Massachusetts Bay Effluent Discharge Transport and Dispersion:

Shown is an acoustic backscatter visualization of the presently operating Deer Island Outfall plume located at an exit of the Boston (Mass) harbor. The colors correspond to strength of acoustical backscatter.

Shown is an acoustical backscatter visualization of the water column in Massachusetts Bay extending from the location of the Deer Island outfall plume (at the extreme right of the figure) to the location of the diffuser site for the new offshore outfall presently under construction by the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (a total distance of approximately 15 km). Seen in this visualization is a possible residual Deer Island effluent plume and a possible plankton ensemble.

Shown is an acoustic backscatter visualization of a portion of Massachusetts Bay water column at a site in the western boundary area of the Slethwagen Basin. Shown is what is thought to be a plankton layer undergoing vertical deformation due to a Lee-like wave created by tidal flow over bottom topographic features. Also visible are ensembles of discrete scatters thought to be fish.


City of Boston