Unusual Plume Behavior from an Ocean Outfall off the East Coast of Florida

Abstract

A series of ocean outfall diffusion experiments were conducted off the east coast of Florida between September 1968 and December 1969. The experiment reported herein was conducted at the Hollywood outfall site. The plume behavior is tagged ?unusual? since the experiment represents the only case where the plume was observed to be heading toward the beach. It is speculated that the odd plume behavior was the combined result of a northeast wind and the cyclic nature of the current in the area which is greatly influenced by the nearby Gulf Stream. Oceanographic and diffusion data were gathered during this experiment including initial dilution of the sewage in rising to the surface, subsequent dispersion, and natural die-off of coliform bacteria. It was found that the lateral spreading rate was enhanced due to orientation of the plume with respect to the shore.