Monitoring suspended solids

Sudhanshu Kumar.

Sudhanshu Kumar of Scott Wilson Bahrain talks about a new environmental monitoring and database management system, which will help limit the damage of dredging and land reclamation.

The Data Input and Net Access (Diana) system is an online environmental monitoring and database management tool designed specifically for dredging and reclamation projects, fulfilling the reporting requirements of environmental regulators in Bahrain.

It is increasing the understanding and control of operation in this field of work, allowing for better monitoring, regulation and decision making.

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FEATURED COMMENT The "Diana" is really a powerful tool of its kind. It's online data integrity and auto alert through mail are marvelous.   2 Comments Read more comments »

The centralised database of Diana stores all environmental information relating to a project. Keeping this information in electronic format on a centralised database has a great deal of advantages, keeping data organised and making processing both simpler and faster.

At present, Diana holds data relating to total suspended solids, marine ecology, meteorology and sea state. All of this data allows for a central, coherent data store with a user friendly function to turn data easily into ‘usable’ information by transforming data into graphs, reporting, maps and tables as well as exports for other software.

The compliance verification system on Diana automatically verifies all data against compliance limits when it is entered. The system handles multiple compliance levels including warning and breach and is unique to each variable and location.

Email alerts are automatically sent to the appropriate recipient according to the type of breach. A variety of compliance reports can then be produced and alerts sent to the designated recipients.

A further advantage is that Diana functions as a totally automated system for data processing, backup, email alerts, scheduled reports, monitoring schedules and management.

Once monitoring schedules are created, users can see what data has been received as well as when data is due to be collected and when data is outstanding. The system can also proactively send reminders and warnings to users according to data status and settings.

The records held on Diana can be accessed remotely on any computer using the internet with data being virtually available in real time. In addition, by eliminating the need for paper, it provides a green solution to the problem of record keeping.

Diana is the first system of its kind in the Gulf to provide automated updates and analysis of total suspended solids data and has helped to collect the most detailed set of baseline data that has ever been compiled in Bahrain.

The successful implementation of the system on the Diyar Al Muharraq project led to its use on further Scott Wilson projects in the Gulf, including the Darari development and Water Garden City.

Saving both time and money, it is setting new environmental standards for construction projects in the Middle East and was short listed in the Innovation Award of the Year category of British Expertise International Awards 2009/10.