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Summaries of CSA International's Representative Overseas Projects:
Puerto Rico - Wastewater Treatment Plant Field Surveys CSA International is performing field sample and data collection for a 301(h) waiver demonstration and mixing zone validation study at the Carolina Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) outfall east of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The study includes the quarterly collection of sediment grab samples for macroinfauna, grain size, total organic carbon, total phosphorus, total kjeldahl nitrogen and the quarterly sampling of fish populations around the outfall using traps, nets, and hook-and-line methods. Sediment quality samples will be collected annually and coral community stations are being sampled semiannually using repetitive video transects and still photography quadrats. Quarterly survey reports and the results of the video and still photography data analyses are being submitted to the Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority. Qatar - Oil & Gas Field Surveys and Environmental Impact Assessment CSA International is conducting a field baseline survey and preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Al Rayyan Full Field Development located offshore Qatar in the Arabian Gulf. Site-specific physical baseline data measurements to be made include water column profiling (temperature, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen), sediment grain size determinations, and sediment chemistry analyses (interstitial water chlorinity, sulfate, sediment hydrocarbons, trace metals). Site-specific biological baseline data to be acquired include benthic substrate determinations via side-scan sonar, benthic community characterizations via towed sled (color video), and indigenous fish and fauna observations via drift sled (color video). The EIA document will describe the proposed platform emplacement, production and tankering operations, and future facility abandonment. The existing environment will be characterized and the environmental impacts associated with routine production operations and potential accidents will be evaluated. The work is being conducted for ARCO Qatar Inc. Russia - Oil & Gas Environmental Monitoring CSA International reviewed and commented on environmental monitoring plans developed for exploratory drilling in the Piltun-Astokhskoye (P-A) Field and Phase I of the P-A Field development offshore Sakhalin Island, Russia by Russian contractors. The Phase I operations include a dredge material borrow site, Molikpaq Platform installation site, and a dredged material disposal site. CSA International prepared baseline environmental sampling programs for the P-A and Lunskoye Fields, three potential pipeline routes to shore, and Aniva Bay which is the potential site of liquids and liquefied natural gas export facilities. CSA International prepared the technical scopes including sampling design and field and laboratory methods for several statements of work to be provided to potential Russian contractors to implement the environmental monitoring and baseline collection programs. CSA International personnel met with representatives of the potential Russian contractors to discuss the technical scopes, survey vessels, equipment and instrument requirements, and aspects of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC). The equipment and expendable supplies needed to supplement the Russian equipment/supplies was determined. CSA International also provided field personnel and equipment and supplies for three major cruises (pre- and post-monitoring and baseline survey) conducted by the Russian contractors. CSA International personnel were responsible for QA/QC as Sakhalin Energy's representatives, collection of video footage of the bottom, and collection of Western data and samples. The Western data and samples included water column temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, metals (dissolved and particulate), phenols, and nutrients. The Western samples also included sediments for grain size, metals, hydrocarbons (total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and infauna. The Western samples will be analyzed and included in reports for each cruise. The data will be statistically compared to the Russian data. CSA International is conducting the work for Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. Mexico - Anchor Damage Assessment CSA International conducted a biological assessment of anchor damage on the Paso del Cedral reef in Cozumel National Marine Park, Mexico. The assessment included collection of qualitative video and still photography and quantitative video data. Habitats were characterized and relative abundance and percent cover of hard corals, hydrocorals, and soft corals were estimated. Data sets collected from the impact area were compared to data collected at adjacent undamaged reference sites. CSA International conducted the work for Cigna Insurance Company. Erita - Oil & Gas Environmental Impact Assessment, Management Plan, Field Survey, and Oil Spill Contingency Plan CSA International prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document for exploration operations offshore Eritrea in the Red Sea. The wells were to be drilled with synthetic drilling fluids with discharge of the drill cuttings. An Environmental Management Plan that included monitoring and mitigation measures was also prepared. A pre-drilling environmental baseline survey was conducted at each of the potential drillsites and the results incorporated into the EIA. Additionally, an Oil Spill Contingency Plan for the operations was developed. Several meetings were held with Eritrean Ministries to discuss the contents of the EIA. CSA International conducted the work for Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. Bahamas - Navy Environmental Review of Autec CSA International prepared an Environmental Review of the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) facilities and operations associated with Andros Island in the Bahamas. The Environmental Review addressed all positive and negative environmental impacts, including potential effects to endangered and threatened species, arising from the onshore base and offshore testing programs. The facilities included deep-water ranges which support weapon and sensor system tests, Fleet training operations, and acoustic, environmental, and oceanographic research programs. The operations focused on use of torpedoes and sonar and included various aircraft and surface and subsurface ships. Visits were made to AUTEC on Andros Island and the mainland to collect pertinent environmental and socioeconomic information from files and records, view affected areas, and conduct personal interviews. CSA International also was responsible for printing and distribution of final documents. CSA International conducted the work for the U.S. Department of the Navy, Southern Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. Pohnpei - Grounding Site Damage Assessment CSA International performed a biological assessment of the M/V DANG DELIMA grounding site on a fringing barrier reef off Kolonia, Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. The survey included collection of qualitative still photographs, qualitative and quantitative video data, fish counts, and field measurements to delineate areal extent of impact areas. Quantitative video and fish count data collected at impact areas and reference areas were statistically analyzed. Siberia - Multi-National Scientific Expediton CSA International participated in a multi-national scientific expedition in the Kara Sea off the northern coast of Siberia. Participants included individuals from Russia, the United States, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland. Scientific duties included systematic surveys of marine bird, waterfowl, and marine mammal resources across the southern Barents, Pechora, and Kara Seas; and collections of sediments and benthic infauna and epifauna within the southern Kara Sea, from the Kara Gates east to waters off Dickson and including areas within the Ob and Yenisei Rivers. A special collection of invertebrates were made for the National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian Institution) in Washington, D.C. CSA International conducted the work for Amoco Eurasia Petroleum Company. Trinidad - Ship Channel Dredging Hazards CSA International conducted surveys associated with an offshore ship channel near Brighton, Trinidad, West Indies in the Gulf of Paria. Bathymetric, side-scan sonar, subbottom profiler, and magnetometer surveys were conducted in order to characterize the area. Potential dredging hazards were identified on and below the sediment surface. A report and maps were produced as final products. CSA conducted the work for Cabot LNG Corporation as a subcontract to CDR Environmental Specialists, Incorporated and in cooperation with the Institute for Marine Affairs (IMA) in Chaguraramas, Trinidad, West Indies. Taiwan - Power Plant Compliance Studies Seven power plants in Taiwan were studied to determine compliance with environmental regulations. CSA International's responsibilities included evaluation of the University systems in Taiwan in terms of capabilities to conduct ecological studies. CSA International selected laboratories to conduct trace metal analyses; hydrocarbon characterization; and taxonomic identifications of phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthos, and fish. CSA International managed the timeframes for conducting the studies, evaluated existing equipment, recommended and trained Taiwanese personnel in field operations, performed the quality assurance/quality control functions, analyzed the data, and produced the environmental impact assessment reports. The studies were performed by reviewing existing literature and conducting both biological and thermal field investigations. Following the determination of compliance, an assessment and feasibility study was performed for those plants not complying with environmental regulations and causing significant marine ecological impacts. In a separate study, comprised of a literature review and two seasonal field surveys, the impact on corals due to thermal discharge from a nuclear power plant in south Taiwan was assessed and possible means of mitigating coral damage were evaluated. CSA International conducted the work for FPL Qualtec, Inc.
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