Abstract: A ballast system is provided for use with least partially buried pre-formed chamber, the system having at least one ring formed of a plurality of interlocking ballast block ring segments; each ring segment being configured with at least one male interconnect and at least one female interconnect, each said female interconnect being configured to receive a corresponding male interconnect, each ring segment comprising a containment form shell and cast mass; and corrosion resistant locking pins whereby each female interconnect is secured to a corresponding male interconnect.

Abstract: An improved moored wellhead effluent capture apparatus consists of multiple nested pressure resisting enclosures with open bottoms and increasing outside dimensions, interconnected with structure and resting on a common plane, the seabed, for encasing wellheads. Each surface of said pressure resisting enclosure is disposed with aligned holes of similar diameter for the purpose of connecting pipes used for a multitude of functions. The apparatus deployment over a blown out wellhead can be accomplished by lowering the apparatus over the drill pipe, allowing the pipe to pass through an open hatch in the top while descending to enclose the wellhead on the seabed for removal of the effluent through a conduit located on an auxiliary pipe flange. The removal of fluid from inside the void between the pressure resisting enclosures results in a net force from the hydrostatic pressure pushing the apparatus into the seabed, effectively mooring the structure around the wellhead.

Abstract: A storm water filtration apparatus, at the curb inlet for a storm drain, which prevents debris and pollutants from entering the storm drain system. Water passes through the filter at an upward angle. The filter does not require replacing for maintenance, and it continues to allow water to flow into the storm drain system even when the filter is full of trash, leaves, debris, and/or other pollutants.

Abstract: A secondary containment system for an above-ground petroleum storage tank includes a berm rising above the ground surrounding the tank and spaced apart from the tank for defining a petroleum retention basin about the tank. An impermeable liner covers the ground between the tank and the berm. At least one drain is formed through the liner and into the underlying ground. A hydrocarbon sensor monitors the presence of petroleum in the drain. A control device responds to the presence of petroleum in the drain by closing a containment valve to prevent discharge of petroleum from the basin. An indicator device provides at least one of an audible and visible signal indicating that petroleum is sensed in the drain.

Abstract: An automated water discharging system for prohibiting buoyant debris from reaching and engaging an existing support structure that is partially submerged in an existing body of water may include a mechanism for extracting and channeling water from beneath a water line to above a water line of the existing body of water. Additionally, a mechanism for distributing water from above the water line to a plurality of third locations may be included by creating an artificial current flowing away from the existing support structure. A plurality of conduits and a power-actuated pump may direct the water and debris from one location to the next. Discharge nozzles may discharge the water at an angle defined downwardly towards the water line to thereby create the artificial current leading away from the existing support structure. A controller may be included to adjust the flow rate of the nozzles and the corresponding artificial current.

Abstract: A flow limiting inlet structure is designed to collect water or other fluids in a pool above grade, and to provide improved capture of sediments and surface pollutants such as oils and greases in the pool, while regulating the flow of water or other fluids during discharge into an outlet pipe. In a conventional storm water detention basin a vertical cylindrical discharge structure can be used to regulate the basin water depth and discharge flow rate of storm water out of the detention basin, in conjunction with the use of a specially designed baffle system that prevents the release of any greases or oils floating on the water surface while capturing any floating trash or debris.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retainer assembly for anchoring environmental containment and remediation materials in a desired location. The retainer assembly includes a buoyant retainer structure and an anchor assembly attached thereto. The anchor assembly defines the limits of motion of the retainer in three dimensions with respect to a selected anchor point and permits the anchor assembly to float within these limits. The anchor assembly also includes an attachment mechanism to secure the remediation materials to the retainer structure.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an installation method for a preventive booming for pollution containment in aquatic environments, such as rivers, lakes, lagoons, bays, or ocean, more specifically for the pollution caused by oil spills. It comprises a plurality of containment boom sections that form a preventive booming in a spiral configuration, allowing the transit of supply and service boats. The preventative booming does not impair the ordinary operation of a platform or offshore installation at the same time that it prevents the immediate exit of the supernatant oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (20), a system and a method for collecting material from a water system, and the use of the apparatus (20) as an oil-combating device or rescue device. The apparatus (20) can be arranged to float and be moveable on the water surface (1). The apparatus comprises a cargo space (2) for storing the collected material, a collecting platform (12) connected to the cargo space, over which platform the water of the water system and/or material to be collected from it is arranged to pass before passing into the cargo space, water exhaustion means (5) for removing water from the cargo space, means (11) for adjusting the height of the collecting platform as desired in relation to the level of the water surface of the water system, at least one ballast tank (3) to control the draught of the cargo space as desired and/or means (7) for controlling the effect of the water exhaustion means.

Abstract: The disclosure shows an apparatus and a method for containing a spill of petroleum product. The inventive apparatus and method each include the assembly pliable building blocks of a generally rectangular shape that surrounds an internal void. The blocks form a wall by stacking successive horizontal rows of building blocks such that the respective internal voids vertically align, thereby forming adjacent columnar voids within the wall. The columnar voids are then filled with an adsorbent material that will cling to the petroleum product.

Abstract: A magnetic connector assembly for attaching spill boom to an otherwise featureless coated steel surface comprises a flexible plate having a front side and a back side, at least one magnet mounted to the plate to assert a magnetic field over the back side of the plate, and a connector for the boom mounted to the front side of the plate. The at least one magnet is sized to retain the magnetic connector assembly in a fixed position on a vertically positioned ferromagnetic wall with a force requiring at least 5 pounds to break.

Abstract: The invention concerns an obstruction device for flowing waterways and rivulets of all kinds, in particular for torrents and similar river beds, with a flexible barrier element in the form of a catchment net (4), extending from one riverbank (2) to the other riverbank (3) transverse to the flow direction (7). The catchment net (4) is installed between a lower support rope (5) and an upper support rope (6). The support ropes (5, 6) are anchored in the riverbanks (2, 3) with rope anchors (8, 9) attached to their ends, whereby the rope anchors (9) of the upper support rope (6) are offset to the front relative to the rope anchors (8) of the lower support rope (5) in flow direction (7). In this way the catchment net (4) can deform itself when the barrier is filled in such a way that the water, rocks, flotsam etc. then overflowing the net will contact the same either not at all, or only briefly. In this way it is safely and permanently protected against the corrosion and abrasion effect of the overflowing water.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (20), a system and a method for collecting material from a water system, and the use of the apparatus (20) as an oil-combating device or rescue device. The apparatus (20) can be arranged to float and be moveable on the water surface (1). The apparatus comprises a cargo space (2) for storing the collected material, a collecting platform (12) connected to the cargo space, over which platform the water of the water system and/or material to be collected from it is arranged to pass before passing into the cargo space, water exhaustion means (5) for removing water from the cargo space, means (11) for adjusting the height of the collecting platform as desired in relation to the level of the water surface of the water system, at least one ballast tank (3) to control the draught of the cargo space as desired and/or means (7) for controlling the effect of the water exhaustion means.

Abstract: A remotely controlled apparatus for transporting liquid, such as oil, toxic chemicals, or the like, in a tank of a sunken ship to a floating body, without leakage and a method performed by the apparatus are disclosed. An underwater recovery device (100) of the apparatus includes a supporting frame (10), to which a plurality of devices including a linkage (111) are fixed, chucking devices (20) for fixing the underwater recovery device (100) to the sunken ship (500), a grabber (30) for attaching the base plate (80) to the supporting frame (10), DTB systems 40 for attaching the base plate (80) to the sunken ship (500), thrusters (50) for providing a propulsive force so as to attach the supporting frame (10) to the sunken ship (500), a hole cutter (60) for drilling a hole for the recovery of the liquid, and a liquid recovery device (70) for recovering the liquid through the hole drilled in the sunken ship (500).

Abstract: An object retrieval system providing an expanse of flexible material variably configured by travel of a material support element between a first position and a second position which generates movement in objects that collect on the material surface for retrieval.

Abstract: A watercraft barricade device (1) having a suspended barricade (5) affixed at predetermined positions to vertical risers (3) which shall be mounted to floating log and debris booms or floating booms (7) that when deployed will prevent watercraft from progressing beyond an established perimeter for the protection of structures or areas accessible from a body of water.

Abstract: A water skimmer vessel has two hulls (12, 14) between which a debris collection net or basket-like catcher (22) is arranged. Hinged flaps (68) are provided at each end of the catcher and operate to allow inflow but block outflow of debris from the catcher. Each hull of the vessel is equiped with amoter covered by a guard (28). The vessel may move in either direction and is equipped with sensors (30) on each hulll for effecting the turning and reversing of the vessel upon contact with pool skimmer box inlet (206) and the vessel can be controlled to enter the dock and permit the contents of the catcher to be discharged into the current of pool water flowing into the skimmer box.

Abstract: A boom (1A) is described, especially for containing oil spills and/or other similar pollution at sea, in rivers or on water surfaces, comprising an elongate body consisting of an element having positive buoyancy relative to the surrounding medium, so that a freeboard (5) is provided, and a hanging skirt (6), which boom (1A) is of the type that is usually lowed behind towing vessels or is moored (2) so that the boom (1A) basically forms a U-shape having side arms (4) that define a front opening (10) between them, which arms extend from a rear area or apex (7) when the towing vessels or mooring (2) pulls at the free ends of the arms of the boom (1A) in order to tow the boom (1A), and wherein the skirt (6) is provided with a draught that varies from a minimum size or depth in the area at the boom apex (7) to a maximum size or depth at the free towing ends (15) of the side arms (4) of the boom (1A).

Abstract: An attachment to a drainage hose for use on a stockpiling barge that includes: a fluid pervious bag formed of a flexible fabric material, the fluid pervious bag having an open end and a closed end, a ballast material attached to or retained within the closed end of the fluid pervious bag, and means for securing the open end of the fluid pervious bag about a hose. Also disclosed are the attachment in combination with a drainage hose and a stockpiling barge, a method of filtering runoff water from a stockpiling barge through the use of the attachments, and a method of preventing non-dissolved organic or inorganic contaminants from flowing from a stockpiling barge into a body of water through the use of the attachments.

Abstract: A pliable pad includes a layer formed of an absorbent material and a formable material arranged generally parallel to each other. The selected formable material, such as aluminum foil, is capable of assuming a desired shape and of retaining the desired shape which has been assumed. As a result, the formable material can be shaped so that the pliable pad defines a basin for collecting and absorbing liquids. The pliable pad can also include one or more layers for defining a liquid barrier. The pliable pad can be used to collect excess liquid produced during a medical procedure, such as the irrigation of a wound, or can be used in other, non-medical applications in which liquid is to be collected.

Abstract: A watercraft barricade device (1) having a suspended barricade (5) affixed at predetermined positions to vertical risers (3) which shall be mounted to floating log and debris booms or floating booms (7) that when deployed will prevent watercraft from progressing beyond an established perimeter for the protection of structures or areas accessible from a body of water.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the pollution of a harbor having an entrance interfacing a moving body of water in which jet streams of water are generated near the surface. The jet streams of water displacing the surface water and the floating debris away from the harbor's entrance significantly reducing the collection of debris in the harbor.

Abstract: A flow-diverter apparatus includes two hull and foil assemblies pivotally connected by rigid members and attached to control lines. Several flow-diverter apparatus may be joined by lines, cables or rigid links to form a flow-diverter system. The apparatus may also include lines/cables to vertically distribute control line force. Attachment points or lines for booms, scientific equipment, dispersion equipment, fire suppression equipment or other devices may also be provided. Apparatus may use horizontal hydrodynamic lift forces to create a diversion flow transverse to an onset flow, to deploy and hold equipment transverse to an onset flow, and/or to provide mixing on the surface of a body of water. Apparatus may be deployed from shore, from a fixed point in the water, or by a vessel.

Abstract: A recovery device (10) for containing a material (16) floating on the surface of a liquid (12) comprises a shroud (26) having an open top and an open bottom, the top being of smaller diameter than the bottom, thus forming a truncated cone-like shape. The open top has an open area which is smaller than the area of the open bottom. The device (10) is positioned with the open bottom above the surface of the liquid (12) and encircling at least a portion of the floating material (16). It is then allowed to sink to its collection position, in which the open bottom is submerged below, and the open top is at or above, the surface of the liquid (12). As a result, the floating material (16) is encircled by the open bottom and is forced into the smaller area of the open top as the device (10) sinks into the water. The recovery device (10) may include a collar (24) attached to the open top, a skirt (28) attached to the open bottom and ballast weights (38) to aid in sinking the device (10).

Abstract: A primary support for a tunnel roof comprising elongated lagging members which are “extruded” from tubes forming a shield for a tunnel boring machine.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable breakwater is disclosed having a primary barrier containing liquid under pressure, and one or more overtopping barriers. The primary barrier floats at, and extends substantially below, the surface of the water, while the overtopping barriers are positioned on the primary barrier and extend substantially above the surface of the water, the combination being adapted to attenuate wave action in open water. The liquid in the primary barrier is pressurized to a level substantially greater than the pressure of the surrounding water, and such pressure may be maintained or varied during the period of deployment of the breakwater.

Abstract: An engineered log jam for controlling stream flow characteristics is formed from multiple layers of logs. A first layer intended to be placed parallel to stream flow consists of two or more generally parallel logs. In normal use these would be anchored to the stream bottom. A second layer of logs is placed on top of the first. This also consists of a plurality of spaced apart logs crossing the first layer. The second layer logs are angled with respect to each other to control and direct water flow passing over and through the structure. A third layer of spaced apart logs crosses the second layer logs and further acts to direct water flow. Additional layers may be used as might be dictated by the use environment. The logs are permanently joined to each other at the points of crossing.

Abstract: Pollutants are captured at a particular point of entrance into a storm water runoff system, such as at curb inlets. An inventive device takes advantage of existing storage volume within storm water inlets and is installed therein with little or no retrofitting necessary to secure the device. Storm water enters the apparatus where water energy is reduced and flow length is increased, increasing water detention time and allowing for the removal of soil sediment, floating debris, hydrocarbons and other pollutants utilizing settling tendencies and trapping areas. A damping system reduces pollutant resuspension and redirects high flows away from deposited sediment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for land reclamation which includes utilizing groyne-like structures including spaced stanchions to which are mounted porous screens and wherein the screens are vertically adjustable as material is deposited during the reclamation process. In some embodiments the screens are carried by sleeves slidable on spaced stanchions and in other embodiments the screens may be sectional and carried by multiple sleeves.

Abstract: A deployable marine on-board containment system of a clear plastic wall, supported by a floatation counter balance system to allow for towing and surrounding of any marine surface spill; with rapid deployment and containment of any marine spill that consists of floating matter permitting almost total collection of any marine spill in the open sea, on a river or in a coastal shoreline area; without using chemical or any other additives thereby allowing the collected material to be recovered and reused.

Abstract: A portable pollution control apparatus designed to span a creek or other small waterway. The apparatus includes an adjustable length boom which extends across the creek; an elongated, hydrocarbon-absorbent sock which is suspended from the boom and extends within the creek downstream from the boom; and a sheet of water-porous fabric connectable to the boom and extending upstream therefrom to function as a sediment trap. The fabric sheet in preferably deployed on the creekbed and banks to form a settling pond immediately upstream from said boom to permit settling of sediment.

Abstract: Heavy oil or crude oil spills in sea water are recovered without polluting environment. A natural rubber latex and a coagulant are scattered around lumps of oil spills to coagulate the latex with the coagulant, so that a membrane of the latex is formed around the oil lumps.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harvesting brine shrimp eggs from a body of water involving the use of an elongated member comprising buoyant material which enables the elongated member to float at or near the surface of the body of water and a water-permeable member positioned downwardly from the elongated member so as to enable the water-permeable member to be positioned below the surface of the body of water. The water-permeable member is configured so as to be substantially impermeable to brine shrimp eggs and substantially prevents brine shrimp eggs from escaping harvest as the apparatus is moved through the body of water to collect the brine shrimp eggs. In one presently preferred embodiment, the water-permeable member comprises a porous screen. One or more reinforcement members may also be included to protect the porous screen from tearing, puncture, or other damage.

Abstract: Hollow tubular segments, preferably in the form of pretreated hollow core fiber segments, and a method, for gathering or collecting and removing an oil spill floating atop a body of water. The preferably fuel oil-pretreated segments are hydrophobic having a resulting density such that, when disposed atop the oil spill, the pretreated segments absorb or draw the spilled oil by capillary action into the interiors and remain afloat atop the water to prevent further dispersion of the oil spill and to facilitate gathering of the spilled oil filled segments. After use, the spilled oil may be drawn from the segments by heat and/or forced air, the segments then being reusable.

Abstract: A portable berm for use in and out of doors. The berm includes a impervious flexible synthetic floor which has a berm wall formed about its periphery. The berm wall comprises a plurality of elongated plastic strips which are attached to the floor along their inner and outer edges each forming a cavity which extend around the floor. A plurality of openings are formed in the strips adjacent at least their edges. An adsorbent and absorbent hydrophobic material which allows water to pass through but absorbs chemical contaminants is positioned within the cavities to extend about the floor.

Abstract: A system of structures uses the energy and properties of a stream flow to protect downstream structures from various potentailly damaging stream-flow-induced events. One element, a streamwise-vortex generator is placed upstream from a structure to protect it from impact by buoyant contaminates. The generator is positioned at a depth sufficiently below the surface to minimize the likelihood of contact with vehicles or debris. In this position it induces a vortex in the current flow whose axis is essentailly parallel to the streamwise flow. The vortex persists downstream of the generator and, migrating to the surface, deflects a debris away from the protected structure. Another element, a vorticity generator, causes interference with, and/or diversion of streambed-scouring vortices or eddies which are naturally generated adjacent the sides of structures. The result is protection of the streambed from damaging scour which would otherwise occur.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for dispersing oil slicks comprising a twin tail surfactant or mixture of twin tail surfactants having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 may be the same or different alkyl or alkenyl groups; R.sub.2 is H or OH; and x is from 1 to about 20.

Abstract: A system for recovering petroleum products such as oil from a sunken oil transportation vessel. The system includes first and second flexible conduits communicating with the oil-containing compartments. The conduits are released upon the vessel becoming submerged. The free ends of the conduits are connected respectively to a pump for pumping sea water into the compartment to displace the oil. The second conduit is connected to a recovery container on the surface. The displaced oil is forced through the second conduit to the recovery container. The recovery container is, in the preferred embodiment, provided on a fleet or network of recovery vessels which then transport the recovered oil to port for off-loading. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible conduits are associated with a float which releases or carries the conduits to the surface so that underwater recovery operations are minimized.

Abstract: A method for capturing ecologically harmful substances in the nature of hydrocarbons from the surface of a body of water or from the ground adjacent a landfill or waste dump or from a shoreline of a body of water into which residual waste fluids from an adjacent ground leakage is passed.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the position of a containment boom in a fast flowing waterway. Firstly, providing an elongate containment boom having a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis. The containment boom consists of a plurality of smaller substantially coaxial boom sections. Secondly, providing a plurality of floats having floating deflector appendages. Thirdly, placing the plurality of floats at spaced intervals along the containment boom between the boom sections, with the floating deflector appendage of each float oriented on the first side of the containment boom extending outwardly at an angle in relation to the longitudinal axis and pointing generally toward the second end.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting floatable liquids such as oil and gasoline, in particular in the case of oil-contaminated or gasoline-contaminated water surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering fluid substances floating on a water surface, comprising multiple disks which are arranged on at least one horizontal shaft, are partially immersed in the water, and rotate at different speeds and particularly alternately clockwise and counterclockwise. The partially submerged disks, by using the principle of the higher adhesion of oily substances relative to water, collect these oily substances, which are then removed by scraping systems and conveyed into a containment space.

Abstract: A boom system having a flexible barrier is supported by floats on offset arms. The offset arms and floats thereon are mounted to the barrier in a manner which allows the angle between the barrier and the offset arms to be easily varied. The orientation of the barrier with respect to the surface the boom system is disposed on can thus be easily varied to account for variations in wind, waves and currents. Furthermore, the orientation of the barrier is controlled without the use of ballast weights.

Abstract: An improved boom for use in containing oil spills and the like on water comprises a flotation tube, an upper chain pocket, a skirt, and a lower chain pocket. The skirt may be made to sink by placing a chain in the lower chain pocket. The spill is contained, and buoyancy provided for the boom, by filling the flotation tube with a particulate liquid sorbent. The tube is fabricated of a mesh material pervious to both the oil and water. The skirt may be fabricated of a material pervious to water, and if so desired, to oil.

Abstract: A system for deploying a cover over an oil spill, to collect the spilled oil, uses a plurality of gas propelled rockets are attached to lines arranged around the periphery of the cover. Outward projection of the rockets spreads the cover, the weight of the expended rockets then pulling the edges of the cover below the water surface to trap the covered oil. Attitude detectors are preferably employed for preventing firing of the rockets when the rocket platform is not generally level.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for containment of contaminants during an underwater dredging operation. The apparatus includes an elongated anchor which is adapted to lie on a water bed. A flexible sheet which is substantially impervious to silt has a bottom edge secured to the anchor. A float is secured to the top edge of the sheet so that the sheet forms a dam and prevents contaminated silt from passing from one side of the sheet to the other. In practice, a plurality of these sheets and anchors are disposed around and enclose a contaminated area thus maintaining silt within the interior of the enclosed area.

Abstract: A system to contain, collect and remove hydrocarbons such as gasoline, diesel and/or lubricants that are spilled or leaked on to the surface of the water during fueling operations at marine fueling facilities. The system utilizes a series of absorbent devices formed as pillows and held in place on the surface of the water along the dock area of a fueling facility that absorb hydrocarbon pollutants that they come in contact with. The absorbed hydrocarbons are solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. The consolidated mass is contained within the pillows, will float indefinitely and is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. Once the capacity of a pillow is reached, it will continue to act as a containment boom to keep the spill on the water's surface from spreading throughout the fueling facility area, allowing the spill to reach another pillow with the capacity to absorb and solidify the spill.

Abstract: An aqua culture facility and method using a pneumatic pump for displacement of water or other liquid located in a confined space having rigid bottom and side walls which form an interior surface of the space, with a flexible liner having the same contour as the space in which the liquid is confined. The confined space is a culture chamber and open at the top side, such as a fish pond. The flexible liner is comprised of two or more flexible membranes which are in sealing engagement at their edge portions to form a sealed compartment. There is an air inlet-outlet means through which gas or liquid can be introduced to inflate and then to exhaust the air from the sealed compartment. The flexible liner has a flexible membrane in contact with the rigid bottom and side walls of the confined space and is larger then the interior surface of the confined space. The placed flexible membrane liner is covered with water and seeded with organisms to create the culture chamber.

Abstract: A streamwise-vortex generating diverter is placed upstream from a structure to protect the structure. The diverter is positioned to induce a vortex, or rotation, in the current flow whose axis is essentially parallel to the streamwise flow. This rotating flow persists downstream of the diverter effectively guiding debris away from the protected structure.

Abstract: A system for deploying a cover over an oil spill, to collect the spilled oil, uses a plurality of gas propelled rockets are attached to lines arranged around the periphery of the cover. Outward projection of the rockets spreads the cover, the weight of the expended rockets then pulling the edges of the cover below the water surface to trap the covered oil. Attitude detectors are preferably employed for preventing firing of the rockets when the rocket platform is not generally level.