Baltimore has a large problem with floating
solid waste in its inner harbor. To some degree, this provides
environmental and public health hazards, but there are many more
severe problems with the water in the inner harbor besides floating
solid waste, such as dissolved chemicals and pollutants in the
water, which are more harmful in this respect. Rather, floating
solid waste contributes largely to a poor aesthetic on the harbor-front,
which can decrease tourism and business, as well as general morale.
Furthermore, helping the aesthetic situation of the harbor front
could also help other environmental situations, because it is
a very visible way of creating public value for the waterfront,
which could in turn create a sense of pride and desire to improve
its quality overall.
We have already been in touch with a
friend, Richard Jamison, owner of Transcom Terminals on the harbor,
and have arranged a meeting to go down and see the situation
first hand. We are told that the vast majority of the waste comes
from storm sewage outfalls placed all around the bay. All of
the sewage is storm water runoff, because Baltimore has separate
storm and human waste sewer systems. Also, our friend Mr. Jamison
will introduce us to some people from various local environmental
organizations, such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, who we
would like to get some funding from.
The form of our project will consist
of two stages. The first stage, to be completed during the end
of this semester, and beginning of next semester, is to collect
data regarding the flow characteristics of the outfalls, and
the size of floating solid waste that comes out of them. This
will help us with our second stage, which is to design a coarse
filter that will remove objects ranging in size from Styrofoam
peanuts to medium sized tree branches. The ultimate goal would
be to have an automated filter system implemented on one outfall
by the end of our project, but we intend to break up the design
process so that we can present results at every stage. For example,
we will design a non-automated system first, and test its performance,
then a semi-automated system, and if all works smoothly, maybe
even an automated system. The first two would be tested ex-situ,
as constant monitoring, or an automated process, would be required
for an in-situ implementation. This method will assure that some
results are achieved at every step, and in general, even if the
ultimate goal of the project is not achieved.
We have already been in contact with
Professors McGarity and Othlieb regarding supervision of this
project, but if other faculty members are interested we would
be glad to hear their opinions.
