A remotely operated Teledyne Oceanscience Z-Boat equipped with an Odom MB-2 multibeam echosounder was used to perform a condition survey of an area of the Saluda River below a power plant. This system operates at a frequency range of 200 kHz to 460 kHz and has a swath range up to 140 degrees, optimizing a wide range of survey depths and conditions. The system also includes side scan imagery and snippets to assist in least-depth determinations, and is equipped to obtain 100% bottom ensonification coverage.
Inconsistent water levels in the Saluda River demanded additional planning from our hydrographic surveying team. McKim & Creed also utilized a support vessel to maintain visual contact and to assist the remotely operated vessel when needed.