Pilot Project to Demonstrate Drive-in Boatwash Technology in the San Diego Bay

Pilot Project to Demonstrate Drive-in Boatwash Technology in the San Diego Bay

The proposed pilot project involves the installation of a Boatwash system (Boatwash) to determine the effectiveness of technology specific to Rentunder in reducing copper particulates in San Diego Bay for a total of two (2) years within an existing boat slip at the Transient Vessel Dock on Shelter Island at the entrance of the Shelter Island Yacht Basin (SIYB) in San Diego, CA. The Boatwash measures approx. 60 feet long by 20 feet wide and consists of a basin comprised of thick strong, heavy-duty plastic kept in place by a rigid metal framework. The Boatwash cleans boat hulls with mechanical scrubbers housed within the footprint of the basin and framework. Cleaning boats in this manner serves t remove all organic growth effectively for both motor and sailboats up to 53 feet in length. The washing process is conducted by floating each boat into the Boatwash, closing the gate to enclose the basin, turning on the scrubbers and brushing for approx. 30 minutes. After the washing process the boat is let out through a gate in the basin. The boat hull is cleaned purely by mechanical brushing. No chemicals or additives are used before, during, or after the washing process. The Boatwash has a closed system where the marine growth removed from the boat is collected in the basin where it forms sediment. This sediment is manually removed and disposed of as a regulated waste. The residue sinks to the bottom of the basin due to the weight of the sediment. The gate remains closed throughout the cleaning process and is only lowered as much as is needed for the boat to exit and then is promptly closed to keep sediment contained. The basin would be cleaned every three months or after 1500 washes by using a suction pump and/or a diver to remove the debris. The debris is collected and deposited as regulated waste. The Boatwash would be maintained yearly, including lubrication of axles, a visual inspection, replacement of hydraulic motors and hoses if needed, replacement of brushes approx. every 2000 washes, replacement of oil filters, and replacement of hydraulic oil if needed. This system will require one operator daily to monitor the operation for the duration of the pilot (two years). Truck trips for the project would include transport of the daily operator, as well as one small fork truck lift, one crane, and one towing boat for one-to-two days for installation of the unit. Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed Project would generate a minor amount of vehicle and truck trips and would require limited use of construction equipment, and would not result in impacts, including, without limitation, air quality or greenhouse gas impacts. Additionally, no eelgrass is known to be present at the project site, and therefore, the project would not result in any significant impacts to biological resources. The pilot program is anticipated to commence in Sept. 2017 and end Sept. 2019, with a total duration two years. As part of the entitlement process, prior to operation of the project, staff will be applying for an Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) ACOE Nationwide #5 "Scientific Measurement Devices" permit. Furthermore, the applicant would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regulating construction demolition debris, noise, and stormwater.

San Diego