| Barriers & booms


Park – one of the largest freshwater tidal wetlands in Northwestern Europe – further attests to their resilience. Deployed in this ecologically sensitive area, the booms were chosen specifically for their proven reliability in harsh winter conditions. Similarly, they are utilized at Lac L’Heureux Dam in Québec, Canada, where they face challenging winter weather (figure 4). This installation is another testament to the effectiveness of Bolina Watercraft Safety Booms in safeguarding critical water environments, even in the most extreme climates.


security In response to the growing threat of deliberate attacks on dams, powerplants and other hydraulic structures, whether from water-borne or other means, a new line of safety booms were designed to offer superior protection against fast-surface boats and underwater threats. This new boom is purpose- built to excel in the most challenging environments, offering an extreme break load of 72 tons and unmatched durability. Key features Secure Gate System: The booms come with an advanced gate system that allows controlled access for authorized watercraft while ensuring that unauthorized craft are effectively blocked. This system is engineered for robust security in high-risk areas. Integrated Warning Signs: Warning signs can be attached directly to mooring floats, eliminating the need for additional buoys. This integrated design improves both safety and aesthetic simplicity while maintaining high visibility. Grab Handles and Casualty Lifelines: These safety features are incorporated into the boom design, providing essential life-saving equipment in case of emergencies. The grab handles and lifelines make rescue operations faster and more efficient. Night-Time Visibility Enhancements: Reflective strips or lights can be added to the booms to ensure they are visible in low-light conditions, providing additional safety for both users and operators during night-time operations. Integrated Safety Features: Beyond signage, advanced technologies such as sensors, alarms, and cameras can be integrated into the system to offer real-time monitoring and alerts. These features help detect approaching watercraft or individuals entering restricted areas, triggering alarms to warn them and notify authorities. By combining traditional safety measures with modern technology, these integrated solutions offer a multi-layered approach to protecting human lives near hazardous water structures, ensuring that potential risks are addressed promptly and effectively.


New safety booms for enhanced


Enhanced security options To further increase the boom’s defensive capabilities, the floats can be equipped with oversized spikes that add to the barrier height. These spikes are designed to puncture inflatable, fiberglass, and aluminum hulls, effectively stopping unauthorized watercraft in their tracks. In addition, the boom can be outfitted with a fence


on top of the floats and a net underneath to provide an additional layer of stopping power.


Conclusion


Advancements in safety booms have significantly strengthened the protection of high-risk areas surrounding dams and powerplants, effectively addressing both natural hazards and evolving security threats. These innovations mitigate the dangers posed by “drowning machines” and ensure robust performance even in winter conditions, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to enhancing safety in challenging environments.


However, enhancing safety in these critical areas


requires a multifaceted strategy that goes beyond the use of safety booms. Regulatory measures play a crucial role in establishing safety standards and ensuring compliance, while the removal of obsolete dams is vital for reducing risks associated with aging infrastructure. By addressing these issues, we can further protect recreational water users and the communities surrounding these vital structures. The latest safety booms not only offer increased


resilience and customization options – such as integrated warning systems, lifelines, and advanced security features – but also contribute to a broader safety framework. Their successful deployment in various global locations has proven their durability and effectiveness, making them indispensable in safety protocols. With the introduction of a new line of safety booms designed for high-threat scenarios, operators can ensure a higher level of security against unauthorized access or deliberate attacks. As we continue to push the boundaries of design, functionality, and resilience, these safety booms, alongside regulatory measures and the removal of obsolete infrastructure, represent a critical component in protecting both human life and vital infrastructure. Their ongoing refinement will undoubtedly play a key role in enhancing dam and power plant safety worldwide, adapting to the challenges of tomorrow while safeguarding our communities today.


References


[1] FEMA. (2024). National Dam Safety Program: Resources for


States. Retrieved from https:// www.fema.gov/emergency- managers/risk-management/


dam-safety/resources-states


[2] Mouchlianitis, F.A. (2024). Dam Removal Progress 2023. World Fish Migration Foundation.


[3] School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, and The Royal Scottish Geographical Society. (2022). Report on Dam Safety and Hydroelectric Development in Scotland.


[4] CANMORE, National Record of the Historic Environment Scotland. (2024). Dam Infrastructure Overview. Retrieved from https:// canmore.org.uk


[5] SSE Renewables. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www. sserenewables.com


[6] Dam Removal Europe. Retrieved from https:// damremoval.eu


[7] World Energy Media, Promoter of World Energy Cooperation. (2024). Record-Breaking Surge as Nearly 500 Dams Removed Across Europe in 2023, Report


Reveals. Retrieved from https:// www.world-energy.org/ article/41614.html


Acknowledgement


This report was based on a paper originally presented at Hydro 2024


https://www.hydropower-dams. com/hydro-2024/


Author information


Filip Stefanovic, BSc. in Civil Engineering, joined Ecocoast in the United Arab Emirates in 2017 as a Technical Engineer, specializing in marine contracting and coastal protection services. Currently, he serves as Regional General Manager, overseeing engineering, operations, and logistics, while continuing to be based in the UAE.


Michael Sims is currently serving as Key Account Manager at Ecocoast Ltd, formerly known as Bolina Ltd, based in the United Kingdom. Joining the team in November 2021, Michael brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. His primary focus lies in strategic development and management of key accounts across the United Kingdom, North America, English-speaking Africa including partner networks in Europe. Michael’s responsibilities encompass identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for the deployment of marine safety, security and environmental booms in diverse settings such as inland waterways, ports, dams, and other critical infrastructure projects.


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