Solmar Hydro Inc. (SHI) is a small hydrographic surveying firm. We offer a wide range of hydrographic mapping services with a focus on providing high resolution multi beam surveys. SHI s key to success is a commitment to safe and efficient operations while emphasizing data integrity and accuracy. We offer marine support services for a variety of projects utilizing sonar technologies that produce reliable high quality products. Mr. Mike Stecher is SHI s principal partner and founder. Mr. Stecher is an ACSM Certified Hydrographer, United States Coast Guard Captain and has a B.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Oregon. He has over 13 years experience conducting hydrographic surveys. Prior to starting SHI in 2004, Mr. Stecher was employed at David Evans & Associates Marine Geosciences Group, Williamson & Associates and at NOAA s National Ocean Service. He has performed bathymetric surveys from ultra shallow shoals to full ocean depths. His experience includes: Three years of nautical charting in Alaska and Washington for NOAA. Multiple inspection surveys of federal and private dams on the West Coast. Research mapping cruises of the Mendocino Fracture Zone, St Croix, Navassa Island, Mona Island, Puerto Rico, Buck Island National Monument, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (NMS), Cordell Bank NMS and the Flower Garden Banks NMS. Cable and pipeline route and landing surveys in the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Ireland, Canada, England, Argentina, Cyprus, Israel, Mexico, Trinidad, Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. Hydrographic and marine geophysical surveying services for the US Army Corps of Engineers Portland and Seattle districts. Hydrographic surveying support for FERC and DNR re licensing projects Currently SHI is in its seventh year conducting hydrographic surveying and project management services for NOAA s Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment. SHI is providing bathymetric and backscatter data that is combined with airborne LIDAR data to create near seamless habitat characterization and ecological inventory maps from the shoreline to 1000 meters in water depth. In addition, SHI is a team member with Woolpert s photogrammetry & remote sensing group providing bathymetric surveying services to compliment their LIDAR projects for the Bureau of Reclamation, Western Division. SHI is also part of the HDR Inc. team providing engineering and design services to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Portland District Design Branch. SHI was also recently awarded the Port of Tacoma s on call bathymetric services for 2011 2012.
SHI SERVICES Our hydrographic surveys are designed to meet current US Army Corps of Engineers accuracy standards and support a wide range of applications. Our surveying platforms include a 24 foot aluminum outboard hard cabin, a 20 foot aluminum jet sled and an 380hp Airboat to meet the surveying needs of all of our inland clients. We also work in close partnership with Zephyr Marine and can supply larger vessels for offshore work or to increase capacity. Condition surveys of navigation channels, terminals and harbors Reservoir, forebay and tailrace surveys Sediment transport surveys Monitoring surveys of port facilities Submarine pipeline and cable route surveys Intake and outfall surveys Dredge support surveys Seafloor habitat/surficial sediment classification surveys Search and inspection surveys Scour investigation surveys Site hazard assessments ADCP current surveys Charter SHI CONTACT Solmar Hydro Inc. 8835 N Edsion St Portland, Oregon 97203 Tel: (206) 200 8269 Fax: (503) 821 7941 Email: mike@solmarhydro.com Web: www.solmarhydro.com
LowerBakerDam Concrete,Washington PugetSoundEnergy PugetSoundEnergy(PSE)ownsandoperatestheBakerRiverHydroelectricProjecton thebakerriver.pseisseekinganew,50 yearoperatinglicensefromthefederal EnergyRegulatoryCommission.SolmarHydro,Inc.(SHI)wascontractedbyPSEto conductadetailedbathymetricsurveytosupportthiseffort.shiwastaskedtocollect completesonarcoverageoftheforebaywithspecialattentionfocusedonthevertical structureofthedamforfuturedesignandconstructionpurposes.datawillbemerged withaeriallidardatatocreateaseamlessmapofthearea.
Ariel Dam, Lake Merwin Lewis River, Washington PacifiCorp, Finley Engineering SHI performed several surveys for the construction of a fish passage structure at the Aerial Dam, which is part of the Lewis River Hydroelectric Project owned by PacifiCorp. A high resolution multibeam bathymetric survey was conducted within the forebay. The site was surveyed with a specific focus on delivering a highly accurate and precise point cloud data set which could be integrated with terrestrial laser scanning data for a complete model of the project site. Due to the difficult vessel access of the tailrace, a conventional singlebeam survey was conducted from an inflatable zodiac vessel. Additional challenges were the restricted horizons that made GPS positioning impossible. The challenge was met by positioning the vessel with a robotic total station integrated with a radio link modem that broadcasted the vessel position in real time to the acquisition system during survey transects.
PortofTacomaHighResolutionMultibeamBathymerticSurvey PortofTacoma SittsandHillEngineers TacomaWashington SHIwascontractedbythePortofTacomatoperformmultibeambathymetricsurveying todeterminethecurrentconditionoftheport swaterwaysin2011.thehylebos,blair andsitcumwaterwaysweresurveyedbank to bankuptozerofeetmeanlowerlow Wateraspercontractspecifications.Thedatawasgriddedat50cmtohighlightthe resolutionobtainedduringthesurveyandusedtocreatenavigationchartsfortheport. Thechartsweredesignedforeasyinterpretationforpilotsandportmanagerstobest utilizethebathymetricinformation.
Single Beam Hydrographic Survey Hanford Reach, Columbia River White Bluffs, WA Vanderbilt University Department of Energy SHI conducted a single beam bathymetric survey of five miles of the Columbia River along the Hanford Reach for Vanderbilt Universities Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and the Department of Energy. The primary goal of the survey was to acquire accurate elevation data to develop bathymetry of the river for geomorphologic research. SHI mobilized a 24 foot aluminum survey vessel with a GLONASS enabled RTK GPS and a survey grade single beam echosounder interfaced with Hypack. Due to the remoteness of the project site, control was not available for the RTK base station deployment, and budget restrictions did not allow control to be established. SHI confronted the challenge and performed the survey with RTK accuracies by utilized the Washington State Reference Network through Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol techniques.
Lewis River Hydroelectric Project Bathymetric Survey Lewis River, Washington PacifiCorp, Finley Engineering SHI was contracted to conduct high resolution multibeam bathymetric surveys of three large reservoirs on the Lewis River. A total of 1900 line miles of hydrographic surveying were performed over 35 days in a remote mountainous region in southern Washington. Single beam data was also collected in the very shallow regions of the tailraces of each dam and later combined with the multibeam data. The hydrographic data was collected utilizing Real Time Kinematic GPS and was seamlessly integrated with LIDAR data to create a complete basin model for FERC re licensing. The results of the survey will be used to assess channel morphology and placement of in reservoir fish passage structures, operations related to available storage, temperature modeling, and flood management.
Puerto Rico and US Caribbean High Resolution Multibeam Mapping for Benthic Habitat Characterization National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, Biogeography Branch NOAA s Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment has been conducting a yearly scientific research mission funded by NOAA s Coral Reef Conservation Program to classify coral reef ecosystems in U.S Territories and Commonwealths. SHI is in its sixth year of an ongoing contract to collect high resolution multibeam in mid water depths from approximately 10 to 1000 meters. The multibeam data is used to characterize seafloor habitats within USVI and Puerto Rico waters to support benthic habitat mapping and research. The objective of the projects is to collect multibeam bathymetry datasets with 100% seafloor ensonification, along with multibeam backscatter suitable for seafloor characterization. Multibeam data is collected to conform to IHO Order 1 (<100m) and Order 2 (>100m) accuracy standards. The multibeam data is combined with airborne LIDAR data to create near seamless habitat characterization and ecological inventory maps from the shoreline to 1000 meters in water depth
Condit Dam Removal White Salmon River, Washington PacifiCorp, USACOE Portland District SHI performed multiple high resolution multibeam bathymetric surveys to support the Condit Dam Removal Project. Surveys were performed at the confluence of the White Salmon and Columbia Rivers and within the forebay of the Bonneville Dam for PacifiCorp and the US Army Corps of Engineers. The surveys were collected pre and post breech to calculate sediment quantities, deposition locations and to monitor sediment fan encroachment into the Federal Navigation Channel.
Cabinet Gorge Dam Inspection Survey Clark Fork, Idaho Hatch Energy SHI was contracted by Hatch Energy to conduct a high resolution multibeam inspection survey of the Cabinet Gorge dam s forebay in Clark Fork, Idaho. During the construction of the facility the Clark Fork River was diverted through two diversion tunnels. The tunnels were sealed during the impoundment of the Clark Fork River and the orientation of the diversion tunnels concrete headworks structure was unknown. Hydraulic engineers were determining if the diversion tunnels could be utilized in the design of a new fish passage structure. A quantitative approach with repeatable results had not been accomplished from past acoustic mapping surveys. The project objectives were met and SHI determined the configuration of the headworks structure and the surrounding bathymetry with a multibeam sonar system. A small survey vessel was mobilized with a Reson 8101 multibeam and Hysweep acquisition system. Positioning and orientation of the vessel utilized the CodaOctopus F 180, augmented with a Trimble 5800 Real Time Kinematic GPS.
Kaumalapau Harbor Inspection Survey Lanai, Hawaii U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, Sea Engineering Inc. SHI was contracted to perform an ultra high resolution multibeam survey of the Kaumalapau Harbor jetty, constructed from concrete Core Locs. SHI mobilized a Reson 8125 and Real Time Kinematic GPS system to deliver the highest achievable precision and accuracy. The USACOE is concerned about movement and displacement of the Core Loc structures. This is the baseline survey from which annual surveys will be compared. The backscatter from the multibeam system was processed and interpreted to delineate surficial sediment distribution. The multibeam data was combined with LIDAR by the USACOE to create a seamless map of the harbor.
Bunker Hill Silver Mine Superfund Site Coeur d Alene River Basin Bathymetric Survey Cataldo, ID Environmental Protection Agency CH2MHILL SHI was contracted by CH2MHILL to perform bathymetric surveying services for the Bunker Hill Silver Mine Superfund Remediation Project. SHI performed bathymetric surveying of multiple marshes, ponds and waterways throughout 36 miles of the Coeur d Alene River Basin. SHI mobilized an airboat, jet sled and a drop in vessel to access all of the sites assigned to SHI. The survey utilized RTK GPS topo rod shots in vegetated areas and single beam echsounding in the navigable waterways. The data will be integrated with aerial LIDAR data to create a seamless digital terrain model to implement hydraulic and sediment transport modeling of the Lower Basin for remediation. Site challenges included shallow water, vegetation, soft and unconsolidated sediment and difficult access.
Loch Lomond Reservoir Marine Geophysical Survey City of Santa Cruz Water Dept., California Sea Engineering Inc. SHI was contracted by Sea Engineering Inc. to conduct a high resolution multibeam bathymetric survey and a sub bottom profiling survey of the Loch Lomond Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Results of the survey were used to calculate storage capacity, delineate landslide deposits, and determine the inundation of several intake manifolds from other mass wasting events. Backscatter data from the sonar was also processed and ground truthed with sediment samples to correlate backscatter intensity values with sediment characteristics.
Hydraulic Study for Dam Removal Klamath River, Northern California Bureau of Reclamation Woolpert, Inc. SHI was tasked with obtaining cross sectional bathymetric data on 10 remote miles on the Klamath River in Northern California. The data was in support of the Bureau of Reclamations ambitions to remove several dams on the Klamath River and return it to its natural state. SHI mobilized a drift boat with a survey grade single beam system and Real Time Kinematic GPS and obtained data by rowing sections at every 100 feet.
Trail Bridge Reservoir High Resolution Multibeam Survey Upper McKenzie River, Oregon CH2MHILL Eugene Water and Electric Board The Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) owns and operates the Carmen Smith Hydroelectric Project on the upper McKenzie River. EWEB is seeking a new, 50 year operating license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Solmar Hydro, Inc. (SHI) was contracted by CH2MHILL to conduct a detailed bathymetric survey to support this effort. SHI was tasked to collect complete sonar coverage of the entire reservoir from the earthen dam up to the bridge that provides access to the reservoir. In addition, detailed bathymetric data of the power intake structure within the forebay of the reservoir was requested for design purposes. Data will be merged with aerial LIDAR data to create a seamless watershed map of the area.
Georgia Pacific Outfall 001 High Resolution Multibeam Bathymetric Survey Newport Oregon CH2MHILL SHI was contracted to conduct a high resolution multibeam bathymetric survey to support the sampling efforts and permitting process required by the DEQ. SHI was tasked to collect complete multibeam bathymetric coverage including backscatter data of four sites near the outfall site. The facility discharges treated wastewater through an ocean outfall with a multi port diffuser that is located offshore of Newport, Oregon. The outfall diffuser is located at a depth of 32 feet below mean lower low water (MLLW), and is essentially surrounded by mudstone bedrock and reefs with in fills of well sorted silts and sands. SHI mobilized a Reson 8101, Applanix WaveMaster Inertial system and a Real Time Kinematic GPS onboard the survey vessel Zephyr to complete the project. Multiple challenges were encountered during the survey including extremely limited weather windows and coverage requirements of hazardous reef areas. The client was pleased with the clarity of the products produced from the data, saving them time and effort during their sampling efforts.
Leaburg Canal and Leaburg Tailrace High Resolution Inspection Surveys Leaburg, Oregon Eugene Water and Electric Board SHI was contracted to conduct a high resolution multibeam bathymetric inspection survey to provide information on the condition and conformity of the Leaburg Canal. The Leaburg Canal is a 5 miles long earthen canal, trapezoidal shaped with a base width varying from 30 to 32 feet and an average depth of 15 feet. Challenges included swift currents, low overhead clearance bridges and compromised GPS coverage. SHI was tasked to collect complete multibeam bathymetric coverage within this difficult operating environment. SHI confronted these challenges by deploying a small high horsepower jet sled mobilized with a complete multibeam system; GLONASS enabled RTK GPS and a mobile crane to portage each of the 8 bridges along the canal and deployment into the tailrace.
Missouri River Hydrographic Survey Broadwater County Montana WaterShed Sciences Inc. Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation SHI conducted a single beam hydrographic survey for WaterShed Sciences and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation along 5 miles of the Missouri River in Broadwater County Montana. The primary goal of the survey was to acquire acoustic elevation data to develop the bathymetry of the Missouri riverbed for flood plain analysis. The bathymetric data is also supplemental to terrestrial LIDAR data collected by WaterShed Sciences. Working on the Missourri River in November promotes unique challenges with abrupt weather changes and extremely shallow riffles and channels. SHI mobilized a flat bottom jet sled with a bow mounted single beam sonar system and a GLONASS enabled RTK GPS to survey this section of river.
SHI CLIENT REFERENCES Ken Israel Sea Engineering, Inc. Vice President 200 Washington St., Suite 210 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 421 0871 Tim Battista NOAA, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Monitoring & Assessment, Biogeography Team Chief Scientist, Biological Oceanographer 1305 East West Highway SSMC 4, 9th floor Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 (301) 713 3028 Dennis Laymon, P.L.S Finley Engineering Project Manager 1800 NW 169th Pl # B250 Beaverton, OR 97006 (503) 780 8535 QUOTES FROM SHI CLIENTS Unsurpassed quality and service..i would recommend SHI to anyone in need of hydrographic data Dennis Laymon P.L.S., Project Manager, Finley Engineering, Beaverton, OR The graphic presentation of the current velocities and directions made for easy understanding on the part of both technical and non technical participants. And you were able to accomplish that within your original budget, which made my job of managing the project a bit easier. Thanks again, and I look forward to working with you on other projects in the future. Darrell Joque PE, Project Manager, Berger/Abam Engineers Inc., Federal Way WA. The hydrographic services and support provided by SHI to NOAA's National Ocean Service have been exemplary. Solmar Hydro has provided excellent professional services to include cruise preparation, data management, project management, and data collection so as to exceed NOAA contract requirements. Tim Battista Chief Scientist, Biological Oceanographer, NOAA, Center for Coastal Monitoring & Assessment, Biogeography Team