Document Type
Research Report
Publication Date
5-2018
Keywords
Harbor-wide barrier systems, Shore-based climate adaptation, Climate resilience, Environmental impacts, Social vulnerability, hydrodynamic modeling
Disciplines
Civil Engineering | Construction Engineering and Management | Environmental Engineering | Environmental Studies | Hydraulic Engineering | Urban Studies and Planning
Abstract
This report presents a preliminary feasibility assessment of harbor-wide barrier systems designed to protect Boston Harbor from coastal flooding caused by sea level rise (SLR) and storm surges. Conducted by the Sustainable Solutions Lab at the University of Massachusetts Boston and supported by the Boston Green Ribbon Commission, the study evaluates two primary configurations: an Outer Harbor Barrier (OHB) and an Inner Harbor Barrier (IHB). Using hydrodynamic modeling, economic cost-benefit analysis, and social vulnerability assessments, the study finds that while both barrier systems may reduce risk from extreme storm events, they do not mitigate regular tidal flooding without frequent gate closures. Such limitations reduce their long-term operational viability and cost-effectiveness under projected climate conditions. The analysis also identifies potential negative impacts on marine ecosystems, navigation, and fisheries. The report concludes that multi-layered, shore-based adaptation strategies—including green and gray infrastructure and policy interventions—offer more flexible, equitable, and economically viable solutions for the near to mid-term. It recommends continued investment in these strategies while monitoring technological and climatic developments that may warrant reevaluation of large-scale barrier systems in the future.
Community Engaged/Serving
Part of the UMass Boston Community-Engaged Teaching, Research, and Service Series. //scholarworks.umb.edu/engage
Recommended Citation
Kirshen, Paul; Turson, Kelli; McMann, Brett; Foster, Carly; Sprague, Heather; Roberts, Hugh; Borrelli, Mark; Byrnes, Jarrett; Chen, Robert; Lockwood, Lucy; Watson, Chris; Starbuck, Kimberly; Wiggin, Jack; Novelly, Allison; Uiterwyk, Kristin; Bosma, Kirk; Holmes, Eric; Stromer, Zach; Famely, Joe; Shaw, Alex; Hofnagle, Brittany; Jin, Di; Herst, Rebecca; Moothart, Emily; Humphries, Courtney; Turner, Robert L.; Ris, Bud; Horwood, Jill Valdes; Mansfield, Mia; Spector, Carl; Cox, Chad; Lecco, Stephen; Stapleton, Daniel; Wang, Bin; Cobleigh, Wayne; Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management; McCauley, Carole; Meyran, Michael; Mandelman, John; Orton, Philip; Bowman, Malcolm; Daylor, Bob; Hellendrung, Jason; Williams, Mark; Douglas, Ellen; and de Jong, Martijn, "Feasibility of Harbor-wide Barrier Systems: Preliminary Analysis for Boston Harbor" (2018). Sustainable Solutions Lab. 2.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/ssl/2
Publisher
Sustainable Solutions Lab
Included in
Civil Engineering Commons, Construction Engineering and Management Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Hydraulic Engineering Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons