Ocean Sciences
Oceanography
The oceanographic experience of Carr Research Laboratory, Inc. (CRL) includes diversified projects involving site inspections, data evaluation development, definition of monitoring programs and experiments, and most major aspects of applied oceanography.
Examples of Representative Projects
Coastal Flooding and V-Zone Evaluation
Carr Research Laboratory, Inc. conducted a review of V-Zone determinations in Buzzards Bay, MA. This analysis revealed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) published V-Zone study was significantly in error for much of Buzzards Bay because the requirements for joint probability analysis were ignored in the FEMA study. For Buzzards Bay, it turned out that wind directions required to push the flood wave into Buzzards Bay would not send surface waves greater than 3 feet high into many stretches of the coast where FEMA claimed existence of simultaneous occurrence of high flood elevations and damaging waves.
Ocean Thermal Structure Research
This work involved development of a classification method for vertical temperature (bathythermograph) profiles, mapping thermal fronts, space-time analysis of thermal structures in the mixed layer and thermocline, evaluation of thermal anomalies below the mixed layer, infrared signature analysis of thermal fronts, and impacts of thermal meso-scale and micro-scale structures on acoustic propagation, especially submarine detection.
Thermal Discharge Analysis
CRL was part of a team evaluating thermal discharges and their impacts on oceanic and estuarine ecology. This work was aimed at satisfying the EPA criteria for measurement of impacts on a balanced indigenous community. The analysis involved not only the physical oceanography related to thermal discharges, but also the statistical analysis of phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthos, and fishery responses to thermal discharges.
Ocean Bottom Topography Research
As part of a project related to submarine navigation, CRL investigated tectonic controls of ocean bottom topography and magnetic survey features. This work was a springboard into a major study of planetary shear patterns and ocean bottom tectonic controls. Several technical papers written by Dr. Carr were published in Nature magazine and reproduced in several foreign languages.
Infrared Remote Sensing Study
A CRL staff member participated in a study using infrared remote sensing to detect surface signatures of internal waves generated by discharge from the Columbia River off the coast of Oregon. This study included field calibrations, measurement techniques, and the operation of an array of advanced environmental devices. The data was utilized to evaluate currently available satellite data sets.
Dredging Projects
CRL has worked on permits for a number of coastal and inland dredging projects. These included standard elutriate testing and interpretation of results for permit applications.
Wave and Breakers
The wave and beach analysis experience of Carr Research Laboratory, Inc. (CRL) includes numerous projects involving site inspections, wave direction, wave height analysis, extreme wave prediction, design wave prediction, wave refraction studies, joint probability studies, and sediment transport evaluation.
Examples of Representative Projects
U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office
Dr. Carr’s initial experience in wave analysis was with the Waves and Breakers Section of the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office in the early 1960s. His work involved wind and associated wave statistics, wave generation, wave decay mechanisms, wave refraction studies on landing beaches, long shore currents, determination of breaking wave form, and sediment transport. Dr. Carr went on to become an instructor in wave and breaker analysis for the Foreign Officer’s Training Program.
Troy Landfill Study - Dorchester, MA
CRL was the wave and oceanographic consultant for the Troy Landfill Study for the City of Boston. This study involved the examination of fill that was already in place, the impacts of that fill on sedimentation at Tenean Beach, and the possibility of creating a recreational beach on the landfill site. Work involved the evaluation of wind statistics, preparation of wind and wave roses, wave analysis, and evaluation of beach erosion potential.
Blynman Canal Wave Analysis
CRL performed a wave analysis as part of the total EIS on the reconstruction of the Blynman Canal in Gloucester, MA. The study included compilation of wind and wave statistics, a wave refraction study, and evaluation of standing waves in the channel.
Vineyard Haven Planning Study
CRL was the oceanography environmental consultant on this harbor planning study. A full site inspection was made to assist in the wave analysis portion of the study involving development of wind and wave roses, estimation of the design wave, and a review of beach erosion records inside and outside of the harbor.
Beach Road Wave Analysis - Mattapoisett, MA
In a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) adjudicatory hearing, the DEP contested the original Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wave study which showed that the project site was not in a high coastal energy "V-zone." At the request of MA Coastal Zone Management (CZM), FEMA conducted a new analysis which showed that the site was indeed in a "V-Zone." CRL provided a joint probability analysis of storm tracks which showed that the winds required to develop a 100-year coastal flood elevation in Buzzards Bay were not the same winds required to send waves to the project site. Historical records and photographs confirmed that the site was not affected by high waves during the hurricane of 1938 and Hurricane Carol of 1954. Based on the probability study and the historical records review, the presently defined "V-zones" on the west side of Buzzards Bay are now suspect.
Sites for Liquefied Natural Gas Transfer Facilities
CRL was the prime subcontractor for wave analysis for the Environmental Impact Statements on Liquefied Natural Gas Transfer Ports in New England and the Gulf Coast. Wave environments were analyzed for ship and off-loading operations. In addition, design wave heights, extreme winds, and general erosion potential were examined.
Coastal Zone Management
Our coastal zone management experience includes diversified projects involving site inspections, definition of, monitoring programs, collection and analysis of field data, report writing, and presentation of expert testimony at permit hearings and in court cases. Please cross-reference the pages on Oceanography and Waves & Breakers.
Examples of Representative Projects
Wollaston Beach Water Quality Study
The City of Quincy, after a determined effort to eliminate cross-connections between sanitary and storm sewers, sued the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) to improve the water quality of Boston Harbor. This landmark court case was won because of a testing program designed and carried out by the staff of Carr Research Laboratory, Inc. (CRL). Our program involved sampling for fecal coliform, fecal streptococci, and salinity starting at low tide and continuing over entire tidal cycles. The data proved that during non-rainy periods, Boston Harbor water was polluted from sewage plant discharges and not from Quincy storm drains. CRL’s data revealed that polluted harbor water flowed into the storm drains during rising tides and flowed out during falling tides. The only observed differences were a decrease in bacterial counts and salinities due to dilution by fresh water arriving as base flow in the Quincy storm sewers. CRL discredited the MDC's initial bacterial sampling techniques and data. The MDC's later duplication of our sampling program confirmed our observations and conclusions.
Vineyard Haven Harbor Planning Study - Martha’s Vineyard, MA
In this project, CRL was responsible for all oceanographic and coastal ecology aspects of a complete harbor planning study. This included evaluation of harbor currents, shell fishing, marine biology, bacterial pollution, wave analysis, harbor flushing, coastal flooding, and harbor carrying capacity for boat anchorage. Additionally, CRL worked on the development of monitoring programs and on alternative breakwater designs.
Sand Dune Management and Beach Replenishment - Sandwich, MA
A small number of beach houses were being buried by a migrating sand dune. The homeowners wanted to move the sand back onto the beach to protect their dwellings. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) initially denied the permit. CRL demonstrated that replacing the sand would act as "beach nourishment" and that transporting dune sand was a similar activity to the state’s sand moving which was regularly done just a short distance away. In the end, the encroaching sand dune was permitted to be relocated, and the houses were saved.
Septic System Impacts, Sippewisset Pond, - Falmouth, MA
The Falmouth Conservation Commission was concerned about the potential impacts to the brackish Sippewisset Pond and its wetlands from a proposed septic system. CRL’s sampling program demonstrated that the coastal pond/wetland system was phosphorus limited, and the nitrate load from the septic system had de minimis potential impact. Our sampling program also concluded that waterfowl were the primary sources of bacterial pollution under non-storm conditions. CRL’s drilling and groundwater monitoring program showed that groundwater flow was not directly towards the marsh. Instead the unusual geology guided the septic plume through a much longer flow path.
Note that we have also done many other coastal groundwater flow projects where tides have influenced flow directions and travel times. These studies revealed that coastal groundwater flow systems can sometimes safely allow septic systems where permits might be otherwise denied.
Recreational Dock - Wareham, MA
A recreational dock was proposed for a private site in Wareham, MA. CRL conducted a shellfish survey, an impact analysis, and oceanographic studies that eventually resulted in the DEP issuing an Order of Conditions permitting dock construction. |
