1 Apr 2020

Corps inspects facilities across Minnesota and eastern North Dakota for potential community alternate care sites

ST. PAUL, Minn. –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is performing site inspections across Minnesota and eastern North Dakota to support a nationwide FEMA mission assignment to convert existing large spaces into community alternate care sites to augment COVID-19 response efforts.

1 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTIFICATION: Thin Layer Placement of Sediments for Restoring Ecological Function to Submerging Salt Marshes: A Quantitative Review of Scientific Literature

Purpose: The inundation of salt marshes, due in part to sea level rise, can result in elevation loss and a corresponding reduction in marsh ecological function. Several small-scale marsh restoration pilot projects have involved the addition of a thin layer of sediment to offset excessive inundation caused by loss of salt marsh elevation and resulting submergence. However, a comprehensive review, as well as a synthesis of project designs and the effects of sediment additions on ecological function, is lacking. This technical note reviews the impacts of thin layer placement of sediment on salt marsh ecological function and will serve as a resource for salt marsh restoration projects utilizing thin layer placement of sediments.

1 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Incidence of Zebra Mussel on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Structures

Abstract: Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are invasive/nuisance species first introduced into the Great Lakes region in the late 1980s. Since their introduction efforts have been underway to prevent and/or control their spread. Zebra mussel infestations can occur on submerged critical structure. For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) it is essential that hydraulic infrastructure are effectively and efficiently maintained to ensure proper water control and navigation. A study was conducted to determine the extent of the zebra mussel invasion on USACE districts and the impact zebra mussels have on USACE infrastructure. Consistent with available U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data, it was found that zebra mussels are present within 24 of the 36 continental United States USACE district boundaries, although San Francisco and Galveston Districts have only isolated populations in non-USACE waters. Albuquerque and Omaha Districts appear to be the two districts most at risk for invasion. While infestations are common, 62% of the districts with USACE infested waters reported no or minimal impacts on the infrastructure or operation/maintenance costs. Those districts with impacts did not normally have cost figures readily available. It was also found that 12 districts have or have had zebra mussel monitoring programs in place.

1 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Comparison of Benthic Fish Assemblages along Revetted and Natural Banks in the Lower Mississippi River: A 30-Year Perspective

Abstract: Benthic fish assemblages were compared in 2016-2017 among three different bank types in the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) using hoopnets: Articulated Concrete Mattress (ACM) along main channel banks, natural banks along main channel, and natural banks in a secondary channel. Species richness was highest in secondary channels (21 species), followed by ACM (20 species), and natural banks (16 species). However, abundance of dominant species (i.e., Flathead Catfish, Blue Catfish, Freshwater Drum, and Buffalo) differed seasonally. Blue Catfish were more abundant along natural banks and secondary channels during the summer. Flathead Catfish abundance peaked during the summer in the secondary channels but were also abundant along ACM year-round. Freshwater Drum abundance was highest along natural banks in the winter and ACM in the spring. Juvenile Buffalo utilized secondary channels in the winter indicating the importance of these habitats for over-wintering fishes. Comparison of the native benthic fish assemblage between 1985 and 2016 17 revealed minimal differences in species composition and abundance indicating long-term stability and resilience of LMR fishes. An exception was the prevalence of Asian Carp (Silver and Bighead), which were two to three times higher than any native species.

1 Apr 2020

Chicago District protects workforce, remains fully operational during COVID-19 public health emergency

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, is taking precautionary measures to protect its workforce, while also remaining fully operational during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The district has a plan in place for continuity of operations during a pandemic crisis such as COVID-19, and is prepared to respond to changes accordingly.

1 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Guidelines for Minimizing Potable Water Loss Due to Water Distribution System Flushing

Abstract: Executive Order 13834 (White House 2018) mandates the reduction of water consumption from potable and non-potable water distribution systems to increase readiness and security. Flushing of water distribution systems potentially wastes large quantities of water. This work developed and administered an installation survey to assess the prevalence of potable water flushing at Army installations, and used the information gathered from that survey to identify available technologies to recommend best management practices that reduce flushing and/or that reduce water loss due to flushing. Specific recommendations include changes to lessen the need to flush and practices that optimize necessary flushing.

1 Apr 2020

FED personnel earn certifications which helps increase district productivity

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea-- Recently, two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Far East District (FED) employees completed certifications that are instrumental when dealing with users, construction personnel and commissioning, and elevator inspections. Ho, Sung and Brian Cohill, both project engineers, recently completed training to become Qualified Commissioning Process Providers (QCxP) and Qualified Elevator Inspectors (QEI).

31 Mar 2020

Vicksburg District provides update on forecasts, conditions across region - March 31

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District provided an update on forecasts and conditions across the district’s jurisdiction March 31. 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. The Mississippi River is expected to crest at Arkansas City, Arkansas, at 43 feet April 6; Greenville, Mississippi, at 54.5 feet April 7; Vicksburg, Mississippi, at 50 feet April 8; and Natchez, Mississippi, at 57 feet April 9. These predictions are based on two days of forecasted rainfall and may change based on future rainfall. Based on seven days of forecasted rainfall, the Yazoo Backwater Area is expected to crest at 96-96.5 feet in the coming weeks.

31 Mar 2020

Pittsburgh District Works to Increase Treatment Facilities’ Capacity

During the past week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, in collaboration with federal, local and state partners, deployed assessment teams to evaluate the viability of three possible alternate care facilities (ACF) in western Pennsylvania.

31 Mar 2020

On the Road Again: LTG Semonite discusses Javits Center

Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, USACE Commanding General and 54th Chief of Engineers, speaks with New York District commander Col. Thomas Asbery on March 27, 2020, about Coronavirus response efforts at New York's Javits Convention Center in coordination with federal, state and local partners.