Coastal Infrastructure Assessment

coastal infrastrucure image

Nova Scotia has an extensive coastline with much of our population concentrated near the ocean. As such, appropriately constructed, sustainable, and environmentally responsible coastal infrastructure is important to the provincial economy and the safety of Nova Scotia’s residents.

coastal infrastrucure image

When appropriate, Geological Services Branch staff provide coastal process, geotechnical, and geological advice on the safety, sustainability, and design of coastal infrastructure. An example of this was the review of the Gabarus Sea-wall in Cape Breton. Staff also work closely with the Natural Resources Provincial Parks Division, assessing the geological factors that impact the many provincial parks located along Nova Scotia’s coast and make recommendations on design and placement of more sustainable park infrastructure. An example, Dominion Beach Provincial Park was recently assessed and recommendations for sustainable redevelopment of the park were provided.

coastal infrastrucure image

Coastal erosion and severe storm events have significant impacts on residential, commercial, and government infrastructure. The branch conducts coastal mapping projects that seek to understand how the wide variety of coastal environments respond to severe storm events and long term erosion. Staff have expertise in the various methods used to stabilize shorelines and protect infrastructure. This includes the use of best practice in the design of sustainable protection systems as well as an in depth understanding of how such systems impact the local coastal environment.
Click on for larger diagram




Staff Contact — Steve King