THE alignment of the proposed Cardiff-Newport lagoon creates a funnel up to Cardiff’s barrage and docks. Obvious then that the incoming tide up the estuary will build up within the funnel.
Indeed, the “EIA Scoping Report**” gives spring water high tides as 0.5 to one metre higher from the funnelling, but doesn’t comment on overtopping of the barrage at storm-time peaks under south-westerly winds.
At some states of the tide, waters in the funnel will be much choppier, giving problems for boats aiming for the locks. Trapped waves would no longer dissipate energy further up on the mud-flats but are likely to expend some on eroding the beach and foot of Penarth Head.
Some of these points were raised at the Town council discussion https://penarthnews.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/proposed-tidal-lagoon-will-bring-no-benefit-to-penarth-councillors-told/
Any alignment of a tidal lagoon off Cardiff would affect the currents, shipping channels, peak wave height and coastal erosion. What’s amazing is the funnel alignment proposed is the worst possible for these deficiencies.
Max Wallis
Barry & Vale Friends of the Earth
Penarth
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