• Field Measurement and Monitoring of Hydrodynamic and Suspended Sediment within the Seven Mile Island Innovation Laboratory, New Jersey

    Abstract: The Seven Mile Island Innovation Laboratory (SMIIL) was launched in 2019 to evaluate beneficial use of dredge material management practices in coastal New Jersey. As part of that effort, the Philadelphia District requested that the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, collect data to characterize the hydrodynamics and turbidity within the central portions of the SMIIL prior to and during dredge material placement. Pre-dredge monitoring found that apart from punctuated wind events, the study area waters were generally calm and clear with small waves, <0.25 m, slow current speeds (~0.1 m/s), low turbidity (~10 ntus), and low suspended sediment concentrations (~10–20 mg/L). In March 2020, 2,475 m3 of dredged sediment was placed on the northern portion of Sturgeon Island within the SMIIL. Turbidity in the waters surrounding the island was monitored to quantify extent of the sediment plume resulting from the placement. Observations found little to no turbidity plume associated with the dredging operations beyond 20 m from the island and that the plume was largely limited to areas near a tidal creek draining the placement area. Additionally, turbidity levels quickly returned to background conditions at times when the dredge was not in operation.
  • Army Corps Partners with Academia to Collect Data for Coastal Programs

    The US Army Corps of Engineers’ Coastal Inlets Research Program (a team of scientists and engineers studying waves, current, sediment transport and sea-floor change at or near inlets) and James Madison University are collaborating on the new Sand Snap initiative to collect beach sediment data (sand grains) by engaging citizen scientists in data collection. The U.S. Geological Service, Marda Science, LLC, and Sea Grant are also contributing to the program.
  • Corps to test gates at Russell Dam June 23

    SAVANNAH, Ga. – Dam safety officials from the Savannah District, U.S Army Corps of Engineers will test the spillway gates at Richard B. Russell Dam on the Savannah River next week.
  • NR 21-28: Rockland Recreation Area closing for special event

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 16, 2021) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announces that Rockland Recreation Area at Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, Tennessee, is closing for a special event Saturday, June 19, 2021.
  • Planning and Programming Support branch wins national awards

    Huntsville Center’s Planning and Programming Support Branch’s worldwide mission provides cost-effective, centralized planning solutions while developing comprehensive installation and facility planning studies, programming/cost-estimating documentation, and a variety of unique studies for federal clients.
  • MKARNS Nav Notice SWL 21-22 Locks 13 and 9 Intermittent Delays Update

    MKARNS - The work at James W. Trimble Lock (NM 292.8) (noted in Nav Notice SWL 21-18) is complete and normal operations have resumed.
  • Red River Structure Physical Model Study: Bulkhead Testing

    Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, and its non-federal sponsors are designing and constructing a flood risk management project that will reduce the risk of flooding in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. There is a 30-mile long diversion channel around the west side of the city of Fargo, as well as a staging area that will be formed upstream of a 20-mile long dam (referred to as the Southern Embankment) that collectively includes an earthen embankment with three gated structures: the Diversion Inlet Structure, the Wild Rice River Structure, and the Red River Structure (RRS). A physical model has been constructed and analyzed to assess the hydraulic conditions near and at the RRS for verification of the structure’s flow capacity as well as optimization of design features for the structure. This report describes the modeling techniques and instrumentation used in the investigation and details the evaluation of the forces exerted on the proposed bulkheads during emergency operations for the RRS.
  • Alternatives for Large Crater Repairs using Rapid Set Concrete Mix®

    Abstract: Research was conducted at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, MS, to identify alternative repair methods and materials for large crater repairs using Rapid Set Concrete Mix®. This report presents the technical evaluation of the field performance of full-depth slab replacement methods conducted using Rapid Set Concrete Mix® over varying strength foundations. The performance of each large crater repair was determined by using a load cart representing one-half of the full gear of a C-17 aircraft. Results indicate that using rapid-setting concrete is a viable material for large crater repairs, and the performance is dependent on surface thickness and base strength.
  • A Novel Laboratory Method for the Detection and Identification of Cyanobacteria Using Hyperspectral Imaging: Hyperspectral Imaging for Cyanobacteria Detection

    Abstract: To assist US Army Corps of Engineers resource managers in monitoring for cyanobacteria bloom events, a laboratory method using hyperspectral imaging has been developed. This method enables the rapid detection of cyanobacteria in large volumes and has the potential to be transitioned to aerial platforms for field deployment. Prior to field data collection, validation of the technology in the laboratory using monocultures was needed. This report describes the development of the detection method using hyperspectral imaging and the stability/reliability of these signatures for identification purposes. Hyperspectral signatures of different cyanobacteria were compared to evaluate spectral deviations between genera to assess the feasibility of using this imaging method in the field. Algorithms were then developed to spectrally deconvolute mixtures of cyanobacteria to determine relative abundances of each species. Last, laboratory cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa and Anabaena sp. were subjected to varying macro (nitrate and phosphate) and micro-nutrient (iron and magnesium) stressors to establish the stability of signatures within each species. Based on the findings, hyperspectral imaging can be a valuable tool for the detection and monitoring of cyanobacteria. However, it should be used with caution and only during stages of active growth for accurate identification and limited interference owing to stress.
  • District schedules mosquito management spraying for Craney Island June 17

    The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has scheduled aerial mosquito treatment for 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 17 over the federal property on the Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area in Portsmouth, Virginia.