Draft Environmental Assessment for Yaquina River Operations and Maintenance Dredging

Press Operations — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:02:00 GMT

Interested parties are hereby notified that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District (USACE) proposes to perform maintenance dredging of the Yaquina River Federal Navigation Channel (FNC) from river mile (RM) 4+20 to RM 14+20 to authorized dimensions by removing shoals that have formed in the FNC. Dredged material would be transported for disposal to one of two existing ocean dredge material disposal sites (ODMDSs) near the mouth of Yaquina Bay.

USACE Chicago District announces minimum water releases at JE Roush, Salamonie, and Mississinewa Lakes

Press Operations — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 21:27:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Chicago District, is adjusting operations at JE Roush, Salamonie, and Mississinewa Lakes due to recent heavy rainfall during the preceding week. As reported by the Ohio River Forecasting Center, between 3 and 10 inches fell across the Upper Wabash, with larger amounts having fallen along the most downstream limits of the basin. Up to an additional inch of rainfall is anticipated over the weekend, with the potential for localized areas of heavier rainfall. Based on current forecasts, the water level of the Wabash River, as measured at the USGS streamgage located at Lafayette, is forecasted to crest just below moderate flood stage the afternoon of 16 August 2026.

USACE Welcomes 16th Command Sergeant Major

Patrick Bloodgood — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:45:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a Change of Responsibility ceremony between outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas W. Galick, the 15th USACE command sergeant major, and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Shade Munday at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Aug. 15.

Travel Times on Inland Waterways: Historic Statistical Calculations Between Selected Locks and River Confluences Using Automatic Identification System (AIS) Data from Calendar Year 2021

Press Operations — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:14:00 GMT

Abstract: In the context of multimodal-freight modeling efforts, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), entered into an inter-agency agreement with the Department of Transportation (USDOT), Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), to produce travel-time statistics for select portions of the US inland waterway transportation system. Statistics include the median, interquartile range average, and 10th–90th percentile averages between origin and destination (OD) sets selected based on vessel traffic activity, especially lock and dam locations, which are natural stopping points. Travel-time statistics are derived from position reports broadcast via Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceivers for vessel transits that occurred in 2021. This technical report summarizes the methodology and findings.

A Local Meteoric Water Line for Interior Alaska Constrains Paleoclimate from 40 000 Year Old Relict Permafrost

Press Operations — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:12:00 GMT

Abstract: Anthropogenic climate warming is degrading permafrost across interior Alaska. Information from past warming events provides long-term perspectives for future trajectories; however, late Quaternary seasonal temperatures are poorly constrained. We have established a stable water isotope meteoric water line for interior Alaska and measured stable water isotope values from 126 permafrost cores representing different ice types deposited over the past ∼40 ka (thousand years before 1950 CE). Samples represent two late Quaternary warm periods: marine isotope stage three (MIS3; 57–29 ka) and the Holocene (11.7 ka-present). Older samples provide insight into local climatic conditions slightly before the first archeological evidence for Paleolithic hunter-gatherers in the region. From permafrost ice we calculate that summer temperatures warmed by ∼10 ◦C between late MIS3 and today, with six degrees of warming between 40–30 ka and 3 ka and an additional 4 ◦C of warming since 3 ka. Half this recent 4 ◦C warming has occurred over the past 70 years.

A linguistic analysis of energy terminology in the wastewater literature

Press Operations — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:10:00 GMT

Abstract: Recent wastewater treatment research has focused on technologies that can recover resources such as energy from the inﬂuent waste stream. Many unrelated studies have introduced or used energy-related terms to describe changes to wastewater treatment plant energy balances based on these technological innovations. Unfortunately, these wastewater energy-related terms are not well deﬁned in the literature, with many used interchangeably and/or inconsistently. To address this shortcoming, this study (1) identiﬁed and deﬁned the most prominent energy-related terms in academic literature, (2) proposed a classiﬁcation schema, and (3) explored trends in term usage over time. Energy-related terms identiﬁed from the literature were deﬁned and classiﬁed based on the term’s functional role in the context of wastewater treatment plant energy use. Speciﬁcally, each term was classiﬁed as a wastewater treatment plant’s long-term energy ‘state’, a descriptive short-term energy ‘condition’ at the plant, or an energy ‘mechanism’ that drives a plant from one state to another. The trend analysis concluded that the development of energy-related wastewater literature has generally outpaced the baseline rate of academic publishing in all ﬁelds. The results of this study can ensure clear communication between actors in the wastewater treatment sector by standardizing deﬁnitions for energy-related terms.

CRREL researchers honored with USACE Environmental Quality Award

Justin Campfield, public affairs specialist — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:05:11 GMT

Two researchers from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire, have been awarded a national environmental award from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

USACE Vicksburg District recognizes employee excellence on 22nd annual Founders’ Day

Press Operations — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:58:00 GMT

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District recognized dedicated personnel at the annual Founders’ Day Ceremony at the District headquarters on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Saipan deployment brings lessons, fulfillment for Huntsville Center Safety Manager

Charles Maib — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:40:35 GMT

For Joseph “Joe” Fentress, a safety manager with the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, a 45-day deployment to Saipan offered something that can sometimes be difficult to find from an office in Alabama: the opportunity to see firsthand how his work affects people in need.

Engineering application training improves Center project planning, management

William S. Farrow — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:17:27 GMT

The transition to Engineering Management System application aims to shift the Engineering enterprise from fragmented legacy tools to a unified common operating picture.

Revisiting Classical Biological Control of Hydrilla verticillata: Historical Perspective and New Opportunities

Press Operations — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:10:00 GMT

Abstract: The invasive aquatic plant Hydrilla verticillata continues to threaten freshwater systems in the USA. Management is complicated by presence of three genetically distinct subspecies, of which H. verticillata ssp. lithuanica is the most recent introduction in the northeastern USA. Classical biological control programs have focused primarily on subspecies in southern states, but effectiveness against the new lineage, in cooler regions, or in tidal river systems where infestations may occur is unknown. We review the history of hydrilla biological control in the USA through the lens of the recent introduction and discuss opportunities to address the challenge. We summarize the current distribution and relevant biological traits of hydrilla lineages that may inﬂuence their management. We re-assess four previously approved insect agents (Hydrellia pakistanae, H. balciunasi, Bagous afﬁnis, and B. hydrillae), discussing their suitability in novel environmental conditions of the northeastern USA and compatibility with H. verticillata ssp. lithuanica. The leaf-mining ﬂy H. pakistanae is a promising candidate for immediate re-evaluation due to its availability and potential tolerance for cooler climates. Furthermore, there is a longer-term opportunity to develop microbial pathogens and discover new arthropod agents through targeted exploration in the native range of H. v. ssp. lithuanica, aided by modern molecular techniques. We conclude by outlining key research priorities to build an integrated and adaptive research strategy tailored to the unique biological and ecological context of the H. v. ssp. lithuanica invasion, emphasizing the need for a renewed, lineage-focused approach to the biological control of hydrilla.

Ensure, maintain and prepare: Kansas City District holds continuity of operations exercise

Christine E. Reinhardt, Public Affairs Specialist — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:06:34 GMT

It’s said that failing to plan is planning to fail. Having a plan, whether in your personal or professional life, in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency situation is sometimes easier said than done. With September being National Preparedness Month, there is no better time than the present to make a plan for the worst-case scenario. All federal agencies are required by a Presidential Policy Directive to have a continuity of operations program. These programs ensure agencies can continue to operate mission essential functions in the event normal operations are disrupted. Practicing continuity of operations is an essential part of the program, allowing agencies to prepare before a real emergency.

Stepping Inside the Design: How VR Is Advancing USACE Projects

Bertha Angela Smith — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:21:00 GMT

USACE Sacramento District is using building information modeling (BIM) and virtual reality (VR) to help project teams visualize infrastructure designs before construction begins. By allowing engineers, customers and contractors to experience projects at true scale, the technology improves spatial understanding, identifies design conflicts earlier, strengthens collaboration and helps reduce costly changes during construction. The approach supports USACE’s efforts to leverage technology to deliver quality infrastructure safely, on time and within budget.

Yakima Delta Habitat Management Unit closure extended through Aug. 21

Press Operations — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:52:19 GMT

RICHLAND, Wash. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has extended the temporary closure of the Columbia Park Trail parking lot and surrounding habitat at the Yakima Delta Habitat Management Unit through Aug. 21 for the ongoing Amon Creek restoration project.

Brookville dam operating as intended, providing flood damage reduction

Press Operations — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:50:31 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District is closely monitoring Brookville Lake following significant rainfall across the watershed over the past 48 hours

USACE, Industry Partners Collaborate to Improve Project Delivery Methods

Samantha Boyle — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:47:46 GMT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District leaders consistently look for

Public meeting to be held for former Offutt Air Force Base, Atlas "D" Missile Site 3

Press Operations — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:58:53 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be hosting a public meeting for the formerly used Offutt Air Force Base, Atlas "D" Missile Site 3 on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the Rand Community Center in Missouri Valley, Iowa.

Engineering Practice Guide for Oyster Reefs: A Natural Infrastructure Approach for Coastal Systems

Press Operations — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:08:00 GMT

Abstract: Well-designed oyster reefs enhance coastal resilience by attenuating wave energy, influencing sediment transport, and stabilizing shorelines. As ecosystem engineers, oysters create biogenic reef structures that provide habitat, improve water quality, and support estuarine productivity. When appropriately designed, they can also contribute to coastal storm risk management and navigation improvement objectives. Historically, oyster reefs were widespread features of many US estuaries and bays, playing important roles in shoreline stabilization and estuarine function. However, many reefs have been degraded or lost due to development, overharvesting, and environmental change. Constructed oyster reefs present a natural infrastructure approach that can support both ecological and physical processes that benefit society. While oyster reefs provide multiple benefits, application as natural infrastructure often involves tradeoffs related to cost, performance uncertainty, and long-term sustainability. Oyster reef design should evaluate these tradeoffs and clearly communicate associated risks and expected benefits. This publication is part of a series of technical reports produced by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering With Nature® Program, offering engineering practice guidelines for designing natural infrastructure solutions for riverine and coastal systems. This guide supports interdisciplinary teams in applying engineering and ecological principles to develop oyster reef projects as natural infrastructure features.

USACE Vicksburg District celebrates history, inducts distinguished employees on Founders’ Day

Press Operations — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:54:07 GMT

VICKSBURG, Miss. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District celebrated Founders’ Day and 153 years of service to the nation by inducting three employees into the Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees at the District headquarters today.

Omaha employees honored for saving taxpayers’ dollars

Lisa Crawford — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:37:00 GMT

Three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District employees received the Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal for their outstanding service and stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars, July 16, 2026, at the Edward Zorinsky Federal Building in Omaha, Nebraska.