Concrete to Currents: Massachusetts North Shore Approach to Tidal Restoration and the Future of Energy
Fall 2023
Rumney Marsh, a vital salt marsh ecosystem impacted by urbanization, is undergoing a transformative revival. This project uniquely combines the rehabilitation of damaged culverts and tide gates using recycled materials with a groundbreaking venture into tidal energy, in partnership with the neighboring General Electric plant. This collaboration aims to develop the foundations for tidal turbines, addressing the energy shortfall from the decommissioning of the Wheelabrator Incinerator and offering environmental and employment benefits. The conversion of the incinerator into a precast concrete facility further underscores the project's commitment to sustainable practices. Central to the project is not only the ecological restoration of Rumney Marsh but also the establishment of a sustainable community infrastructure. The initiative engages locals, transforming them into environmental stewards and enhancing their connection to nature, thereby boosting community pride. By repairing the flow of freshwater and saltwater in Rumney Marsh, this project not only revitalizes a crucial ecosystem but ingeniously harnesses the same tidal forces to generate sustainable energy, thereby fostering a harmonious balance between ecological restoration and community development.