14 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTIFICATION: Coincidence Processing of Photon-Sensitive Mapping Lidar Data

Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/35599  Report Number: ERDC/GRL TR-20-1 Title: Coincidence Processing of Photon-Sensitive Mapping Lidar Data By Christian Marchant, Ryan Kirkpatrick, and David Ober Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited February 2020 Abstract: Photon-sensitive mapping lidar systems are able to image at greater collection area rates and ranges than linear-mode systems. However, these systems also experience greater noise levels due to shot noise, image blur, and dark current, which must be filtered out before the imagery can be exploited. Described in this report is a synthetic test data set of imagery from a notional airborne Geiger-mode lidar. Also described is the Bridge Sign algorithm, which uses a least-squares technique for noise filtering. The algorithm’s performance was validated using synthetic test imagery of both a toy scene and of a realistic scene, which were generated using the parameters of a notional airborne Geiger-mode system. Analysis of the results shows the technique effectively removes noise and preserves fine details with good fidelity. 30 pages / 1.568 Mb

14 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Numerical Sedimentation Investigation Mississippi River Cairo to Pilots Station

Report Number: MRG&P Report No. 30 Title: Numerical Sedimentation Investigation Mississippi River Cairo to Pilots Station By Ronald R. Copeland, Leslie Lombard, Roger A. Gaines Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited February 2020 Abstract:  A HEC-6T numerical model of the entire Lower Mississippi River between the end of Southwest Pass and the confluence of the Ohio River was developed. The model, which included over 1000 river miles, was calibrated to 1991-2002 measured data. The purpose of the numerical sedimentation model was to provide a tool to evaluate the long-term and system –wide effects of specific Mississippi River and Tributaries Project features. Model applications related to the effects of sediment diversions and the effects of dredging in the New Orleans District were demonstrated. The model demonstrated the effects of new constrictive works on the long-term and short-term river morphology. The model was used to test the effects of changes in upstream sediment inflow. The model’s ability to assess the effects of natural geomorphic changes, such as erosion of hard points, was demonstrated. Future application of this model to specific project sites should include the addition of more detailed geometry in the area of interest. 230 pages / 7.8 Mb

14 Apr 2020

Additional boundary line maintenance at Bull Shoals Lake

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. – The Army Corps of Engineers is advising landowners adjacent to public lands on Bull Shoals Lake that work crews are conducting additional boundary line maintenance.

14 Apr 2020

Tribal Partnership Program: Upper Sioux Community, Minnesota River

The study will assess the problems and opportunities being faced by the Upper Sioux Community on their tribal lands and make recommendations related to erosion along the Minnesota River adjacent to and impacting those lands.

14 Apr 2020

Maine Department of Marine Resources seeks Corps permit to build pens to raise Atlantic salmon in Cutler

The Maine Department of Marine Resources is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District to conduct work in waters of the U.S. in conjunction with constructing pens to raise Atlantic salmon in Cutler, Maine. The Maine Department of Marine Resources is proposing to install and maintain up to four, 22.28 meter (m) diameter circular floating fish pens (70m in circumference) within a polygonal shaped area with sides measuring 191m x 88m x 191m x 88m off the south shore of Little River (Cutler Harbor) in Cutler, Maine. The pens will be connected together to form a four pen line and will be secured by 2,200 pound anchors and 4,000 pound granite or concrete blocks.

14 Apr 2020

Corps proposes revisions to compensatory mitigation for impacts to aquatic resources in New England

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District is proposing revisions to the district’s compensatory mitigation standard operating procedures for impacts to aquatic resources associated with Department of the Army permits in New England. A public notice on May 28, 2019 led the Corps to revised and updated compensatory mitigation standard operating procedures. What was called “mitigation guidance” in the past is now referred to as “mitigation standard operating procedures.” 

14 Apr 2020

Pine Island Real Estate, LLC, seeks Corps of Engineers permit to expand marina in Groton

Pine Island Real Estate, LLC, is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District to conduct work in waters of the U.S. in conjunction with work to increase the amount of vessels that the marina can accommodate in Groton, Connecticut. This work is proposed in Pine Island Bay at 916 Shennecossett Road in Groton.

14 Apr 2020

Ready to Advertise despite COVID-19

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District recently met a ‘tasker’ milestone known as “Ready to Advertise” for the Clack and Norfolk Seepage Remediation Project, all while adapting to newly placed COVID-19 work procedures. About ten days before BCOE (Bidability, Constructability, Operability, and Environmental) certification, Project Delivery Team members Jeremy Ruffell, John Hudson, Kevin Keller, Conrad Stacks, Brian Johnson, Josh Koontz, and Andrew Smothers, along with many other USACE employees, were sent home for mass telework.

13 Apr 2020

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes request for comment on proposed revision to regulation governing possession of firearms

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) today published in the Federal Register a request for comments on a proposed revision to its regulation governing the possession and transportation of firearms at USACE-managed Water Resources Development Projects.

13 Apr 2020

Vicksburg District provides update on forecasts, conditions across region - April 13

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District provided an update on forecasts and conditions across the district’s jurisdiction April 13. The National Weather Service has forecasted an average of 0.5-1.5 inches of rainfall over the Lower Mississippi River Valley over the next seven days. As of 2 p.m. April 13, the Mississippi River is 43.1 feet at Arkansas City, Arkansas; 54.2 feet at Greenville, Mississippi; and 50.3 feet at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The river is beginning to fall at each of these locations. Based on current forecasts, the Mississippi River at Natchez, Mississippi, is expected to crest at 57.4 feet April 13. These predictions are based on two days of forecasted rainfall and may change based on future rainfall.