Environmental Impacts from Dredging Operations
One of the challenges faced during dredging operations is assessing the potential impacts of the suspended sediment and displaced dredge material that result. Dredging operations and sediment displacement are often necessary for port and harbor development, maintenance and creation of shipping channels, and offshore infrastructure projects. Such projects can benefit from the predictive capabilities of models to assess the environmental impacts from suspended sediment plumes on water quality and marine biota.
ASA provides integrated modeling technologies and studies in support of dredging activities internationally. Asia-Pacific ASA (APASA) has been particularly active in supporting dredging operations as Australia has seen an explosion in port and harbor infrastructure projects due to the country’s growth in ore mining, natural gas development and other exports.
DREDGEMAP is a framework of sediment-related models from ASA’s in-house modeling software suite that includes SSFATE™, SSDOSE™, and CAPModel™ (built by ASA in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). All models are integrated with advanced GIS and data processing and analysis tools.
ASA’s models and services can be used to determine optimal operational parameters to satisfy regulatory requirements for suspended sediment, and to study the impacts of dredge disposal and capping activities. ASA also provides general hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling services. For more information about ASA’s sediment dispersion and transport models and services, visit
http://www.asascience.com/software/housetools
APASA recently completed a study for Fremantle Ports, in conjunction with Oceanica Consulting Pty. Ltd., of the potential marine environmental impacts of proposed dredging operations associated with the development of a new harbor in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. The harbor project known as Kwinana Quay will include creation of a large area that will support expanding container trade. This area will be created by dredging more than 10 Mm3 of sand and rock using a large cutter suction dredge.
An integrated modeling study was completed to assess the impact of the expected suspended sediment plumes on the ecology of Cockburn Sound. The project team used ASA’s DREDGEMAP™, an advanced dredge material simulation model, to study the problem. DREDGEMAP predicts the transport, dispersion, settling and re-suspension of sediment released to the water column by dredging operations.
The DREDGEMAP model was calibrated with previous dredging projects in Cockburn Sound and then used to simulate the Kwinana Quay dredging program. Model inputs included three-dimensional hydrodynamic and wave data from external models, together with detailed dredging, geotechnical and sediment source parameters, to generate a three-dimensional total suspended solids concentration (TSSC) data set. The TSSC data set was subsequently used to estimate light attenuation for assessment of the impact on seagrass health. In addition the effects of TSSC on snapper spawn and larvae during the spring and summer periods were assessed, based on results of eco-toxicology tests conducted using replicated dredge-generated sediment samples.
To read the full study, “Modelling the Marine Environmental Impacts of Dredge Operations in Cockburn Sound, WA”, visit www.asascience.com/about/publications.
Using Satellite Data to Enhance Search and Rescue Planning
ATOM drifter predictions in
Prince William Sound, Alaska
ASA is working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on a project to integrate next generation ocean and meteorological forecasts, enhanced through the use of satellite data, with the U.S. Coast Guard's search and rescue (SAR) planning tool, SAROPS. The three-year project is lead by Dr. Yi Chao (JPL) with invesigators Dr. William Emery (University of Colorado at Boulder), Dr. Carter Ohlmann (University of California at Santa Barbara), Dr. Carl Schoch (Alaska Ocean Observing System) and Eoin Howlett (ASA) in close collaboration with Art Allen (U.S. Coast Guard).
The project will improve the input for SAROPS by fully integrating NASA remote sensing measurements using data assimilation to create model forecasting products.
- Sea surface temperature as measured by Sea surface temperature as measured by AVHRR, MODIS,TMI, AMSR-E
- Sea surface height from the Jason satellite
- Ocean vector winds (QuikSCAT)
- Ocean-color from MODIS on the Aqua satellite
To complement these NASA remote sensing capabilities, the project will use additional oceanographic and meteorological measurements including surface current measurements from land-based High- Frequency radar and drifting buoys (drifters).
The project goal is to provide improved real-time ocean current and wind forecasts with error estimates for inclusion in SAROPS. Year one of the project, a field experiment in Prince William Sound, Alaska, is coming to a successful close. The experiment demonstrated the integration of real-time observation data with an ocean forecast model (ROMS) and meteorology model (WRF). The individual system components will be developed more fully with complete system integration in year two. In year three a second field experiment is planned in which the team of scientists will try to quantify the impact of NASA Earth Science observations on the SAROPS decision support tool.
The performance of forecast models will be quantitatively evaluated based on 1) retrospective comparison and analyses of historical observations and model output, 2) observational data collected during intensive field experiments, and 3) comparisons with baseline performance from previous field experiments.
ASA Published observation and model data
from the field experiment on the Amazon Cloud
for visualization in Google Earth
As part of the field experiment in Alaska, ASA used the Alyeska Tactical Oil Spill Model (ATOM ) to integrate a wide variety of observation and forecast data and to compare Lagrangian predictions with observed drifter paths. ATOM is a GIS-based 2D or 3D trajectory and fates model capable of using ocean current data and surface wind data in a variety of formats to determine the motion of objects in the water over time. For the experiment, ASA connected ATOM to the Environmental Data Server (EDS) that supplies metocean forecast data to SAROPS.
Now in year two of the project, ASA is integrating the operational forecasts into the EDS for evaluation by the Coast Guard, ultimately allowing SAR controllers to access high resolution forecasts, enhanced by satellite-derived data, for improved search and rescue planning.
For more information on this project contact Dr. Yi Chao (yi.chao@jpl.nasa.gov), or visit the JPL OurOcean portal http://ourocean.jpl.nasa.gov/PWS.
ASA Adds New China Office in Shanghai
ASA has expanded operations with a new office in Shanghai, China. The new office reflects ASA’s commitment to support clients in the region.
Since 1998 ASA has been involved in a number of science and technology projects in China, and ASA’s oil spill response tools have become widely used. Following a project that involved a partnership with the Shanghai Academy of Environmental Science (SAES), ASA and SAES have been working together to integrate the best available hydrodynamic models and environmental data in China with ASA's GIS and modeling tools.
Dr. Haiwei Shen is ASA’s technical director in Shanghai and will coordinate closely with Dr. Xiongping Zhang, ASA’s Director of Programs for East Asia. Dr. Zhang will manage the coordination of activities between ASA’s U.S. headquarters and Shanghai, while Dr. Shen will provide direct client access for ongoing projects and lead a growing number of new projects.
Eoin Howlett, ASA’s CEO, visited Shanghai last year as part of this development. “We are working very closely with local partners on several strategic projects related to the growing environmental sector in China and it is clear that technology transfer and localization of our services are the key to long term success in the region.”
Dr. Shen and Dr. Zhang, joined by ASA Principal Dr. Deborah French McCay, launched the office in early September with a workshop for local scientists and government officials covering natural resource damage assessment and oil and chemical spill modeling in the region.
The local presence will enable ASA to offer more frequent programs and workshops introducing new tools and techniques, and provide opportunities to learn directly from scientists and experts in China addressing issues related to environment, development, and rapid population growth.
Dr. Shen is delighted to be back in her home town of Shanghai after a number of years in the U.S. as a post graduate. “We are currently servicing several new and exciting projects in China, including a water quality modeling and waste water management mapping application for the city of Wuhan and a suite of technology solutions and tools to address water quality problems in Shanghai and in support of the construction of the Qingcoasha Reservior,” stated Dr. Shen upon announcing the new office location.
“Together with our partners in China, we are excited to have this permanent, much needed presence in Shanghai and look forward to bringing our latest technology and environmental services to the region,” affirmed Dr. Zhang.
For more information, please contact Haiwei Shen, hshen@asascience.com.
For office address and other details go to: http://www.asascience.com/about/offices.shtml.
Personnel News
In July Eoin Howlett and Mohamad Naser (Managing Director of IECO Petroleum Services) worked with Qatar Petroleum (QP) in Doha, Qatar, on the installation of ASA’s OILMAP, CHEMMAP, and SARMAP software for emergency response in Qatar waters. The software suite integrates the latest environmental data, response assets, and QP’s contingency plan.
ASA sponsored the Environmental Business Council 4th Annual Ocean Management Conference on 10 July in Waltham, MA. The conference included an update on the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan and the status of Minerals Management Service programs for alternative energy on the U.S. East Coast. Eoin Howlett, Craig Swanson and Christin Reynolds attended the conference. Eoin presented the Massachusetts Coastal/Ocean Data Network project that ASA is performing for the Massachusetts Ocean Partnership.
Brian King, Les Taylor and Tahra Taylor (ECOTHAI) participated in the Chevron Thailand Emergency Response Exercise held 14-16 July, as part of the modeling team of SEACOR Environmental Service Thailand (SEST), headed by Sarunphong Articharte. The exercise involved testing the Chevron Tier 1, 2, and 3 response capabilities and involved Chevron personnel within the Southeast Asia region and the Chevron Global Response Team. SEST utilizes OILMAP to support Chevron Thailand’s Tier 1 and 2 response capabilities.
On 16 July Eoin Howlett and Kelly Knee, with representatives from RPI and Hydroqual Inc., facilitated a workshop with Environment Agency Abu Dhabi to resolve the final habitat classification scheme and data structure for the Abu Dhabi Coastal Resources Atlas & Environmental Vulnerability Index project. The atlas will allow coastal managers to evaluate possible stresses on the environment caused by coastal developments, climate change, and incidents such as marine pollution.
Sasha Zigic provided OILMAP training in Bangkok, Thailand on 20-22 July. The training focused on using OILMAP for both hypothetical and historic spills within the Gulf of Thailand. Participants from PCD (Pollution Control Department), Chevron Thailand, Royal Thai Navy, the Petroleum Institute of Thailand, Department of Minerals and Fuels, and King Mongut University attended the training course. The hands-on workshop allowed industry and government officials to discuss coordination and methods for improved communication during a spill incident.
Eoin Howlett attended the Integrated Products Team (IPT) meeting at the NOAA IOOS Program Office on 11-12 August. The meeting discussed technical issues related to data management and Data Integration Framework (DIF) customer-focused projects. Eoin attended as a representative from the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (MACOORA) for which he coordinates data management efforts.
On 18-20 August Brian King presented “Response Spill Modelling – Asking the Right Questions and Interpreting the Results” as part of the Environmental and Scientific Coordinators Workshop, hosted by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The talk discussed the modeling work performed in response to the Pacific Adventurer spill which lost 270 tons of heavy fuel oil and 600 tons of ammonium nitrate offshore of Brisbane in March 2009.
In early September Trevor Gilbert provided OILMAP training to Shell Sarawak Bhd personnel at Shell’s regional training center in Lutong Sarawak, Borneo. The training, for both new and experienced users, covered the use of OILMAP V6 and the OILMAP/ArcGIS extension for spill combat operations and planning.
On 1 September ASA celebrated Ana Carolina Lammardo’s new position as Business Development Manager for our South America operations. Ana (left) celebrated at an office churrasco (barbeque dinner) with her colleagues.
Daniel Mendelsohn was an invited speaker at a public forum entitled “Wind Turbines as Neighbors”,held in North Kingstown, Rhode Island on 10 September. The forum explored various topics including both local and European experiences with on-land wind turbines, and the feasibility of terrestrial based wind turbines in South County, Rhode Island.
On 14 September ASA hosted a pre-conference workshop, "Environmental Information and Trajectory Prediction in Oil Spill Response," at the Clean Pacific Conference 2009. CJ Beegle-Krause and Mark West presented spill case histories, discussed types of spill observations, and demonstrated different types of trajectory modeling. A similar workshop is being hosted by ASA at the Clean Gulf Conference in November.
On 15-16 September Deborah French McCay, Haiwei Shen and Xiongping Zhang attended the Shanghai International Maritime Forum 2009 (SIMF) in Shanghai, China. Deb presented a paper on oil and chemical spill modeling and damage assessment techniques.
On 17 September ASA, with the Shanghai Academy of Environmental Science (SAES), hosted a workshop at SAES headquarters in Shanghai, China. Deborah French McCay, Haiwei Shen and Xiongping Zhang facilitated the workshop that focused on methods and tools for oil spill simulations, spill impact assessment and emergency response.
Sasha Zigic, Scott Langtry and Nuala Fitzpatrick attended the Coast and Ports Conference in Wellington, New Zealand on 16-19 September. Sasha presented the paper “Umoroa FPSO Oil Spill Incident New Zealand, October 2007”. Nuala presented the paper “Modelling the Marine Environmental Impacts of Dredge Operations in Cockburn Sound, WA”.
Craig Swanson participated in the Second Annual Ocean Energy for New England Conference held in Hyannis, Massachusetts on 17 September. The conference included a variety of ocean energy related presentations covering planning, policy development, permitting, grid integration, community impacts, environmental effects, and workforce issues.
On 22-23 September Kelly Knee attended the Northeast Beaches Conference in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Kelly’s work on storm surge and sea level rise visualization for the town of Hull was presented by Julia Knisel of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, which sponsored the project.
Daniel Mendelsohn was selected as a panelist at the Offshore Wind Development Summit 2009 held 21-23 September in Washington D.C. The panel “Identifying Opportunities for Offshore Wind Development” discussed the potential for developing offshore wind in various regions of the U.S., including both ocean- and Great Lakes-based sites.
On 24 September, Kelly Knee, Christin Reynolds, Lauren Decker, and Lee Dooley attended the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting held in Providence, Rhode Island. ASA gave specific recommendations to close the gap between science and policy through public-private partnerships. For more information visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans.
Community white papers “Observations as Assets in Decision Support”, by lead author CJ Beegle-Krause and “Ocean and Coastal Data Management” by co-authors Eoin Howlett and CJ Beegle-Krause were presented at OceanObs’09, 21-25 September in Venice-Lido, Italy. Eoin was also a co-author on the plenary paper “Ocean Data Management: The Way Forward”, presented by Steve Hankin from NOAA/PMEL.
On 30 August, 10,000 corporate people of the largest city in Latin America celebrated the 2009 São Paulo Corporate Run. Among them, ASA South America had 2 teams of 4 athletes each. Besides the celebration, the ASA South America teams had an extra boost to excel their performance, as Gabriel Clauzet invited the 2 teams for a post-race breakfast.
New Faces
Haiwei Shen, Ph.D. joined ASA in September as technical director of ASA China in Shanghai. She received her Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island in 2008. With a broad background in chemical oceanography and atmospheric chemistry, Dr. Shen is experienced in coastal nutrient dynamics; air pollution transport, budget, and source evaluation; instrumentation design and development; and field observation, data analysis and interpretation. She will provide technical management to ongoing projects and lead new projects in China and East Asia.