Munitions and Explosives of Concern Survey Methodology and In-Field Testing for Wind Energy Areas on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf

Report

Title: Munitions and Explosives of Concern Survey Methodology and In-Field Testing for Wind Energy Areas on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf

Author:

Carton, G.; DuVal, C.; Trembanis, A.; Edwards, M.; Rognstad, M.; Briggs, C.; Shjegstad, S.

Publication Date:

July 1, 2017

Document Number:

OCS Study BOEM 2017-063

Pages:

273

Affiliation

CALIBRE Systems Inc, University of Delaware, University of Hawaii, Environet Inc

Sponsoring Organization:

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

Technology:

Fixed Offshore Wind, Marine Energy

Document Access

Website:

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Attachment:

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Citation

Carton, G.; DuVal, C.; Trembanis, A.; Edwards, M.; Rognstad, M.; Briggs, C.; Shjegstad, S. (2017). Munitions and Explosives of Concern Survey Methodology and In-Field Testing for Wind Energy Areas on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (Report No. OCS Study BOEM 2017-063). Report by CALIBRE Systems Inc. Report for Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

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Abstract

This report summarizes the in-field testing and methodology verification associated with Task 3 of the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s Statement of Work, “Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Survey Methodology Investigation” under contract M16PC00001. CALIBRE and its subcontractors (University of Delaware, University of Hawaii, and Environet, Inc.) met the goal of the study by investigating, verifying, and recommending methodologies to identify munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), including UXO, specific to conditions found in renewable energy lease and planning areas along the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Regional expectations of type, size, and likelihood of presence for UXO and MEC along the Atlantic OCS were identified through desktop review. The overarching goal of this project is to develop an approach for identifying technologies and methodologies to be used in the ocean to determine routes free from significant obstacles to enable the safe construction and operation of wind turbines, power cables, and similar offshore energy projects. Based on this research, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) may develop guidance for lessees on surveying for MEC on the Atlantic OCS.

In-field testing was performed within the Delaware Wind Energy Area (WEA), an approximately 391 square kilometer (km²) area offshore of Delaware. The closest point to shore is approximately 18 kilometers (km) due east from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. A 4.5 km² area within the Delaware WEA was designated as the study area and was investigated between July 18 and 29, 2016.