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  • A Comparison of Handheld Field Chemical Sensors for Soil Characterization with a Focus on LIBS

    Abstract: Commercially available handheld chemical analyzers for forensic applications have been available for over a decade. Portable systems from multiple vendors can perform X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and recently laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Together, we have been exploring the development and potential applications of a multisensor system consisting of XRF, Raman, and LIBS for environmental characterization with a focus on soils from military ranges. Handheld sensors offer the potential to substantially increase sample throughput through the elimination of transport of samples back to the laboratory and labor-intensive sample preparation procedures. Further, these technologies have the capability for extremely rapid analysis, on the order of tens of seconds or less. We have compared and evaluated results from the analysis of several hundred soil samples using conventional laboratory bench top inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) for metals evaluation and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Raman spectroscopy for detection and characterization of energetic materials against handheld XRF, LIBS, and Raman analyzers. The soil samples contained antimony, copper, lead, tungsten, and zinc as well as energetic compounds such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), nitroglycerine (NG), and dinitrotoluene isomers (DNT). Precision, accuracy, and sensitivity of the handheld field sensor technologies were compared against conventional laboratory instrumentation to determine their suitability for field characterization leading to decisional outcomes.

  • 22-010 Corps of Engineers seeks public input for Environmental Assessment for Lower Snake River Navigation Channel Maintenance Project

    WALLA WALLA, WA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District (Corps) is seeking public comments regarding the Lower Snake River Navigation Channel Maintenance Project.

  • If you do what you love

    “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Whether it was Marc Anthony or inspired by Confucius, the quote has existed for centuries but is still true today. This Valentine’s Day, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District highlights some of our employees who do what they love while accomplishing critical roles that deliver the district’s mission to the nation. We asked them about their childhood hobbies and interests and how those passions grew into careers.

  • USACE Engineers Participate in Simulated Oil Spill Exercise

    J. STROM THURMOND DAM, Ga. – Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District participated in a tabletop exercise simulating a power plant oil spill at J. Strom Thurmond Dam on Feb. 10. The exercise presented a worst-case scenario of an oil spill with the intention of helping personnel become properly prepared and know the detailed procedures needed to handle such a situation.

  • Engineers Participate in Simulated Oil Spill Exercise

    J. STROM THURMOND DAM, Ga. – Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District participated in a tabletop exercise simulating a power plant oil spill at J. Strom Thurmond Dam on Feb. 10. The exercise presented a worst-case scenario of an oil spill with the intention of helping personnel become properly prepared and know the detailed procedures needed to handle such a situation.

  • USACE Galveston District, Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 to co-host virtual update on Port Arthur project

     The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District and its non-federal sponsor, the Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 (DD7), will co-host three virtual public information sessions, February 15-17, to provide an update on the Port Arthur Project as well as the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay (S2G) Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Program. These information sessions are being conducted virtually, exercising COVID-19 safety precautions for group gatherings as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention. The sessions will include information about project status and next steps, as well as a question-and-answer session following the presentation.

  • Turbine-generators replaced at Center Hill Hydropower Plant

    Lancaster, Tenn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District and Voith Hydro Inc. of North America completed refurbishment of the three turbine-generators at Center Hill Hydropower Plant, August 2021.

  • Galveston District to seek right-of-entry from Orange County landowners

    Beginning February 15, 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District Real Estate Division will resume going door-to-door seeking right-of-entry (ROE) permissions from Orange County landowners. These ROE permissions will help secure access to landowner property for the purpose of conducting surveys, cultural resource, geotechnical and other various investigations needed to forward the Orange County Coastal Storm Risk Management Project from conceptual design to construction. The Orange County Project is part of the overall Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay (S2G) Coastal Storm Risk Management Program.

  • 22-009 Corps of Engineers seeks public input for Environmental Assessment and Draft FONSI for proposed biosciences building on WSU campus

    WALLA WALLA, WA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District (Corps), in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Washington State University (WSU), is inviting public comments on the Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed ARS/WSU Plant Biosciences Research Building to be located on the campus of WSU.

  • VI Preferential Pathways of a Large Government Building

    Abstract: Trichloroethylene (TCE) releases from leaks and spills next to a large government building occurred over several decades with the most recent event occurring 20 years ago. In response to a perceived conventional vapor intrusion (VI) issue a sub-slab depressurization system (SSDS) was installed 6 years ago. The SSDS is operating within design limits and has achieved building TCE vapor concentration reductions. However, subsequent periodic TCE vapor spikes based on daily HAPSITE™ measurements indicate additional source(s). Two rounds of smoke tests conducted in 2017 and 2018 involved introduction of smoke into a sanitary sewer and storm drain manholes located on effluent lines coming from the building until smoke was observed exiting system vents on the roof. Smoke testing revealed many leaks in both the storm sewer and sanitary sewer systems within the building. Sleuthing of the VI source term using a portable HAPSITE™ indicate elevated vapor TCE levels correspond with observed smoke emanation from utility lines. Sleuthing activities also found building roof materials explain some of the elevated TCE levels on the 2nd floor. Installation of an external blower in the roof truss space has greatly reduced TCE levels. Preferential VI pathways and unexpected source terms may be overlooked mechanisms as compared to conventional VI.