Environmental services company Clean Harbors has successfully completed two more inspection projects using their SeaOtter ROV.  At the Mystic Power Station in Boston the ROV “swam” into intake lines in a holding pond to verify the line was clear of obstructions.  The ROV was used because the pond could not be safely locked out, which meant is would be extremely dangerous for divers to enter.  While on site the ROV also inspected seawater coolant intakes for debris buildup to help in planning a revised cleaning schedule.  On another job in Connecticut, a hole was cut through 6 inches of ice covering a retention pond.  The SeaOtter was deployed through the hole and inspected the freshwater feed and recirculation lines for sediment buildup.  Both clients were very pleased with the performance of the ROV and the service provided, reports Marine Operation director Scott Metzger. 

Clean Harbors is one of the leading environmental services provider and the largest waste disposal company in North America.  Their services include emergency response and industrial maintenance.  With a substantial increase in this part of their business over the last couple of years, the company decided an underwater camera would be a very useful tool to assist in the response and maintenance operations.  Mr. Metzger was tasked with determining which of the many camera systems available would be best for their varied applications.  After extensive research the SeaOtter ROV was selected as the best tool to fit their needs and budget.  The remote operated vehicle is equipped with a powerful four motor propulsion system, a high resolution color camera, and four 100 watt lights.  The ROV is controlled by an operator on the surface who uses joysticks to manipulate the camera and “drive” the vehicle to the underwater site.

After purchasing the SeaOtter, Mr. Metzger travelled from Clean Harbors corporate headquarters in Norwell, Massachusetts to JW Fishers factory in East Taunton for some basic training  in ROV operation.  With a couple hours of instruction and a little pool time, he was ready to fly solo.  Before performing their first open water inspection, Clean Harbors decided to take the ROV to the Mass Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay and demonstrate the ROV’s capabilities for the media and public officials.   The exercise was designed to highlight new services the company would be offering, which included port security.  One of the primary reasons the maritime academy was selected was because of the a long standing relationship between the company and the school.  For years Clean Harbors has been providing internships and employment opportunities for their students.  During the demonstration two cadet interns piloted the SeaOtter as part of their co-op program.  In an interview Metzger said the advantages of having an ROV is not having to risk the life of a diver in dangerous situations and being able to instantaneously record  images.  He added that it’s also good for extended underwater operations.  The ROV can stay underwater all day and all night with no concern about running out of air or decompression issues.

For more information on Fishers complete line of underwater search equipment  go to www.jwfishers.com.  For more information on Clean Harbors go to www.cleanharbors.com.