Operation of coastal flood and erosion risk management schemes, barrages and sluices
This activity category looks at the operational effects of coastal defence schemes including accretion of sediment, erosion of intertidal, coastal habitats, on-going sediment recycling schemes, coastal squeeze, operation of sluices etc. Includes consideration of vessels/machinery/vehicles associated with activity.
Potential impacts, as identified in Natural England's Advice on operations include:
- Barrier to species movement
- Emergence regime changes, including tidal level change considerations
- Water flow (tidal current) changes, including sediment transport considerations
- Wave exposure changes
- Abrasion/disturbance of the substrate on the surface of the seabed
- Changes in suspended solids (water clarity)
- Introduction of light
- Penetration and/or disturbance of the substratum below the surface of the seabed, including abrasion
- Physical change (to another sediment type)
- Salinity change
- Smothering and siltation rate changes
