Project Summary:

ATM is providing modeling and consulting expertise to Georgia Port Authority associated with the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. The proposed expansion project includes deepening of the Federal Navigation Project, 19.5 river miles inland and as many as 18 miles of the bar channel,

A three-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality model is presently being developed to support decision making in the Tier II Environmental Impact Statement process. ATM performed an extensive data collection effort on the Lower Savannah River Estuary during the summer of 1999 to support the calibration of the 3-D computer model.

Tidal Marsh Studies are being performed by ATM to evaluate potential impacts of salinity intrusion resulting from channel deepening as predicted by the 3-D model. Salinity intrusion is a concern because of the Savannah Wildlife Refuge locate upriver of the Federal Navigation Project and the presence of tidal freshwater marsh.

Wave and Coastal Processes Modeling is being performed to evaluate the potential shoreline changes resulting from the deepening of the bar channel. Coupling of the 3-D hydrodynamic and the coastal processes models will enable agencies to evaluate potential impacts of the Project.