Design and assessment
Managed Realignment (MR) and Regulated Tidal Exchange (RTE) projects are not like other infrastructure developments (although they should be project managed as such). Instead they are evolving ecosystems that need to integrate into changing and often sensitive coastlines. It is important at the very earliest stages of their implementation to understand the hydrodynamic functionality of a site and the physical interaction it will have with the adjacent estuary or coastal zone. Not only will this ensure that the design and planning is robustly supported but it will also greatly aid communication processes. Relevant case examples include Allfleet’s Marsh, Freiston, Hesketh Out Marsh and Paull Holme Strays. It is recommended that early feasibility/scoping studies are always carried out to address design issues and, wherever possible, the guiding principles of design work should be to minimise land manipulation and work with the existing topography. Where interventions are necessary they should seek to also facilitate the efficient drainage of a site, maximise breach stability and/or optimise a site’s ecological value.
The paper reviews past projects to indicate how future projects can be implemented (ideally in an iterative manner with the key questions being addressed early).