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MERC+GSI – DRAFT Test Plan
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each other. A table (Table 2) of samples to be collected, with corresponding volumes and
purpose can be found on page 27.
Live analysis of zooplankton occurs on-site within one hour of filtration through the
plankton net. Live analysis of phytoplankton samples occurs on-site within 1.5 hours of sample
collection. All filtered or whole water samples are stored in coolers until they can be analyzed.
Microbial samples, including spiked MS2 bacteriophage samples, are transported immediately
following collection in an insulated container for analysis at the University of Wisconsin-
Superior laboratory, located within 10 minutes drive of the land-based facility.
An on-site mobile field laboratory
provides bench-scale facilities to support time
sensitive assays associated with the GSI land-
based tests, including live analysis of
phytoplankton and zooplankton (right). The
laboratory is climate-controlled, and has
enough desk and counter space to allow for
simultaneous microscopic and analytical
analysis of samples.
4. Test Trials
Each facility (MERC and GSI) will conduct a maximum of six test trials (12 total) of the
SiCURE system to assess its ability to meet IMO D2 ballast water discharge standards in land-
based testing during the spring/summer 2009. As noted above, a valid test is regarded as one for
which discharge densities of live organisms are at least 10 times the IMO D2 standard, consistent
with IMO G8 MEPC 58/23 ANNEX 4, Part 2, Section 2.3.36.
Two treatment calibration test runs for the SiCURE system will also be allowed just
prior to the formal evaluation at each facility. For any test that is considered valid (and for
which the facility testing system functioned properly), an inability to: (a) successfully treat
ballast water without interruption, (b) to meet D2 discharge standards after a five-days holding
time, and/or (c) to discharge water environmentally benign (i.e., no residual toxicity) water (see
page 12), will be considered a “failure”. Results of tests regarded as failures will be noted and
included in the final report. Two failures on the part of the SiCURE system may result in the
termination of testing prior to the maximum of six test trials depending on the nature of the
failures. MERC and GSI Senior Management will make a final decision on early termination of
the tests, in consultation with Siemens staff.
This evaluation will be based on physical and biological characterization of water upon
ballasting (uptake of water) and comparisons of organisms in control versus treated water after a
five-day, in-tank holding time for the different D2 biological categories. Results will also be
presented as concentration of viable organisms per biological category in treated water upon
discharge versus IMO D2 standards.
MERC and GSI have worked to standardize methods and approached (described below)
to evaluate the performance of ballast water treatment systems. Some subtle difference may
exist as a result of specific facility design and estuarine versus fresh water and associated
organism. However, these do not compromise the scientific rigor or comparability of results