Barriers survey findings to be reported in June

Island councillors will be presented with a report in June on potential solutions to wave overtopping on the second barrier and details on any potential for tidal energy capture.

The report will follow on from a high-level numerical modelling and engineering study currently being carried out by JBA Consulting, which has seen data gathered on sea levels, waves and tidal measurements.

The data has been used to build a computer model which can estimate tidal energy potential as well help to refine possible solutions to wave overtopping.  Solutions being explored include an offshore breakwater, a reface of the existing barrier, replacing part of the existing barrier with a bridge type structure and beach recharge.

Following the presentation of the report councillors will be asked to make a decision on the preferred solution which may or may not include tidal energy capture. The preferred solution will then be taken forward for analysis by physical hydraulic modelling, with the final consultant’s report due in December following which it will be reported to members to take a final decision on how to proceed.

The council’s engineering services manager Peter Bevan said: “Wave overtopping at barrier number two is an important issue to the council and the communities that use the barriers. There are various solutions that we have been looking at and it’s important that we take the time to ensure that the solution the council chooses is the right one.”