• Microbial Dynamics of a Fluidized Bed Bioreactor Treating Perchlorate in Groundwater

    Abstract: Optimization of operation and performance of the groundwater treatment system regarding perchlorate removal at Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant (LHAAP) is dependent on specific conditions within the reactor and the larger groundwater treatment process. This study evaluated the microbial community compositions within the plant during periods of adequate perchlorate degradation, sub-adequate perchlorate degradation, and non-operating conditions. Factors affecting the performance of the LHAAP ground water treatment system (GWTS) perchlorate de-grading fluidized bed reactor (FBR) are identified and discussed. Isolation of the FBR from naturally occurring microbial populations in the groundwater was the most significant factor reducing system effectiveness. The microbial population within the FBR is highly susceptible to system upsets, which leads to declining diversity within the reactor. As designed, the system operates for extended periods without the desired perchlorate removal without intervention such as a seed inoculant. A range of modifications and the operation of the system are identified to increase the effectiveness of perchlorate removal at LHAAP.
  • Informing the Community Engagement Framework for Natural and Nature-based Projects: An Annotated Review of Leading Stakeholder and Community Engagement Practices

    Abstract: In its infrastructure development work, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) engages and collaborates with numerous local, state, and national stakeholders. Projects incorporating innovative approaches, such as beneficial use (BU) of dredged materials and other natural and nature-based features (NNBF), are often not well-understood by stakeholders, including those at the community level. This often results in conflicts and project delays. By sponsoring the development of a Community Engagement Framework, the Dredging Operations and Environmental Research (DOER) program hopes to systematically improve how project teams design, conduct, and measure effective community engagement on infrastructure projects. The purpose of this focused Review was to assesses leading stakeholder and community engagement practices that reflect the state of practice of stakeholder engagement within USACE, and by other leading organizations in the US and internationally, to inform development of the Community Engagement Framework. While the resulting Framework will be particularly well-suited for community engagement on projects incorporating BU and other NNBF, it will be applicable to a broad range of USACE Civil Works’ initiatives where effective stakeholder engagement is critical to project success. The assessment showed the practice of stakeholder engagement has evolved significantly over the past 30 years, with much more focus today on ensuring that engagement processes are purposeful, meaningful, collaborative, and inclusive - reflecting stakeholders’ desire to participate in co-creating sustainable solutions that produce environmental, economic, and social benefits. This, and other key findings, are informing development of the Community Engagement Framework which is scalable and adaptable to a broad range of projects across the USACE missions.
  • Commander emphasizes to graduates that leadership is a team sport

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 15, 2022) – A dozen employees with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District graduated yesterday from the second level of the Leadership Development Program during a ceremony at the district headquarters.
  • District awards contract for phase three development of Zorinsky Lake maintenance corridor

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Contracting Division recently awarded a $479,740 contract on behalf of the Missouri River Project Office to create a maintenance corridor along the northern portion of the federal property line at Zorinsky Lake in Omaha between 189th Avenue and 167th Street.
  • USACE Vicksburg District clarifies new velvet deer season does not apply at its projects

    VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District would like to remind visitors to Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid, and Grenada Lakes that the new velvet deer season in the state of Mississippi does not apply to USACE lands.
  • Major features of Louisville VA Medical Center project lay down foundations for future work

    After 10 months of construction on the site of the Louisville VA Medical Center, area residents are starting to see the beginnings of the facility rise out of the ground. Much of this year has been spent on various earthwork preparations, but great strides have been made in several foundation-laying portions of the project over the last several months.
  • Lewis and Clark Visitor Center end of season, fall operating hours

    Lewis and Clark Visitor Center hours of operation will change beginning Saturday, Sept. 17.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites volunteers to plant trees at W.P. Franklin Recreation Area on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 24

    ALVA, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District invites the public to participate in a day of service at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam Recreation Area near Alva on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 24, from 7:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. Activities include planting close to 3,000 native trees to reforest open land, provide habitat restoration and educational opportunities for the local community. “We welcome volunteers of all ages to help us plant trees in an effort to reforest roughly 8.5 acres of land to create a natural Hardwood Hammock habitat at the W.P. Franklin Recreation Area as part of our Engineering with Nature Program,” said Col. James Booth, Jacksonville District Commander. This is the first of several opportunities that will be available to members of the local community who would like to volunteer to plant and restore native canopy and understory plants and grasses in an open area at the W.P. Franklin Recreation Area.”
  • Big Island Seepage Remediation Project substantially complete

    Congratulations to the Memphis District for completing a seepage remediation construction project on July 16, 2022. This much-needed project reduced seepage along the St. Francis River levee. Seepage remediation berms help prevent water from passing under levees, which can later lead to sand boils and threaten the overall integrity of the flood protection system.
  • MEDIA ADVISORY: Port Arthur Media Roundtable

    The Port Arthur Project, a component of the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Program (S2G Program), will host a media roundtable September 19, 2022, to provide an opportunity for media to ask the project delivery team questions about project progress.