United States Department of Transportation
i
Sediment management alternatives for the Biloxi ports.
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2010-02-01
[PDF-1.02 MB]
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Alternative Title:Port sedimentation solutions - Gulf Coast sedimentation management alternatives for the Biloxi ports.
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Edition:Final report
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Abstract:The objective of this project is to determine the source of sedimentation in the Ports of Biloxi and provide engineered solutions which will reduce
or eliminate the need for dredging within the ports.
The Commercial Docking Facility, Small Craft Harbor, and Point Cadet Harbor are all are located on the Biloxi Channel, an East-West channel
that runs between the mainland and Deer Island. The Biloxi Channel provides a 12’ x 150’ dredged channel connection from the Intracoastal
Waterway on both the east and west side of Deer Island. It is maintained at 10’ x 150’ between the facilities north of Deer Island. The Lighthouse
Commercial Docking Facility is located on the Back Bay of Biloxi.
Field sampling included water samples and sediment samples taken in and around the ports and in the Biloxi Channel. Samples were collected
between January and June 2009, with the exception of storm event samples taken in November 2009. Velocity measurements were taken in the
Biloxi Channel and across each harbor entrance. These velocities, along with tidal data, were used to estimate deposition rates. Limited
correlation was found between wind, tides, and the TSS in the samples. When tides were near low water, a few higher TSS values were
observed. Shallow depths during lower tides may have allowed the wind wave energy to reach bottom sediments and cause resuspension. Low
TSS concentration during high tide can be attributed to wave action not reaching the bottom and stirring the sediment.
A scale model was constructed and used to test a training structure design. The results of the testing show that basic design of the deflecting wall
could be effective if it were oriented at the correct angle and at an optimum length. The east side of the entrance would be more effective at
deflecting sediment-laden waters if it mirrored the west side of the entrance. The same method could be applied to the Commercial Docking
Facility to alter the sharp corners in the current design.
It is recommended that the Ports of Biloxi be modified in order to reduce the need for dredging. Changing the bumper design outside of the Small
Craft Harbor will reduce sediment by a small amount and is a cost effective solution. Mechanical agitation will also reduce sedimentation, but
operation and maintenance costs may be too high.
The best solution to reduce dredging in the ports is to reconfigure the entrances to mirror the west side of the entrance to the Small Craft Harbor.
Constructing a current deflecting wall in addition to this design will sustain water quality while directing sediment away from the ports. Further
design and modeling of the port entrances will need to be conducted before construction.
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