The U.S. Geological Survey prepared a 54-page "Decision Framework to Analyze Tide-Gate Options for Restoration of the Herring River Estuary." This document shows how complex the Herring River Restoration Project is. Take a brief look at the five figures showing the conceptual models on which the authors based their proposed tide gate options. Then ask yourself, How likely is it that the option ultimately chosen will not be fraught with unintended consequences? See "Normal Accidents" for another take on how complexity can contribute to unintended consequences. Top of page
