The Challenge: Decade-Old Maintenance Gaps in High-Stakes Environments
Maintaining an independent water supply is a non-negotiable requirement for a world-class research institution like UC Riverside. These potable water tanks serve two mission-critical functions: providing a dedicated freshwater source for the campus and ensuring immediate, high-pressure fire suppression for laboratory facilities.
Prior to Myers Marine Division LLC being contracted, these tanks had not undergone a comprehensive internal maintenance survey in over a decade. Our team specializes in quality commercial diving and underwater services executed in a safe, professional manner. The primary challenges for this site included:
- Remote Accessibility: The tanks are situated in a rugged, remote location accessible only via fire trails, requiring a fully mobile dive command unit capable of both inland and offshore applications.
- Zero-Downtime Requirement: The inspection was performed while the tanks remained "in-service" to ensure the university’s fire safety protocols were never compromised.
- Regulatory Compliance: We take pride in adhering to ADCI and OSHA diving consensus and protocol to prevent potable water contamination.
Technical Solution: Multi-Modal Inspection & Core Sampling
Myers Marine Division deployed a specialized team of Surface-Supplied Air Divers and technicians to perform a deep-dive diagnostic of the infrastructure. Our systems are fully redundant to ensure the safe completion of any diving operations.
1. High-Resolution Visual & ROV Surveys
We utilized a dual-track imaging approach to ensure total coverage:
- ROV Deployment: Submerged cameras provided wide-angle reconnaissance of the tank’s interior walls and floor without disturbing sediment.
- UHD Diver Photography: Divers equipped with ultra-high-definition cameras captured close-up imagery of structural welds and component interfaces to identify micro-corrosion.
2. Sediment Coring & Laboratory Analysis
To assess the long-term health of the water supply, our divers used specialized core sampling devices. These allow for the collection of undisturbed soil and sediment layers from the tank floor to test for:
- Water-borne pathogens.
- Sedimentary-borne heavy metals or contaminants.
3. Cathodic Protection & Anode Evaluation
A critical phase of the mission involved a detailed survey of the Cathodic Protection System. Our team inspected sacrificial zinc anodes, which are engineered to undergo rapid corrosion to protect the important structural steel of the tank. These must be inspected and replaced regularly to remain effective.
Results & Impact: Data-Driven Maintenance Planning
By the conclusion of the operation, UC Riverside received a comprehensive "State of the Tank" report. This updated report of tank conditions and components allowed the university to make definitive plans for future maintenance and repairs.
