In 2021, Sims Metal welcomed a new technology at the Jersey City, NJ location, the Debris Interceptor, affectionately known as “The Trap”!
A Debris Interceptor is a collection system designed to capture floating debris from storm water conveyances and outfalls before contaminants reaches waterways. At Sims Metal, the Debris Interceptor collects and traps debris in a channel adjacent to our operations facility positioned to prevent debris from entering the river.
What an incredible technology! We asked Scott Krempel, Director of Operations at our Jersey City facility, to tell us more.
Scott handles all works on waterways in New York – New Jersey. He collaborates with teams throughout Metro to understand challenges in different locations and operations.
Scott has been working for Sims Metal for 23 years. He started his career on vessels as a Foreman/Machine Operator in 1999 at our Port Newark facility, progressing to become Terminal Manager. After this, he moved to Claremont to handle all maritime movements and vessel works. Scott is now Director of Operations, responsible for locations on waterways that handle vessels and barge works: Claremont Terminal, Long Island City Terminal, Bronx Terminal and Albany.
How does the system work?
There are floating booms set up that use wind and tide to capture debris. The booms guide the materials using power from currents and winds. “The Trap” allows debris to freely flow in but not out.
What makes this system unique?
The system does not require an external power source; it is solely powered by winds and tides. And, above all, there is no need for skimmers or boats to collect the debris.
What system was in place before this?
We were using skimmer boats and labor with nets. This system was very costly and difficult during winter months.
What are the benefits of this system for both Sims Metal and the environment?
For Sims Metal, the system has resulted in an ease of operation because it enables us to clean the waterway in a safe and cost effective manner.
For the environment, it allows the capture of debris all year round, 24/7, with a reduction of machine power and, as a consequence, of carbon emissions!
Any plans for similar projects in other Sims Metal locations in the future?
In April we will start a trial of our new Pixie Drone in Queens provided by Searial Cleaners. The Pixie Drone will be a beneficial tool for yards that handle light debris (small plastics, fluff and bottle caps) because it will allow us to maintain a clean waterway remotely from the dock while keeping our employees at a safe distance away and dry.
The next step in our evolution will be introducing the InvisiBubble (Bubbly Curtain) in our shredder canal at Claremont in place of booms to track debris to our Interceptor (we affectionately call it “The Trap”).
The Debris Interceptor is a safe, clean and cost-effective system that allows Sims Metal to capture debris using wind and waterway currents. It allows us to isolate the area with booms, using the tide cycle and currents to move any debris into the collection system; it saves our facility between 40 to 60 hours a week in labor/machine hours!
The debris interceptor system, with all the others mentioned, helps Sims Metal keep its employees safe, water cleaner, and pursue its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 23 percent by 2025 and be carbon neutral by 2042.
Thank you, Scott, for answering all our questions.
Stay tuned to find out about Sims Metal next projects!