Los Angeles District hosts seven county flood directors meeting, discusses future initiatives

Shawn Davis, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:55:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES — Officials from San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties met with senior leaders of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District on April 7 at the district's headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.

Identifying Overwintering Habitat of Silver and Bighead Carp in the Lower Mississippi River: Implications for Harvesting and Population Reduction

Press Operations — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:32:00 GMT

Purpose: A total of 41 sites along a 58 mi reach of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) were surveyed during winter 2022 for invasive carp aggregation. Sites consisting of scallops closest to the dike-vegetated bank interface with deeper, slow-moving water and consistent access back to the main channel were preferred. Carp avoided strong currents, and there was no trend in depth selection other than avoiding shallow (less than 20 ft) water. In January 2023, recreation-grade sonar (e.g., side-scan and down-imaging) surveys were conducted in the same reach of the LMR to demonstrate the technology and evaluate carp population size at sites with high abundances based on previous surveys. Fish density was estimated to be 32 fish/10,000 yd3 (95% confidence interval [CI; 31–34]) using down-imaging software, which is the first estimate of assumed bigheaded carp density in the LMR. Additional fish collections are needed to confirm species composition and size abundance provided by sonar technology. Resurveying sites with high carp abundance over a range of river stages would be necessary to fully characterize habitat conditions, evaluate influence of river stage on occupancy duration, and continue to evaluate species composition and mass removal techniques as a management option in the Lower Mississippi River.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Microcystins from a Field-Collected Cyanobacterial Assemblage by 3D Printed TiO2 Structures Using Artificial Versus Solar Irradiation

Press Operations — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Abstract: Microcystins from freshwater cyanobacteria cause adverse effects to humans and ecological receptors through multiple exposure routes requiring adaptable and diverse treatment technologies. Photocatalysis of MCs using TiO2 is a promising technology; however, TiO2 photocatalysts as unbound nanoparticles in suspension are impractical to deploy. 3D Printing provides a means to immobilize TiO2, producing deployable photo-catalyst structures with extensive geometric freedom. The objective of this proof-of-concept experiment was to incrementally increase the environmental complexity while comparing photocatalysis rates of MCs by 3DP TiO2 structures using polylactic acid as the binder. Degradation half-lives of MCs were shorter in TiO2 embedded in 3DP PLA relative to PLA-only controls with differences in half-lives ranging from 3.6 to 10h. The one exception was the outdoor solar and an algal assemblage, where signiﬁcant differences could not be discerned due to the already rapid photolysis rates. Ultimately, photocatalysis rates were comparable to those previously published for TiO2 3DP structures in a laboratory environment and TiO2 ﬁxed- ﬁlms demonstrating feasibility of 3DP to immobilize TiO2 photocatalysts under a range of conditions. This is the ﬁrst time that MC concentrations from a ﬁeld-collected HAB were photocatalytically degraded in both solar simulated light and sunlight using a custom-made advanced photocatalytic nano- composite with enhanced performance through high surface area design enabled by 3D printing. These data inform future development of scalable, retrievable, and operationally ﬂexible structures with immobilized TiO2.

Round Robin Experiment to Detect, Size, and Characterize Flaws in the Welds of Existing Hydraulic Steel Structures Using Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

Press Operations — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:28:00 GMT

Abstract: Limited information exists on the ability of nondestructive testing techniques to detect, size, and characterize ﬂaws in existing hydraulic steel structures (HSS). Round robin experiments were conducted using phased array ultrasonics to inspect welded steel specimens representing joints in existing HSS. Technicians detected 83% of the ﬂaws scanned, but detection rates varied widely by ﬂaw and technician. Uncertainty in ﬂaw size estimates, represented by 90% conﬁdence bounds on the ratio of estimated to actual length or height, ranged from 0.52 to 2.10 for length and 0.32 to 3.59 for height. Planar, volumetric and laminar ﬂaws were accurately characterized 80% of the time.

Effects of Exopolysaccharides from Rhizobium tropici on Transformation and Aggregate Sizes of Iron Oxides

Press Operations — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:25:00 GMT

Abstract: Iron oxide transformations in soil signiﬁcantly impact nutrient availability and plant health. This study investigated the interaction between exopolysaccharides (EPS), produced by Rhizobium tropici, and iron oxide (Fe3O4), focusing on their impact on the transformation, particle size, and zeta potential of iron oxides. The characterization of the EPS-iron oxide composites was carried out using X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Trans-form Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)/Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX). The EPS adsorption kinetics revealed chemisorption and diffusion as controlling processes for EPS adsorption on Fe3O4, while isotherm data with releasing proton indicated possible ion exchange and heterogeneous layered adsorption. Desorption studies suggested the high stability of EPS-iron complexes. Notably, EPS signiﬁcantly increased the aggregate size of EPS-iron complexes at low EPS/iron oxide molar ratios but shrank the aggregate size at higher ratios. Additionally, EPS complexation resulted in a shift in the zeta potential towards more negative surface functionality. Functional groups within EPS, speciﬁcally –COOH, –OH and –NH played a crucial role in the interaction of EPS with iron oxides. The study concluded that EPS coating prevented the transformation of Fe3O4 into other iron oxide forms like β-FeOOH, α-Fe2O3, and γ-Fe2O3, elucidating the signiﬁcant role of EPS in soil mineral processes.

Vertebrates in Trade that Pose High Invasion Risk to the United States

Press Operations — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:23:00 GMT

Abstract: The United States imports thousands of live vertebrate species annually as part of legal trade. Escapes and releases from captivity are major pathways of invasion, however, the risk posed by the thousands of imported vertebrate species has not been systematically assessed. We conducted a horizon scan that used a data-driven climate match to ﬁlter a list of nearly 15,000 taxa drawn from across the globe of imported ﬁsh, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals for rapid assessment by taxonomic experts. Experts evaluated 840 species and identiﬁed 32 as having the highest risk for establishment, spread, and negative impacts. Of those high-risk species, the majority have the capacity to disrupt ecosystem processes via their role as top predators or the unique ecological niches that they occupy, while several of the snake species pose a threat to human health. High-risk species were often scored with high conﬁdence while in contrast, low scores were attributed to a combination of ecological redundancy, low propagule pressure, or low climate match while low conﬁdence arose from a lack of information in the literature. Our study therefore highlights legally imported species likely to cause the greatest harm with the recognition that many other species could also become invasive in the United States. The ranked list of vertebrate threats can be used to prioritize watchlists and inform the development of targeted regulations for importation can be applied to regions to provide a rapid, preliminary screening for large pools of potential invaders.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Continue Work on Brandon Road Interbasin Project

Press Operations — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will soon begin the next construction phase of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP). This comes as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle announced Thursday, April 9, that he has directed management and execution of BRIP be immediately transferred from the USACE Rock Island District to the USACE Detroit District. This transfer will ensure the project progresses in closer coordination with the state of Michigan, which has been a model non-federal sponsor for this project to date.

Agencies Join Forces to Build Mile-Long Firebreak After Near-Miss Blaze in Harker Heights

Pentagon News — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:56:19 GMT

After a wildfire at Dana Peak Park crept dangerously close to homes in Harker Heights, local, state and federal agencies partnered to build a large-scale firebreak aimed at protecting neighborhoods bordering Stillhouse Hollow Lake.

Dredging project to stabilize Little River Inlet jetty begins

Press Operations — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:50:17 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Charleston District, will start dredging the Little River Inlet in Horry County. Staff expect to start dredging on April 13. The operations and maintenance project will remove about 65,000 cubic yards of sand from a shoal in the federal navigation channel and use that material to stabilize the northern jetty.

USACE Vicksburg District announces new leadership appointments within the Engineering and Construction Division

Press Operations — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:20:00 GMT

VICKSBURG, Miss. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District announces new appointments to leadership positions within the Engineering and Construction Division.

Soo Locks to host Engineers Day 2026

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:02:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District in conjunction with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education, Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, and Superior Health Systems are hosting open house events for the 2026 Soo Locks Engineers Day on June 26. “Visitors will not be able to cross the locks this year due to increased construction activity and evolving security protocols,” said LeighAnn Ryckeghem, Soo Project Office Operations Manager. “There will be a variety of unique exhibits in the park for visitors to learn about the Soo Locks as well as several stakeholder and partner missions.”

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks public comment on Starrucca Creek Stabilization Project

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:55:01 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, invites public comment on the draft

Sardis Lake Announces Date for Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:41:07 GMT

VICKSBURG, Miss – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District, Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, First Security Bank of Batesville Mississippi, and Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid are partnering to host the annual Sardis Lake Youth Fishing Rodeo April 18, 2026, at Cypress Point Recreation Area.

Phase-pure Formamidinium Lead Iodide Perovskite Films Deposited via Flow-Limited Field-Injection Electrostatic Spraying

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:16:00 GMT

Abstract: Phase-pure perovskite formamidinium lead iodide (FPI) films were deposited using flow-limited field-injection electrostatic spraying at a deposition temperature of 120 ○C without employing stabilizing additives while retaining large-area scalability. The structures of the films were analyzed using the Rietveld refinement of x-ray diffraction measurements, enabling achievement of phase purity under optimized charging voltage and deposition temperature. The effect of precursor molar ratio on the phase of FPI was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, revealing the crucial role of the FAPbI3 ⋅ DMSO adduct formed in solution for achieving phase purity. Optical properties and photoactivity were assessed by absorption spectroscopy and time-resolved photoluminescence, demonstrating viability for application to solar cells.

Powering the Monitorization of Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:14:00 GMT

Purpose: The danger of invasive species and the ecological impact on natural environments can be seen throughout the world. In the United States, the invasive species problem is being addressed in the Mississippi River and the tributaries that feed it where invasive carp were introduced and invaded, threatening native species and ecosystems. To battle invasive species’ movement into naïve watersheds, the underwater Acoustic Deterrent System (uADS) was developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to stem the migration of the invasive carp through navigation locks. This project serves as a vital effort to preserve the natural balance of aquatic life in the Mississippi River and those waterways that are connected to it. The project highlights the crucial need for systems that monitor the health of the hardware that keeps the project alive in the event of power failure or other disasters. The ability for researchers to quickly check the health of various systems, receive notification of failure, and see visualizations of hardware data is indispensable when a failure with a poor response time could allow these species to move through points where the system is in place. This paper will discuss the process of using containerization to address the monitorization needs of such systems and how containerization may allow for systems to be created quickly while still allowing for easy access to the needed data.

Incubation Temperature and Urea Addition Impact Bacterial Composition and Voltage Output by Electroactive Bacteria

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:12:00 GMT

Abstract: Soil based terrestrial microbial fuel cells, traditionally used as batteries, could also serve as biosensors whereby the addition of an anthropogenic compound changes their voltage output. The ability and rate of electron transmission at the anode surface shifts based on external stimuli. This study investigates microbial response to diurnal temperature cycles and whether the shifts obscure voltage changes induced by the addition of urea. Replicate tMFCs were constructed with either 70 mg/ml urea or water and incubated at either a 25 ◦C static or 10 ◦C to 25 ◦C cycling temperature regime. Voltage was measured for 30 days and the tMFC electrodes were destructively sampled to determine bacterial taxonomy. Though voltage of all tMFCs increased throughout the incubation period, those exposed to urea had an output of 692 mV compared to 1011 mV observed in the controls. In both control and urea tMFCs, maximum voltage output during peak performance was signiﬁcantly greater in the static temperature incubation than in cyclic. Bacterial diversity was signiﬁcantly higher in the control tMFCs and was signiﬁcantly higher at the cathode surface under cyclic temperature conditions. A previously trained machine learning model was able to accurately discern control vs. urea tMFCs despite the diurnal temperature conditions with 99% accuracy. These data show that diurnal temperature ﬂuctuations had minimal impact on the bacterial community, and the presence of a contaminant was a strong predictor of tMFC community composition.

Spring fish operations begin on Snake, Columbia rivers

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:49:00 GMT

Spring fish passage operations began April 3 at federal dams on the lower Snake River and will begin April 10 on the lower Columbia River.

President’s FY27 Budget: $23.8 million for Little Rock District projects

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:46:10 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District reports that the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget includes $23.8 million in federal funding for the district’s civil works program.

EIS underway for proposed Perkins County Canal project

Delanie Stafford — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:33:19 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, is serving as the lead federal agency responsible for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement and evaluating a federal permit application for the proposed Perkins County Canal project. A Section 404 permit application was submitted by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment and was determined complete by USACE, along with a formal determination that an EIS is required due to the project’s potential to significantly affect the environment.

USACE completes emergency stabilization work on Village Creek Levee

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:31:48 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District has completed emergency stabilization work on the Village Creek Levee near Newport, Arkansas.