MIMS-Moored Impact Monitoring System

MIMS, the Moored Impact Monitoring System, was developed at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography to assist researchers in determining the fate of particulate waste discharges from offshore drilling rigs. These discharges aggregate with natural fines and biological materials in sea water to form flocs that settle rapidly to the bottom. Once in the benthic boundary layer this material is subject to re-suspension and dispersion. Laboratory studies have shown that benthic organisms are sensitive to drill wastes. MIMS uses current meters, optical backscatter sensors, altimeters and pressure sensors to derive sediment transport. To characterise floc transport, a digital camera based, silhouette imaging system was developed to measure the particle size structure of material in suspension near the bottom. Data is presented showing changes in the particle size distribution of suspended material over a storm period on the Scotian Shelf