The publication “An Earthen Sill as a Measure to Mitigate Salt Intrusion in Estuaries” has been featured in the 2024 Issue 4 of the Coastal & Estuarine Science News (CESN) newsletter.
Due to climate change, estuaries are becoming increasingly vulnerable to saltwater intrusion, especially during drought and rising sea levels. One solution is the construction of temporary earthen sills. An example is the underwater dam built in the Lower Mississippi River to prevent saltwater from contaminating New Orleans’ drinking water. This dam blocked saline water in deeper parts of the river while still allowing freshwater to flow downstream.
Research shows that these sills are effective in river-dominated estuaries with stratified water columns, but less in tidal-dominated estuaries. Their success depends on the sill’s height and location; placing it too far upstream can worsen saltwater intrusion. Permanent sills could increase flood risks, while temporary sills naturally erode during higher flows, offering a nature-based solution for managing saltwater intrusion under the right conditions.
The publication can be read here.
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Last modified: 07/10/2024