_ The University of Miami(UM) completed a study in
2021 to evaluate the canal water quality impact on the nearshore waters and determined that canal water
does affect nearshore water quality. The County will reevaluate the list of projects to determine if
grouping restoration projects by geographic locations will accomplish more effective and cost-efficient
restorations that would better improve the overall nearshore water quality. If so, a revised list of
projects will be prepared, that includes proposed geographic groupings of projects.
D. Injection Wells (Canal#58 and#278) -Pre and Post Water Quality Monitoring. The injection well
technology was evaluated as part of the former demonstration program and offers a potential alternative
to improve levels of dissolved oxygen in canals at greatly reduced costs compared to existing
technologies. The technology has not yet been tested and is now at the demonstration phase with two
new wells to be installed in 2023 in the County. This task will evaluate the pre and post water quality of
these two canal restoration projects to determine the effectiveness in improving the DO levels within the
canal systems so that it can be used in more canals to increase DO levels at a greatly reduced cost.
E. Restoring Seagrass Damage: This task will identify, map and develop methods for seagrass
restoration from damage caused by derelict vessel removal. This will enhance the ecosystem
resilience and connectivity of the Florida Keys by providing vital habitats for a variety of marine
species, improving water quality, and reducing erosion by reducing the negative impacts of the removal
of abandoned and derelict vessels.
F. Public Outreach and Education: The Monroe County Strategic Plan and the FKNMS Restoration
Blueprint identified water quality as a high priority by the residents in the Florida Keys. Therefore,
outreach is important to inform and engage the residents of the ongoing efforts of the canal restoration
program, and how best management practices can be implemented to maintain these efforts.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
None
INSURANCE REQUIRED:
No
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
DOCUMENTATION:
EPA Grant 03D09924-O.pdf
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date: April 1, 2024 Expiration Date: March 30, 2026
Total Dollar Value of Grant: $ 410,498
Total Cost to County: None Current Year Portion: N/A
Budgeted: No
Source of Funds: EPA Grant SF-03D09924-0 CPI: N/A
Indirect Costs: NA
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts: None
Revenue Producing: Yes If yes, amount: $410,498
Grant: Yes
County Match: $0
Insurance Required: No Additional Details:
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SF-03DO9924-0 Page 1
GRANT NUMBER(FAIN): 03DO9924
MODIFICATION NUMBER: 0 DATE OF AWARD
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM CODE: SF 05/04/2024
PROTECTION AGENCY TYPE OF ACTION MAILING DATE
New 05/08/2024
Cooperative Agreement PAYMENT METHOD: ACH#
"1t PROI ASAP 40959
RECIPIENT TYPE: Send Payment Request to:
County Contact EPA RTPFC at:rtpfc-grants@epa.gov
RECIPIENT: PAYEE:
COUNTY OF MONROE COUNTY OF MONROE
1100 SIMONTON ST 5100 College Road
KEY WEST, FL 33040-3110 Key West, FL 33040
EIN: 59-6000749
PROJECT MANAGER EPA PROJECT OFFICER EPA GRANT SPECIALIST
Roman Gastesi Adekunle Adesiji Jessica Hamrick
1100 Simonton St 61 Forsyth Street SW Grants Management Section
Room 2-213 Atlanta,GA 30303-8960 61 Forsyth Street SW
Key West, FL 33040 Email: adesiji.adekunle@epa.gov Atlanta,GA 30303-8960
Email: gastesi-roman@monroecounty-fl.gov Phone:404-526-8255 Email: hamrick.jessica@epa.gov
Phone: 305-292-4442 Phone:404-564-8889
PROJECT TITLE AND DESCRIPTION
South Florida Geographic Initiatives Program
This action provides funding in the amount of$410,498 to Monroe County, Florida.The purpose of this project is to implement Canal Water Quality Sampling,
Monitoring,and Evaluations.Activities include two-year,dissolved oxygen data collection for up to 300 canals within the unincorporated county and
municipalities,provide data to make informed decisions on potential reclassifying and reranking of impaired canals,and collect a rotating series of readings in
each of the 300 impaired canals.Anticipated deliverables include development of a technical memorandum for the 96 ranked canals not yet restored to
provide recommendations for potential revisions including the use of new,stand-alone,combination of or partial restoration technology implementation.
Expected outcomes include meeting objectives of improving water quality within the canal systems of the Florida Keys that discharge into adjacent Florida
Keys National Marine Sanctuary Outstanding(FKNMS)Florida Waters nearshore and coastal waters.The project will further the initiatives of the county to
restore the water quality of the canals and ultimately the nearshore waters of the FKNMS. Direct beneficiaries include State of Florida citizens...No subawards
are included in this assistance agreement.
BUDGET PERIOD PROJECT PERIOD TOTAL BUDGET PERIOD COST TOTAL PROJECT PERIOD COST
04/01/2024-03/30/2026 04/01/2024-03/30/2026 $410,498.00 $410,498.00
NOTICE OF AWARD
Based on your Application dated 07/14/2023 including all modifications and amendments,the United States acting by and through the US Environmental
Protection Agency(EPA)hereby awards$410,498.00. EPA agrees to cost-share 100.00%of all approved budget period costs incurred, up to and not
exceeding total federal funding of$410,498.00. Recipient's signature is not required on this agreement.The recipient demonstrates its commitment to carry
out this award by either: 1)drawing down funds within 21 days after the EPA award or amendment mailing date;or 2)not filing a notice of disagreement with
the award terms and conditions within 21 days after the EPA award or amendment mailing date. If the recipient disagrees with the terms and conditions
specified in this award,the authorized representative of the recipient must furnish a notice of disagreement to the EPA Award Official within 21 days after the
EPA award or amendment mailing date. In case of disagreement,and until the disagreement is resolved,the recipient should not draw down on the funds
provided by this award/amendment,and any costs incurred by the recipient are at its own risk.This agreement is subject to applicable EPA regulatory and
statutory provisions,all terms and conditions of this agreement and any attachments.
ISSUING OFFICE(GRANTS MANAGEMENT OFFICE) AWARD APPROVAL OFFICE
ORGANIZATION/ADDRESS ORGANIZATION/ADDRESS
U.S. EPA, Region 4 U.S. EPA, Region 4,Water Division
61 Forsyth Street R4-Region 4
Atlanta,GA 30303-8960 61 Forsyth Street SW
Atlanta,GA 30303-8960
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE U.S.ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Digital signature applied by EPA AWard Official Shantel Shelmon-Grants Management Officer DATE
05/04/2024
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SF-03D09924-0 Page 2
EPA Funding Information
FUNDS FORMERAWARD THIS ACTION AMENDED TOTAL
EPA Amount This Action $0 $410,498 $410,498
EPA In-!Kind Amount $0 $0 $0
Unexpended Prior Year Balance $0 $0 $0
Other Federal Funds $0 $0 $0
Recipient Contribution $0 $0 $0
State Contribution $0 $0 $0
Local Contribution $0 $0 $0
Other Contribution $0 $0 $0
Allowable Project Cost $0 $410,498 $410,498
Assistance Program(CFDA) Statutory Authority Regulatory Authority
66.484-Geographic Programs-South Florida 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act(PL 117-328) 2 CFR 200,2 CFR 1500 and 40 CFR 33
Geographic Initiatives Program
Clean Water Act: Sec. 104(b)(3)
Fiscal
Site Name Req No FY Approp. Budget PRC Object Site/Project Cost Obligation
Code Organization Class Organization Deobligation
2404TC4018 2324 1 B 04TOORR OOOBK2 4183 $410,498
$410,498
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SF-03D09924-0 Page 3
Budget Summary Page
Table A-Object Class Category Total Approved Allowable
(Non-Construction) Budget Period Cost
1.Personnel $0
2.Fringe Benefits $0
3.Travel $0
4.Equipment $0
5.Supplies $0
6.Contractual $410,498
7.Construction $0
8.Other $0
9.Total Direct Charges $410,498
10.Indirect Costs:0.00%Base $0
11.Total(Share:Recipient 0.00%Federal 100.00%) $410,498
12.Total Approved Assistance Amount $410,498
13.Program Income $0
14.Total EPA Amount Awarded This Action $410,498
15.Total EPA Amount Awarded To Date $410,498
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m` mouoo 4 u Page 4
Administrative
Conditions
General Terms and Conditions
The recipient agrees to comply with the current EPA general terms and conditions available at:
These terms and conditions are in addition to the assurances and certifications made asa part of the award and the terms,
conditions, or restrictions cited throughout the award.
The EPA repository for the general terms and conditions by year can bo found at:
A. Correspondence Condition
The terms and conditions of this agreement require the submittal of reports, specific requests for approval, or notifications
to EPA. Unless otherwise noted, all such correspondence should bo sent to the following email addresses:
^ Federal Financial Reports(GF425): and Jessica Hamrick,
^ MBE8NBE reports(EPA Form 5700'52A): Jessica Hamriok. . 404'502'8889
All other forms/certifications/assurances, Indirect Cost Rate Agreements, Requests for Extensions of the Budget
and Project Period,Amendment Requests, Requests for other Prior Approvals, updates to recipient information
(including email addresses, changes in contact information or changes in authorized representatives)and other
notifications:Adokun|oAdosiji. . 404'502'8255
^ Payment requests(if app|ioab|o):Adokun|oAdosiji. .404'502'8255
^ (]ua|itY Assurance documents,wmrkp|an revisions, equipment lists, programmatic reports and
deliverables:Adokun|oAdosiji. . 404'502'8255
B. PRE-AWARD COSTS
In accordance with 2 CFR 1500.9, the grantee may charge pre-award costs(both Federal and non-Federal matching
shares)incurred from 04/01/2024 to the actual award date provided that such costs were contained in the approved
application and all costs are incurred within the approved budget period.
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SF-03DO9924-0 Page 5
Programmatic Conditions
Grant Programmatic Terms and Conditions
A. PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND FINAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Performance Reports—Content
In accordance with 2 CFR 200.329, the recipient agrees to submit performance reports that include brief
information on each of the following areas on: 1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the
outputs/outcomes established in the assistance agreement work plan for the period; 2) The reasons why
established outputs/outcomes were not met; and 3) Additional pertinent information, including, when
appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high-unit costs.
Additionally, the recipient agrees to inform EPA as soon as problems, delays, or adverse conditions
which will materially impair the ability to meet the outputs/outcomes specified in the assistance
agreement work plan are known.
Performance Reports - Frequency
The recipient agrees to submit semi-annual performance reports electronically to the EPA Project Officer
within 90 days after the annual reporting period ends on March31 st and September 30th. The recipient
must submit the final performance report no later than 120 calendar days after the end date of the period
of performance.
1. If semi-annual performance reports are required, they are to be submitted electronically to the EPA
Project Officer, Mr. Adekunle Adesiji, at adesiji.adekunle@epa.gov and Technical Officer, Mr. Steve
Blackburn, at. .�ack:. .tAu-'.ri...:.,stev ..r.... era, ov within 30 days after the reporting period (every tsix-month
period). The reporting periods are March31st and September 30th.
B. Cybersecurity Condition
Cybersecurity Grant Condition for Other Recipients, Including Intertribal Consortia
(a) The recipient agrees that when collecting and managing environmental data under this assistance
agreement, it will protect the data by following all applicable State or Tribal law cybersecurity
requirements.
(b) (1) EPA must ensure that any connections between the recipient's network or information system and
EPA networks used by the recipient to transfer data under this agreement, are secure. For purposes of
this Section, a connection is defined as a dedicated persistent interface between an Agency IT system
and an external IT system for the purpose of transferring information. Transitory, user-controlled
connections such as website browsing are excluded from this definition.
If the recipient's connections as defined above do not go through the Environmental Information
Exchange Network or EPA's Central Data Exchange, the recipient agrees to contact the EPA Project
Officer (PO) no later than 90 days after the date of this award and work with the designated
Regional/Headquarters Information Security Officer to ensure that the connections meet EPA security
requirements, including entering into Interconnection Service Agreements as appropriate. This condition
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SF-03DO9924-0 Page 6
does not apply to manual entry of data by the recipient into systems operated and used by EPA's
regulatory programs for the submission of reporting and/or compliance data.
(2) The recipient agrees that any subawards it makes under this agreement will require the subrecipient
to comply with the requirements in (b)(1) if the subrecipient's network or information system is connected
to EPA networks to transfer data to the Agency using systems other than the Environmental Information
Exchange Network or EPA's Central Data Exchange. The recipient will be in compliance with this
condition: by including this requirement in subaward agreements; and during subrecipient monitoring
deemed necessary by the recipient under 2 CFR 200.332(d), by inquiring whether the subrecipient has
contacted the EPA Project Officer. Nothing in this condition requires the recipient to contact the EPA
Project Officer on behalf of a subrecipient or to be involved in the negotiation of an Interconnection
Service Agreement between the subrecipient and EPA.
C. Competency Policy
Competency of Organizations Generating Environmental Measurement Data
In accordance with Agency Policy Directive Number FEM-2012-02, Policy to Assure the Competency of
Organizations Generating Environmental Measurement Data under Agency-Funded Assistance
Agreements.
Recipient agrees, by entering into this agreement, that it has demonstrated competency prior to award,
or alternatively, where a pre-award demonstration of competency is not practicable, Recipient agrees to
demonstrate competency prior to carrying out any activities under the award involving the generation or
use of environmental data. Recipient shall maintain competency for the duration of the project period of
this agreement and this will be documented during the annual reporting process. A copy of the Policy is
available online at.h.:t:t,.�,�. .;,.11w w�y.:,. aovfsir�esf �°od�uc�iio��ffiilesf20I -03fdoc�ume���sfcompe�e��c - oliicy_
. ..ii. ..-. .. .wv.,,..p .. or a copy may also be requested by contacting the EPA Project Officer for this award.
D. Signage Required
1. Signage Requirements
The recipient is required to place a sign at construction sites supported under this award displaying the
EPA logo in a manner that informs the public that the project is funded in part or wholly by the EPA. The
sign must be placed in a visible location that can be directly linked to the work taking place and must be
maintained in good condition throughout the construction period.
Recipients are required to comply with the sign specifications provided by the EPA Office of Public
Affairs (OPA) available at: .h.:t:t:.�,�. .;,.11WW� v.:,. a,c�o�/q�°a��ts/eta-logo-seal-specirtiicatiio��s-sii ��a a�°oduced-
ga..��. ..-. . . .i. :, .��. . ..-. . �°eeuue��t-°eciipiie��ts. If the EPA logo is displayed along with the logos of other
participating entities, the EPA logo must not be displayed in a manner that implies that EPA itself is
conducting the project. Instead, the EPA logo must be accompanied with a statement indicating that the
recipient received financial assistance from EPA for the project. As provided in the sign specifications
from OPA, the EPA logo is the preferred identifier for assistance agreement projects and use of the EPA
seal requires prior approval from the EPA. To obtain the appropriate EPA logo or seal graphic file, the
recipient should send a request directly to OPA and include the EPA Project Officer in the
communication. Instructions for contacting OPA is available at: . .:::.��. .;,. wv w w.:,. ov/atykabook/��usin -e a-
. . .sea�..- .r. ...-o� o.
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SF-03DO9924-0 Page 7
State agencies and agencies of political subdivisions of states must comply with 2 CFR 200.323,
Procurement of recovered materials when procuring signage for projects funded by EPA assistance
agreement. EPA encourages other recipients to use recycled or recovered materials when procuring
signs.
Signage costs are considered an allowable cost under this assistance agreement provided that the costs
associated with signage are reasonable. Additionally, to increase public awareness of projects serving
communities where English is not the predominant language, recipients are encouraged to translate the
language on signs (excluding the EPA logo or seal) into the appropriate non-English language(s). The
costs of such translation are allowable, provided the costs are reasonable.
2. Public or Media Events
The Recipient agrees to notify the EPA Project Officer listed in this award document of public or media
events publicizing the accomplishment of significant events related to construction projects as a result of
this agreement, and provide the opportunity for attendance and participation by federal representatives
with at least ten (10) working days' notice.
E. Geospatial Data Standards
All geospatial data created must be consistent with Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)
endorsed standards. Information on these standards may be found at .h.:::.��. .;,. vvv.:,.: c dc, ovf.
F. QUALITY ASSURANCE
Authority: Quality Assurance applies to all assistance agreements involving environmental information as
defined in 2 C.F.R. § 1500.12 Quality Assurance. The recipient shall ensure that subawards involving
environmental information issued under this agreement include appropriate quality requirements for the
work. The recipient shall ensure sub-award recipients develop and implement the Quality Assurance
(QA) planning documents in accordance with this term and condition; and/or ensure sub-award recipients
implement all applicable approved QA planning documents.
All work funded by EPA that involves the collection, generation, evaluation or use of environmental
information and/or the design, construction, operation, or application of environmental technology shall
be implemented in accordance with an approved QA Project Plan QAPP. The QAPP will be developed
using a systematic planning process based on the graded approach. No work covered by this
requirement shall be implemented without an approved QAPP available prior to the start of the work
except under circumstances requiring immediate action to protect human health and the environment or
operations conducted under police powers.
Quality Assurance Project Plan /Quality Management Plan (QAPP/QMP)
a. Prior to beginning environmental information operations, the recipient must:
i. Develop a QAPP/QMP utilizing the QAPP/QMP checklist provided by Region 4 Project Officer
(PO) or Technical Officer (TO),
ii. Prepare QAPP in accordance with the most current version of the EPA QMP Standard (Q]..Q.
..1... .5..-.. ..-. ..1...:.. ..) and the EPA QAPP Standard (. .. ...... ..1...0. ..-. ...-. .2.::. ..)
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SF-03DO9924-0 Page 8
iii. Submit the document to EPA Project Officer or Technical Officer for review assignment and,
iv. Obtain EPA Quality Assurance Manager or Designated Approving official (DAO) approval.
b. The recipient must submit the QAPP/QMP no more than 90 days after grant award.
c. The recipient shall notify the PO or TO and when substantive changes are needed to the QAPP/QMP. SubE
changes require the QAPP be revised and resubmitted to EPA for review and approval.
d. The recipient must review their approved QAPP at least annually and document the review. The
recipient must provide written notification to the PO/TO that the annual review has been completed and
state whether or not revisions are required.
e. EPA-approved QAPPs shall be valid for no more than five years or shorter duration as may be defined
in the extramural agreement, After 5 years, the QAPP must be revised, reissued, or closed out.
For Reference:
EPA 2023 Quality Management Plan (QMP) Standard and EPA 2023 QAPP Standard, contain quality
specifications for EPA and non-EPA organizations and definitions applicable to these terms and
conditions. . .:::p. .:':. .::. pa..gov/(;ItAaIity/(;ItAality-p..!" glam-diir(,-Glives
EPA QA/G-5: Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans, Appendix C provides a QAPP Checklist.
EPA'sQA.a[Jty IPro ram website has a list of QA managers, and Quality Specifications for non-EPA
Organizations to do business with EPA.
G. Substantial Involvement
EPA will be substantially involved in this agreement. Substantial involvement by the EPA Project Officer
may include:
1.) monthly telephone calls and other monitoring,
2.) reviewing project phases and providing approval to continue to the next phase,
3.) reviewing and commenting on any documents, web content, or other materials developed under this
agreement (the recipient will make final decisions on these matters),
4.) approving substantive terms included in contracts or subawards (EPA's Project Officer will not
suggest, recommend or direct the recipient to select any particular contractor or subrecipient except to
the extent permitted in Section 10 of EPA's Subaward Policy).
5.) reviewing and commenting on the programmatic progress reports
6.) Consultation with EPA regarding the selection of key personnel (EPA's involvement is limited to
reviewing the technical qualifications of key personnel and the recipient will make the final decisions on
selection. EPA's Project Officer will not suggest, recommend or direct the recipient to select any
individual).
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SF-03D09924-0 Page 9
7.) Joint operational involvement, participation, and/or collaboration between EPA and the recipient.
H. Technical Officer for this award is Mr. Steven Blackburn, at blackburn.steven@epa.gov
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