• Applicability of CoastSnap, a Crowd-Sourced Coastal Monitoring Approach for US Army Corps of Engineers District Use

    Abstract: This US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, technical report details the pilot deployment, accuracy evaluation, and best practices of the citizen-science, coastal-image monitoring program CoastSnap. Despite the need for regular observational data, many coastlines are monitored infrequently due to cost and personnel, and this cell phone-image-based approach represents a new potential data source to districts in addition to providing an outreach opportunity for the public. Requiring minimal hardware and signage, the system is simple to install but requires user-image processing. Analysis shows the CoastSnap-derived shorelines compare well to real-time kinematic and lidar-derived shorelines during low-to-moderate wave conditions (root mean square errors [RMSEs] <10 m). During high-wave conditions, errors are higher (RMSE up to 18 m) but are improved when incorporating wave run-up. Beyond shoreline quantification, images provide other qualitative information such as storm-impact characteristics and timing of the formation of beach scarps. Ultimately, the citizen-science tool is a viable low-cost option to districts for monitoring shorelines and tracking the evolution of coastal projects such as beach nourishments.
  • USACE seeks public comments on DAPL Draft Environmental Impact Statement

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers –Omaha District is seeking public comments on the recently published Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Dakota Access, LLC’s request for an easement under the Mineral Leasing Act for the Dakota Access Pipeline. The Dakota Access Pipeline crosses the Corps-managed federal land at Lake Oahe, North Dakota. The DEIS is not a decision and does not authorize the easement. This milestone is the second step in the National Environmental Policy Act environmental review process and will be followed by a Final Environmental Impact Statement. The Final Environmental Impact Statement will include public comments that were received during the Draft Environmental Impact Statement public review period.
  • More than mandatory – Omaha District trains new employees to encourage a growth mindset

    The staff at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District is growing. With a budget increasing year-over-year, taking on new projects, and a commitment to delivering engineering solutions effectively, hiring initiatives are taking place across the district’s offices and divisions.
  • Corps of Engineers hosts open house at Lock and Dam 10

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is hosting an open house at Lock and Dam 10, in Guttenberg, Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 23, in conjunction with the 33rd annual GermanFest.
  • USACE announces Project Delivery Team Meeting for Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) Operational Plan on September 28

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District announces a virtual public Project Delivery Team (PDT) for the CEPP Operational Plan on Thursday, September 28, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. “The purpose of this Project Delivery Team Meeting is to provide our partners, stakeholders and the public an update on the pre-formulation model runs and an introduction of the upcoming alternatives analysis for the CEPP Operational Plan in the southern part of our Central and Southern Florida system,” said Senior Project Manager Chrissie Figueroa.
  • Public Invited to Attend International Kootenay Lake Board of Control Meeting in Nelson, B.C

    Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend the annual meeting of the International Kootenay Lake Board of Control Tuesday, September 19, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. (PDT) in Nelson, British Columbia. This meeting is regarding the regulation of Kootenay Lake and the operation of Corra Linn Dam under the International Joint Commission’s Orders of Approval.
  • Ribbon Cutting for Accessible Kayak Dock at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary

    WEST ALTON, MO – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 10th, at 10:00 A.M. for an accessible kayak dock and launch at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, Missouri. This dock will connect to the existing accessible trail system at the Sanctuary and will include a transfer bench that enables kayakers to transition both in and out of their kayak from a seated position.
  • Maintenance dredging contract award: Wilmington Harbor Anchorage Basin & Mid-River

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wilmington District awarded an $18 million contract to Norfolk Dredging Company on 1 September 2023, for the maintenance dredging of the Wilmington Harbor Anchorage Basin and Mid-River Channels.
  • Los Angeles District’s Jose Paredez selected for ERDC University

    Researchers from 10 U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Districts have been selected for the 2023 session of the Engineer Research and Development Center University (ERDC-U). Jose Paredez, a civil engineer with the Los Angeles District, was chosen to participate in the detail program, now in its eighth year.
  • Army engineers break ground on third elementary school for largest overseas U.S. military installation

    Beneath a blue sky and nestled among family housing towers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District joined the Ministry of National Defense - Defense Installation Agency (MND-DIA), Eighth Army, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys and the Department of Defense Education Activity to break ground on a new elementary school for the installation on Sept. 7, 2023.