Evaluation Of A Control Gate For A Salt Pond Estuary

A control gate was needed for a 125-acre salt pond created by partially blocking the channel of an intertidal mud flat. The goal was to minimize ecological, aesthetic and economic damage to the environment, at minimal cost. The gate was designed to operate continuously on water level differences; it requires no manual attention and generates only gentle currents. The bottom of the gate does not completely close off the flume. The project was considered an overall success. The major shortcoming was the control gate's inability to minimize ecological damage due to anoxic conditions. Grant no. NA86AA-D-SG047