Tech

The Calvert Coastal Observatory is isolated on an island and is therefore responsible for providing all services it needs for normal operations.

Sample Images for this Section

Fresh Water. Our Calvert Coastal Observatory sits on a massive sediment plug at the end of Kwakshua Channel. It’s a terminal moraine from ancient glaciers. This lump of porous gravel—roughly 500 m x 500 m x 500 m—is a sponge containing a huge aquifer. We are therefore blessed with abundant fresh water, accessible via our shallow well. It’s free of saltwater intrusion and contaminants. Our water treatment system removes organic colorants (tannins), then zaps with UV to guard against pathogens.

Waste Water. Waste water from all sources is cleansed in our central treatment complex through natural biological processes, then distributed to sand berms, and eventually returned to the aquifer.

Energy. We are blessed with flat terrain and excellent views of the sky, making solar energy a practical solution. We have deployed approximately 450 solar panels, providing about 150 kW of capacity. Under favorable conditions, the solar array powers the entire site. Any excess is used to charge up our battery bank, which has a capacity of roughly 240 kWh. Diesel generators complement the solar array: a 72 kW unit supplements the solar array under normal operations; a second 72 kW unit serves as backup, e.g., during maintenance of the primary generator; a 12 kW unit is a third line of support, powering core systems only.

< For solar panel illustration, maybe the basemap used for the facilities video would be best. From Keith Holmes for hi-res version.>

Communications. The site is served by high-speed internet. Multiple satellite feeds; fiberoptic trunk lines; WiFi to end users and remote locations. Server and data center in our headquarters. Extended sensor network covering much of Calvert and Hecate Islands, supporting telecommunications links, webcams, weather stations, and scientific applications. Private VHF network providing voice contact for all workers at all locations. AIS transmitters on all vessels and AIS receivers to track our vessels and other marine traffic.

<Maybe get map or illustration from Shawn?>