AMEC dips into oceanography

The University of California, San Diego has awarded AMEC a four-year contract worth over $1 million for water-quality monitoring at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Scripps Institution is an internationally recognised centre for marine-science research located on the Pacific coast at La Jolla, California, adjacent to the San Diego Marine Life Refuge (SDMLR). Under the contract, AMEC and its team of sub-consultants will conduct monitoring required under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

The contract calls for the AMEC team to periodically collect and analyse water and sediment samples from coastal and underwater locations where return seawater from numerous aquariums and storm water are discharged. In addition, AMEC scientists are helping Scripps conduct special studies to understand any potential impacts to the ecosystem within the SDMLR, which has been designated as an Area of Special Biological Significance.

Toxicology laboratory services will be provided by Nautilus Environmental of San Diego and led by Christopher Stransky who has 13 years of environmental toxicology experience. CRG Marine Laboratories will analyse trace chemicals and the City of San Diego Microbiology Laboratory will provide microbiology services.