ERDC researchers use mobile trailers to expand critical messaging along inland waterways

Carol C. Coleman, public affairs specialist — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:54:55 GMT

Low water, shoaling or missing buoys can cause hazardous conditions along our nation’s waterways, putting ships and crews at risk. Even the smallest disruptions in navigation can have catastrophic consequences for supply chains and the movement of essential goods across the country, impacting the economy. To help mitigate these hazards and strengthen gaps in broadcast coverage, researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) are using deployable mobile trailers to ensure that critical messages can be transmitted to vessel traffic.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Rough River Dam Safety Modification project marks beginning of work on Phase 2

Press Operations — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:32:17 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District joined local, state and federal officials July 21 to break ground on Phase 2 of the Rough River Dam Safety Modification project—a critical mega-project with an estimated total project cost of up to $891 million that will repair the high-risk dam and provide permanent flood risk reduction for downstream communities.

Corps of Engineers selects Hastings, Minnesota, resident for national award

Press Operations — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:29:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters selected Aaron Mikonowicz, St. Paul District senior landscape architect and Hastings, Minnesota, resident, as its 2026 recipient of the Landscape Architect of the Year.

Demonstration Validation of Air Supercritical Water Oxidation (AirSCWO 6) PFAS Destruction: Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Treatment by 374Water AirSCWO Technology

Press Operations — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:28:00 GMT

Abstract: The Department of Defense (DoD) faces significant environmental challenges regarding the disposal of legacy aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing persistent PFAS. This project, led by the US Army Engineer Re-search and Development Center (ERDC), evaluates the performance of the 374Water AirSCWO™ 6 system in destroying PFAS within AFFF. During the demonstration, 100 gal. of AFFF were treated, successfully meeting US EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFAS in the liquid effluent. The system achieved a destruction removal efficiency of 99.9993% for total PFAS as analyzed via the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) Assay (42 PFAS). Stack emissions remained below 500 g/h for vola-tile fluorinated compounds as measured by Other Test Method (OTM)–50. While the demister condensate exceeded US EPA PFAS MCLs, the total volume was negligible at less than 0.5 L. Energy efficiency analysis showed a consumption of 1.15 MWh per cubic meter of AFFF per order of magnitude of 42 PFAS destroyed and 12.9 kWh per gram of PFAS destroyed. Treatment costs varied and may range from $47 to $238 per gallon of AFFF. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of super-critical water oxidation technology for a safer disposal of legacy AFFF concentrates.

Col. Brendan “Mac” McEvoy assumes command of USACE Portland District

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:25:24 GMT

Army Col. Brendan John “Mac” McEvoy became the 65th commander of the Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, during a change-of-command ceremony at the district’s downtown headquarters today.

USACE dams reduced flood risk during December 2025 storms, helped prevent billions in potential damages

Louis R. Velasco — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:18:00 GMT

During one of western Washington's most significant flood events in recent history in December 2025, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood risk management dams, water managers and emergency response operations helped reduce flood risk across the Puget Sound region by holding back peak flows, protecting communities, and helping prevent an estimated $8.7 billion in potential flood damages.

Block release of water from Santa Rosa Reservoir scheduled to begin July 20, 2026

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:12:34 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Albuquerque District announced that it has scheduled a block release of water from Santa Rosa Lake, N.M., to start Monday, July 20, 2026, at 8:00 am.

USACE Vicksburg District selects George Harris as Natural Resources Manager at Sardis Lake

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:32:00 GMT

SARDIS, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District has selected George Harris as the new Natural Resources Manager at Sardis Lake.

Rend Lake Dam Road temporarily closed July 22

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:16:00 GMT

The Rend Lake Dam Road will be temporarily closed to all traffic on Wednesday, July 22 beginning at 7 a.m. through 5 p.m. for a routine safety inspection.

ACE-Mat: Medium- and Full-Scale Testing over Weak Soils

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:44:00 GMT

Abstract: The US Army lacks the capability to rapidly repair and upgrade damaged roads along mobility corridors in contested, complex environments. Damaged low-volume roads are often encountered in military operational scenarios for transporting troops, supplies, equipment, and materials. Airfield matting is a unique solution for rapid construction of airfields in austere environments. The study presented in this report used medium-scale testing to evaluate the performance of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ ACE-Mat over varying soil strengths for rapid road repair scenarios. Tests were run using cyclic plate loading, simulating the load and tire pressure of a common bridge transporter military vehicle. Tests were completed on the mat and directly on the soil for comparison. An additional full-scale field test was completed to validate the medium-scale testing. The results of all tests indicate that the ACE-Mat provides exceptional performance improvement of weak soils.

Autonomous Dredging in USACE: Opportunities, Constraints, Available Technology, and Technology Gaps

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:42:00 GMT

Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) dredges over 200 million cubic yards of sediment while maintaining federal waterways annually, at a cost exceeding one billion dollars. The dredging industry has identified autonomous dredging as a near-term possibility with long-term potential for implementation into standard USACE operations. USACE has the opportunity to identify where this emerging technology fits within its current dredging practice. In FY 2024, a team composed of project stakeholders from USACE districts and the US Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) experts across a range of dredging disciplines convened to distill their opinions into a special report outlining the opportunities and obstacles anticipated for USACE to implement autonomous dredging into its future dredging practice.

Quantifying Early-Age Oxidation to Inform Performance-Based Specifications for Surface Treatments on Airfield Asphalt Pavements

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:40:00 GMT

Abstract: This report details a laboratory evaluation, including 1,024 tests, where progression of early-age oxidation was monitored in three airfield asphalt pavements during the first year after construction. The motivation was to provide a foundational understanding of early-age oxidation in airfield asphalt pavements to inform properties of interest to understand optimal timing for applying surface treatments. Testing evaluated near-surface oxidation using traditional methods found in literature (i.e., extracted and recovered asphalt binder properties) and a more novel approach using mixture properties related to distresses due to oxidation (i.e., cracking) that are believed to have greater potential for specifying surface treatment products. Nearly all results indicated meaningful oxidation occurs within the first 12 or 18 months after construction; however, this oxidation is limited to the top 6.3 mm of the pavement surface. In terms of conventional performance grading (PG) assessments, the degree of aging equated to one to two high PG increases in the near-surface as early as 8 months. Bending beam rheometer (BBR) mix beam testing generally agreed with other mixture and binder tests, providing confidence in its validity. From this, m-value emerged as the recommended parameter for analyzing oxidative aging and surface treatment products moving forward.

Commentary: Managing Sediment for Navigation and Nature

Pentagon News — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:07:17 GMT

Mobile Bay is more than just a beautiful body of water; it is a vital natural estuary and the undeniable economic heartbeat of Alabama.

USACE lifts small craft advisory for Arkansas River

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:18:30 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is lifting the small craft advisory for the Arkansas River. Small craft advisories are issued when flows reach 70,000 cubic feet per second.

ERDC, USACE Mobile District deploy innovative 3D-printed oyster reefs in Mobile Bay

Justus Reed, Public Affairs Specialist — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:16:05 GMT

Maintaining the nation’s waterways requires removal of millions of cubic yards of sediment to keep navigation channels safe and reliable. A team at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is advancing a different way of thinking about material: rather than treating dredged sediment solely as something to manage, how it can it be used as an engineering resource to strengthen coastal systems? ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mobile District and regional partners are evaluating whether dredged sediment can be transformed into 3D-printed structures that provide oyster habitat, improve shoreline resilience and expand beneficial use opportunities.

District SB chief earns DoD Small Business professional credential

Office of Corporate Communications — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:06:00 GMT

Mariano Torres‑Feliciano, chief of the Small Business Program for the Latin America & Caribbean District, earned the Department of Defense Small Business Professional Credential on July 2, 2026. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Torres‑Feliciano’s professional development and the highlights the district’s commitment to strengthening opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses across the region.

Spillway flow test conducted for Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project

Delanie Stafford — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:04:00 GMT

A functional spillway flow test was conducted at the Garrison Dam in late June marking a first for the Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project. Engineers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District conducted the test to evaluate the long-term performance and reliability of the structure while ensuring it is ready for future flood events.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Awards $7 Million Contract for Snow’s Cut Shoreline Stabilization

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wilmington District announced today a contract award for critical bank stabilization along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) at Snow’s Cut in New Hanover County, North Carolina.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to host Regulatory Transformation Workshop in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:06:04 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District Regulatory Division will be hosting a free Regulatory Transformation one-day workshop on August 4, 2026. The purpose of this workshop is to bring together Regulatory experts, as well as federal, state, and local partners and industry consultants, to share insights, network, and learn about the latest USACE policies, updates, and best practices.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin second Ocean City Inlet dredging cycle of 2026

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:00:46 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, is scheduled to remove approximately 5,000 cubic yards of dredged material from the Ocean City Inlet beginning Wednesday, July 22, 2026.