Fathoms finds siltation rates
Fathoms, the Somerset and Caithness UK based survey company has successfully completed four interesting and challenging bathymetric surveys in Kenya for the implementation of the Natural Resource Management (NRM) Project.
The bathymetric project centred on four reservoirs in Kenya’s Upper Tana Catchment Area in the Eastern Province, the Masinga, Kamburu, Sasumua and Ndakaini dams. The size of the surveys undertaken was considerable, with the largest reservoir being some 35kms long. Fathoms completed on time within a six week timescale.
A crucial part of the surveys was the determination of the remaining water capacity of the four reservoirs. This would provide an indication of the siltation rates since the construction of each reservoir.
Fathoms employed a GRP craft for use on the larger Masinga and Kamburu reservoirs and a smaller boat was used for the survey of the two smaller reservoirs. The echo sounder was mounted on an over-the-side mount with the GPS antenna mounted on the same pole to avoid inaccuracies.
The final results from all four surveys have provided the NRM Project with a baseline survey for future studies.
