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November 07, 2008
Monty Worthington
Project Manager
Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC)
911 West 8th Ave. Suite 205
Anchorage, AK 99501
Subject: Current Vector Reconnaissance and Geophysical Site Assessment for the FERC Pilot
Project License for tidal power generation in Upper Cook Inlet, vicinity of Anchorage
Mr. Worthington:
TerraSond Ltd. is pleased to submit the following proposal for the acquisition and processing of
oceanographic and geophysical data for the purpose of determining and quantifying the variables
necessary to obtaining a FERC Pilot Project License for tidal power generation at your prospect near
Anchorage in Upper Cook Inlet, Alaska.
We support your immediate project, your ethical approach, and the general vision which ORPC has
demonstrated regarding this emerging industry. Our goal is to facilitate your efforts regarding long term,
environmentally benign, and carbon-free renewable power generation for the predominant population
center within the State of Alaska.
TerraSond is dedicated to accomplishing the highest quality of service for each of the projects that we
participate in. Each survey will conform to accepted industry standards and practices relative to their
perspective instrumentation. The acquisition, processing, and interpretation of all products will be
supervised and approved by our geophysical staff and a Registered Alaska State Professional Land
Surveyor.
Proposed Methodology for Site Selection
The goal for this effort will be to provide the data required to obtain a FERC Pilot Project License for tidal
power generation within the prospect area described under the current permit held by ORPC.
A detailed study for a pilot project site selection needs to be undertaken in order to accomplish this task.
Although, ultimately, many data will be considered during this effort, the preliminary data necessary for
this site selection is dependant upon obtaining reconnaissance-quality bathymetry and current data. This
data will be incorporated into both of the two current models proposed for this prospect. TerraSond has
been in communication with the two modelers involved in this project, both Devine Tarbell & Associates
(DTA) and the University of Alaska at Anchorage (UAA), in order to understand how to best obtain the
bathymetric and the current information needed for their respective task.
The first model utilizing this data will be accomplished by DTA and is expected to be an empirical-based
3D interpolated current-flow throughout the prospect. TerraSond understands this presentation to be of a
contiguous static graphic, allowing for synthetic transects to be analyzed in areas, and perhaps during
tidal events, not covered by TerraSond during our acquisition efforts. The data for this model will be
biased to the events of acquisition and may not be representative of power events over extended time.
This model will be useful for the near future decision making.
The second model utilizing this data will be accomplished by UAA and is expected to be a dynamic 4D
current-flow model. Although based upon empirical data from TerraSond, this model is more adaptive and
may be continuously calibrated as additional current data is introduced from variety of sources. This
Corporate Office Branch Offices
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model will be used to forecast the inlet behavior as it is updated with this additional data. This model is
expected to highlight significant spatial and temporal trends for each area and seasonal operation when
correlated with power production. It is expected to be a crucial contribution for the assessment of
sediment transport. It is hoped to be a predictive tool for vetting effects upon the water-body as turbines
are introduced into the dynamic system of Cook Inlet.
TerraSond, with permission and cooperation of it’s previous clients has already provided the bathymetric
data for most of the prospect area. This data set has been determined to be of sufficient quality to
accomplish the preliminary modeling needs of ORPC, DTA, and UAA.
A temporal and spatial reconnaissance of the tides and currents within the prospect area is needed in
order to complete the current vector data needs for ORPC and the models mentioned above. TerraSond
will accomplish a current vector study over a thirty (30) day period, or one complete tidal cycle, within the
prospect area.
Simultaneously, this tide-generated current study will deploy, two (2) static upward-looking Acoustic
Doppler Current Profiling (ADCP) instruments housed within two (2) mooring systems designed for the
Cook Inlet environment on the seafloor. The vessel, during the roving operations described below, will
communicate with the moorings at regular intervals throughout the project operations to insure stability,
data integrity, and the general health of the instrumentation. Please reference Figure 1.
Figure 1. Proposed locations for static seafloor moored ADCP systems.
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TerraSond will commit a roving survey vessel equipped with a downward-facing ADCP instrument and
acquire ~23 transects across the entirety of the prospect at ~1km intervals oriented predominantly
perpendicular to current flow. Roving data will only be acquired during the period of time that the mooring
system is in place on the seafloor. Geodetic positioning will be corrected with U.S. Coast Guard
Differential GPS broadcast from Kenai, AK (310kHz) during deployment to insure horizontal precision. To
avoid the introduce of artifact bias from the flowing sediment across the seabed a dual-antenna GPS, or
equivalent system, will be used to insure correct heading while acquisition is in progress. The vessel will
be piloted using a navigation suite to insure correct placement of the current profiling equipment during
the acquisition. TerraSond will acquire these transects during the peak current events associated with
both the ebbing and the flooding tidal cycle each day. Please reference Figure 2.
Figure 2. Proposed area to survey with vessel mounted roving ADCP.
Weather, equipment failure, and available daylight may limit production. In addition, due to the nature of
Cook Inlet and the docking opportunities, tide cycle may also limit the theoretical acquisition goals. Each
of the issues which may interfere with production will be assessed on a daily basis.
The processing, filtering, and the reporting of the static and roving current vector data will be the
responsibility of TerraSond. Two products are expected from this effort, the raw acquisition products will
be distributed to ORPC as well as a data set normalized to a common tidal event or current stage datum.
TerraSond will make considerable effort to distribute the data in the format desired by each party,
however, at this time, we can only commit to the products resulting from Teledyne RD Instruments
software.
The current vector data along with the existing bathymetry will facilitate the efforts of ORPC in selecting
the two best candidate Tidal Power Generation Sites under investigation for the pilot turbine build out. If
the inlet flow models are still in a state of development when this decision needs to be worked through,
TerraSond is be prepared present the efforts of this project in Fledermaus visualization software to assist
with spatial investigation and to enhance discussion (currently not included in this price structure).
TerraSond looks forward to helping with this decision through consultation and will remain available to
ORPC for any needs or questions they may have through this process.
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Proposed Methodology for Geophysical Site Assessment
Once the two best candidate sites have been selected TerraSond will plan for the mobilization of our
survey vessel to accomplish the Geophysical Site Assessment. During the acquisition of all geophysical
data this survey vessel will be equipped with a dual antenna GPS and inertial motion unit navigation
system corrected with U.S. Coast Guard Differential GPS broadcast from Kenai, AK (310kHz). The vessel
will be piloted using a navigation/data acquisition suite to insure correct placement of the geophysical
equipment signal and accounting for lever arms to appropriately position the signal footprint on the
seafloor. The Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) and Side-Scan (SSS) data will later be reprocessed to
kinematic GPS precision at the TerraSond Processing Center in Palmer, AK using POSPac GPS
trajectory processing suite.
The goal of the Geophysical Site Assessment will be to provide data and imagery which will allow for the
characterization of the selected candidate sites for the purpose of construction.
All data will be acquired to support five specific evaluations:
• Dangers to navigation (DtoN)
• Hazards to construction (HtoC)
• Infrastructure opportunities for mooring systems
• Habitat characterization
• Baseline of environment prior to build-out
TerraSond will mobilize and deploy five (5) geophysical tools to support this assessment:
• Multi-beam Echo-Sounder (MBES)
• Side-Scan Sonar (SSS)
• Sub-Bottom Profiler (SBP)
• Magnetometer
• Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
Processing and Products
The MBES data will be processed and edited at the TerraSond Data Processing Facility in Palmer,
Alaska. The product will be a digital bathymetric gridded surface of the seafloor for each candidate site.
The data will illuminate geomorphology such as the bathymetry, geologic features, slope of seafloor, and
will be when assessing seafloor friction (resistance to current flow) as needed for the UAA dynamic
model. The spatial position for all feature identified will be referenced back against this data set. This data
set will also be the dominant vertical measurement for all contacts and targets identified as DtoN or HtoC.
Please reference Figure 3.
Figure 3. Depth color-scaled multibeam image clearly demonstrates geologic morphology
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and man-made infrastructure as pipelines.
The Side-Scan Sonar will be processed and interpreted for the criteria listed in the goals for the
geophysical site assessment listed above. The products for this data set will include a SSS composite
mosaic, a target/contact plot for DtoN and HtoC imaged in the data all presented in a plat map for each
candidate site. Please reference Figure 4.
Figure 4. Example of sunken vessel as imaged at nadir with side-scan sonar.
The Sub-Bottom data will be processed and interpreted for significant changes in the elastic properties of
the geology. The main focus for this interpretation will be to identify HtoC. In particular, subsurface
boulders, near surface gas accumulation, and expressions of near surface faulting. General geologic
sedimentation trends will be identified and referenced against the side-scan imagery. TerraSond will
generate isopach contour maps if the data warrants, and if it is helpful in communicating opportunities for
anchoring systems. All interpretation will be qualitative and any recommendations resulting from this
interpretation will be intended to initiate the gathering of additional information (either remotely sensed,
when additional techniques are applicable, or in terms of recommendations for physical investigation) as
determined by the geophysical staff. Please reference Figure 5.
Figure 5. Example of sand-cobble transition in lower Cook Inlet.
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The magnetometer data will be processed, charted, and interpreted for significant signature events. The
contact chart will be compared with each of the geophysical products and used to confirm DtoN or HtoC
targets as ferrous targets. This survey is important for contact identification and potentially assessing
archeological significance in sub-marine environments. Please reference Figure 6.
Figure 6. Example of linear magnetic anomaly perceived with a perpendicular orientation.
Other collaborative products will include a general interpretation of the surficial geology. The primary
intention for this effort will be to produce the foundation for habitat characterization for each of the
candidate power production sites. Descriptions are expected to reference relative albedo (SSS), texture
(MBES & SBP), boulder probably (MBES, SBP, & SSS), etc. The product from this analysis will be a plat
map presentation of the interpretation and a digital polygon file.
TerraSond will accomplish a fine resolution acquisition of ADCP transects at the candidates sites selected
at a resolution of 33m interval. TerraSond has estimated for the purposes of this project six (6) hrs of
operation during three (3) dedicated daylight tide cycles.
A sparse, but representative, bottom sediment sampling program will be executed to support the
interpretation process and referenced against each of the geophysical remotely sensed data sets. This
processes is currently planned for the slack events during the fine resolution ADCP effort. TerraSond
understands that extensive or contracted lab work is not necessary for this effort. The general expectation
for descriptive language will be sand, mud, cobble, or no sample achieved.
Our proposal includes the following equipment:
Deployment/recovery of static ADCP mooring systems -
Sea Ducer, our 32’ aluminum custom built survey vessel
One (1) Trimble GPS
One (1) CSI MBX-3 DGPS beacon receiver
Two (2) Teledyne RDI workhorse sentinel ADCP
Two (2) LinkQuest acoustic modems with communication cables and one (2) battery pack
Two (2) mooring systems custom built for Upper Cook Inlet environment
Roving ADCP acquisition equipment -
Jella Sea, our 26’ aluminum custom built survey vessel
One (1) dual antenna differential GPS antenna
One (1) CSI MBX-3 DGPS beacon receiver
One (1) Teledyne RDI Monitor ADCP
One (1) data acquisition computer
Roving ADCP acquisition software -
RDI acquisition and QC software suite
Navigation software (yet to be determined)
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Roving ADCP processing/production software -
RDI acquisition and QC software suite
MATLAB Computational Software
AutoCAD Software
Geophysical acquisition -
Jella Sea, our 26’ aluminum custom built survey vessel with A-Frame and hydraulic winch system
One (1) Applanix POS MV inertial motion system
One (1) CSI MBX-3 DGPS beacon receiver
One (1) Edgetech 4200 Dual Freq, multi-ping Side-scan sonar
One (1) RESON 8101 MBES system
One (1) Sub-Bottom Profiler (yet to be determined)
One (1) Marine Magnetics SeaSPY Magnetometer
One (1) data acquisition computer
One (1) Teledyne RDI Monitor ADCP
Geophysical acquisition software -
QPS QINsy navigation/acquisition software
Edgetech Discover Software
Marine Magnetics’ SeaLINK data acquisition software
Sub-Bottom profiler acquisition software (yet to be determined)
RDI acquisition and QC software suite
Geophysical processing/production software –
POSPac GPS Processing Suite (for post-processed kinematic trajectory production)
Caris HIPS & SIPS
Sub-Bottom seismic processing and interpretation software (yet to be determined)
AutoCAD Software
MATLAB Computational Software
Also included is a four-wheel drive vehicle for crew transportation during field operations, and
expendables such as fuel, and digital media.
TerraSond, Ltd. maintains a marine mapping staff in palmer, Alaska that is prepared to provide quick turn
around of the field data for final reporting. Some data reduction and quality control software will be
available onboard the survey vessel.
Report to include:
Summary of all field operations
Technical description of equipment/instrumentation
Description of horizontal and vertical geodetics
Technical description of the processing procedure
Evaluation of observed flow rates
Appendix of normalized transects
Products to include:
One (1) Project Report
Six (6) DVD distributions of RAW, processed, and normalized data.
Four (4) Plat map of prospect bathymetry with current vector information overlay at four (4) predetermined
events.
Once ORPC has established two best candidate sites, it will be at the discretion of TerraSond to mobilize
for the acquisition of the geophysical site assessment within four (4) weeks of notification. Data reduction
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and development of the deliverable will be complete within three (4) weeks of the completion of the field
survey.
Report to include:
Summary of all field operations
Technical description of equipment/instrumentation
Description of horizontal and vertical geodetics
Technical description of the processing procedure
Various appendices for imagery and interpretations
Products to include:
One (1) Project Report
Six (6) DVD distributions of RAW, processed, and interpreted data.
Two (2) Hazard Maps
Invoicing:
TerraSond will invoice 50% upon the completion of each of the two field acquisition efforts and the
remainder upon delivery of the final products. Payment is expected net Thirty (30) days from the invoice.
Project charges and budgeting can be found below.
Weather days and equipment failures are charged in ½ day increments. These situations will incur full
cost for personnel and rented equipment, however, non-rented equipment will be charged at a reduced
cost of 50% of the normal daily rate.
Day rate for personnel for travel, mobilization, operational survey and standby will be billed at 100% from
the date of departure to the date of return home.
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Cost for Mooring ADCP Effort $65,937
Thirty days of acquisition
PERSONEL Quantity Time Rate Cost
Pre Contract efforts Accounted for through Cost Sharing
Research and preparation 1 2 1352 2704
Party Chief 1 4 1352 5408
Vessel Pilot 1 4 1144 4576
Survey Tech 1 4 780 3120
Data Processor & Reporting 1 10 824 8240
$24,048
GEAR
Sea Ducer Vessel 1 4 2580 10320
LinkQuest Acoustic Modems 2 30 200 12000
600kHz ADCP 2 35 120 8400
Mooring system 2 30 65 3900
Differential GPS 1 4 80 320
Ground transportation 1 4 131 524
Acoustic Release 2 1 940 1880
EdgeTech AMD200R 1 35 44 1540
RENTAL EQUIP and SHIPPING 1 1 1355 1355
$40,239
Expendables
Vessel Fuel 1 4 300 1200
Lodging 0 0 0 0
Per diem 0 0 0 0
Miscellaneous expendables & media 1 1 450 450
$1,650
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Cost for each additional ADCP Mooring placements $45,334
Thirty days of acquisition
PERSONEL Quantity Time Rate Cost
Pre Contract efforts Accounted for through Cost Sharing
Party Chief 1 2 $1,352 $2,704
Vessel Pilot 1 2 $1,144 $2,288
Survey Tech 1 2 $780 $1,560
Data Processor & Reporting 1 5 $824 $4,120
$10,672
GEAR
Sea Ducer Vessel 1 2 $2,580 $5,160
LinkQuest Acoustic Modems 2 30 $200 $12,000
600kHz ADCP 2 35 $120 $8,400
Mooring system 2 30 $65 $3,900
Differential GPS 1 4 $80 $320
Ground transportation 1 2 $131 $262
Acoustic Release 2 1 $940 $1,880
EdgeTech AMD200R 1 35 $44 $1,540
Expendables $33,462
Vessel Fuel 1 4 $300 $1,200
Lodging 0 0 $0 $0
Per diem 0 0 $0 $0
$1,200
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Cost for Roving ADCP Effort $154,048
Twenty days of acquisition
PERSONEL Quantity Time Rate Cost
Pre Contract efforts (8hr-day)(travel) Accounted for through Cost Sharing
Research and preparation 1 7 824 5768
Party Chief 1 20 1352 27040
Vessel Pilot 1 20 1144 22880
Survey Tech 1 20 780 15600
Data Processor 1 15 1352 20280
Draft Person 1 2 780 1560
$93,128
GEAR
Jella Sea Vessel 1 20 1548 30960
Differential GPS (Horizon and
Trimble) 2 20 160 6400
600kHz ADCP 1 25 120 3000
Navigation Computer 1 20 262 5240
Ground Transportation w/ fuel 1 20 131 2620
RENTAL EQUIP and SHIPPING 1 1 350 350
$48,570
EXPENDABLES
Vessel Fuel 1 20 250 5000
Lodging 3 10 150 4500
Per Diem 3 10 80 2400
Miscellaneous expendables & media 1 1 450 450
$12,350
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Cost of Geophysical Effort $153,212
PERSONEL Quantity Time Rate Cost
Pre Contract efforts (8hr-day) Accounted for through Cost Sharing
Research and preparation 1 2 1352 2704
Party Chief 1 16 1352 21632
Vessel Pilot 1 16 1144 18304
Survey Tech 1 16 780 12480
Data Processor 1 15 1352 20280
Draft Person 1 2 780 1560
$76,960
GEAR
Jella Sea Vessel 1 16 1548 24768
Inertial Navigation System 2 10 723 14460
Edgetech High Speed SSS 1 4 1033 4132
Hydraulic Winch and cable 1 4 126 504
Sub-Bottom Profiler 1 2 826 1652
Reson 8101 MBES 1 6 1549 9294
Sound Velocity Probe 1 10 86 860
SeaSPY Magnetometer 1 10 240 2400
Acquisition Computer 1 16 262 4192
Ground Transportation w/ fuel 1 10 131 1310
600kHz ADCP 1 18 120 2160
Differential GPS (Horizon and
Trimble) 2 6 160 1920
RENTAL EQUIP and SHIPPING 1 1 700 700
$68,352
EXPENDABLES
Vessel Fuel 1 16 250 4000
lodging 3 5 150 2250
per diem 3 5 80 1200
Miscellaneous expendables &
media 1 1 450 450
$7,900
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It is understood that this survey is intended for the early 2009 season. Safety for over-the-side operations
and towed instrumentation will need to be evaluated as the season matures. Once ORPC has established
a target date, it will be at the discretion of TerraSond to deploy the ADCP mooring system and to begin
the roving current vector reconnaissance within four (4) weeks of notification. Data reduction and
development of the deliverables will be complete within four (4) weeks of the completion of the mooring
recovery and/or the roving current vector survey.
By nature, the Cook Inlet is a highly dynamic environment, the information gathered for this survey is only
valid during the event of its acquisition, any spatial/temporal interpretations or extrapolations can not be
considered reliable.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the project scope or costing for this
project.
I wish you and your project great success, Monty.
Best Regards,
David Oliver
Geophysicist
TerraSond Ltd
Terrestrial and Seafloor Mapping
1617 South Industrial Way Suite 3, Palmer, Alaska 99645
(907) 745-7215 x114 Office (907) 715-8144 Mobile
www.terrasond.com
cc: Brian Busey, General Manager
Raj Bhangu, Director of Operations
Karl Woods, Chief of Surveys