Mobile Underwater Debris Survey System (MUDSS)

The Mobile Underwater Debris Survey System (MUDSS) is a technology demonstration program funded by the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) in the Cleanup thrust area. Its purpose is to demonstrate technologies necessary to successfully survey underwater formerly used defense sites (FUDS) for unexploded ordnance (UXO). The MUDSS concept uses (1) acoustic, magnetic, and electro-optic (EO) minehunting sensor and signal and image processing technologies under development at the Coastal Systems Station (CSS), and (2) sensor fusion, visualization, and trace chemical detection technologies under development at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The MUDSS program includes both a feasibility demonstration in St. Andrew Bay, Panama City, FL, and a technology demonstration in Choctawhatchee Bay, FL, in an area that was expected to contain WW-II UXO. Potential users include the Department of Defense, commercial industries involved in UXO remediation and environmental cleanup, and even archeological site survey activities. MUDSS sensors and technology are presented along with test results from the recent technology demonstration survey conducted in Choctawhatchee Bay, near Eglin Air Force Base, FL