You are on a committee that is planning whether or not to build a tidal power plant near a diverse and healthy coastal habitat. Describe at least two of the benefits and two of the costs to the environment you should consider before deciding to build the dam.

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Biology

Alvin Dickerson

7 March, 15:11

You are on a committee that is planning whether or not to build a tidal power plant near a diverse and healthy coastal habitat. Describe at least two of the benefits and two of the costs to the environment you should consider before deciding to build the dam.

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Yandel Becker · Answer 1

Pros

Renewable.

Requires no fuel.

Emission-free

Reliable, a plant can last 100 years

High efficiency

Predictable output

Could potentially provide a storm surge barrier.

Environmental impacts are local, not global

Cons

Expensive to build

Very location specific (only 20 sites identified with high potential)

Non-continuous, storage or grid-backup required

Locations are often remote

Barrages may restrict access to open water

Can change tidal level of surrounding area

Impact on fish, marine mammals and birds

Disrupts regular tidal cycles

Decreases salinity in tidal basins

Mud flats (where many birds feed) adversely impacted

Captures dirt, waste and pollution near the coast

Reduces kinetic energy in the ocean