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Services for Coastal Environment
Applied Science Associates develops and applies computer tools and field studies to solve a variety of coastal problems. Using computer tools to enhance our understanding of physical, chemical, and biological processes, ASA responds to coastal issues with applied solutions. We assess actual events and predict possible alternatives to address water quality, circulation, and pollutant transport questions throughout the world.
Environmental assessment of thermal effluent from a power plant
Heated
effluent from electrical generation and other industries impact receiving waters,
both directly in raising the temperature, and indirectly in its effect on dissolved
oxygen. Many times it is difficult to separate man-made impacts from natural variations.
ASA uses combined field and modeling studies to identify important processes in
the receiving water body and predict thermal effluent impacts on the temperature
and dissolved oxygen regimes. Results from this type of analysis can support permitting
and assess alternative cooling techniques.
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Design Options for Erosion Control
Rapid
shoreline erosion is a problem facing many coastal states and countries. ASA assesses
the forces responsible for shoreline erosion with field programs and numerical
models. Model simulations predict tidal flows, the wave environment and storm
surge. This analysis results in better understanding the physical causes of erosion
and is used to design appropriate remedies.
Receiving Water Quality of Combined Sewer Overflows
Raw
sewage discharge from combined sanitary and storm sewer overflows (CSO) during
storm events is often a major source of water quality pollution. Fecal coliform
contamination from CSOs can result in shellfishing area closures causing economic
loss. Using a calibrated computer model system, ASA analyzes mitigation alternatives
for their ability to reduce pollutant impacts.
Water
Quality Evaluation for Proposed Development
Development
of ports, marinas, pipeline outfalls, desalinization plants, and other marine
construction projects raises questions of water quality impact. ASA evaluates
development alternatives and predicts impacts. Concerns related to flushing, sedimentation
and salinity are among the questions we commonly address.
Urban Harbor Dredging and Disposal Impacts
Many
urban harbors are contaminated with high levels of toxic pollutants. Pollutant
impacts on water quality and marine biota must be considered as part of any dredging
operation. ASA models predict concentrations of pollutants during dredging and
disposal operations. With this information, protocols for dredging operations
are developed and sites for polluted dredge disposal can be preferentially ranked.
ASA integrates
computer models with field data to answer interdisciplinary questions related
to marine and freshwater environments. Our scope of services is broad, reflecting
20 years of experience solving environmental and engineering issues including:
water quality management, biological assessment, and oil and hazardous materials
modeling.
ASA'S clients include international governments, universities,
research institutes and major oil companies. ASA has a proven track record in
providing high quality scientific support services to these clients in support
of their global operations.