Capabilities
- State-of-the-art hydrodynamic modelling (1D, 2D or 3D) of river, estuarine and coastal environments, focussing on contaminant fate and transport.
- Skilled in the use of near-field (CORMIX, CFD) and far-field (DHI’s MIKE software, TUFlow) plume modelling tools.
- Detailed design and analysis of diffusers/discharge ports.
- Advanced analysis and GIS mapping techniques.
- Dedicated ecology team allows detailed assessment of environmental implications and development of sustainable solutions.
Contaminant Fate and Transport Assessment
The fate and transport of contaminants within river, estuary and coastal systems is of critical importance both in terms of human health and the health of aquatic flora and fauna. Human health may be affected through the ingestion of contaminated water or more indirectly through the food chain itself. Being able to provide surety of safe drinking water and protection of natural ecosystems is the focus of contaminant transport assessment.
Water Technology has worked on a number of projects involving the fate and transport of contaminants, from saline outflows from desalinations plants to the fate of possible oil condensate spills into lakes and rivers. These projects combine skills in river, coastal and estuarine hydrodynamics with water quality modelling and advanced analysis, through to ecological impact assessment.
Combining technical flow and contaminant modelling capabilities with ecological assessment allows a holistic appreciation of potential contaminant issues and possible solutions for our clients.
It is imperative to the success of these studies that a tailored methodology be adopted specifically targeting the outcomes required by the client. The Eco-Hydraulics team has extensive experience in these studies, working on many of the Icon Sites of The Living Murray program. Through these studies the Eco-Hydraulics team has greatly assisted our clients to understand and manage these highly complex environments.
Selected Projects
Condensate Spill Modelling
Client: Coffey Environments
Water Technology was commissioned by the Coffey Environments to develop near-field and far-field hydrodynamic models of various waterways and a Lake system, which lay along the route of the proposed condensate pipeline in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. The modelling investigation has being undertaken in order to understand the likely transport and fate of condensate spills into watercourses along the pipeline route. The models can be used to undertake near-field and far-field modelling of spill plumes for a range of spill and river/lake flow conditions, with a view to informing spill response plans developed as part of the pipeline project. Read More…
Huntly Power Station Discharge Mixing Zone Modelling
Client : Genesis Energy
Location: Central North Island, New Zealand
Detailed 3D and 2D hydrodynamic modelling of the Waikato River, North Island New Zealand to assess the fate and transport of process waters from the Huntly Power Station.
The model was used to inform the power station operators of the current dilution and movement of process waters when mixing with river flows, particularly under low flow conditions, which are critical to operation of the station under their Resource Consent conditions. Read More…
Contaminant Fate and Transport Modelling
Water Technology has undertaken detailed contaminant fate and transport modelling for a pipeline project in the Pacific region. A range of 1D and 2D models were developed for different waterway systems; from river networks to lakes. The models were used to track the change in contaminant concentrations assuming a spill occurred directly into or adjacent to a waterway.
Coupled with the hydrodynamic modelling a detailed review of the contaminant toxicology was undertaken to inform risk management strategies associated with a spill along the pipeline route.
A key issue for the project was to minimise and mitigate risks to public health and flora and fauna within the study area.
Adelaide Desalination Plant Outfall Dilution Modelling
Client : Adelaide Aqua
Location: Port Stanvec, South Australia
The final design of the outfall diffuser of the Adelaide Desalination Project was developed and validated, with the primary objectives to demonstrate initial dilution of the saline concentrate discharge equivalent to 50:1, and rapid dispersion of the saline concentrate into the surrounding sea water.
Full three-dimensional mid-field modelling was undertaken to simulate the performance of the outfall diffuser, providing a realistic description of the water level variations and currents in the vicinity of the outfall diffuser. The model was used to assess the outfall performance for a range of operating conditions and receiving water scenarios.