The UK Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has met to review the Cowes Breakwater Project and address the issue of changes in tidal flows and the sedimentation regime, before construction goes any further.
The CHC said that the extensive pre-breakwater construction tidal modelling carried out did predict certain changes to the tidal rates and directions within the harbour, but recognised differences have been noted between the predicted modelling outputs and actual flows observed and recorded.
In addition, concerns had been raised by a number of harbour users regarding potential increased levels of siltation occurring within the harbour.
Continuous review by ABPmer and project manager, Atkins, during the project has delivered an updated understanding of the differences between the modelled tides and observed tidal changes and has enabled CHC to look at potential changes to sedimentation.
As a result, the Harbour Advisory Committee has now concluded that is not enough evidence to warrant a delay and supported continuing with the next stage of breakwater construction.
However, it did acknowledge the importance of completing the new hydrodynamic model and its use in reviewing the design optimisation of the next phases of the project was discussed at the meeting.
The next phase of the project is the dredging of the new Eastern Channel and extension of the Shrape breakwater.
CHC confirmed its intention to continue to consult all stakeholders as information becomes available and commit to another formal project review and stakeholder consultation before finalising any decisions on the next phases of the project.
By Anne-Marie Causer
