Contaminant transport and effects
EHI's clients are quick to recognize that reliable and accurate understanding of dilution rates and current movements is critical in drawing pollutants away from shorelines and sensitive areas. In accordance with EPA regulations and requirements for measuring water quality parameters, and through classic and innovative techniques, EHI has demonstrated success in determining mechanisms for contaminant transport. Learn more details in this project example.

Current Studies
Mooring designs and the equipment used are tailored to the client's needs and the physical characteristics of the deployment location. In addition to understanding the technical aspects of instruments, EHI personnel also have an in-depth understanding of the oceanographic and meteorological conditions in which the instruments must perform, the appropriateness of particular instruments to properly measure the features of interest, and a long history of interpreting both new and historical measurements to understand oceanographic conditions.

Tidal and Long-term Monitoring
Long-term maintenance of your monitoring equipment is another specialty of EHI. We are experts at installing and maintaining long-term installations of tide gauges, current meters, meteorological stations, and other equipment mounted at ports, harbors, offshore platforms, and important waterways. These precision instruments must be properly maintained to ensure that every data point is an accurate representation of the processes being measured. We also work with MMS, EPA, NOAA and other agencies to ensure that the data you report meets their standards.

Sediment Tracer Studies
Sediment tracers provide the only unequivocal method of directly assessing sediment transport pathways. EHI, in partnership with ETS, provides the dredging, marine, and environmental industries with exceptional sediment and particle tracing services. ETS's innovative flourescent tracer particles are environmentally benign and are manufactured to mimic the characteristics of sediment native to the study area. Their unique properties allow for very low detection limits, which means much less volume of tracer is required than traditional methods. EHI has extensive experience designing and carrying out studies with this tracer to measure both short- and long-term sediment transport over large areas. Combining tracer technology with comprehensive oceanographic data collection programs provides an enhanced understanding of complex circulation patterns and current environments which lead to sediment movement. Learn more details in this project example or a different project example.

Bathymetric and Geophysical Measurements
One application of EHI's geophysical and bathymetric tools and knowledge is an innovative method to assess fish wastepiles in accordance with EPA standards. EHI has developed a scientific, methodical approach using established remote sensing technologies in combination with ground-truth sampling techniques to assess fish wastepiles, eliminating the use of diver surveys and creating a data collection standard which can be adhered to on future surveys and compared to past surveys. Key elements of the program are positioning, precision, records, and repeatability. EHI will determine area, thickness, volume characteristics, boundaries, and topographic changes of the wastepile. Learn more details in this project example.

Wake and Prop Wash Studies
Whether it is wake assessment during sea trials of a new vessel, measuring propeller wash at a ferry or shipping terminal, or investigating long-term impacts of large vessel wakes on sensitive shorelines, EHI has the knowledge and experience to design and carry out the study. EHI measures everything from ground truth data to calibrate a model to long records of vessel-generated currents or waves. For over 30 years EHI has been working in the marine environment and our personnel have the expertise to adapt to every eventuality. EHI has an excellent record of data return, even in the most difficult and unpredictable environments.

Water Quality Assessment
Many inland waters are being monitored more closely for water quality, whether due to habitat concerns, drinking water supply, or assessing the results of a clean-up effort. EHI scientists have extensive experience working on lakes, rivers, estuaries, and oceans, using traditional water sampling techniques or modern instruments to continuously observe water quality parameters.