Hazardous Substance Research Centers/South & Southwest

Locating the Capping Site

If the contaminated sediments and the capping material are of similar density, special care is needed in placement to avoid mixing the two layers. Potential intermixing problems can be minimized by placing the cap so that there is a gradual transition from fine to coarse soils.

In relatively shallow water, visual means can often be used to locate the capping site, and divers can also provide closer inspection. In addition, a variety of devices can help locate the capping site from the surface of the water, including:

Electronic positioning systems
Taut-moored buoys
Mooring barges
Acoustical positioning devices
Computerized helmsman's aids
Visual inspection
Placement techniques and equipment

Proceed to the next page for information about specific placement techniques.