Urban waterfronts are frequently impacted by contamination from metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and other organic chemicals, often penetrating sediment layers as deep as 20 feet. Historically, this contamination results from activities like dumping, accidental spills, and various industrial operations, creating complex remediation challenges that require expert evaluation and targeted solutions.
At DSI, we leverage our deep expertise in environmental modeling and site remediation to address these challenges comprehensively. Utilizing our advanced EFDC+ Explorer Modeling System (EEMS), our specialists uniquely combine cutting-edge software capabilities with decades of practical consulting experience. This synergy enables us to accurately predict toxic sediment transport and effectively plan cleanup strategies tailored specifically to our clients’ sites and operational contexts.
Successful remediation often requires a strategic mix of dredging, capping, and in-situ treatment methods. However, the long-term effectiveness of these strategies hinges critically on sediment stability. Our experience has demonstrated that vessel-induced sediment resuspension ("propwash") can severely compromise sediment stability, causing recontamination and undermining the structural integrity of waterfront infrastructure.
Studies we’ve assessed, including investigations from San Diego Bay and Kingston Ferry Terminal in Washington State, highlight that vessel operations significantly elevate sediment resuspension rates and intensify erosive forces—sometimes by orders of magnitude compared to ambient conditions. Recognizing this critical factor, our consulting approach integrates detailed modeling of vessel movements and propwash impacts to ensure comprehensive site assessments and robust remedial designs.
Our enhancements to EEMS include a sophisticated, fully integrated propwash modeling module. This tool enables us to dynamically predict sediment resuspension based on specific ship data, positioning, and operational speed, combined seamlessly with a detailed three-dimensional representation of the waterbody. Unlike traditional empirical models, our system captures the full complexity of propeller-driven currents throughout the entire water column and its interaction with the sediment bed.
This distinctive modeling capability positions DSI uniquely among environmental consultancies, ensuring our clients benefit from highly precise predictions and innovative solutions that proactively manage risks associated with sediment resuspension and scour. Whether you're tackling contaminated sediment remediation or evaluating port infrastructure stability, our specialized expertise paired with the powerful predictive capabilities of EEMS ensures that your projects achieve lasting success and compliance.
Discover how DSI’s integrated consulting and modeling solutions can uniquely support your next waterfront remediation or infrastructure project — contact us to learn more or request a personalized demonstration.
