Lock Operations

USACE currently operates locks from a control stand on the lock wall or from an on-site control room using cameras and sensors (depicted in the two diagrams on the left of Figure 2). In an off-site operating environment, the control room is located off-site in a regional operation center (Figure 2, diagram on the right). Local control will remain in all operating scenarios to maintain operation in an emergency. It is important to note that off-site operations are not equivalent to autonomous operations, as a lock operator will still control all lock operations.

Phase 1 – National Assessment

In the national assessment, USACE assessed the current lock & dam infrastructure, developed alternatives, and recommended a course of action. The assessment included an operational and technical framework and an enterprise-wide implementation strategy. The strategy proposed modernizing and standardizing the lock and dam control systems at selected sites. Based on the diversity of the infrastructure, the implementation strategy anticipates different outcomes in different districts and regions.

Phase 2 – Controls Modernization

The national assessment implementation strategy recommended modernizing the lock & dam control systems as an essential first step. Currently, there is a wide diversity of control systems ranging from manual hydraulic actuators, mechanical-electrical (analog) controls, and digital controls which range in age from early 1900s to less than a decade old. The controls modernization effort is a multi-decade, funding-dependent effort that will include both existing locks & dams (O&M funded) and new locks (construction funded).

Phase 3 – Operations/Business Process Modernization

Selected lock and dam sites may elect to transition control of infrastructure to an off-site control center in the future (See Figure 3).

USACE has outlined the following steps to achieve these operational implementation.

Step 1 – Regional Assessment – At sites proposed for off-site operation, the first step will be to prepare a detailed and site-specific report documenting the current and planned future operation models including, staffing, infrastructure, implementation costs, cyber & physical security upgrades, stakeholder engagement, and a final recommendation.

Step 2 – Transition to Off-site Operation – At sites approved for off-site operation, the implementation phase includes budgeting, design, construction, and transition over several years. The program delivery timeline will be funding-dependent and will likely take a decade or longer. A staffing study will inform the planning and execution of a voluntary workforce transition strategy that will primarily depend upon normal attrition.  The transition will also create many new higher-skill positions to maintain the system.

Communication

The foundation of the lock & dam controls modernization initiative is strong and broad communication with USACE staff and stakeholders. USACE recognizes the importance of robust and sustained communication to inform, educate, and engage in current and future work.

Figure 1. Schedule

Figure 2. Lock operation scenarios

Figure 3. Operational implementation options