Featured Project: Ballona Creek Interceptor 007 Support

Underwater Environmental Response Los Angeles: Supporting The Ocean Cleanup Interceptor 007

Myers Marine Division recently provided critical maritime dive support and environmental response services for The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor 007, the first of its kind in North America. Stationed at the mouth of Ballona Creek, this solar-powered interceptor serves as a vital last line of defense, preventing over 250,000 pounds of plastic and debris from entering the Santa Monica Bay.

The Challenge: Navigating High-Flow Urban Debris

Maintaining a 45.2-metric-ton automated pontoon in an active waterway presents unique logistical and safety hurdles. Ballona Creek is subject to dramatic rain events, with peak flows reaching up to 18,000 cubic feet per second.

  • Zero Visibility: Divers often operate in "black water" conditions where sediment and urban runoff reduce visibility to nearly zero.

  • Entanglement Risks: The V-shape boom configuration designed to funnel trash can also trap submerged hazards, requiring precise underwater navigation.

  • Operational Continuity: As a fully autonomous system, any maintenance or response must be executed without damaging the 4G data uplinks or solar arrays.

Technical Solution: Precision Dive Support & Maintenance

Myers Marine Division deployed a specialized team of ADC Commercial Divers to ensure the structural integrity and continued operation of Interceptor 007. Our scope of work included:

  • Underwater Inspection & Survey: Utilizing high-resolution underwater imaging to document the condition of the hull and the automated trash rack conveyor system.

  • Debris & Sediment Management: Precision removal of heavy debris trapped within the sub-work areas to prevent mechanical failure during peak storm surges.

  • Rigging & Structural Maintenance: Inspection of the mooring systems and booms to ensure they remain OSHA and ADCI compliant under extreme hydraulic pressure.

  • Environmental Response: Providing rapid-deployment support to mitigate risks during the offloading of collected plastics.

Equipment & Safety Specifications

Our team utilized surface-supplied air systems and redundant equipment to maintain a 100% safety record on this high-profile project.

  • Compliance: All operations adhered to ADCI and OSHA Diving Consensus protocols.

  • Redundancy: Full equipment redundancy was utilized to ensure safety in the creek's unpredictable currents.

  • Certifications: Lead divers held AWS Certified Underwater Welder and Dive Medical Technician (DMT) credentials.

Results & Impact: Safeguarding the Santa Monica Bay

The success of the Interceptor 007 pilot project—now a long-term solution—is bolstered by professional marine support. By providing expert underwater maintenance, Myers Marine Division helps ensure that the 50 m³ waste capacity of the Interceptor remains available for every major storm event. Our contributions help protect California’s coastline while supporting the groundbreaking technology of The Ocean Cleanup.