Authors

Paul Kirshen, School for the Environment and Sustainable Solutions Lab,University of Massachusetts,Boston
Kelli Turson, Arcadis
Brett McMann, Arcadis
Carly Foster, Arcadis
Heather Sprague, Arcadis
Hugh Roberts, Arcadis
Mark Borrelli, School for the Environment, University of Massachusetts Boston
Jarrett Byrnes, School for the Environment,University of Massachusetts Boston
Robert Chen, School for the Environment, University of Massachusetts Boston
Lucy Lockwood, School for the Environment,University of Massachusetts Boston
Chris Watson, School for the Environment,University of Massachusetts Boston
Kimberly Starbuck, University of Massachusetts Urban Harbors Institute
Jack Wiggin, University of Massachusetts Urban Harbors Institute
Allison Novelly, University of Massachusetts Urban Harbors Institute
Kristin Uiterwyk, University of Massachusetts Urban Harbors Institute
Kirk Bosma, Woods Hole Group
Eric Holmes, Woods Hole Group
Zach Stromer, Woods Hole Group
Joe Famely, Woods Hole Group
Alex Shaw, Woods Hole Group
Brittany Hofnagle, Woods Hole Group
Di Jin, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Rebecca Herst, Sustainable Solutions Lab,University of Massachusetts, Boston
Emily Moothart, Sustainable Solutions Lab, University of Massachusetts, Boston
Courtney Humphries, IGERT Coasts & Communities program, Univeristy of Massachusetts, Boston
Robert L. Turner, McCormack Graduate School, University of Massachusetts,Boston
Bud Ris, Boston Green Ribbon Commission
Jill Valdes Horwood, Boston Harbor Now
Mia Mansfield, Environment Department, City of Boston
Carl Spector, Environment Department, City of Boston
Chad Cox, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
Stephen Lecco, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
Daniel Stapleton, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
Bin Wang, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
Wayne Cobleigh, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
Carole McCauley, MassBays National Estuary Program
Michael Meyran, MassPort
John Mandelman, New England Aquarium
Philip Orton, Stevens Institute of Technology
Malcolm Bowman, Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
Bob Daylor, Tetratech
Jason Hellendrung, Tetratech
Mark Williams, Tetratech
Ellen Douglas, University of Massachusetts, Boston
Martijn de Jong, Deltares

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

Publisher

Sustainable Solutions Lab

Share

COinS