SSFATE

This software is used in-house by ASA and is not available for commercial distribution.

SSFATE is an integrated system combining a Geographic Information System (GIS) with a computational model that predicts the transport, dispersion, and settling of suspended sediments released to the water column as a result of dredging operations. The specification of the sediment source strength and the initial vertical distribution of these sediments is an integral component of the modeling system.

The motivation of SSFATE is to provide a quantitative assessment tool used to define environmental time windows for dredging in sensitive areas. Environmental windows, intended to protect biological resources or their habitats, are requested during the interagency coordination process for dredging projects. Suspended sediments are a primary concern of resource agencies, as the exposure of aquatic organisms to elevated suspended sediment concentrations is perceived to be a major source of detrimental impact to those organisms. Likewise, re-deposition of suspended sediments can be a significant concern if sensitive bottom-dwelling organisms (e.g., oysters or sea grasses) are present in the vicinity of a dredging project. Accurate spatial predictions of dredge-induced suspended sediments is critical to establishing the need for protective windows.

SSFATE was partially developed under contract with the US Army Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC) at Vicksburg, MS to provide ERDC with a modeling tool that can be easily customized to simulate a broad spectrum of dredging scenarios, accommodating essentially any hydrodynamic setting and most typical dredge plants.

The Geographic Information System (GIS) embedded in SSFATE provides a means to retrieve, manipulate and display geographic data sets, yielding access and visualization of geographic information.

SSFATE is fully compatible with ASA's widely used oil spill model, OILMAP; hydrodynamic models, HYDROMAP; water quality model, WQMAP; and mild slope equation wave model, WAVEMAP.

Documentation

The system is delivered with the SSFATE user's manual and selected literature describing the development, application, and validation of the integrated models.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Custom Data Preparation

Base Maps
SSFATE can be set up for operation anywhere in the world. A geographic location for SSFATE may be of any size and resolution. Please contact us for details. ASA can immediately prepare coastlines for anywhere in the world from the CIA, Digital Chart of the World (DCW), or World Vector Shoreline (WVS) databases. In addition, geo-referenced raster maps may also be used. Alternatively, base maps may be digitized from fine scale charts, or imported from existing GIS applications.
GIS Data Layers
Locations of sensitive resources such as critical biological habitats, water intakes, industrial sites, and archaeological sites may be supplied in a GIS database. These data may already be available in ASA archives, or we can readily rather and provide this data on an individual basis. The user may view, edit and update this database using SSFATE’s embedded GIS.

Hydrodynamic Data
Models of water movement in oceans, estuaries, lakes, and rivers represent a fundamental component of many environmental assessment problems. Such models provide the basis for physical transport of suspended sediments in the water. ASA maintains several hydrodynamic models.
Open channel network flow
2-D finite difference
3-D boundary fitted
3-D finite difference (horizontal)
vertically layered
continuous vertical representation
SSFATE may also integrate current meter data, seasonal atlas based current fields, or import data from hydrodynamic models. We work with a number of institutes and universities throughout the world to be able to provide the best possible data for any area.

SOFTWARE UPGRADES AND MAINTENANCE

ASA will provide assistance in the use and application of the model and trouble-shooting, during normal business hours. An 800 number will be provided. In addition, all upgrades of the software will be provided as they become available. Training ASA offers a training course in the theoretical foundation, structure and operation of SSFATE, including extensive hands-on experience. The course lasts 2 days and is given at ASA’s office. On site training can be arranged at the client’s request.

For more information about SSFATE by e-mail please contact: Craig Swanson

SSFATE is under development with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Environmental Research and Development Center. If you have any questions or are interested in our services please contact us.