ATOM™ System Withstands Super Storm Sandy | Bedford, NH — Tuesday, January 29, 2013 — Normandeau's Acoustic and Thermographic Oceanic Monitoring (ATOM™) system, deployed more than 30 miles off the North Carolina coast, received only minor damage from the largest Atlantic hurricane on record--Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged the east coast of the United States in late October 2012. Normandeau developed the ATOM system under a 4-year research contract with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. ATOM is a remotely operated, stationary, continuous monitoring system, designed to capture species-specific acoustic, ultrasonic, and thermographic data on birds and bats for use on offshore wind and other offshore development projects.
The ATOM system is installed on the Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower, which is accessible by boat or helicopter only. The light tower, decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 2003 and currently in private ownership, provides an excellent location for system testing.
Although designed and built with the difficult offshore environment in mind, no one was certain how the ATOM system would fare during a hurricane. After four days of high winds, with gusts up to 106.9 miles per hour, ATOM remained functional and sustained only minor damage that was easily fixed. The positive results of this unexpected test of the system's durability boost confidence as Normandeau continues to improve the technology--making ATOM an invaluable tool for the emerging U.S. offshore wind industry.
Additional information about Normandeau's ATOM system and our other innovative technology for offshore wind applications is available on our website. |
|
About Normandeau Associates, Inc.
Normandeau Associates, Inc. is one of the largest science-based environmental consulting firms in the United States serving both the private and public sectors. Founded in 1970, it is a trusted leader in delivering sound, innovative scientific solutions to a global clientele. Normandeau's extensive team of experienced field scientists, analysts, researchers, and permitting specialists delivers technically credible information to help achieve project goals, meets regulatory requirements, and promotes sustainable economic development while protecting and restoring natural resources. Headquartered in Bedford, New Hampshire with offices nationwide, Normandeau is 100% owned by its employees. For more information please contact Normandeau at (603) 472-5191 or visit www.normandeau.com.
Normandeau Associates Media Contact
Elizabeth Evarts
603.472.5191 Ext 115
bevarts@normandeau.com
|
