This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).
The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Research (CBLR) Pier is an essential research facility that serves as a platform for instrumentation, equipment, and experimental mesocosms that test hypotheses and gather data required for models to inform ecosystem-based management decisions in the heavily used and presently compromised Chesapeake Bay. In recent years, the pier sustained significant structural damage that has resulted in closing it to research and educational activities. This project repairs storm damage to the pier and its seawater supply system. Repairs involve extensive replacement of the support structure and decking, replacing the pumping station, and securing seawater intake lines to the pier to protect them from future storm threats. These renovations allow the pier, which is presently closed to research and education activities, to be re-opened. The renovated platform will then be able to once again house microcosms and mesocosms for in-situ process studies that range from studies of predator-prey dynamics to fishery recruitment; to climate change; to ocean acidification; to the ecophysiology of fish, crabs, and sea grass; and to studies of eutrophication and mercury speciation in aquatic food webs. Broader impacts of the repair and reopening of the CBLR Pier include increased use for sensor testing and development as well as building infrastructure for science. The renovations will provide jobs in the Chesapeake Bay area and improved, safe areas where faculty, university students, K-12 teachers and students, and the general public can experience the integration of research and education through programs that provide extensive hands-on public outreach pertaining to Chesapeake Bay conservation and climate change. It is a place where the public gets to interact with scientists and participate in the collection of scientific data.
Annual Project Report for Award 0963414 June 15, 2012 A Notice to Proceed was issued to WBCM for the design work on this project and NSF approval was granted. WBCM completed their design work and bidding occurred. An award to the lowest qualified bidder, Marine Technologies was issued effective April 25, 2012 and approved by NSF. Additionally, an award to CSBI for Inspection Services of the pier construction project was awarded and approved by NSF. Marine Technologies has worked closely with all associated parties to develop a construction schedule, has provided submittals for approval and has attended all construction meetings. The generator and all construction related orders have released as of June 25, 2012 and pier renovation construction commenced on July 18, 2012. Several changes to the project were made following the unforseen condition of areas of the pier that were uncovered during construction. One of the changes included the pier surface from wood planks to a resin grating decking system that allows for storm surge to flow through the decking eliminating the concern of loose boards. The project is complete. A letter of substantial and final completion was issued on September 3, 2013. All invoices for services have been processed and the construction phase of the project is complete. The pier is now open and available for active research.
