The US Navy is considering to build a 14-foot flood wall around the Washington Navy Yard, aiming to protect the around the Anacostia River from increasing sea levels. The wall would be 1.5 miles long, and will protect three dozen buildings.
The wall proposal indicates that the climate change threat is high for Washington, while also challenging is the response to it. The are where the wall would be built accommodates condominiums and office buildings, as well as shops and restaurants.
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According to a Naval Facilities Engineering Command document, a 10-year storm could lead to seven feet of flooding at the Navy Yard. Moreover, a 100-year storm is able to bring 10.5 feet, and a 500-year storm 14 feet of flooding.
These risks will get worse, as a study notes that sea levels are expected to rise 1.3 feet by 2035, and 2.6 feet by 2065. The study also suggests five options to protect the Navy Yard. Four of those suggestions include surrounding most of site with a, along with pump stations to move water over or around the wall.
In addition, the study says that the wall will have ‘aesthetic benefits’, as well as ‘low maintenance needs.’ The wall would consist of two parts: a permanent 9.5-foot section, on top of which will be removable panels that would be 14 feet above sea level.
On the disadvantages, the wall would need a high cost of construction, while it could also block views and change the local hydrology.
