Chapter 6 Tidal Power

Environmental Factors The Department of Energy (1987) summarized the potential environmental effects of the Seven scheme as follows: The construction of a barrage would result in higher minimum water levels and slightly lower high water levels in the basin. Current will be reduced and extreme wave conditions will, in many places, be less severe. The changes that will occur to the tides and currents during construction and then later during the operation of a barrage will cause changes in sediment characteristics and in the salinity and quality of the water. These factors have a major bearing on the estuary’s environment and ecology.