Collapsible aquatic sediment enclosure and process for removal of contaminants

摘要

A collapsible aquatic enclosure apparatus is described for use in capturing, isolating and removing contaminants and otherwise easily dispersed aquatic sediments and detritus in water bodies. The collapsible aquatic enclosure can also be used for removal and control of targeted aquatic fauna and flora. Once deployed, the collapsible enclosure creates an isolated volume of water above the target aquatic area. Internal plunger and pipe intake structure within the enclosure provide agitation to remove contaminants, sediments and detritus and targeted fauna and flora residues inside the collapsible apparatus. Methods for using the collapsible aquatic enclosure apparatus are also described.

主权项

1. A collapsible aquatic enclosure apparatus for removal of contaminated aquatic sediments and detritus, or for control of targeted aquatic fauna and flora, comprising:
a collapsible, flexible enclosure constructed of an inner layer of waterproof fabric or water resistant fabric defining an inner portion of the enclosure and an outer layer of waterproof fabric or water resistant fabric defining the exterior portion of the enclosure, and a bottom open to the interior portion, the enclosure and exterior supporting structures together form an isolated water volume when deployed above an aquatic area of contaminants or targeted flora and fauna; an internal plunger and pipe intake structure attached to the top interior of the enclosure for agitating and removing sediment and detritus within the enclosure; weights attached to the bottom edges of the inner and the outer layers of the enclosure to keep the open bottom portion of the enclosure in contact with sediment and detritus surfaces and to keep water and contaminants contained within the isolated water volume of the enclosure until they can be removed through the pipe intake structure; a perforated pipe running the internal perimeter of the inner layer for adding or extracting fluid to/from the collapsible enclosure; an external support and bracing structure to add shape and control to the collapsible enclosure with locations on the bracing structure to attach to the enclosure; and a weighted ring at the top center of the external support and bracing structure to bind and hold the support and bracing structure in place, the ring having an opening sufficiently large enough to allow the pipe intake structure and a suspension cable to extend freely through same to the enclosure and upwards to the water surface and/or a buoy.