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Conventional dredging

technologies, both mechanical(open clamshell bucket, excavators,etc.) and hydraulic (e.g. suction

pumps), are still commonly used inthe Great Lakes. These

technologies are now dated, andcan no longer remove contaminatedsediments adequately in ports and

harbours throughout the world.

In April 1991, an aggregate Cable

Arm Clamshell was used inHamilton Harbour, Ontario, Canadato supply contaminated sediment

for the demonstration of acontaminated sediment treatment

technology. This project formed thebasis for a more detailed evaluationand assessment of anenvironmentally sensitive version of

the Cable Arm Clamshell.

In June 1992, Cable Arm

(Canada)Inc. demonstrated inToronto Harbour a speciallydeveloped environmental bucket to

meet demonstration requirements ofthe Remediation Technologies

Program (RTP) of EnvironmentCanadas Great Lakes 2000Cleanup Fund.

This partnership between government and industry

marked the commencement of an evaluation andtesting program which culminated in the firstsuccessful commercialization of the environmental

bucket in Pickering in 1993. Through the 1992demonstrations in Toronto and Hamilton Harbours,

the RTP was able to provide evidence that anenvironmentally friendly yet efficient version of theCable Arm Clamshell could perform under rigorous

field conditions and be commercially viable.

Cable Arm Environmental Clamshell used

during the 1993 Pickering NGS project

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Advantages to the Cable Arm Environmental Clamshell when compared with conventional

mechanical dredges are numerous :

n Replacement of grab arms withcables decreasing total weight of thebucket which increases the potentialfor a faster cycle time and increases

payload capacity

n Addition of vertical side plates to

reduce sediment loss during bucketclosure

n Increased footprint allowing moreprecise sediment removal

n Flatter sediment cut reducing thepotential for sediment re-suspensioncaused by potholes

n Potential for sediment loss reducedby adding a more effective rubberseal and a closure sensor

n Addition of an air-operated venting

system to allow excess waterdrainage at the sediment-waterinterface

n Addition of a positioning system formore accurate sediment removal.

For more information :

Ian Orchard

Remediation Technologies ProgramEnvironment Canada4905 Dufferin StreetDownsview, Ontario

Tel : (416) 739-5874Fax : (416)739-4342e-mail : ian.orchard@ec.gc.ca

John Lajeunesse

Cable Arm (Canada) Inc.P.O. Box 216

Pickering, OntarioL1V 2R4Tel : (416) 282-0980

Fax : (416) 282-0980

Comparison between the Cable Arm Environmental Clamshell and

conventional technologies