Local environmental agencies may require water samples, sediment samples, air samples, or pollution control devices for bridge painting over water. Environment sampling usually requires more than one sample to provide an average assessment of conditions. Floating booms are often required when working to collect any buoyant debris falling from a bridge painting project. Release of heavy objects, falling on or near recreational boaters, can make the project one that the contractor will never forget. Wind should always be taken into consideration, but bridges over water tend to be especially subject to large gusts.
Large objects dangling in the wind can be very difficult to control.
One contractor reported hanging a tarpaulin off one side of the bridge, and then watching as the wind lifted it up over the bridge and laid it upon the roadbed of an active highway. Fortunately, no cars were on the bridge. Lastly, check your insurance coverage. Many over-water projects will require longshoreman insurance. This type of coverage may be very expensive or unavailable for your particular situation.