Development of a Tool for Assessing the Vulnerability of Rhode Island’s Marinas to Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge

The objective of this study was to create a generalized risk assessment tool for assessing the vulnerability of Rhode Island marinas to storm surge and sea level rise. A vulnerability assessment tool was developed to evaluate the infrastructure and environmental conditions at a marina in the form of a detailed questionnaire to be completed by marina operators. Supporting environmental information was provided online for the entire Rhode Island coastline. The assessment was applied to two marinas: Brewer Greenwich Bay Marina in Warwick, RI, and Brewer Cove Haven Marina in Barrington, RI. Flood maps including wave effects were generated for 25, 50, and 100-year return period events with 0.30, 0.91, and 1.52 meters (1, 3, and 5 feet) of sea level rise for both marinas. Based on the assessment, Brewer Greenwich Bay Marina was given a high risk designation based on environmental conditions, and a moderate risk designation based on its infrastructure. Due to its moderate infrastructure risk designation, the breakwater, piles, and wave fence at this location were evaluated and redesigned to prevent failure. Brewer Cove Haven Marina received a moderate risk designation in both assessment sections and no mitigation measures were recommended. This assessment tool is now available for use throughout Rhode Island as a planning tool to help marina operators identify areas of weakness and prepare for the effects of storm surge and sea level rise on their facilities.