Field Investigations of the Nature, Degree, and Extent of Turbidity Generated by Open-Water Pipeline Disposal Operations.
Abstract
In response to the public's concern over the environmental effects of open-water disposal of dredged material, this study was undertaken to evaluate the characteristics of turbidity plumes in the vicinity of open-water pipeline disposal operations. In addition, the distribution and concentration of dissolved heavy metals, nutrients, and dissolved oxygen were evaluated. Based on field studies conducted in Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, Atchafalaya Bay, Louisiana, and Apalachicola Bay, Florida, a simple model was developed to predict the spatial and temporal distributions of suspended solids in turbidity plumes. Turbidity plume characteristics are primarily dependent on the discharge rate of the dredge, the settling velocity of the suspended dredged material, the water depth, the hydrodynamic regime (i.e., current velocity and diffusion velocity) of the disposal site, and the age of the plume. Several estimates of dredged material partitioning between the turbidity plume and the bottom layers indicate that 97 to 99 percent of the discharged slurry rapidly settles to the bottom of the disposal area within a few tens of meters of the discharge point. The remaining 1 to 3 percent is incorporated into the plume.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA058507
Entities
People
- H. H. Carter
- J. R. Schubel
- M. G. Heaton
- R. E. Wilson
- W. M. Wise
Organizations
- Stony Brook University