ACUA Invests in Inflatable Flood Barriers to Protect Critical Infrastructure
As part of its resiliency planning efforts, ACUA has
embarked on several projects to protect critical infrastructure at its
Wastewater Treatment Facility in Atlantic City from the threat of flooding. In 2018,
a seawall was built 11
feet above sea level around perimeter of the facility. This structure was a
substantial undertaking to reduce the threat of rising sea levels in our area.
As another means of protection, ACUA purchased a system of inflatable
barriers called a Tiger Dam System from U.S. Flood Control that can be set up temporarily
to keep the Wastewater Treatment Facility and its accompanying pump stations sustained
during a flooding emergency.
The barriers are 24 inch tubes filled
with water that can be stacked and constructed to create any shape. They are more
efficient than using sandbags and are completely reusable. When two barriers
are placed side by side on the ground and one is placed on top, it will give three
feet and six inches of height to protect from incoming water. Anchors keep the
barriers stationary over different terrains like grass, gravel or concrete.
Recently, ACUA employees worked together to learn and
demonstrate the setup of the barriers. ACUA anticipates the inflatable system,
along with its knowledgeable employees, will be an effective way to protect
critical infrastructure in the event of a flood.
