• Optimization of Reach-Scale Gravel Nourishment on the Green River below Howard Hanson Dam, King County, Washington

    Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, nourishes gravel downstream of Howard Hanson Dam (HHD) on the Green River in Washington State. The study team developed numerical models to support the ongoing salmonid habitat improvement mission downstream of HHD. Recent advancements in computing and numerical modeling software make long-term simulations in steep, gravel, cobble, and boulder river environments cost effective. The team calibrated mobile-bed, sediment-transport models for the pre-dam and post-dam periods. The modeling explored geomorphic responses to flow and sediment regime changes associated with HHD construction and operation. The team found that pre-dam conditions were significantly more dynamic than post-dam conditions and may have had lower spawning habitat quality in the project vicinity. The team applied the Bank Stability and Toe Erosion Model to the site and then calibrated to the post-dam gravel augmentation period. The team implemented a new hiding routine in HEC-RAS that improved the simulated grain size trends but underestimated coarse sediment transport. Models without the hiding function overestimated grain size but matched bed elevations and mass flux very well. Decade-long simulations of four future gravel nourishment conditions showed continued sediment storage in the reach. The storage rate was sensitive to nourishment mass and grain size.
  • USACE’s Little Rock District to receive $168.5 million additional Infrastructure Investment and Job Act funds for FY22 and 23

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District is receiving an additional $168.5 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that will be used for the district’s civil works program during fiscal year 2023.
  • A Dynamic Hyperbolic Surface Model for Responsive Data Mining

    Abstract: Data management systems impose structure on data via a static representation schema or data structure. Information from the data is extracted by executing queries based on predefined operators. This paradigm restricts the searchability of the data to concepts and relationships that are known or assumed to exist among the objects. While this is an effective and efficient means of retrieving simple information, we propose that such a structure severely limits the ability to derive breakthrough knowledge that exists in data under the guise of “unknown unknowns.” A dynamic system will alleviate this dependence, allowing theoretically infinite projections of the data to reveal discoverable relationships that are hidden by traditional use case-driven, static query systems. In this paper, we propose a framework for a data-responsive query algebra based on a dynamic hyperbolic surface model. Such a model could provide more intuitive access to analytics and insights from massive, aggregated datasets than existing methods. This model will significantly alter the means of addressing the underlying data by representing it as an arrangement on a dynamic, hyperbolic plane. Consequently, querying the data can be viewed as a process similar to quantum annealing, in terms of characterizing data representation as an energy minimization problem with numerous minima.
  • Making Waves: ERDC studies oil spill cleanup techniques

    In the event of an oil spill in the ocean, such as an oil tanker tipping over, its container getting breached or an oil rig’s pipeline leaking, immediate response for cleanup is needed. However, at times, it can be difficult to determine the best means of effective oil-spill cleanup.
  • New Lock at the Soo to host hybrid public meeting for Hydro Plant tail race closing

    SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District will host a hybrid public meeting 7 p.m., April 20, 2022, to talk about the need for closing the Soo Locks Hydro Plant tail race. The Detroit District needs to close the Hydro Plant tail race for upcoming New Lock at the Soo construction and permanently close a portion of the tail race for safety reasons. The Corps of Engineers wants to hear from anglers and concerned stakeholders before making any official decisions. The tail race is and has been a very popular community fishing spot. The Corps of Engineers goal during New Lock at the Soo construction is to have minimal effects to the community. Participants can attend in-person or virtually.
  • CRREL tests new ways to measure smoke density

    CRREL partners with the U.S. Coast Guard's Research and Development Center and the Environmental Protection Agency to test an aerial drone to determine how effective the device is for measuring air quality and environmental impact of burning oil on water. The aerial drone is a new means of capturing these measurements, and CRREL is one of the few federal agencies with the knowledge, permissions, licenses, and facilities to accommodate in situ burns.
  • Administrative professionals ESCAPE for training

    SMYRNA, Tenn. (April 5, 2022) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District provided an “ESCAPE” last week for employees called upon to answer phones, complete personnel actions, update training records, manage equipment accounts, purchase supplies, coordinate travel, input time and attendance, and other administrative tasks in their work centers.
  • District hosts Business Opportunities Open House

    PHOENIX – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District hosted the spring Business Opportunities Open House March 30 at the midtown Hilton Garden Inn.
  • Corps of Engineers to begin Grays Harbor maintenance dredging April 12

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to conduct Grays Harbor maintenance dredging in the Outer
  • USACE reopens public comment period for the Millwood Lake Master Plan and Shoreline Management Plan revisions from April 12 to May 11

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reopening the public comment period on the draft Millwood Lake Master Plan, Shoreline Management Plan and associated Environmental Assessments between April 12 and May 11, 2022.