Air GuardTM Pneumatic Sediment Suspension System

Rev.mmpPDFResearch PaperSedimentationSuspended sedimentsDredgingEnvironmental impact analysisField studiesField testsNew JerseyNew Jersey. Dept. of TransportationOcean and Coastal Consultants, Inc.NTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-Marine Energy and EnvironmentNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-PortsNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-Environment ImpactsUS Transportation CollectionThis report was prepared in order to document the findings of a one year environmental and hydrographic survey program conducted as part of the Air GuardTM Pneumatic Sediment Suspension System installation at IMTT in Bayonne. This system was installed, as part of a pilot program funded by New Jersey Maritime Resources, in order to minimize sedimentation in an existing barge berth at the IMTT facility. The system was installed in April of 1998 and was operational on April 17th. The system at IMTT is located at Pier #3 and consists of a submerged network of perforated piping placed along the riverbed. The linear footage of the piping is approximately 825 feet. An air compressor is located upland to supply the submerged piping. The compressor forces air through the perforated pipe creating an upward stream of air bubbles that serves to keep sediments in suspension within the local vicinity of Pier #3. Permit conditions set forth by both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) mandated a bi-monthly testing protocol to determine the both the environmental and hydrographic effects. This report summarizes the findings of this year long investigation