Engineer Research and Development Center Grants

Engineer Research and Development Center

Improving Lake Superior outflow regulation and quantifying uncertainty

Engineer Research and Development Center

A. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) invites proposals for a project to conduct a comprehensive uncertainty analysis for new outflow rating equations associated with a critical water control structure on Lake Superior. The primary focus of this funding opportunity is to enhance the accuracy and reliability of discharge measurements, which are fundamental to the effective management of the Great Lakes system under the Lake Superior Regulation Plan. The base task, along with both options, are all tasks that are related to improving Lake Superior outflow regulation. However, these tasks are not interdependent. The base, option 1 and option 2, are simply a priority given to these tasks if funding should be available. Task 1: Current operational procedures for the structure s gates include partially open settings that are not accounted for in historical rating equations. To address this, new rating equations are currently under development by a team at the University of Michigan using advanced physical and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. A key requirement for a successful proposal under this announcement is a well-defined plan for the awardee to work collaboratively and integrate their efforts with the existing University of Michigan modeling team. This partnership will be essential to ensure the resulting uncertainty analysis is robust and directly applicable to the new ratings. The principal outcome of this work will be a quantified uncertainty band for discharge rates corresponding to various gate openings and water levels. The uncertainty analysis should use the publicly available Large Lake Statistical Water Balance Model, so the uncertainty values are consistent with already operational uncertainty models for all other components of the Great Lakes water balance. This task will require a 12 month performance period so the results can be used in an upcoming study. Depending on availability of funding, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may award the following optional work: Task 2: The development and calibration of a high-fidelity hydrodynamic model of the St. Marys River built using the Delft3D FM suite. The scope of this model be the entire St Marys River from Point Iroquois on Lake Superior to the outlet of the River near Detour Village on Lake Huron. The domain shall include the North Channel of Lake Huron to Little Current Ontario but exclude connections to Georgian Bay. The model will be fully three-dimensional, focus on the St Marys Rapids and be able to incorporate the rating equations and uncertainty analysis proposed above. Delft3D FM must be used as the United States Government as well as partners at Environment Climate Change Canada both have access to this modeling suite. The United States Government will provide water level and velocity data to calibrate the model as well as computational resources. Successful projects will deliver technically sound uncertainty metrics that can be immediately integrated into USACE operational models, contributing to improved ecological outcomes and more effective water resource management. As well as the ability to provide scopes of work for the additional tasks should they be funded.

Engineer Research and Development Center

Willow Creek Reservoir Water Quality Research and Evaluation Studies

Engineer Research and Development Center

A. Background The overall goal of this project is to improve water quality conditions in Willow Creek Reservoir for the benefit of the community of Heppner, Oregon, and surrounding area. The reservoir is characterized by several water quality concerns, including dense cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) blooms, low dissolved oxygen concentrations, and high nutrient concentrations. Cyanobacteria blooms are known to produce toxins, thereby threatening the aquatic ecosystem and potentially exposing humans and animals to risk of death or chronic illness such as neurodegeneration and liver damage. Each summer, Willow Creek Reservoir post s health advisories warning users of the potential hazards associated with recreational activities on the lake. Furthermore, fish kills, foul odors and other nuisances are common in Willow Creek Reservoir affecting the community s ambiance, limiting tourism and recreation on the lake. This analysis draws upon prior research, readily available data, and new research and data to develop and implement an evaluation program for the restoration of Willow Creek Reservoir and its upper basin. Research results will provide public benefit through enhanced water quality in Willow Creek Reservoir producing public recreation opportunities and natural resource benefits. B. Program Description/Objective The primary objective is to advance the scientific understanding of reservoir ecology through the following research pillars: 1. Empirical Data Acquisition and Limnological Analysis: To maintain the integrity of high-resolution, longitudinal datasets, the research involves systematic environmental monitoring and experimental observation. This includes the monthly collection of water samples and the recording of in-situ physicochemical measurements to analyze long-term nutrient cycling patterns and ecosystem shifts. Rather than routine maintenance, site visits are designed to manage the reservoir aeration unit as a controlled experimental variable. This allows researchers to study the mechanical suppression of thermal stratification and quantify its subsequent impact on internal loading and overall water quality. 2. Hydrodynamic Modeling and Predictive Analysis: The project will develop a comprehensive whole-lake hydrodynamic model. This model is a specialized research tool designed for the University to synthesize complex environmental data, simulate various "what-if" scenarios, and forecast the reservoir s future water quality trajectory. While the insights derived from this model will inform the Portland District s future best management practices and dam operations, the model itself serves as a transferable scientific tool. Findings derived from this model will be presented in formats accessible to stakeholders and the scientific community to aid in the regional understanding of water quality trajectories. 3. Mitigation Strategy Evaluation: Researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of current systems and model alternative options including but not limited to the installed aeration system and water quality outlet operations. This investigative work is performed to identify the most cost-effective and ecologically sound strategies for protecting the public interest and restoring the reservoir s health. 4. Knowledge Dissemination: The partnership will facilitate the dissemination of research results through both public and technical forums to ensure that data serves the community as a transparent resource. While the University will provide monthly trip reports and a comprehensive annual report that integrates current findings with historical data to produce a clear, accessible record of reservoir health that will be made available to local stakeholders and the public. These efforts are designed to move beyond internal reporting, instead providing the transparency necessary to safeguard public health, drinking water resources, and recreational safety. Ultimately, this collaborative flow of information ensures that the research directly informs community-led restoration efforts and remains a matter of public record. D. Public Benefit Willow Creek Reservoir (WCR) is considered a eutrophic water body and is characterized by severe cyanobacteria blooms (CyanoHABs) during the summer months. These blooms frequently trigger Oregon Health Authority (OHA) public health advisories, which negatively impact annual tourism and recreation. Furthermore, CyanoHABs contribute to fish kills and contribute to the overall deterioration of water quality and the aesthetic value. In response to these conditions, Willow Creek area community leaders have requested that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) implement lake restoration efforts to improve water quality. The research and data collected through this project will support the development of a comprehensive restoration plan aimed at improving environmental conditions for public benefit. Additionally, this project will provide essential monitoring and reporting of water temperature and pH levels required to meet public health standards.

Engineer Research and Development Center

ERDC Broad Agency Announcement

Engineer Research and Development Center

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is issuing this announcement for various research and development topic areas. The ERDC consists of the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), the Environmental Laboratory (EL) and the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire, the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in Champaign, Illinois, and the Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) in Alexandria, Virginia. The ERDC is responsible for conducting research in the broad fields of hydraulics, dredging, coastal engineering, instrumentation, oceanography, remote sensing, geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, soil effects, vehicle mobility, self-contained munitions, military engineering, geophysics, pavements, protective structures, aquatic plants, water quality, dredged material, treatment of hazardous waste, wetlands, physical/mechanical/ chemical properties of snow and other frozen precipitation, infrastructure and environmental issues for installations, computer science, telecommunications management, energy, facilities maintenance, materials and structures, engineering processes, environmental processes, land and heritage conservation, and ecological processes.This announcement is continuously open; pre-proposals may be submitted and will be reviewed at any time throughout the year. The availability of funds may limit the ability of the U.S. Government to make awards in specific areas, nevertheless pre-proposals are sought under this announcement for all research areas identified.For additional details on the research topic areas and how to submit pre-proposals, please go to:https://www.erdcwerx.org/u-s-army-engineer-research-and-development-center-broad-agency-announcement/

Engineer Research and Development Center

<p>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is issuing this announcement for various research and development topic areas. The ERDC consists of the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), the Environmental Laboratory (EL) and the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire, the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in Champaign, Illinois, and the Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) in Alexandria, Virginia. The ERDC is responsible for conducting research in the broad fields of hydraulics, dredging, coastal engineering, instrumentation, oceanography, remote sensing, geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, soil effects, vehicle mobility, self-contained munitions, military engineering, geophysics, pavements, protective structures, aquatic plants, water quality, dredged material, treatment of hazardous waste, wetlands, physical/mechanical/ chemical properties of snow and other frozen precipitation, infrastructure and environmental issues for installations, computer science, telecommunications management, energy, facilities maintenance, materials and structures, engineering processes, environmental processes, land and heritage conservation, and ecological processes.</p><p><br></p><p>This announcement is continuously open; pre-proposals may be submitted and will be reviewed at any time throughout the year. The availability of funds may limit the ability of the U.S. Government to make awards in specific areas, nevertheless pre-proposals are sought under this announcement for all research areas identified.</p><p><br></p><p>For additional details on the research topic areas and how to submit pre-proposals, please go to:</p><p><br></p><p>https://www.erdcwerx.org/u-s-army-engineer-research-and-development-center-broad-agency-announcement/</p>

Engineer Research and Development Center

This work represents an opportunity to develop case studies highlighting the performance/impact to natural features or natural and nature based features (NNBF) during recent natural disaster events such as hurricanes, and flooding. Many university researchers have gathered recent pre/post storm data using various metrics. While there are often mechanisms to collect data, opportunities to analyze the collected data and develop case studies are not always feasible. This requirement is to develop a subset of sampling events into a case study in collaboration with USACE. This is an opportunity to identify and use existing data from past storm seasons to develop case studies demonstrating the performance of natural features. Ultimately, case study results would also be used to relate natural performance to anticipated performance of NNBF features. Case studies could be focused on natural features such as dunes, marshes, reefs, etc. or NNBFs. Previously collected data used to develop case studies might include (but is not limited to) a combination of wave attenuation and water movement data, sediment transport data, elevation data, and vegetation or other ecological data. The findings of this cooperative agreement will be made publicly available through the release of public reports or peer-reviewed journal articles as well as a public seminar describing results. The Government will be involved with the research by providing technical guidance on the research, assisting with the experimental design, and collaborating on the journal articles. The Government is not expecting the periods of performances to overlap. Identified project tasks are: 1. Describe previously collected data and justification for how it can be used as a case study for monitoring natural or NNBF features pre/post natural disaster.2. Work collaboratively with ERDC to analyze data and develop case study/.3. Work collaboratively with ERDC publish case study via ERDC or peer reviewed publications. Requirements: Successful applicants should have expert knowledge of 1) NNBF and Natural features, 2) available pre and post natural disaster (e.g., hurricane, flood event, etc.) monitoring data in hand associated with a natural feature or NNBF, and 3) knowledge of planned statistical approaches for analysis of those datasets. Areas of expertise required to perform this study include:1) Knowledge and experience monitoring extreme events.2) Statistical analysis. Applicants will be required to submit quarterly status reports and a final report within 4 months of completion of the study. ERDC and the candidates will develop a draft of the journal article or articles for internal peer review during cooperative agreement s period of performance.