Improvement of Operation and Maintenance Techniques Research Program: Demonstrations of Innovative and Conventional Dredging Equipment at Calumet Harbor, Illinois.
Abstract
As part of a larger effort to evaluate dredging and disposal options of contaminated material at Indiana Harbor, Indiana, field demonstrations were conducted at Calumet Harbor, Illinois, to evaluate the water quality impacts of different dredging and disposal equipment. This report documents the Calumet Harbor field study and presents the results. The dredging equipment evaluations were conducted to evaluate the sediment resuspension characteristics of a cutterhead suction dredge, clamshell dredge, and Dutch-designed matchbox suction head dredge. The Calumet Harbor demonstration represents the first use of the matchbox suction head in this country. The disposal equipment demonstration included the use of a submerged diffuser designed to place material close to the bottom and reduce the exit velocities. The Calumet Harbor demonstration indicated that the clamshell dredge generated the largest suspended sediment plume affecting the entire water column. The cutterhead and matchbox dredges were successful in limiting sediment resuspension to the lower portion of the water column with the cutterhead slightly outperforming the matchbox. Improved instrumentation and increased operator experience with the matchbox suction head dredge may help in further reducing sediment resuspension. The submerged diffuser proved to be successful in limiting sediment resuspension to the lower portion of the water column and significantly reducing discharge velocities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA191064
Entities
People
- Clifford L. Truitt
- Donald F. Hayes
- T. N. Mclellan