REGION 10 DIVE TEAM www.epa.gov/region10/dive EPA Region 10 Dive Team EPA Divers Support Brownfields Pasley Breakwater Survey; Newport, OR, November 2006 What: The Superfund Environmental Cleanup Office/Brownfields Unit requested assistance from the EPA Region 10 Dive Team to assist in a Brownfields Site Assessment with the Port of Newport. Why: Diver survey objectives were to: 1) inspect under the breakwater for locations where erosion is occurring under the keel, 2) install sediment stakes to monitor under hull erosion over time, 3) look for any releases of oil or contaminants, and 4) inspect the hull/breakwater for features such as blast holes, scour holes. Where: Yaquina Bay, Newport, OR. When: Dive surveys were conducted on November 20, 2006. How: Activities included 5 dives to install 6 sediment stakes (marked on the top rail) and 5 hull transects (vertical). Results: Divers found that the main feature in the areas surveyed was a large crack that extends from the surface to the bottom, up to 3 feet wide and 3 feet deep (into the vessel). Rebar is exposed from the surface to the bottom. Scouring is taking place under the ship in all areas inspected, but due to low visibility, it was not possible to determine if sediment is being eroded from under the keel in places. More Details: Video: R10 Dive Team video of hull survey (1:07 Minutes, Total Files Size 11.3MB, Quicktime format) Contact: Sean Sheldrake (206) 553-1220, Sheldrake.sean@epa.gov ------- Photos: Large crack on the Pasley. Divers found this crack expands and continues to the bottom, exposing rebar and extending inward several feet into the ship. The Pasley is gradually disintegrating from currents and wave action. ------- Diver Rob Rau preparing to map the Pasley Hull talking with Chris Mochun-Collura of the ORD Newport Dive Team. Pasley on right, Highway 101 bridge in the background. Diver Rob Rau with chest harness on for currents sweeping across the breakwater. Pasley breakwater visible at left. Return to EPA Region 10 Dive Team homepage. ------- |