Barrage (From Penarth Times)

Barrage

YOU asked for comments on your article and letter about the Severn Barrage (Penarth Times, March 23).

This scheme has of course been around for many years, and subject to endless studies by various experts. Many models both real and computer have been made.

The basic problem, as I understand it, is that no-one really knows what will happen to the tidal range afterwards.

The 48-foot tide is a product of the shape of the estuary and tidal resonance.

It"s quite likely that when a barrage restricts this unique geography you will end up with a tide of about 12 feet.

This completely alters the energy available - and only about half of this can be used as the "lake" has to be held at about half tide.

So the economics of the scheme have always been debatable and attention turned more to free-flowing turbines.

Personally, I like the idea of a road across to Somerset, but am not keen on the construction implications!

G Salter

Church Road

Penarth