News Releases

Union Grove Campground at Stillhouse Hollow Lake Reopens Following Construction Improvements

Press Operations — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:21:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Stillhouse Hollow Lake is excited to announce Union Grove Campground has reopened following the completion of major construction improvements, with campsites 1–12 now available for public use.

MKARNS Nav Notice SWL 26-32 Scheduled Lock Closure Update

Press Operations — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:09:53 GMT

The partial closure of James A. Trimble Lock and Dam No. 13 (NM 292.8) has been extended through November 18, 2026.

Evaluating the Impact of Installation of Coastal Structure on Sediment Transport

Press Operations — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:21:00 GMT

Abstract: A coastal wave, hydrodynamic and sediment transport model was developed and applied for a small port in an estuarine system. The study focused on evaluating the installation of coastal structures at the modular causeway mooring field of the port, aiming to reduce sedimentation, maximize the usable waterway, and mitigate the potential for impact on the wetland adjacent to the mooring area. The model performance on sediment transport and morphology change was demonstrated by the comparison of survey data and model calculations. The modeled current fields support a plausible sediment source concerning the material accretion and channel infilling in the mooring field. The installation of a solid structure, a riprap or a sheet pile, surrounding the mooring field can act as a sediment barrier in the study area, which can reduce current and erosion in the identified sediment source area behind the mooring field and result in less sediment supply to the mooring field and the channel area over built structures.

Decadal Data Set of Hourly Beach Profile Evolution in Duck, NC

Press Operations — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:19:00 GMT

Abstract: This paper presents initial results of a decadal dataset of sub-aerial beach profile evolution collected at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Field Research Facility in Duck, NC using a stationary terrestrial lidar scanner (TLS) mounted above the dune. The data are processed using an automated work flow in near realtime and are made public for the coastal science and engineering community to use at (https://chlthredds.erdc.dren.mil/). At submission, the data set consisted of 48,911 processed cross-shore profiles that passed the automated quality assurance quality control checks (81% of the 60,6046 collected scans). A basic description of the dataset is provided, including example storm impact and beach recovery sequences, and an initial investigation is presented that relates pre-storm beach morphology, storm wave power, and profile response and highlights the importance of initial beach state.

L‐Band InSAR Snow Water Equivalent Retrieval Uncertainty Increases with Forest Cover Fraction

Press Operations — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:17:00 GMT

Abstract: There is a pressing need for global monitoring of snow water equivalent (SWE) at high spatiotemporal resolution, and L‐band (1–2 GHz) interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) holds promise. However, the technique has not seen extensive evaluation in forests. We evaluated this technique across varying forest canopy conditions using eight InSAR pairs collected at the Fraser Experimental Forest, Colorado, USA by NASA UAVSAR during the 10‐week NASA SnowEx 2021 Campaign. Compared with in situ measurements, we found root mean squared errors (RMSEs) of 14–17 mm for SWE changes in forest cover fractions (FCF) < 0.40, but RMSEs increased to 33–40 mm at FCF > 0.50. Statistical distributions between normalized lidar snow depths and normalized UAVSAR SWE were similar at FCF < 0.5, but diverged at FCF > 0.50. Thus, the upcoming NISAR L‐band satellite has strong potential for global snowpack monitoring, including below sparse to moderate forest cover.

Techno-Economic Feasibility of Borehole Thermal Energy Storage System Connected to Geothermal Heat Pumps for Seasonal Heating Load of Two Buildings in Fairbanks, Alaska

Press Operations — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:15:36 GMT

Abstract: Borehole thermal energy storage is an effective solution for managing imbalanced heating and cooling loads in cold regions. This study evaluated the long-term feasibility of a BTES system in the Fairbanks area, Alaska, through building energy modeling, resource characterization, and numerical modeling. The system was designed to store waste heat from a nearby coal power plant during summer and provide thermal energy during winter to geothermal heat pumps supplying heating loads in two buildings. Heating load proﬁles were modeled for the buildings using EnergyPlus, and the results indicated the annual heating load was 5.6 times greater than the cooling load. 40 borehole heat exchangers were pre-designed approximately 100 m away from the two buildings in terms of land availability and regulatorily optimized depth. The 20-year performance of the designed BTES system under two operational scenarios—one with a 5-year preheating period and one without—was numerically modeled using subsurface temperature and properties characterized through the literature review and thermal response tests. Both scenarios demonstrated that the BTES has the capacity to fully cover the heating loads in the two buildings throughout the 20-year lifetime. Production temperatures at central wells were 33% higher on average than at outer wells in both scenarios. The 5-year preheating period increased subsurface and extraction temperatures, and correspondingly annual average and total thermal energy production was higher for 8 years than in the scenario without the preheating period. These results highlight the long-term reliability and sustainability of the BTES system in meeting heating demands over its lifetime, with the preheating period offering potential performance improvements. Implementing the BTES system in cold regions with high heating demand, such as Fairbanks, Alaska, could provide a long-term, sustainable energy solution for managing imbalanced heating and cooling loads.

Bridge work alert: Sagamore Bridge short-term lane restrictions

Press Operations — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:57:00 GMT

Maintenance work will be performed on the Sagamore Bridge on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this time, traffic on the Sagamore Bridge will be reduced to one lane of travel in each direction to accommodate the work. The sidewalk on the bridge will remain open during work. No wide loads will be permitted to cross the bridge while the lane restrictions are in place.

In Just 10 Days, Conneaut Harbor Dredging Completed

Press Operations — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:21:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, completed dredging today of approximately 75,000 cubic yards of sediment from Conneaut Harbor in just 10 days, ensuring safe and navigable waterways for Great Lakes commercial vessels, recreational boaters and other harbor users on Lake Erie. The work was completed 33% faster than planned. The dredged sediment is being recycled and beneficially used through the City of Conneaut and Conneaut Port Authority.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes decommissioning and dismantlement of historic SM-1 nuclear power plant

Press Operations — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:02:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, has completed all field activities associated with the decommissioning and dismantlement of the former SM-1 nuclear power plant at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, marking the conclusion of a complex environmental and radiological engineering mission underway since 2020.

Approach to Deploy, Attract, and Destroy Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins: Adsorptive and Destructive Printed Structures

Press Operations — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:02:56 GMT

Purpose: This technical note describes a novel capability for applying nanocomposite structures to adsorb and destroy harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins, including a path for the manufacturing process to transition to industry for wider-scale use. While previous work supported performance of the adsorb-only or destroy-only mechanisms, the innovation of this technology is to combine both mechanisms to work in concert. A road map is included for how these structures could be made and applied using three potential scenarios for field deployment: (1) mats applied to small, stagnant areas; (2) structures integrated into a pump-and-treat system for constricted waterways or discharges; and (3) use with a UV-enabled boat in open water.

Enhancing Early-Season Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms Caused by Sediment-Borne Overwintering Cyanobacteria Using Metagenomic and qPCR Tools

Press Operations — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:00:42 GMT

Abstract: To better inform adaptive management strategies for harmful algal blooms (HABs), there is a critical need to improve detection capabilities of bloom risks earlier in the growing season. Emerging molecular tools such as metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and ampliﬁcation-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) can accurately identify the taxonomy of cyanobacteria and akinetes of which the latter are particularly challenging to distinguish morphologically and estimate their abundance. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of these advanced molecular tools to assessing the presence, density, and planktonic growth potential of overwintering cyanobacterial cells in sediments from historically HAB-impacted waterbodies in the USA. We conducted 14-day incubation experiments using ﬁeld-collected lake sediments and characterized cyanobacterial taxonomy and abundance in the sediments (pre-incubation) and overlying water (post-incubation) using light microscopy, genus-speciﬁc qPCR, and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. By analyzing qualitative and quantitative results, we not only identiﬁed the prevailing cyanobacterial genera that moved from sediment to water column over the incubation but also determined their relative abundance and the cyano-bacterial genera consistent between sediment and water column. This study demonstrated that metagenomic and qPCR tools provided additional lines of evidence to augment traditional microscopy and improved taxonomic identiﬁcation and quantiﬁcation. Our approach can better inform planktonic growth potential of problematic cyanobacteria to enhance early detection capabilities, and guide targeted countermeasures taken to improve preventative or remedial HAB management, reducing environmental and public health impacts.

Corps of Engineers extends comment period on NorthMet Mining project

Press Operations — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:08:58 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is seeking public comments on a new permit application submitted by NewRange Copper Nickel, LLC, for the development of the NorthMet Mine in St. Louis County, Minnesota. The comment period has been extended from Sept. 12, 2026 until Sept. 27, 2026, to ensure that sufficient opportunity is provided to the public to consider and submit comments regarding the Corps of Engineers federal action.

Hartwell Lake Seeks Volunteers for Annual National Public Lands Cleanup

Press Operations — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:36:46 GMT

HARTWELL, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, Hartwell Dam and Lake Project Office is seeking volunteers for the fall “Splash Away the Trash” event on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in support of National Public Lands Day.

Goetz assumes command of South Pacific Division, Lloyd retires after 37 years of service

Press Operations — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:38:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Brig. Gen. Joseph C. “Clete” Goetz II assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division in a ceremony held Sept. 3 at the Sacramento Public Library in Sacramento, Calif.

Old Lock 1 Park to close temporarily for dredging operations

Press Operations — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:02:45 GMT

Old Lock 1 Park in Jackson, Alabama, will be temporarily closed to the public from September 8, 2026 - November 5, 2026, to accommodate scheduled dredging operations in the area.

Synthesis of 4′-Methyl-[2,2′-bipyridine]-4-carbaldehyde from 4,4′-Dimethyl-2,2′-dipyridyl Toward Metal Complex Design

Press Operations — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:57:00 GMT

Purpose: The 4′-methyl-[2,2′-bipyridine]-4-carbaldehyde synthesized using the improved method discussed below will be used in the reaction with supramolecular scaffolds. Once connected to the supramolecular scaffold, it will be complexed with several metal ions to observe excited state photophysics.

Using the ERDC Wellbot to Prevent and Remediate Biochemical Fouling in Relief Wells

Press Operations — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:53:00 GMT

Abstract: Relief wells relieve subsurface hydrostatic pressures that may develop within the foundations of dams, levees, and hydraulic structures. When these wells become fouled, they can lose their ability to reduce the hydrostatic pressure around the structure, which compromises its safety. Current methods for addressing fouling in relief wells can be hazardous, labor-intensive, ineffective, and expensive. This study tested the effectiveness of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Wellbot, an autonomous device that integrates UVC-emitting lamps with brushes to facilitate both physical and chemical removal of biofilm and chemical scale on the interior screen and casing of a well. The Wellbot was tested in 19 relief wells at two dams. Results were mixed, with the Wellbot generally outperforming conventional cleaning methods in qualitative visual comparison, matching conventional treatment in water level reduction, and either matching or underperforming conventional treatment in producing a specific capacity improvement. The Wellbot was simple to operate by a single person, and no training or technical expertise was required. The study identified the need for an automatic shutoff function, which, once implemented, should ready the Wellbot for wider deployment across the US Army Corps of Engineer’s more than 225 dam and levee systems.

Helper boat assisting vessels navigating through Kentucky Lock

Press Operations — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:52:20 GMT

GRAND RIVERS, Ky. (Sept. 8, 2026) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announced today that an assist boat is helping commercial tows safely navigate through Kentucky Lock following recent wall damage.

Slovenian Transportation Network Impacts from Landslides and Flooding

Press Operations — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:51:00 GMT

Abstract: Slovenia’s mountainous terrain and extensive river systems create significant risk to its national transportation network, particularly from flooding and landslides. This report presents a comprehensive risk assessment of the country’s road and railway systems to identify the most vulnerable infrastructure segments. The analysis integrated hydraulic modeling and national hazard datasets within a geographic information system framework. Flood hazards were modeled for 100-year and 500-year flood events using 1D and 2D HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System) software, with flow inputs derived from a frequency analysis of 71 stream gauges. Landslide risk was evaluated using the national susceptibility map developed by the Geological Survey of Slovenia. Final risk scores for each road and rail segment were calculated by combining the hazard exposure with a vulnerability metric reflecting route importance and connectivity. Results show that flood risk is localized but critical, especially where infrastructure crosses the Drava, Mura, and Sava River valleys. In contrast, landslide risk is more widespread across mountainous regions, particularly along corridors linking the seaport at Koper and Ljubljana, which are essential for commercial and logistical movement. These findings provide a data-driven basis for prioritizing infrastructure improvements and strengthening transportation resilience.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Swim Beach Reopened at Blue Marsh Lake

Press Operations — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District has announced that the Swim Area at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area, Blue Marsh Lake, has been reopened.