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  • Interlaboratory Study of Polyethylene and Polydimethylsiloxane Polymeric Samplers for Ex Situ Measurement of Freely Dissolved Hydrophobic Organic Compounds in Sediment Porewater

    Abstract: We evaluated the precision and accuracy of multilaboratory measurements for determining freely dissolved concentrations (Cfree) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediment porewater using polydimethylsiloxane and low-density polyethylene polymeric samplers. Four laboratories exposed performance reference compound (PRC) preloaded polymers to actively mixed and static ex situ sediment for approximately one month or more. For Cfree results, intralaboratory precision was high for single compounds; most PAHs and PCBs variability was low. Variability was higher for most hydrophobic PAHs, PCBs, and naphthalene, which were present at low concentrations and required larger PRC-based corrections. Intra- and interlaboratory variability between methods was low. Cfree polymer equilibrium was achieved in approximately one month during active exposures, suggesting using PRCs may be avoided for ex situ analysis using comparable active exposure; however, such testing may not reflect field conditions. Polymer-derived Cfree concentrations for most PCBs and PAHs averaged within a factor of 2 compared with concentrations in isolated porewater; difference factors of up to 6 were observed for naphthalene and the most hydrophobic PAHs and PCBs. Cfree results were similar for academic and private sector laboratories. The accuracy and precision demonstrated for determinating Cfree using polymer sampling are anticipated to increase regulatory acceptance and confidence.

  • Cannelton employee uses recycled materials as inspiration for art

    Chris Carl has had an interest in art for as long as she can remember. What began with something as

  • Grand Haven North Pier, Government Basin work begins Wednesday

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, will begin maintenance projects at the Grand Haven Government Basin and North Pier in Grand Haven, Michigan beginning Wednesday, May 22.  About $1 million will be spent to replenish stone at the rubble mound revetment wall on the eastern edge of the basin, replace aging timber fenders on the basin pier structure, and fill a large concrete void on the North Pier. 

  • Public invited to open house, ribbon cutting for new Thomson Ranger Station

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, invites the public to an open house at the Thomson Ranger Station in Thomson, Illinois, May 29 from 1-3 p.m. with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m. The new building, which is located near the entrance of the Thomson Causeway Recreation Area at 1600 Lewis Avenue, replaces a rented office space that the Corps occupied in downtown Thomson for more than 20 years.

  • U.S. Army’s premier engineer award presented posthumously to Medal of Honor recipient

    SAVANNAH. Ga. -- U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher A. Celiz was posthumously presented the Gold Order of the de Fleury Medal, the highest honor in the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment, during a ceremony today in Savannah, Georgia.

  • Dworshak Dam discharge increasing to safely control the rate of reservoir fill

    AHSAHKA, Idaho – Dworshak Dam is currently releasing 1,600 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flows will begin increasing on the evening of Tuesday, May 21st to be in the approximate range of 3,000-5,000 cfs.

  • Corps to temporarily close Bell Road over J. Percy Priest Dam for maintenance

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 17, 2024) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announces Bell Road across J. Percy Priest Dam is closing at 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2024, until 6 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, for routine maintenance activities.

  • Single lane closure scheduled for Highway 177 across Norfork Dam

    MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is scheduling a single lane closure of Highway 177 across Norfork Dam starting at 7 a.m. May 29, 2024, and continuing through late January 2025, for routine maintenance.

  • USACE FY24 Civil Works Work Plan provides funding to advance Louisville Metro Flood Protection System Reconstruction Project

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Louisville District will receive $5.3 million in federal funding to advance the Louisville Metro Flood Protection System Reconstruction Project. The funds, which were included as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Work Plan for the Army Civil Works program, will be used to initiate the construction phase of the project.

  • USACE closes swim beaches until further notice

    ROGERS, Ark. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Beaver Lake Project Office is closing swim beaches at Hickory Creek, Horseshoe Bend Campground, Indian Creek, Lost Bridge South, Prairie Creek, Rocky Branch Day Use, Rocky Branch Campground, Dam Site Island, War Eagle and Horseshoe Bend Day Use Area until further notice.