14 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Spatial Downscaling Disease Risk Using Random Forests Machine Learning

Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/35618 Report Number: ERDC/GRL TN-20-1 Title: Spatial Downscaling Disease Risk Using Random Forests Machine Learning By Sean P. Griffin Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited February 2020 Purpose: Mosquito-borne illnesses are a significant public health concern, both to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the broader national and international public health community. A thorough grasp of the spatial distribution, patterns, and determinants of these diseases is needed to truly understand the threats they impose on public health (Pages et al. 2010). This information, when available, is often only at a sub-national to regional scale. Such data fails to meet tactical-level applications when diseases exhibit high local variation (Rytkonen 2004; Linard and Tatem 2012). Additionally, finer spatial resolution is also required to target disease burden successfully within the population and reduce exposure. This technical note (TN) describes a methodology aimed at improving coarse epidemiological information to much finer resolutions than achieved in previous studies by combining machine-learning with open-source, high-performance cloud computing. The result is a 1,000 meter (m) gridded raster product that provides a pixel-wise magnitude of risk that can be used directly for tactical mapping applications or serve as an input dataset for additional modeling applications. 11 pages / 835.7 Kb

14 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Update to: Use of Engineering With Nature® Concepts on the Savannah Harbor Navigation Project, Dredged Material Containment Areas, Savanna, GA

NOTE: A new PDF for this report was uploaded on 2/20/2020 to correct an error that was in the previous version. The link to the report on Knowledge Core will still remain the same. If you have downloaded a version of the report prior to now please replace it with the new version now available. Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/35353   Report Number: ERDC/TN EWN-20-1 Title: Use of Engineering With Nature® Concepts on the Savannah Harbor Navigation Project, Dredged Material Containment Areas, Savanna, GA By Michael P. Guilfoyle, J. Stevan Calver, Mary E. Richards, and Richard A. Fischer Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited January 2020 Purpose: This document summarizes the management approach for the Dredged Material Confinement Areas (DMCAs) (located in Jasper County, SCa) at the Savannah Harbor Navigation Project (SHNP) in the Savannah Harbor, Chatham County, GA. The LTMS was initiated to mitigate wetland losses in Georgia and South Carolina from ongoing dredged material deposition, harbor deepening efforts, and normal operating activities from maintenance of the Savannah Harbor. Since the inception and implementation of the LTMS in 1996, USACE has recognized that engineering operations, particularly those that involve dredged material deposition, can provide opportunities for infrastructure enhancement by applying improved engineering practices, and by incorporating natural features in the final product, which yield additional environmental benefits. The Engineering With Nature® (EWN) initiative incorporates both infrastructure development and enhancement with environmental management.  The purpose of this technical note is to: (1) summarize the creation and management of the DMCAs from implementation of the LTMS, (2) identify and describe features of the LTMS in common with EWN principles, and (3) discuss how this approach improves USACE’s ability to meet mission objectives while providing environmental benefits to the local and regional ecosystem.

14 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Species Distribution Modeling of Ixodes scapularis and Associated Pathogens in States East of the Mississippi River

Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/35615 Report Number: ERDC/GRL TR-20-2 Title: Species Distribution Modeling of Ixodes scapularis and Associated Pathogens in States East of the Mississippi River By Kathleen V. Payne, Sean P. Griffin, Susan L. Lyon, Robin E. Lopez, and Nicole M. Wayant Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited February 2020 Abstract: The purpose of this technical report is to present results of an investigation of the spatial distribution of the deer tick, Ixodes scapularis, and the three parasites it carries that cause serious diseases (Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis) in humans. The study used the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) species niche modeling technique to produce maps predicting the probability of the presence of Ixodes scapularis in the eastern United States. The model makes predictions based on tick and disease surveillance data from the Army Public Health Center, and environmental data collected from satellite remote sensing platforms. Geospatial analysis was also used to locate patterns between the disease-causing parasites. The resulting prediction maps of deer tick location can be used to inform vector interception planning, which attempts to lower the risk of disease-carrying ticks from infecting humans. The maps comparing the spatial distribution of the diseases related to deer ticks can be used as a launch point for further public health study into the drivers behind parasite spread, or to direct treatment resources. 38 pages / 3.6 Mb

14 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTIFICATION: Coincidence Processing of Photon-Sensitive Mapping Lidar Data

Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/35599  Report Number: ERDC/GRL TR-20-1 Title: Coincidence Processing of Photon-Sensitive Mapping Lidar Data By Christian Marchant, Ryan Kirkpatrick, and David Ober Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited February 2020 Abstract: Photon-sensitive mapping lidar systems are able to image at greater collection area rates and ranges than linear-mode systems. However, these systems also experience greater noise levels due to shot noise, image blur, and dark current, which must be filtered out before the imagery can be exploited. Described in this report is a synthetic test data set of imagery from a notional airborne Geiger-mode lidar. Also described is the Bridge Sign algorithm, which uses a least-squares technique for noise filtering. The algorithm’s performance was validated using synthetic test imagery of both a toy scene and of a realistic scene, which were generated using the parameters of a notional airborne Geiger-mode system. Analysis of the results shows the technique effectively removes noise and preserves fine details with good fidelity. 30 pages / 1.568 Mb

14 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Numerical Sedimentation Investigation Mississippi River Cairo to Pilots Station

Report Number: MRG&P Report No. 30 Title: Numerical Sedimentation Investigation Mississippi River Cairo to Pilots Station By Ronald R. Copeland, Leslie Lombard, Roger A. Gaines Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited February 2020 Abstract:  A HEC-6T numerical model of the entire Lower Mississippi River between the end of Southwest Pass and the confluence of the Ohio River was developed. The model, which included over 1000 river miles, was calibrated to 1991-2002 measured data. The purpose of the numerical sedimentation model was to provide a tool to evaluate the long-term and system –wide effects of specific Mississippi River and Tributaries Project features. Model applications related to the effects of sediment diversions and the effects of dredging in the New Orleans District were demonstrated. The model demonstrated the effects of new constrictive works on the long-term and short-term river morphology. The model was used to test the effects of changes in upstream sediment inflow. The model’s ability to assess the effects of natural geomorphic changes, such as erosion of hard points, was demonstrated. Future application of this model to specific project sites should include the addition of more detailed geometry in the area of interest. 230 pages / 7.8 Mb

14 Apr 2020

Additional boundary line maintenance at Bull Shoals Lake

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. – The Army Corps of Engineers is advising landowners adjacent to public lands on Bull Shoals Lake that work crews are conducting additional boundary line maintenance.

14 Apr 2020

Maine Department of Marine Resources seeks Corps permit to build pens to raise Atlantic salmon in Cutler

The Maine Department of Marine Resources is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District to conduct work in waters of the U.S. in conjunction with constructing pens to raise Atlantic salmon in Cutler, Maine. The Maine Department of Marine Resources is proposing to install and maintain up to four, 22.28 meter (m) diameter circular floating fish pens (70m in circumference) within a polygonal shaped area with sides measuring 191m x 88m x 191m x 88m off the south shore of Little River (Cutler Harbor) in Cutler, Maine. The pens will be connected together to form a four pen line and will be secured by 2,200 pound anchors and 4,000 pound granite or concrete blocks.

14 Apr 2020

Corps proposes revisions to compensatory mitigation for impacts to aquatic resources in New England

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District is proposing revisions to the district’s compensatory mitigation standard operating procedures for impacts to aquatic resources associated with Department of the Army permits in New England. A public notice on May 28, 2019 led the Corps to revised and updated compensatory mitigation standard operating procedures. What was called “mitigation guidance” in the past is now referred to as “mitigation standard operating procedures.” 

14 Apr 2020

Pine Island Real Estate, LLC, seeks Corps of Engineers permit to expand marina in Groton

Pine Island Real Estate, LLC, is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District to conduct work in waters of the U.S. in conjunction with work to increase the amount of vessels that the marina can accommodate in Groton, Connecticut. This work is proposed in Pine Island Bay at 916 Shennecossett Road in Groton.

13 Apr 2020

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes request for comment on proposed revision to regulation governing possession of firearms

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) today published in the Federal Register a request for comments on a proposed revision to its regulation governing the possession and transportation of firearms at USACE-managed Water Resources Development Projects.