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  • Impacts of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) on Erosion Behavior of Muddy Sediment

    Abstract: Recent policy changes regarding the placement of dredged material have encouraged the USACE to increase its beneficial use (BU) of the sediments dredged from the nation’s navigation channels. A good portion of this material is fine grained (<63 mm), which traditionally has limited use in BU applications, in part due to its dispersive nature. A need exists to evaluate the potential of stabilizing and using fine-grained sediment (FGS) in BU projects. Previous studies have shown the addition of granular sand to FGS reduces the mobility of the bed. The potential of using Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), an amendment commonly used in environmental capping involving FGS, as a similar bed stabilizing material was explored in this study. A series of laboratory erosion tests using Sedflume were performed on FGS-GAC mixtures that ranged from 5% to 20% GAC by mass. Results suggested that GAC content ≤10% had no influence on the stability of the bed while GAC content ≥15% appeared to reduce both critical shear stress (τcr) and erosion rate (n). However, when compared to control cores, those without GAC, clear evidence of bed stabilization of FGS from the addition of GAC was not observed.

  • Scenario Analyses in Ecological Modeling and Ecosystem Management

    Purpose: Ecosystem management and restoration practitioners are challenged with complex problems, diverse project goals, multiple management alternatives, and potential future scenarios that change the systems of interest. Scenario analysis aids in forecasting, evaluating, and communicating outcomes of potential management actions under different plausible conditions, such as land-use change or sea level rise. However, little guidance exists for practitioners on the utility and execution of scenario analysis. Therefore, this technical note highlights the usefulness of scenario analysis as a tool for addressing uncertainty in potential project outcomes. The mechanics of the scenario-analysis process are explained, and examples of different types of scenario analyses are described for context on the breadth of its use. Lastly, two hypothetical case studies of scenario analysis in ecological modeling are presented showing a semiquantitative approach for assessing anadromous fish and a quantitative approach examining freshwater mussel habitat. Overall, this technical note provides a brief review of the utility and application of scenario analyses in the context of ecological modeling and ecosystem management decision-making.

  • Gathright Dam’s pulse release scheduled for today

    The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, scheduled pulse release at Gathright Dam, near Covington, Va., began today, Wednesday, July 20, at approximately 6 a.m.

  • Tetilla Peak Campground at Cochiti Lake now open for camping reservations through Oct. 15, 2022

    The Tetilla Campground is now open to the public for the 2022 recreation season which ends October 15, 2022. Reservations can be made online at www.Recreation.gov.

  • USACE Vicksburg District halts water release at Sardis Dam for routine inspections

    VICKSBURG, Miss. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District has temporarily stopped releasing water at Sardis Lake in preparation for routine maintenance and inspection of several key flood control structures that will take place until August 31.

  • Relief wells rehabbed, MR&T efficacy ensured

    A Memphis District Project Delivery Team recently completed work to rehabilitate 84 existing relief wells in Crittenden County, Arkansas. “Relief wells significantly reduce the likelihood of a levee breach during high water events,” Project Manager Mark Mazzone said. “Projects like this maintain and rehabilitate relief wells, and directly impact relief well performance and levee protection.”

  • USACE Vicksburg District Mat Sinking Unit revetment season begins

    VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District held a ship out ceremony at the Vicksburg Harbor, Monday, to commemorate the deployment of the Mat Sinking Unit (MSU) for its annual season of revetment.

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District welcomes new commander

    DETROIT – Lt. Col. Brett Boyle assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, today, in a Change of Command ceremony rich with symbolism and heritage. Boyle comes to Detroit after serving as a Chief Observer, Coach, and Trainer for the Protection Warfighting Function, at the Army’s Mission Command Training Program, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The district is responsible for an area which includes all of Michigan and parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Indiana – with 3,200 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Along with the New Lock at the Soo project, the district maintains 81 federal navigation projects including the channels joining lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie. Much of this work is carried out through offices located in Detroit, Duluth, Minnesota, Grand Haven, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

  • USACE Vicksburg District announces extended closure of Old River Run Nature Trail

    VICKSBURG, Miss. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District announces that Grenada Lake will close the Old River Run Nature Trail for an extended period due to ongoing work in the area.

  • A digital partner to building better, faster

    Each month, Jonathan Boone comes into his office in Vicksburg, Mississippi, sits down and inputs data collected from the ongoing construction of a new state-of-the-art medical facility in Missouri. He updates timelines, construction schedules, supply chain information and recent permitting approvals.