Description of the SSFATE Numerical Modeling System
Abstract
This technical note describes the numerical modeling system SSFATE (Suspended Sediment FATE), which is being developed to compute suspended sediment fields resulting from dredging operations. Both theoretical aspects of the computations made within SSFATE and application aspects of the shell-based personal computer program are discussed. SSFATE was developed in response to a need for tools to assist dredging'project managers confronted by requests for environmental windows. Environmental windows, intended to protect biological resources or their habitats, are requested during the interagency coordination process for dredging projects (Reine, Dickerson, and Clarke 1998). In many cases, decisions regarding environmental windows must be based on limited technical information because potential impacts are linked to a host of site- and project-specific factors. For example, navigation dredging operations in different reaches of the same waterway may pose risks to different resources, or potential impacts may vary dependent on the type of dredge plant involved. Few tools exist to evaluate such concerns early in the environmental window negotiation process. Consequently, a general inability to address "What if" questions associated with given dredging project scenarios tends to ensure that recommended environmental windows are conservative, and perhaps over- restrictive (Reine, Dickerson, and Clarke 1998). Some of the most frequently asked "What if' questions during dredging project coordination are related to resuspension and dispersion of sediments at the dredging site. Suspended sediments are a primary concern of resource agencies, as exposure of aquatic organisms to elevated suspended sediment concentrations is perceived to be a major source of detrimental impact. Likewise, redeposition of suspended sediments can be a significant concern if sensitive bottom-dwelling organisms (e.g., oysters or sea grasses) are present in the vicinity of a dredging project.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA377231
Entities
People
- Allen M. Teeter
- Billy H. Johnson
- Douglas G. Clarke
- E. Andersen
- T. Isaji