Marina Barrage Project Wins AAEE 2009 Superior Achievement Award
May 06, 2009
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS—The Singapore Marina Barrage project has won the Superior Achievement Award in the American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE) 2009 Excellence in Environmental Engineering awards competition. Undertaken by PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, and CDM, the project addresses decades-old challenges of urban flooding and water supply. CDM’s multi-benefit solution protects against stormwater and tidal flooding, augments a sustainable water supply serving 4.8 million people, and enhances the vibrant downtown area for both commercial and recreational benefit.
The award was formally presented to CDM and PUB at a luncheon held in Washington, D.C., on May 6, 2009.
The Marina Barrage project, officially completed in October, 2008, features the following main components:
- A tidal barrage, spanning across the 350-meter-(m)-wide Marina Channel, with nine 30-m-long hydraulically operated crest gates, each gate weighing 70 tonnes
- Seven drainage pumps, each capable of pumping approximately 3.5 billion liters per day
- An exhibition gallery presenting “Sustainable Singapore” in six interactive displays
The new barrage greatly reduces stormwater and tidal flooding of Singapore’s vibrant downtown area through the use of massive crest gates and drainage pumps. When storms occur during periods of low tide, the gates can be opened to release excess flows. During high tide, the gates remain closed while drainage pumps discharge storm flows from the reservoir to the sea.
In addition, Marina Barrage creates the 240-hectare Marina Reservoir, a reliable freshwater resource. The site features an intake and 432-million-liter-per-day pumping station that conveys raw, desalinated water to the island-wide water system.
The stabilized Marina Reservoir greatly enhances urban development and water-oriented recreational activities. Almost every component of the project—the pumping station’s turf-covered roof ramps, the 360-degree views of city and sea, the attraction of the reservoir for everything from water taxi rides to major sporting events—is intended to engage the public, encouraging protection and appreciation of the nation’s water resources.
For decades, Singapore has led the way in innovative water management and investment to ensure reliable water supplies for its growing population. Marina Barrage, which was completed on schedule and within its US$180 million budget, takes the nation one giant step further in its quest—and serves as an example for other coastal cities pursuing integrated water management solutions.
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