|
Key Researchers: J. Elliot, K. Smith, D. Gallien, A. Khan
This study presents key observations, data, findings, and results from environmental monitoring surveys conducted during the installation of a submarine cable from the mainland at Scarborough State Beach to Block Island’s Fred Benson Town Beach. The cable was installed by use of a customized jet plow. Real-time monitoring gathered data that included visual observations of the installation process and measurements of suspended sediment concentrations in the water column.
Findings
- No sediment plume was observed as a result of the jet plow operations.
- Suspended sediment levels on site during jet plow activity were found to be up to 100 times lower than those predicted by the modeling work.
- Most of the overspill sediments deposited within the overspill levee.
How BOEM will use this information
- Provide additional information necessary for BOEM’s evaluation of environmental effects of future facilities
- Generate data to improve the accuracy of models and analysis criteria employed to establish monitoring controls and mitigations