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  • 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/

  • Understanding and Improving Snow Processes in Noah-MP over the Northeast United States via the New York State Mesonet

    Abstract: Snow is a critical component of the global hydrologic cycle and is a key input to river and stream flow forecasts. In 2016, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration launched the National Water Model (NWM) to provide a high-fidelity numerical forecast of streamflow integrated with the broader atmospheric prediction modeling framework. The NWM is coupled to the atmospheric model using the Noah-MP land surface modeling framework. While snow in Noah-MP has been consistently evaluated in the western United States, less attention has been paid to understanding and optimizing its performance in the Northeast US (NEUS). The newly installed New York State Mesonet (NYSM), a network of high-quality surface meteorological stations distributed across New York State, provides a unique opportunity to evaluate Noah-MP performance in the NEUS. In this report, we document the methodology used to perform single-column simulations using meteorological inputs from the NYSM and compare the point evaluations against baseline NWM performance. We further discuss how enhanced surface energy balance measurements at a selection of NYSM sites can be used to evaluate specific components of Noah-MP and present initial results.

  • Thurmond Lake officials seek volunteers for National Public Lands Day 2022

    SAVANNAH, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, seeks individual and group volunteers for the annual J. Strom Thurmond Lake cleanup campaign on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 24, 2022.

  • Russell Lake seeks volunteers for National Public Lands Day Cleanup

    Savannah, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, is seeking volunteers to help clean up around Richard B. Russell Lake in recognition of National Public Lands Day Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.

  • Corps of Engineers begins Line 5 tunnel EIS scoping process

    DETROIT– The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is beginning the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline tunnel project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scoping process with the Notice of Intent (NOI) publishing in the Federal Register today. The NOI informs the public of the upcoming environmental analysis and describes how the public can become involved in the EIS process for the Enbridge’s Line 5 Pipeline Tunnel project proposal to cross the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Michigan. “The Notice of Intent starts the scoping process, the 60-day period in which the Corps of Engineers solicits Tribal Nation, agency and public input to help define the range of issues and potential alternatives the EIS should address,” said Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Brett Boyle. “The Corps of Engineers will ensure all voices are heard in an open, transparent and public EIS process.”

  • MKARNS Nav Notice SWL 22-40 Lock 13 Tow Haulage Out of Service

    MKARNS - Tow haulage equipment at Trimble Lock (No. 13) NM 292.8 is currently out of service.

  • Mississippi River Commission prepares for low-water inspection trip

    The Mississippi River Commission will conduct its annual low-water inspection trip on the Mississippi River, Aug. 22 – 26, 2022. Four public meetings are scheduled aboard the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI in selected towns along the river. Commission members will meet with local partners, stakeholders and residents and hear their concerns, ideas and issues. The meeting dates, times and locations are as follows: • August 22 9:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. Tiptonville, Tenn. (Riverside Park) • August 23 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Memphis, Tenn. (Beale Street Landing) • August 24 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Vicksburg, Miss. (City Front) • August 26 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Morgan City, La. (Port Commission Dock)

  • Louisville District celebrates Leadership Development Program graduations

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District celebrated the graduation of the participants of Leadership Development Program Level 1 July 12, and Level 2 on Aug. 4, at the Romano Mazzoli Federal Building in Louisville, Kentucky. Both Leadership Development Program Levels consist of 11-months of professional development to advance the students’ leadership skills through formal training, mentoring, and experiential learning. 

  • BP Cherry Point Terminal Final Environmental Impact Statement Released

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the North Wing of the BP Cherry Point Marine Terminal, which is located near Ferndale, Washington.