Technology

USA Environmental employs state-of-the-art technology and approaches to all our unexploded ordnance (UXO) project sites. These innovative, yet field-proven technologies and approaches include but are not limited to Mapping using Trimble Pro XRS, Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), Trimble 4700 Real Time Kinematc DGPS (RTK DGPS), Trimble Robotic Total Station, and Geographical Information System (GIS) Data Management using Intergraph Micro Station. USA was a leader in integrating DGPS and RTK DGPS equipment into the UXO remediation process. We use this equipment to perform project site surveys, subdivision of sites into manageable work grids, and for recording the location of individual Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC) items and other features of interest.

Below are a few examples of USA’s field-proven innovative technologies.

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)

USA maintains the capability to perform underwater survey of unexploded ordnance and environmental conditions through use of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Capable of being deployed while operating from a small boat or land based location, this ROV unit is a highly mobile, low cost, and effective platform to accurately capture underwater location data and video documentation.
The technical specifications of the ROV unit include the following:

• Operational depth range extends from 2 to 300 feet (ft)
• High-resolution forward/rear cameras
• Internal positioning system for accurate underwater GPS location
• Detachable 900-kHz multibeam sonar
• Not restricted to any bottom time limitation, while effectively operating in currents of 2 to 3 knots
• Small size enables investigation of the interior contents of underwater ship hulks/wrecks, maneuvering through areas containing considerable obstructions or obstacles, and shallow water/surf zone regions that larger systems cannot access
• System contained within 3-4 Pelican cases, requiring minimal pre-deployment lead time/logistic planning, and can be transported aboard commercial aircraft as checked luggage
• Powered by standard 110-volt receptacle, a small gasoline generator, or a vehicle/marine battery.

Multi-Sensor, Towed-Array System

A good example is the state-of-the-art multi-sensor, towed-array system that simultaneously collects both magnetometer and electro-magnetic sensor data. USA, working with SAIC, developed, demonstrated, and deploys this system. USA has worked with this system on 8 projects. It is exceptionally efficient on large-area surveys where the terrain is relatively flat and cleared.

GPS interfaced with a PDA

Another good example of USA’s proven innovative technology is our GPS interfaced with a PDA which allows for real-time monitoring of progress in the field. Using the Trimble GeoXT GPS unit and Thales Mobile Mapper CE, we are able to combine sub-meter accurate GPS units with ArcPad mobile GIS software. This equipment has been used successfully on many projects for reconnaissance, site visits, and anomaly tracking.

TAZ II

The "TAZ II" system is an armored tracked-vehicular heavy equipment with an articulating arm to cut vegetation, including on steep slopes. The TAZ proved invaluable on our Ft. Ord project because it replaced the majority of our manual labor associated with brush-cutting and it eliminated numerous "slips, trips and falls" that our laborers were experiencing. It saved significant time and money.