bristol channel barrage

i think it would be brilliant because it would be like high tide all the time and i think it would raise the level on the river severn aswell
 
I went to an IEE talk about this recently (given by a prof at Cardiff who seems to be well into it). The interesting points I got from it (from a sailing perspective were):

- the tidal range above the barrage would be 7m - 14m (so Portishead marina would be accessible at all states of the tide). Good.

- the water would be clearer with the barrage. Apparently there are 30 million tons of silt in the water at springs and 4 million tons at neaps (I might have got the numbers a bit wrong: but it is a huge difference). This is from the increased energy there is in the system at springs. This is why the Severn is so muddy at springs. The barrage would make the tides more neap-like and hence make the water clearer. Not sure what I think of this: I quite like the chocolatey mud.

- the barrage would affect the tidal streams both upstream and downstream of the barrage (as it would take energy out of the system, make it less resonant etc.)

- the barrage would pass very close to Steep Holm and not far from Flat Holm. I think it would be a real shame to end up industrialising these beautiful islands, but that's what green power seems to do to me: industrialises the beautiful places

I didn't find out what impact the barrage would have an salinity. Hopefully this wouldn't be adversely affected.
 
As the area of "the levels" (Burnham - Glastonbury etc.) is one of the areas in UK accepted as being one of the greatest "at risk" areas for massive flooding in the future, some of us would prefer to see it placed West of Minehead and going due North to Wales. Would kill 2 birds with one barrage - energy and flooding !!!
ken
 
I understand the barrage would take the top off the tide and increase the low water height (if you see what I mean) so we would still have tide.
If access is improved and less areas dry out that has to be good for boats surely?
Not sure about the wading birds etc but I'm sure they will adapt/move on or whatever.
Mind you, can't see it being built in my life time, and I'm only 21!
 
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Well, if they are going to charge us to go through it, I'm against it.





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i think it will be built in my lifetime and im 15. but i think it would be aboulutly brilliant. but the wading birds will go somewhere else, its like the cardiff barrage the wildlife actually improved there
 
I would like to defend Andy. He does not allow Ben to spend too much time on computer! If he did how would Ben be able to make all those tee shirts ect?
Allan
 
But they might have to listen to the ports....Can't see the Cardiff weston option being considered as finance cost now approaching £28 Billion. DECC report now available. My gamble would be for a smaller barrage option possibly in combo with lagoon somewhere. Fancy a bet anyone?
 
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