ASCE OC EWRI: Newport Bay Trash Interceptor Technical Presentation

ASCE OC EWRI was honored to have Dr. Robert Stein, Assistant City Engineer with the City of Newport Beach Public Works Department, provide an informative presentation on the Newport Bay Trash Interceptor. The Trash Interceptor is a major infrastructure project designed to significantly reduce trash and debris before it enters Upper Newport Bay and the Pacific Ocean, thereby protecting the sensitive marine life and marsh vegetation around the Bay. Dr. Stein shared insights into the various complexities of the project, speaking from his 26-year career with the City.

Dr. Stein describing the benefits of the Newport Bay Trash Interceptor.

The Newport Bay Trash Interceptor is a sustainably powered floating trash interceptor expected to reduce trash entering Upper Newport Bay by approximately 80 percent, capturing an estimated 100 to 500 tons of debris annually. The Trash Interceptor supplements existing trash reduction measures such as trash booms, storm drain collection systems, and floating skimmers already in place to protect the sensitive Upper Bay preserve.

The presentation reviewed key design challenges, including securing funding and the limitations of hauling away collected trash. Compared to the Mr. Trash Wheel in Baltimore, Dr. Stein explained that the Newport Bay Trash Interceptor uses a novel rail system to convey bins with collected trash to waiting trucks. He also described the complex installation and material fabrication associated with the project, including the impressive canvas canopy topped with solar panels, and explained the innovative camera visualization technology being tested by UCSB to identify the trash items and collection volume for further research and refinement of the system.

Attendee question and answer period with Dr. Stein.

Dr. Stein emphasized the overall collaboration among consultants, contractors, funding partners, and regulatory agencies on this technically complex project.

The event was held at Dave & Buster’s at the Irvine Spectrum, where attendees gathered for lunch before the program. In keeping with the holiday season, participants also enjoyed the opportunity to win t-shirts and gift cards. Overall, it was an excellent event to close out the year.

ASCE OC EWRI Chair Ben Smith honoring Dr. Bob Stein with a plaque of appreciation.

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About the Author:

Jenny Robinet is a Project Manager at Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering (PACE) in Orange County, CA. She loves working on various stormwater projects and being involved in the civil engineering industry, especially ASCE where she currently serves as Orange County Branch President-Elect. Jenny can be contacted at jrobinet@pacewater.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-robinet.