• Kansas City District’s Alexander continues ERDC University Project

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District’s Jesseca Alexander is half-way through her major research project with the U.S Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) six-month detail program known as ERDC University, or ERDC-U.
  • ERDC employee inspires team members

    On August 7, 2022, Lavell Brown Jr., an employee of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Mississippi Army National Guard and the National Guard of the United States after completing Officer Candidate School (OCS).
  • Researchers test vehicle mobility and performance for Arctic environments

    Researchers from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory’s (CRREL) Force Projection and Sustainment Branch are researching new technology to assist the Army with achieving its objective of regaining Arctic dominance by ensuring Soldiers have vehicles equipped to handle the coldest regions on Earth.
  • ERDC sets the foundation with STEM summer camps and student tours

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) held a multitude of camps and tours this summer for students through the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). The program exposes young people to career paths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and offers many options ranging from middle school to graduate studies.
  • Potential Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) concerns at Tappan Lake

    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has determined that conditions exist in the outlet works area at Tappan Lake, Ohio that could result in the presence and possible release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gases.
  • Whitney Lake Staff Rescues Stranded Fishermen in Brazos River

    Staff with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District at Whitney Lake rescued two fishermen who had been stranded below the Whitney Dam in the Brazos River during a planned water release from the dam.
  • Army engineers welcome new district counsel

    Matthew Prieksat assumed duties as the new district counsel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District in April.
  • Thermal Infra-Red Comparison Study of Buried Objects between Humid and Desert Test Beds

    Abstract: This study pertains to the thermal variations caused by buried objects and their ramifications on soil phenomenology. A multitude of environmental conditions were investigated to observe the effect on thermal infrared sensor performance and detection capabilities. Correlations between these external variables and sensor contrast metrics enable determinable key factors responsible for sensor degradation. This document consists of two parts. The first part is a summary of data collected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer and Research and Development Center Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (ERDC-CRREL), ERDC-Geotechnical Structures Laboratory, and Desert Research Institute at the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) site in February 2020 and observations from this activity. The second part is a comparison of target visibility between data collected at YPG and data collected at the ERDC-CRREL test site in 2018.
  • Identification and Preventative Treatment of Overwintering Cyanobacteria in Sediments: A Literature Review

    Abstract: Freshwaters can experience growths of toxin-producing cyanobacteria or harmful algal blooms (HABs). HAB-producing cyanobacteria can develop akinetes, which are thick-enveloped quiescent cells akin to seeds in vascular plants or quiescent colonies that overwinter in sediment. Overwintering cells produce viable “seed beds” for HAB resurgences and preventative treatments may diminish HAB intensity. The purpose of this literature review was to identify (1) environmental factors triggering germination and growth of overwintering cells, (2) sampling, identification, and enumeration methods, and (3) feasibility of preventative algaecide treatments. Conditions triggering akinete germination (light ≥0.5 µmol m-2s-1, temperature 22-27℃) differ from conditions triggering overwintering Microcystis growth (temperature 15-30℃, nutrients, mixing). Corers or dredges are used to collect surficial (0-2 cm) sediment layers containing overwintering cells. Identification and enumeration via microscopy are aided by dilution, sieving, or density separation of sediment. Grow-out studies simulate environmental conditions triggering cell growth and provide evidence of overwintering cell viability. Lines of evidence supporting algaecide efficacy for preventative treatments include (1) field studies demonstrating scalability and efficacy of algaecides against benthic algae, (2) data suggesting similar sensitivities of overwintering and planktonic Microcystis cells to a peroxide algaecide, and (3) a mesocosm study demonstrating a decrease in HAB severity following preventative treatments. This review informs data needs, monitoring techniques, and potential efficacy of algaecides for preventative treatments of overwintering cells.
  • USACE announces public comment on proposed seepage barrier wall in the 8.5 Square Mile Area as part of the Central Everglades Planning Project (New Water Phase)

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District announces a 30-day public comment period for the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed construction of a 5-mile-long seepage barrier wall in the L-357W levee at the 8.5 Square Mile Area (8.5 SMA), Miami-Dade County, Florida. The Corps is also evaluating a request from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to modify the Modified Waters Deliveries to Everglades National Park Federal Civil Works project pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 408 to construct the 5-mile-long seepage barrier wall in the 8.5 SMA. Improved seepage management would allow for greater operational flexibility of the Central and Southern Florida Project. Comments are due September 12, 2022. Review the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Proposed FONSI at: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Section-408/Section-408-85-SMA-Seepage-Barrier-Wall/