Volume 21, Issue 2 The Corps May 2020 Environment

EVERGLADESCorps of Engineers helps protect, restore nation’s ecosystem

Environmental Operating Principle22 #4 Continue to meet our corporate responsibility and accountability under the law for activities undertaken by the Corps, which may impact human and natural environments. The Corps Contents EnviroPoints Louisiana Guard garners Army’s Foresters manage Army’s landscape Environment 4 Advancing our environmental mission 18 environmental award for sustainability 34 Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite Commanding General Publisher Environmental Operating Principles Minnesota Guard lauded for nature Remediation team on target to clear W. Curry Graham 5 19 conservation 36 former WWII range Director of Public Affairs Lara Beasley Executive Editor Army Earth Day Message 2020 Michigan Guard trains in harmony Streambank management projects with nature protect New York’s drinking water Gene Pawlik 6 20 37 Managing Editor David San Miguel Army recognizes environmental Aerial scans help identify, solve Multi-agency partnership to expedite cleanup Editor 7 excellence 21 ground munitions hazards 40 of former Nansemond Ordnance Depot The Corps Environment is an online quarterly news magazine published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the provisions of AR 360-1 to Post garners two top environmental EVERGLADES: Corps of Engineers helps ERDC research titan retires provide information about USACE and awards protect, restore nation’s ecosystem after 40 years U.S. Army environmental initiatives, 11 22 41 policies and technologies. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the U.S. Army It’s your career... FUDS team clears historic military Opportunities made Corps a compelling Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense. 11 Do you know where it will take you? 26 site of contaminated soil 42 career choice Inquiries can be addressed to U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, ATTN: CEHNC-PA, 5021 Bradford Drive East, Huntsville, AL 35816. Camp Edwards achieves groundwater Unexpected partnership advances Geologist’s career spans through tunnels, Tele: (256) 895-1150. 13 restoration goals 28 mutual goals 43 reservoirs The Corps Environment’s editorial staff welcomes submissions with an environmental, sustainability or energy focus from USACE and Army units Cleanup efforts enable North St. Louis Corps defends against invasive lizards Earth Day Poster worldwide. County revitalization Send articles, photos, events, letters 14 30 44 or questions to the editor, at Corps- Environment-Magazine@usace. army.mil. Indiana Guard improves statewide Yuma recognized for outstanding Submission deadlines are indicated in red: 17 industrial sustainability 32 environmental stewardship December 15 February March 15 May June 15 August September 15 November www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental.aspx 2 The Corps Environment 3 ENVIRONMENTE NVIROPOINTS Advancing our environmental mission

By Lara E. Beasley While nearly half of our dedicated Chief, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers workforce stepped up to assist our nation, Environmental Division either on-site or virtually, in response to COVID-19, the remainder of our workforce continued to push forward in ensuring the delivery of our critical and n April 22 we celebrated the 50th enduring missions across the enterprise. Oanniversary of Earth Day. This was Within our environmental programs, a time to reflect on our accomplishments work never stopped. Adapting to new work and reaffirm our commitment to protecting settings and surrounded by ever-evolving and preserving the environment for future conditions, our dedicated environmental generations. professionals continue to push forward, While physical Earth Day events had providing ecological and economic benefits to be canceled this year, the results of the to our stakeholders, our partners, and our past 50 years of environmental stewardship nation. remain present all around us. Environmental stewardship is part We have a saying here in the U.S. Army of our culture. It is grounded in our Lara E. Beasley Corps of Engineers Environmental Environmental Operating Principles Chief, Division: The environment is everywhere. (EOPs), which we incorporate into all that U.S. Army The same goes for our environmental we do, across all mission areas. Corps of Engineers mission, which touches the lives of nearly This issue ofThe Corps Environment Environmental Division every American. focuses on protecting and preserving the Our efforts to protect and preserve the environment, in support of Environmental environment are an enduring mission. A Operating Principle #4. The content within mission that in the face of all challenges, this issue showcases the extraordinary including a global pandemic, will continue environmental stewardship efforts across to advance. These efforts are carried the Army. forward by more than 4,000 environmental Did you know that the Army has been professionals who support the execution managing some of our nation’s most of our Military, Civil Works, and Research valuable environmental resources since and Development programs within the before Earth Day became a national day Corps. of recognition? Read more about this Additionally, our workload and technical in Assistant Secretary of the Army for competencies continue to evolve and adapt Installations, Energy and Environment in response to the needs of our customers Alex Beehler’s Army Earth Day message on and our nation, as exemplified by our page 6. support to COVID-19 response efforts. See ENVIROPOINTS, page 5

4 The Corps Environment

E NVIROPOINTS You can also read more about the soil from a coastal landfill that was environmental stewardship across five installations and three teams actively eroding into the ocean. different disciplines, including recognized as winners in the 2020 In this issue, you can also read scientific research and geology. Secretary of the Army Environmental about how our Jacksonville District On the 50th anniversary of Earth Awards program throughout this is working to restore the quality, Day, let us reflect on all we have issue as well. This awards program is quantity, timing and distribution accomplished to protect and preserve the highest honor conferred by the of water into America’s Everglades the environment — our environment. Army in the field of environment and on page 22 and how our New York While much progress has been sustainability. District’s streambank management made, there is still more work to be Alaska District’s Fort Rousseau projects protect New York’s drinking done and together we will continue to Formerly Used Defense Sites water on page 37. advance our collective efforts for the (FUDS) project team is one the We also celebrate some of our greater good of our environment and award recipients for their efforts to environmental heroes, who have our nation. excavate and dispose of contaminated spent their careers championing

Environmental Operating Principles In the spirit of Earth Day and our environment, let us reflect and recommit to these guiding principles, which advise us to: • Foster sustainability as a way of life throughout the organization.

• Proactively consider environmental consequences of all Corps of Engineers activities and act accordingly.

• Create mutually supporting economic and environmentally sustainable solutions.

• Continue to meet our corporate responsibility and accountability under the law for activities undertaken by the Corps, which may impact human and natural environments.

• Consider the environment in employing a risk management and systems approach throughout the life cycles of projects and programs.

• Leverage scientific, economic and social knowledge to understand the environmental context and effects of Corps of Engineers actions in a collaborative manner.

• Employ an open, transparent process that respects views of individuals and groups interested in Corps activities. Learn more about the EOPs at: www.usace.army.mil/Environmental-Operating-Principles

5 The Corps Environment Army Earth Day Message 2020 By Alex A. Beehler our Soldiers. Assistant Secretary of the Army Investments in environmentally friendly alternatives Installations, Energy & Environment to the solvents, chemicals and other materials needed to operate and maintain Army weapon systems, ammunition, This year the Army and our nation celebrate 50 years vehicles, aircraft and support equipment help prevent of Earth Day. From installations on the Chesapeake pollution and reduces disposal and remediation costs. Bay to training sites in the Mojave Desert, the Army Environmental stewardship is an investment in has been managing some of our nation’s most valuable everyone’s future. Every effort you take to lessen your environmental resources since before Earth Day became a effect on the environment, every time you use less water or national day of recognition. energy, recycle or reuse products, or select products with Stewardship of our ecological treasures contributes less packaging rated as more environmentally friendly to quality environment and is an important part of or energy efficient, you too are making a difference. By military readiness. By preserving our nation’s history, safeguarding the environment today, we can ensure conserving natural resources, and restoring lands, we cleaner land, cleaner water and cleaner air in the future. protect where Army personnel live, train and work while Earth Day isn’t just what we do on April 22 each year keeping our Army mission-ready. Army forests and but what we should do every day. To learn more about wetlands are often the last refuge for some threatened and what the Army is doing for Earth Day 2020 visit https:// endangered species. The Army protects 225 threatened aec.army.mil/index.php/earth-day. and endangered species on its installations and training With your help, we will be able to look back in another sites. Every effort taken to ensure our ecosystems thrive 50 years and know that our Army protected vulnerable also provides realistic and resilient training grounds for facilities, infrastructure, and environmental resources.

6 The Corps Environment Army recognizes environmental excellence By U.S. Army Environmental Command capabilities both now and in the future. Natural Resources Conservation - Small Installation The Michigan Army National Guard’s Fort Custer Training Center has long been he Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and recognized for its Natural Resources Conservation program. Environment announced the Army’s top environmental programs for 2020. Encompassing 7,500 acres, Fort Custer blends excellence in natural and cultural The Honorable Alex A. Beehler identified five installations and three teams as resource management with innovation in sustainability and environmental quality Twinners in the Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards program, the highest to enhance and protect the training lands that support small arms, bivouac and land honor conferred by the Army in the field of environment and sustainability. The eight navigation training as well as specialized convoy reaction and improvised explosive winners will represent the Army in the 2020 Secretary of Defense Environmental device training. Awards Program. The center is recognized for a range of initiatives to include serving as the Army’s “Responsible stewardship of environmental resources is not only essential to representative in the Department of Defense climate change preparedness pilot Army training and readiness, but also imperative to the overall effectiveness of our program, modernizing the installation’s forestry and timber practices to emphasize military,” said Beehler. “I commend our Army’s environmental professionals for the ecological function in conjunction with adoption of the Michigan Forest Inventory stewardship they provide that ensures the Army simultaneously meets current as well System to enhance the value of forestry data, leading cooperative interagency as future mission requirements worldwide. Their efforts safeguard human health, efforts in the state to address future ecological needs and adaptations to current improve quality of life, and also enhance the natural environment.” management strategies, and developing a sustainable solar energy program that will This year’s winners demonstrated superior program management and presented allow the installation to go off the grid in the near future if required. a variety of environmental technical solutions that benefit and enable the mission, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment, completes a ruck are transferrable to other Army organizations and installations, involve local Natural Resources Conservation - Individual/Team march as part of basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. One of stakeholders, and produce measurable outcomes and a positive impact. The Minnesota Army National Guard Conservation-Training Enhancement Team three gender-integrated reception stations for the Army, the post recently The winners of this year’s environmental awards stand out as examples of how is composed of staff from three departments: Environmental Natural Resources, garnered the U.S. Army Environmental Award for Environmental environmental stewardship and sustainability play a crucial role in the Army’s Integrated Training Area Management and the Department of Public Works. Quality, Non-Industrial Installation. mission readiness. Investments that the Army makes in environmental programs and sustainability initiatives pay dividends in sustaining realistic training and testing See ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS, page 9 7 The Corps Environment 8 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS continued from page 8 By working across their directorates, this team has been able to Environmental Quality - Non-Industrial Installation Assessment System inspection in LAARNG history in 2018. Environmental Restoration – Individual/Team identify mission overlap and synchronize land management priorities. U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Leonard Wood, located in the Missouri As an outcome of this groundwork, the team has been able to not The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District completed a The team’s work has helped Camp Ripley to remain at the forefront of Ozarks, trains over 80,000 students each year. The highlights of the only respond to compliance issues, but to anticipate and prevent them remedial action at the Fort Rousseau Formerly Used Defense Site. conservation practices while sustaining over 365,000 annual man-days post’s environmental program include exceeding DOD solid waste from happening. The focus of the project was to remove and dispose of contaminated of training. diversion goals for municipal solid waste and construction and soil from a World War II coastal landfill that was eroding into the Among the milestones accomplished over the past two years is a demolition wastes eight years in a row. The recycling program earned Sustainability – Industrial Installation ocean. new forest management plan, which has allowed the team to align $1.98 million dollars in revenue and helped avoid landfill costs of more The Indiana Army National Guard Surface Equipment Maintenance Accomplishments of this cleanup action included removal of 933 timber harvest trails with maneuver trails, match accessibility needs than $3 million over the past two years. Facility 14 has been a proving ground for new sustainability initiatives tons of hazardous waste and 5,157 tons of non-hazardous waste. Other with habitat thinning needs, and eradicate invasive species to the Fort Leonard Wood developed an improved National that can then be rolled out to other industrial sites throughout the state. items removed included 317 pounds of electronic equipment, 168 benefit of both Soldiers and wildlife. Environmental Policy Act process using online tools and completion of One of the most successful sustainability projects for SEMF 14 has pounds of broken lead-acid battery plates and approximately 133 tons Their forestry timber program also generates $80,000 to $90,000 a Programmatic Environmental Assessment to cover many of the been the introduction of a rechargeable aerosol system for use with a of steel. each year to fund conservation while expanding training ranges as ongoing mission activities. bulk brake cleaner. The remediation activities were effective in protecting, enhancing, needed and improving ecological health. The post was also praised by Missouri officials for its While the system was acquired several years ago, it is over the past and restoring the environment. This project significantly reduced risk to outreach programs and activities including the Earth Day two years that SEMF 14 has been able to demonstrate the positive human health and the environment at a high-priority site. Fair, Kid’s Trout Fishing Derby, Environmental Compliance impacts that have accrued. Based on their example, the Indiana Army Officer Training, Environmental Quality Control Committee National Guard is now implementing this system in all its industrial Cultural Resources Management - Large U.S. Army’s 2020 award winners meetings, newcomers’ briefs, multiple newspaper articles and facilities. Installation Natural Resources Conservation staff assistance visits to tenant units. The U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood Cultural Resource • Environmental Restoration – Installation Small Installation: Management Program works closely with internal stakeholders and Environmental Quality – Individual/Team At Camp Edwards, on Joint Base Cape Cod, the Massachusetts Michigan Army National Guard military organizations on project reviews in support of the military The Louisiana Army National Guard’s Compliance Team, Army National Guard is improving and increasing military training and mission. Fort Custer Training Center composed of three regional coordinators and three readiness through the successful restoration efforts of the Impact Area Some highlights of the program include rehabilitating the Historic specialized environmental managers, established a Groundwater Study Program. Black Officers’ Club; completing phase I archaeological surveys of 1,300 • Natural Resources Conservation communication network between operators and Because Camp Edwards sits on top of the sole source aquifer for acres of installation lands and 330 acres leased from Missouri; hosting Individual/Team: environmental leadership necessary to accomplish real Cape Cod, virtually all restoration has been driven by groundwater and participating in three tribal meetings; and updating protection operational change. protection and remediation, which includes pump-and-treat Minnesota Army National Guard, Camp Ripley protocols with a focus on type and degree of disturbance, presence of Across dozens of readiness centers, 16 maintenance groundwater treatment systems and unexploded ordnance removal. rock art and other significant features, and evidence of archaeological Conservation-Training Enhancement Team facilities, and three major training sites, the team has Camp Edwards has been extraordinarily successful, not only in Resources Protection Act violations. achieved unmatched success in compliance for the state, restoring groundwater resources and addressing unexploded ordnance, For more information about the Secretary of the Army • Environmental Quality completing the best Environmental Performance but also in reintroducing training capabilities and creating new training Environmental Awards program, visit the U.S. Army Environmental Non-Industrial Installation: assets, particularly over the past two years. Command’s website at https://aec.army.mil/index.php/awards. U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Leonard Wood

• Environmental Quality Individual/Team: Louisiana Army National Guard Compliance Team

• Sustainability – Industrial Installation: Indiana Army National Guard Surface Equipment Maintenance Facility 14

• Environmental Restoration Installation: Massachusetts Army National Guard, Camp Edwards

• Environmental Restoration Individual/Team: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District Fort Rousseau Formerly Used Defense Site Team

• Cultural Resources Management Camp Ripley’s 53,000 acres support training for the Minnesota Army National Guard and also Large Installation: At the Fort Rousseau Formerly Used Defense Site a tracked dump truck, called a Marooka, is loaded with support hundreds of plants and animal species through the efforts of the Conservation-Training U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Leonard Wood contaminated soil. In the back of the Marooka is a 5-cubic-yard bulk bag. The Marooka is being transported via Enhancement Team who prioritizes management of all its natural resources, including 18 miles of a landing craft to another island. (Photo by A. Shewman) untouched Mississippi River shoreline. (U.S. Army Environmental Command courtesy photo)

9 The Corps Environment 10 Stephanie Nutt, Directorate of Public Works cultural resources coordinator, shows archaeological artifacts to students at the 2019 Earth Day Fair. Post garners two top environmental awards Story & photo by Brian Hill Environmental Division. “The awards signify that for the last two U.S. Army Garrison years Fort Leonard Wood had the best environmental and cultural Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri resources programs in the Army. Those are two very competitive areas, and to be selected is a great honor.” Fort Leonard Wood’s Directorate of Public Works took home Alex Beehler, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, two Army-level awards for the post’s environmental and cultural Energy and Environment, identified five installations and three resources management programs. teams as winners in the Secretary of the Army Environmental The winners were announced late February, covering both the Awards Program, the highest honor conferred by the Army in the 2018 and 2019 annual awards. field of environment and sustainability. “We feel fantastic,” said Charlie Neel, chief, DPW See ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS, page 12 It’s your career… Do you know where it will take you? By Karla Langland USACE, CP-18 director

any of you probably have an idea of what you need to do to learn and grow in your profession. You likely have a mental map (better yet an individual developmentM plan, or IDP, with this all laid out!) of what you would like to accomplish professionally and how you will get there. But what if you don’t really have an idea of what you should do to develop yourself professionally? What if you are an entry-level Army civilian, or a mid-grade hire from private industry, or a supervisor of employees who isn’t in your series? Well, we have a tool for you in CP-18… a career map. See CAREER MAP, page 12

11 The Corps Environment ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS continued from page 11 “Responsible stewardship of that comes in from the recycling comes 2019 rehabilitation of the World War environmental resources is not only back to the post.” II-era Black Officers’ Club. They also essential to Army training and readiness, The post implemented a recycling completed archaeological surveys of 1,300 but also imperative to the overall competition, awarding unit winners $1,000 acres of installation lands and 330 acres effectiveness of our military,” Beehler said. a quarter. leased from Missouri, and hosted and Fort Leonard Wood won in the “The program has evolved tremendously,” participated in three tribal meetings. Environmental Quality — Non-Industrial French added. “There’s been a lot of “We have tremendous cultural heritage Installation and Cultural Resources innovative ideas to move recycling forward.” sites from prehistoric and historic — about Management — Large Installation In addition, the post was praised 750 of them in total,” said Kenton Lohraff, categories. for its outreach programs and activities chief, Natural Resources Branch. “It’s our The highlights of the installation’s including the Earth Day Fair, Kid’s Trout job to be good stewards, and we’re very environmental program include exceeding Fishing Derby, newcomers’ briefs and staff proud to protect them.” the Defense Department’s solid waste assistance visits to tenant units. Neel stressed that the two awards diversion goals for municipal solid waste “Any time there’s an event, we try to get represent not only the efforts of DPW, but and construction, and demolition wastes over there and provide information to the Fort Leonard Wood as a whole. eight years in a row. public, interact and promote,” Neel said. “It’s “We can’t get to be the best of the “They are very difficult targets to hit,” something we’ve had a lot of success at.” best without having the best people — said Craig French, chief, Environmental “It’s something that we work at leadership and community — everybody Compliance Branch. “Our program has nonstop,” French added. “The transient playing a role in helping us do what we been extremely forward-looking.” nature of Fort Leonard Wood’s population do,” he said. “We have a great team of The recycling program earned $1.98 makes it a constant challenge for us to teams here and that’s what it takes to have million in revenue and helped avoid landfill educate and promote how we do things, great programs in both those areas.” costs of more than $3 million over the past because just about the time people start “The eight winners represented the two years. figuring out how it all works, they rotate Army in the 2020 Secretary of Defense “It’s just an outstanding program,” out and we’ve got a whole new group of Environmental Awards Program. The French said. “We’ve been able to pick up people to train.” Secretary of Defense award winners were new streams of recyclables, due to the work The post’s cultural resource announced April 22. of the folks in the program, and the money management program was crucial to the

CAREER MAP continued from page 11

A career map documents the types of training, protection specialist will have different education and professional development at each developmental needs than the others. level of progression and provides the requisite But there are foundational competencies, tasks competencies required of the position or grade. and training that all 0028s, as an example, should So a career map is a graphic depiction of possess. competencies, training and Talk to colleagues and Career maps are just one education, career opportunities tool. In your quest for self- and additional information that senior professionals development, be sure you are is designed to assist you as you within your field and ask talking with your supervisor. plan your future. Talk to colleagues and senior A word of caution: career them what training they professionals within your field maps are not designed to be very would recommend. and ask them what training they specific. When we facilitate a would recommend. group of subject matter experts to create or update Read professional journals to stay abreast of a career map, the SMEs are representative of all changes in your field. And finally make sure you Army civilians in that occupational series. sign up for automatic notices from the CP-18 Army Think about it! If you’re a 0028 environmental Career Tracker webpage. We post all of our training protection specialist working with the U.S. Army opportunities on this webpage. Installation Management Command, your specific If there are ways that CP-18 can assist you in developmental needs are far different than a 0028 reaching your professional goals, please feel free to working in an Army hospital. drop us a line at [email protected]. And, of course, a USACE environmental mil.

12 The Corps Environment Camp Edwards achieves groundwater restoration goals

By Lauren Schatz During the past two years, the training involving artillery and mortar U.S. Army Environmental Command Massachusetts Guard has remediated firing. dozens of training ranges throughout The Guard has made great strides in Cape Cod is famous for its clean, the base and has since restored them remediating past contamination and beautiful beaches making it a favorite to a standard that has significantly works closely with its stakeholders to vacation destination for millions each improved their military training value. ensure that current and future activities year. It is also home to Joint Base Cape The IAGWSP utilizes cutting-edge are protective of environmental Cod, a 22,000-acre military installation science and technology to locate, resources. training Soldiers for over 100 years. identify, remove and render safe The IAGWSP treats groundwater Camp Edwards Army National munitions when necessary. contamination with 14 systems on-site, Guard Training Site is the largest processing more than 4 million gallons tenant with over 15,000 acres, and is “Winning a secretariat- of groundwater each day. the primary military training facility Additionally, the Camp Edwards for Guard and Reserve Soldiers level award at the Training Site has since reemerged throughout New England. Army installation as not just a functional training site, The Massachusetts Army National but also one of the premier training Guard continues making great progress level is a tremendous resources in the region. in mitigating past environmental accomplishment for any Marksmanship training and impacts while increasing military qualification are accomplished training capabilities. Army installation, let here utilizing the new enhanced- In fact, their efforts have earned performance rounds. These pure copper them a 2020 First Place Award alone a National Guard rounds perform better on the battlefield, from the Secretary of the Army Training Site.” are safer for the environment, and are for Environmental Restoration Col. Matt Porter very desirable for recycling, making (Installation). Commander, Camp Edwards them an overall more appealing The restoration successes are a direct alternative to lead. Camp Edwards was result of the work and dedication of For example, electromagnetic the first training site in the National the entire Impact Area Groundwater induction sensor technology, or “metal Guard to use these rounds. Study Program team and their partners mapper,” is used as a foundational tool Collaboration enabled Camp at the local, state and federal level. To in properly identifying unexploded Edwards to reemerge from the Cold mitigate this threat and protect public ordnance at the camp’s Central Impact War era of contamination cleaner and health and the environment, the team Area. with more compatible military training created long-term environmental This technology not only reduces available to Soldiers. restoration and remediation programs. costs, but also enhances accuracy The IAGWSP team does this What makes groundwater of because it is able to identify munitions through a partnership with the U.S. particular interest here is the fact with more fidelity and helps Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps that Camp Edwards sits on top of discriminate which targets need to be serves as the general contractor for the the sole source aquifer for Cape Cod. addressed thus reducing the number of National Guard Bureau who is charged The area’s famously sandy soils allow needless digs due to false positives. It with budgeting, funding and managing contaminants to migrate quickly will be used potentially over 100 acres the successful accomplishment of into the groundwater, which if not on Camp Edwards, having successfully mission objectives. identified and properly addressed cleared over 70 acres thus far. The “It was an honor to receive such could potentially impact public program’s statistical objective is the an award,” said Col. Matt Porter, and private drinking water wells. removal of at least 90% of unexploded commander, Camp Edwards. “Winning Thus, groundwater protection and ordnance and reduce unnecessary digs a secretariat-level award at the Army remediation are priorities for everyone by 70% in one of the most heavily used installation level is a tremendous on Cape Cod. impact areas in the Army. accomplishment for any Army “We have incredibly dedicated The Massachusetts Guard’s installation, let alone a National Guard people working and training here that accomplishments at Camp Edwards Training Site. help ensure that current and future are especially remarkable when “It is a credit to the hard-working military activity is compatible and given the camp’s historic context of people on staff and all those who take protective of the valuable natural contamination. part in this program,” he said. “They resources found on Cape Cod,” said It is the only operational range that prove daily that collaboration and Shawn Cody, IAGWSP program has ever had training stopped by an strong, open, honest communication manager. “Our restoration goals ensure Environmental Protection Agency channels with the public and all safe, quality water for those inside and enforcement action due to a perceived stakeholders are the most effective outside the camp.” threat of contamination linked to means to success.”

13 The Corps Environment Cleanup efforts enable North St. Louis County revitalization Story & photo by Andrea Wales FUSRAP project sites. Although the FUSRAP team sometimes uses hand tools FUSRAP cleanup efforts USACE, St. Louis District Ahlvin quoted the 2019 business-license database, saying for detailed work, they most often use heavy equipment have, in part, set the stage that about 280 jobs have been created in Aviator Business like excavators and backhoes to accomplish cleanup and Park alone. restoration. Contaminated soil is loaded into covered gondola for some of the development The appraised building values of the three Hazelwood sites railcars and shipped to licensed, approved, out-of-state in the St. Louis Airport Site fter the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under the featured in this article total more than $56 million, she said. commercial disposal facilities. vicinity properties industrial Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, Under FUSRAP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. FUSRAP cleanup efforts have, in part, set the stage for cleans up and restores properties contaminated as a result Louis District has released for beneficial use 131 out of the some of the development in the St. Louis Airport Site vicinity area in Hazelwood and ofA America’s early atomic programs, business owners take it 148 St. Louis Airport Site vicinity properties identified in the properties industrial area in Hazelwood and Berkeley, Berkeley, Missouri. from there. project’s Record of Decision. Missouri. “Redevelopment of the remediated properties has helped Remediation activities of FUSRAP projects are conducted The following properties are prime examples of how create hundreds of jobs in Hazelwood,” said Rebecca “Becky” using the framework of the Comprehensive Environmental FUSRAP cleanup efforts have helped promote revitalization Ahlvin, community and economic development coordinator Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980. The U.S. within North St. Louis County, Missouri. for the city of Hazelwood, Missouri, where there are three Environmental Protection Agency is CERCLA’s chief enforcer. See FUSRAP, page 16

14 The Corps Environment 15 FUSRAP continued from page 15

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D - IN of contaminated soil. The L N Hazelwood property was purchased by ¨¦§170 JA M E Plumbers Supply Company S S M C D 133 James S. in January 2019. O N N McDonnell Blvd. E LL While the property was B LV under contract, Plumbers D Supply Company Chief Executive Officer John Bridgeton Berkeley G.D. Dubuque contacted Bruce Munholand, St.

Louis District FUSRAP St. Louis Lambert program manager, to discuss International Airport the work that had been done to clean up the site. “Naturally, we were concerned when we first The highlighted areas on this map depicts four properties remediated by the USACE, St. Louis District to learned the history of the help build the future of North St. Louis County. (Leidos). site we’d purchased for our distribution center,” Dubuque a utility support in 2003. In 2009, the stormwater run-off. said. “Our first step was to reach out to the team performed additional investigation The timely remediation, restoration Army Corps of Engineers to get a detailed sampling and prepared documentation to and release of this site enabled the sewer description of the cleanup that had been make the property available for beneficial district to maintain its schedule for this done at the site. use. high-visibility project. “After speaking with Bruce Munholand, NorthPoint Development has partnered I felt totally comfortable moving forward with the city of Hazelwood in developing Doing business with our project,” he added. the property, which had been vacant for What was once Ford Motor Company’s Following purchase, Dubuque invited more than 15 years, said NorthPoint’s St. Louis Assembly Plant at 6250 North members of the St. Louis District Robert Jonathan “R.J.” Agee, director of Lindbergh Blvd. in Hazelwood is now part FUSRAP team to a town hall meeting development. of the 155-acre Aviator Business Park. for employees and their spouses to learn “While our prior projects in Hazelwood The Aviator Business Park firsthand about the successful remediation. have attracted a lot of warehousing and Redevelopment Corporation’s infill (land- According to Dubuque, the town distribution tenants, we believe that the recycling) development has several tenants hall meeting included a presentation property is strategically positioned for as well as sites that are still available for and question and answer session with manufacturing users and the associated build-to-suit construction. FUSRAP specialists, which alleviated need for skilled labor,” Agee said. In 2010, the FUSRAP team performed concerns and put everyone at ease. pre-design investigation sampling on the “Since then, we’ve invested lots of Calm before the storm main property where a large assembly plant money in the site, and plan to be there for After the property at 9050 Pershall building was once located. many years to come,” he said. Road in Hazelwood was subdivided, the In the right of way at the front of the FUSRAP team removed 15,251 cubic property between the plant and Lindbergh Starting from scratch yards of contaminated soil from 9044 Boulevard, the team removed 105 cubic The concrete-and-steel behemoth of a Pershall Road adjacent to Coldwater Creek yards of contaminated soil. The property building at 133 James S. McDonnell Blvd. from 2015 to 2016. was released for beneficial use in 2011. in Hazelwood, Missouri, will be more This utility-support work allowed the By remediating these properties and than a warehouse, according to current Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District others like them, the St. Louis District redevelopment plans. to construct a large overflowstorage FUSRAP team helps build the future in TheFUSRAP team removed 51 tank there as part of its combined sewer North St. Louis County. cubic yards of contaminated soil under overflow project to handle excessive

16 The Corps Environment Indiana Guard improves statewide industrial sustainability By Kathy Alward These sustainability efforts U.S. Army Environmental also include a vendor that Command recovers oil and fuel products, avoiding disposal costs. Additionally, the purchase and use of an antifreeze recycler has urface Equipment reduced the need to purchase Maintenance Facility new antifreeze. 14 in Lafayette is the third From a prior statewide largest SEMF of the Indiana sustainability effort across SArmy National Guard, all 15 of the Indiana Guard’s employing 15 direct-labor maintenance facilities, SEMF mechanics and two support 14 adopted a technology staff. system for recharging batteries The Lafayette facility is that reduces new battery composed of a shop, motor requirements by approximately pool parking and a readiness 50%, while also reducing center. It not only provides environmental impacts and equipment and vehicle support disposal costs. This system to Indiana National Guard provides a slow recharge on units, but it also assists military seemingly dead batteries over a units convoying through the seven-day period. state, as is standard for all its “We are proud of SEMF maintenance facilities. 14’s achievement being In the course of their work, awarded the 2020 Secretary of SEMF 14 personnel recognized the Army sustainability award,” the benefits of environmental said Chief Warrant Officer sustainability to their 4 Todd Brown, supervisory operations and undertook steps surface maintenance to improve the sustainability at specialist. “We look forward their facility. to continuing the great SEMF 14 was awarded the working relationship with 2020 Secretary of the Army the Environmental Office Environmental Award for Immediate cost savings, waste reduction and improved safety were and our efforts to achieve Sustainability for an industrial realized by the Indiana Army National Guard by switching from environmental sustainability.” installation. Through their conventional brake cleaners to a sustainable refillable charging SEMF 14 coordinates efforts, the facility saved money, station that uses rechargeable cans to reduce the aerosol waste stream. closely with the Indiana time and resources while (U.S. Army Environmental Command courtesy photo) Guard’s Environmental setting the standard for other Management Branch to ensure Guard activities. The shop’s efficiency was improved products are sustainable and “It’s great having the Secretary of through the purchase of a single 55-gallon the shop’s compliance record is protected. the Army recognize SEMF 14 for their drum of cleaner every two years, compared SEMFs and environmental staff dedication to resource stewardship,” said to previous purchase, storage and use of throughout the state consistently work Jerry Hartley, chief of the Indiana National approximately 220 aerosol cans each year. together to achieve environmental Guard’s Environmental Management The shop reduced both the amount and compliance and improve sustainability Branch. “But I am not surprised, all 15 cost for disposal of solid and hazardous efforts. of our SEMFs operate at a high level of waste. Startup costs for the refillable Surface maintenance staff and the environmental performance.” system were recovered within the first year state warehouse staff identify products SEMF 14 achieved immediate cost and it is now in use at three additional that could be shared across all Indiana savings, waste reduction and improved SEMFs in Indiana. Guard locations to amplify the benefits of safety by switching from conventional SEMFs throughout the state work to sustainability efforts. brake cleaners to a sustainable refillable reduce waste and increase sustainability The state warehouse is a single access charging station. The station uses refillable throughout their operations. point for products that multiple shops spray cans that refill from bulk drums of An example of this dedication is its use, which reduces compliance oversight, brake cleaner and use compressed air as participation in the Qualified Recycling simplifies operations and enhances the propellant. Further, the cleaner is a low Program, which recycles cardboard, plastic, purchasing accountability. volatile organic compound cleaner. wood and scrap metal from shop activities. 17 The Corps Environment Louisiana Guard garners Army’s environmental award for sustainability By Lauren Schatz with unit environmental compliance the environment in our great state,” said U.S. Army Environmental Command officers and other helpful material, such Col. Jason Mahfouz, consolidated facility as comprehensive Internal Performance maintenance officer. “Our new model Assessment System inspection checklists, promotes more integrated communications which are customized to the site’s needs. and truly allows our voice to be heard.” ouisiana is known as the “Bayou Other responsibilities of the team State” for its marshy waterways include fully implementing the Guard’s and overall unique environment. compliance-related management plans and The Louisiana Army National Guard ensuring Soldiers and staff fully understand hasL shown dedication to the environment and follow these plans. Some of the through its conservation efforts and has plans they are responsible for include been recognized for these outstanding hazardous waste, solid waste, stormwater, efforts with the 2020 Secretary of the Army and waste prevention management plans, Environmental Award for Sustainability. the environmental management system, During the past two years, the and the spill prevention, control and Louisiana National Guard successfully countermeasures plans. implemented a new model for The team has laid out comprehensive promoting compliance that has improved groundwork for operations to ensure environmental quality throughout the state. sustainability. The Guard’s Compliance Team, Regional coordinators, in addition to composed of three regional coordinators providing technical assistance, conduct and three specialized environmental IPAS/EPAS inspections on all the sites managers, has enhanced collaboration in their regions on a schedule that reflects between leadership and ground operations. (U.S. Army Environmental Command courtesy photo) potential compliance risk and operational The Guard believes these collaborative Jeffery Carmouche, central regionalpriority. The number of sites range between efforts are essential to accomplishing coordinator, inspects the Consolidated 20 and 25 facilities. positive operational change and has Maintenance Facility and discusses the The team always aims for the prevention implemented them across dozens of future recycling program with the facility of incidents. However, if an incident does readiness centers, 16 maintenance facilities, environmental compliance officer. occur, they respond quickly to identify and and three major training sites, enhancing systematically address the issue throughout communication channels across the state. “The groundwork our team has put the state. Increasing communication, clearly forth has helped us to not only respond to The Environmental Quality Control defining roles and relationships, establishing compliance issues, but also to anticipate Committee identified hazardous waste new protocols and improving plans have all and prevent them from happening,” said reduction as a significant goal. contributed to the success of the mission. Capt. Jeremy Futrell, environmental Subsequently, during the past two years, In fact, the team has achieved program manager. “We strive for both the team has achieved virtual elimination unmatched success in compliance for the preparation and prevention.” of waste such as used oil and antifreeze state, completing the best Environmental This past year, the team successfully products. Performance Assessment System demonstrated their strides toward When regional coordinators encounter inspection in the history of the Louisiana prevention when they identified and an issue that they are not empowered to Army National Guard. avoided a potential leak risk involving address, they consult the team’s managers Understanding roles and responsibilities legacy display equipment. That issue was and ultimately the EQCC. This helps has contributed to their success. quickly identified and addressed statewide. create a system of top-system guidance. One role which was more clearly Aligning with their goal of cost At Camp Minden, the team helps defined was the regional coordinator. This effectiveness, the team’s efforts have helped manage a superfund site with an extensive role was carefully laid out to decrease reduce costs for the Guard. Prevention of requirement for water sampling. The ambiguity of the position. A model for the compliance issues is less expensive than the regional coordinator is charged with various position was created with a comprehensive treatment. tasks, such as maintaining compliance protocol laying out weekly, monthly, The compliance team is actively discharge permits on the site, collecting quarterly and annual responsibilities. involved with compliance coordination in water samples, reviewing lab reports, These responsibilities are outlined and outside of the Guard. This integration and reporting information to the state’s in the revised Environmental Regional allows the team to be fully embedded Department of Environmental Quality. Coordinator Playbook, which provides within the environmental decision-making The framework created by the Louisiana an overview of all aspects of compliance, processes and maximizes their input. Army National Guard’s Compliance Team i.e., inspections, material handling, “Our team is composed of extremely has helped create a more uniformed effort, permit compliance, etc. This document hard-working and knowledgeable creating positive impacts in the present and also contains guidelines for relationships individuals who are collectively conserving ensuring correct procedures in the future. 18 The Corps Environment Minnesota Guard lauded for nature conservation By Lauren Schatz The creation of several new positions, interagency agreement with St. Cloud U.S. Army Environmental Command such as the training area coordinator, which State University, provided three summer acts as liaison between the team, military interns to support the Minnesota Guard and civilian personnel, has enhanced and focus on controlling invasive species, communication between the team and the such as vegetation. amp Ripley, spanning The acquisition of a $150,000 across 53,000 acres in landscape stewardship grant from Minnesota, has become known as the U.S. Forest Service enabled one of the most ecologically pristine prescribed fire for more than 4,000 Ctraining sites in the nation. acres within the Camp Ripley The Minnesota Army National landscape. Guard has been recognized for The team is gaining insight into its conservation and sustainability wildlife habitat usage. One current efforts at Camp Ripley, and initiative monitors eight black most recently was awarded the bears using radio telemetry collars; 2020 Secretary of the Army a similar technique was used to Environmental Award for their monitor turtle hatchlings and golden Natural Resources Team. eagles. Not only does the installation The Minnesota Army National support training for Guard units Guard has established mutually there, it also contains a treasure trove beneficial community partnerships. of plants and wildlife, including The annual Earth Day celebration 600 plant species, 233 migratory and the annual Water Festival, which and resident bird species, 51 hosts around 500 sixth graders, is mammal species, and 23 reptile and an example of benefits from these amphibian species. partnerships. With almost 20 miles of Additionally, the NRC team untouched Mississippi River considers training promotion to be frontage, Camp Ripley houses a one of their primary focuses. For diverse range of natural habitats. (U.S. Army Environmental Command courtesy photo) example, the team has conducted The Minnesota Guard has The team releases a golden eagle that will be tracked and more than 50 presentations, tours always sought to protect these monitored using a radio telemetry collar to gain better and briefs to approximately 3,000 habitats through natural resources insight into its habitat usage. visitors, Soldiers and community conservation (NRC) efforts; and, groups, both at Camp Ripley and during the past two years, the NRC within the local community. By team has intensified these efforts. Soldiers, enabling a variety of measurable implementing training, the team, in turn, The team has created an even more accomplishments. generates awareness, increases community comprehensive and integrated approach The forestry-timber program generates support and demonstrates an ongoing toward caring for the surrounding $80,000 to $90,000 each year. A native commitment to fostering environmental environment. Increasing collaboration seed collection program, in which ITAM conservation at Camp Ripley. between staff members of three of its members collected approximately 4,000 In 2019, the team developed and departments: Environmental Natural pounds of seed in two years, saved implemented a new forestry management Resources, Integrated Training Area approximately $60,000 in purchasing costs. plan, which laid out 10-year management Management and the Department of Both were collaborative efforts. goals. Public Works, has allowed the Guard to The team’s efforts enabled acquisition “We have been very successful over better align training area management with of $12,000 in National Public Lands Day the past two years and plan to make these stewardship. grants, which has been applied toward efforts sustainable,” saidJosh Pennington, Open communication between improving habitats. Camp Ripley environmental supervisor. these staff members makes efforts more One major success has been the “We believe the forestry management plan efficient and avoids redundancies. This has positive impact on pollinator species, will help us achieve this.” helped the team achieve their goals in an which have faced multiple challenges in The NRC team’s work has helped incredibly cost-effective manner. the region, including habitat loss, impacts Camp Ripley remain at the forefront of “The strengthening of the cross- of pesticides, pathogens and changing conservation practices and inspired others functional team has made a significant and climate. For example, the monarch to strive toward a better future. Thanks to visual impact on Camp Ripley,” said Brig. butterfly, which migrates more than 3,000 their innovative and collaborative efforts, Gen. Lowell Kruse, Camp Ripley senior miles from Mexico to Canada each year, hundreds of plant and wildlife species commander. “Their equal commitment relies on habitat in the United States along continue to call the “Land of 10,000 to conservation and the mission has the way. Lakes” their home. been clear through their many collective A mutually beneficial collaboration achievements.” with college-age youth, through an 19 The Corps Environment Michigan Guard trains in harmony with nature By Lydia Shuart manager, Michigan Army National Guard. invasive ones. During each burn, NRC U.S. Army Environmental Command The data collected identified the staff monitor temperature, wind speed, potential for significant shifts in the regional flame height and spread-rate conditions flora and fauna, and its staff is planning and to determine when and how best to identifying best practices that accommodate conduct a burn. They are also examining he Michigan Army how to time burns so that they have National Guard’s Fort minimal impact on wildlife species, Custer Training Center spans especially during nesting season and 7,500 acres and is home to a vital, hibernation emergence. Tglobally unique environment that is By transforming its forestry and flourishing under the installation’s timber harvesting, Fort Custer has watchful eye. abandoned traditional methods of Unrivaled in its biodiversity, the using skidders and dragging cut trees center supports a wide variety of across the land. Instead, the staff training, including land navigation, uses high-tech harvesters, which small arms, bivouac, improvised uproot only the targeted trees and explosive device and specialized cut them in size in place, preventing convoy reaction training, all while unnecessary damage to the land and having no adverse effect on wildlife. surrounding valuable tree species. The installation also maintains Additionally, the installation is and improves the surrounding initiating a new hybrid wildlife- land through pest management, monitoring program that will replace wildland fire management, regional traditional live trapping methods partnerships and natural resource with remote motion-sensor cameras. management plans. “We’re trying to determine Fort Custer has assembled whether cameras could effectively an environmental staff that has become the primary monitoring made it a nationwide leader in method,” said Curt Roebuck, the development and current installation site environmental implementation of a climate (U.S. Army Environmental Command courtesy photo) manager. preparedness plan — brought on by A trumpeter swan is tagged with a GPS collar by U.S. The staff also uses acoustical the Department of Defense Climate Fish and Wildlife Service. Data collected will be used monitoring — similar to what is Preparedness Pilot program. to study migration, year-round movements, habitat use used to monitor bats — to conduct Through water monitoring, and mortality risk. reptile and amphibian surveys. This energy resilience, sustainability, acoustical monitoring may later be wildlife monitoring and forestry both present and future habitats. used to monitor other animals. improvements, the center’s modernization The natural resources conservation The Fort Custer Training Center has in sustainability and environmental (NRC) staff has partnered with statewide the largest number of solar panels of any planning help to not only maintain, organizations to work closely to mitigate military installation. It has established but also enhance the quality of the land the installation’s affect on endangered a microgrid and solar power project surrounding the installation. species and habitats. that, when implemented, will provide It is through these efforts that the Prescribed fire monitoring, modernized an immediate and uninterrupted source Michigan Army National Guard’s Fort forestry techniques and wildlife monitoring of electricity through a dispatchable Custer Training Center won the 2020 are a few ways that the center has adjusted generation hub for interconnected military Secretary of the Army Award for Natural its maintenance to implement climate facilities. Its comprehensive surface-water Resources Conservation in the small preparedness goals. monitoring program measures water installation category. Habitat management is the motivation quality at 32 test sites on the installation. To maintain a proactive approach to for wildlife support, and the installation The expertise of Fort Custer’s NRC climate change, DOD selected the center will prioritize which habitats they should staff and its partners has helped to as the Army representative for the Climate invest in to obtain the best results. The minimize management costs while adding Change Preparedness Pilot program. It is center staff ensures that the wildlife in to the wealth of data and knowledge these the first installation to develop and fully the area is free from the encroachment of institutions can share. implement the climate adaptation plan invasive species and not further disturbed The mission at the Fort Custer Training successfully. by destructive forestry techniques. Center supports the environment and the “FCTC (Fort Custer Training Center) Fort Custer and its partners combined community. From conducting prescriptive is part of the Michigan Climate Coalition their data and planning to improve the deer hunts for veterans and the general and is also working with other stakeholders installation’s prescribed fire management public, to supporting environmental to process environmental data and adjust program by determining the best fire projects that benefit the community, it its management goals accordingly,” application regimes to promote the growth is a valuable asset to the military and said Michele Richards, natural resource of native plant species and to control the Michigan. 20 The Corps Environment USACE, Honolulu District teamed up with the Photogrammetric Mapping Center of Expertise from USACE, St. Louis District to gather high resolution orthophotography using the Light Detection and Ranging sensor system dually mounted with a 40mm multispectral camera in an MD500D Helicopter. (Photo courtesy of Aerial Filmworks) Aerial scans help identify, solve ground munitions hazards

By Benjamin Konshak use as an artillery firing range and troop behind from training. USACE, Honolulu District maneuver area. Injury and fatality accidents in 1945, The Camp Tarawa Marine Corps Base 1954 and 1983, resulted in its designation As one of the largest and most complex was quickly established there by the 2nd as a priority munitions response area for Formerly Used Defense Sites under Marine Division as a site for recuperating unexploded ordnance investigations and the purview of the U.S. Army Corps of Marines following the battle on Tarawa removal actions. Engineers, cleanup of the former Waikoloa Atoll, as well as a training location for Since the late 1990s, more than 2,700 Maneuver Area on the Island of Hawaii future Saipan and Tinian campaigns. unexploded ordnance have been discovered may benefit from a new, top-to-bottom, During World War II, Waikoloa and disposed of across 29,000 acres of the “eagle eye’” view. hosted an estimated 55,000 Marines, Waikoloa Maneuver Area FUDS. To create this bird’s eye view, Navy corpsmen and seabees who utilized With tens of thousands more acres the USACE, Honolulu District’s multiple camp ranges for artillery and remaining to be surveyed or cleared, the Environmental Branch teamed up mortar training, and maneuver areas for need for accurate data is key to planning with the Photogrammetric Mapping amphibious training. and executing work. Center of Expertise from USACE, St. Following the war, the maneuver area “In order to efficiently contract Louis District to gather high-resolution that encompasses most of the South remedial investigation or remedial action orthophotography and light detection and Kohala District on Hawaii Island has projects, we need to understand the ranging geospatial imaging. The goal is grown from a sleepy cattle ranching hamlet attributes of each diverse area including to assist with planning and executing the to a vibrant community of nearly 20,000 terrain, vegetation, and obstructions munitions response program at Waikoloa. residents. such as buildings and roads,” said Loren The history of the maneuver area With land use that includes multiple Zulick, Waikoloa Maneuver Area project began when the U.S. Marine Corps, shoreline resorts, schools and historic manager, USACE Honolulu District. through an agreement with Waimea’s parks along with ranching and farming, “Geospatial imaging is part of the data Parker Ranch, acquired more than the public is at potential risk of solution for understanding our site.” 220,000 acres in December 1943, for encountering unexploded ordnance left See AERIAL, page 25 21 The Corps Environment Corps of Engineers helps protect, restore nation’s ecosystem Story & photos by poets have been inspired by the wonders efforts to bring the ecosystem back to a around Lake Okeechobee to breach. Brigida I. Sanchez of the great outdoors, capturing a fleeting restored form. The second was Hurricane Okeechobee EVERGLADESUSACE, Jacksonville District moment of expansiveness to share with In the 1920s, the federal government that struck in 1928, killing an estimated the world. started “draining projects,” seeing 2,500 people. But recently, I had the chance to Florida not only for its opportunities in A confluence of needs to provide safety, aving spent a great part wake up early with the mosquitoes to tourism, but for its perfect climate for security and economic growth is what of my life living in South document the Florida wild. With my certain types of agriculture. drove Congress to authorize the Corps Florida, I have visited boots suctioned in mud I could not help However, it wasn’t until after two to work in collaboration with the state the Everglades many times and have but think how the U. S. Army Corps destructive hurricanes devastated the under the Central and South Florida marveled at its beauty from Clyde of Engineers had earned a seat at the region that Floridians decided to shape Project to drain its southern wetlands. Butcher’sH romantic landscapes to the ecosystem restoration table and why it is the landscape to suit their needs. Knowing this much led me to Eric words of poet Campbell McGrath and so important. The first was “The Great Miami Summa, chief of Jacksonville District’s journalist/activist Marjorie Stoneman Here’s a concise history of how the Hurricane” of 1926 that destroyed Planning and Policy Division, who took Douglas. I have immersed myself in its Corps got into the business of draining property, killing thousands or leaving the time to answer my questions about monumentality, and stood still in its vigor. South Florida and why it’s now in the them homeless. The amount of water the importance of ecosystem restoration. EVERGLADES For generations, artists, musicians and business of reversing some of those generated by the storm caused the dikes See , page 24

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District works to maintain the beauty and charm of the Everglades.

22 The Corps Environment 23 EVERGLADES continued from page 23 Summa explained that ecological 597,000 visits in 2018 that generated Draining the marshlands during restoration helps whole populations. more than $58 million in total the late 1920s was simpler with fewer It cleans water for use by humans and visitor spending. More than 97% of the inhabitants, along with the promise wildlife, and makes more water available visits were by non-local visitors. of economic growth to come with the for consumption and the ecosystem This does not include the ecological environmental modification. Now that during both wet and dry times. benefits such as carbon sequestration, population has escalated past 8 million. The Corps has four priorities when and an ideal environment for a variety of “Those populations all enjoy a level of it comes to ecosystem restoration: species to breed. flood mitigation that can’t be disrupted improving the quality, quantity, timing Authorized by the U.S. Congress in by ecosystem restoration efforts,” and distribution of water. 2000, the Comprehensive Everglades Summa said. “This balance of trying to “When we improve the quality Restoration Plan is a partnership to achieve restoration, while maintaining and quantity of the water in the restore, protect and preserve water flood protection benefits, significantly ecosystem, life flourishes. Everything resources in the region, in turn, providing complicates and extends ecosystem from the microbiotic species to small a sustainable way of life. restoration efforts.” invertebrates, fish, birds, small mammals Since then, the Corps has invested $2.4 People and flood risk management and deer all benefit from ecosystem billion to date into the overarching South aren’t the only challenges that the Corps restoration efforts,” Summa said. “When Florida Ecosystem Restoration Plan and its partners face. we get the water right, these species since the restoration process began. Of primary importance, the water become abundant, growing populations As we advance further into 2020, the used for restoration purposes must be and providing benefits to everyone from Corps has already completed a number clean to state water quality standards. those that subsist on the ecosystem of projects including the Melaleuca The Corps treats it further to standards to those that recreate or depend upon Eradication and Other Exotic Plants necessary for full restoration, which are recreation as a commercial business.” Annex, Picayune Strand and the often higher than the state criteria. As a In an article published in Markets Kissimmee River Restoration projects. consequence, the Corps participates with Insider titled, “13 Mind-blowing Facts Being one of the world’s largest its non-federal sponsor in the necessary about Florida’s Economy,” two-thirds of ecosystem restoration programs means treatment of agriculture, development, the state is farmland. that there are lots of moving pieces and septic and waste water for its high According to a National Park Service that it takes time to restore more than 2.4 nutrient levels. report, the Everglades had more than million acres of vulnerable wetlands. See ECOSYSTEM, page 25

The beauty and charm of the Everglades.

24 The Corps Environment AERIAL continued from page 21 The geospatial imaging across the being the ground level. The numerous pulse (50- to 80-pound arrays) over the maneuver area was completed with a returns within the dataset are referred to as maneuver area’s varied terrain. helicopter-mounted dual sensor array a point cloud or a collection of points that “AGC has the potential to save money, containing a Riegl airborne laser scanner represent a 3D shape or feature resulting in reduce impacts to the community such providing LiDAR data and a PhaseOne topographical landscape maps with 2-foot as evacuations, and generally move the iXU-1000 40 millimeter camera providing contour lines and yielding nearly eight munitions response portion of FUDS multispectral images (red, green, blue terabytes of information. significantly forward,” said John Jackson, and near infrared). This sensor geophysicist with USACE’s array was flown nearly 400 The imaging project covered Environmental and Munitions meters above the ground with Center of Expertise. “Part a 70% overlap in the flight 152,000 acres, including all of of the challenge is correctly lines, preventing data gaps and planning for and implementing increasing laser pulse return the known firing ranges and a the appropriate remediation information. tools for the numerous Aerial targets were collected buffer into adjacent areas used landscapes of our project sites.” throughout the project area to In addition to enabling the geospatially correct the imagery. for maneuvers. team to discern which type of This consisted of high accuracy technology is best suited at the global navigation satellite system locations This detailed data is anticipated to be various munitions response sites, the data collected at existing photo-identifiable a major tool for a variety of remediation imagery is made available to biologists and features painted on asphalt, such as purposes including project planning, cost archeologists conducting remedial work handicap parking signs, and various traffic estimating and remedial design, with an to assess, monitor, and protect natural and street markings. emphasis on selecting the best remedial and cultural resources at the Waikoloa The imaging project covered 152,000 technologies for use over various terrains. Maneuver Area. acres, including all of the known firing One of the major challenges with Additionally, stakeholders within the ranges and a buffer into adjacent areas used cleaning up munition sites is the difficulty FUDS property, such as landowners, local for maneuvers. in traversing terrain and vegetation with government and non-profit organizations, The geospatial data collected provided a geophysical sensor (metal detector) may potentially benefit from this geospatial more accurate detail when compared to required to be near the ground surface. The data collection. satellite images often used to view and young geology of rocky, rough basalt flows, One local non-profit, Hawaii Wildfire portray project sites. often hidden under grasslands on Hawaii Management Organization, has expressed With more than 50 pulses/square meter Island, compounds this challenge. an interest in using the LiDAR data for in the LiDAR data and an orthophoto The use of advanced geophysical assessing fire fuel loads around residential pixel resolution of less than 5 centimeters/ classification detection instruments interfaces. pixel, this data showed detail down to the that differentiate potentially hazardous According to the team members, level of tree branches, clusters of grass and munitions from non-hazardous pieces of this newly acquired geospatial imagery fence posts. scrap metal, are mandated, where practical, capability promises to be a valuable The LiDAR data contains multiple on all FUDS projects. resource in their remedial action toolkit, returns from each pulse, representing One of the goals of this geospatial and will assist in helping them make smart different elevation levels of features, such imaging project is to assess where it is decisions in managing the cleanup of as buildings or trees, with the last usually feasible to use these heavier instruments unexploded ordnance at Waikoloa.

ECOSYSTEM continued from page 24 “High nutrient water causes the responsibility of the non-federal sponsor, landscape it creates a dynamic ecosystem, ecosystem to react in a dramatically so though we help to identify the lands, where terrestrial and aquatic life work different way than it did in its pre-drainage they help too and ultimately acquire the symbiotically supporting diversity, primary condition,” Summa explained. requisite real estate interests in those lands production and food webs that ultimately “Where we have poor quality, high to create Stormwater Treatment Areas. serve human populations.” nutrient water we have more algal These STAs function as natural filtration Summa added that the goal of the U.S. blooms. Low water quality also converts systems, wetlands that work in conjunction Army Corps of Engineers is to protect historic sawgrass marsh to nutrient loving with reservoirs such as C-44 east of Lake and restore the nation’s ecosystems for the cattail and willow,” he said. “So much Okeechobee and C-43 west of Lake economic, environmental and social well- of the challenge with the restoration is Okeechobee which help to restore and being of current and future generations. collecting and treating water first before sustain flows and mitigate flooding. “We will continue to collaborate with distributing it to the Everglades and other “What we have learned from our others to deliver state-of-the-art natural natural landscapes so the quality of the past is that the land serves humans best and engineered solutions for many of water doesn’t change the character of the when it also serves the needs of a broader, the nation’s most complex environmental ecosystem.” diverse ecosystem,” Summa said. “When challenges,” he said. Lands for all projects are the shallow water is sheet flowing across the 25 The Corps Environment The cleanup and restoration of Fort Rousseau, a formerly used defense site, was achieved through the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District. (Photo by Will Mangano, USACE, Alaska District)

FUDS team clears historic military site of contaminated soil By Kathy Alward Defenses that, according to historical sources, prepared for but successfully excavated, and soil and other wastes were area from storm surges. U.S. Army Environmental Command was never engaged in active combat during World War II. transported to offsite locations. With the removal of 933 tons Contaminant leakage was avoided by using plastic and Fort Rousseau is located in Sitka, and encompasses 65 acres of hazardous waste, 5,157 tons of non-hazardous waste, 317 felt-lined soil bags during marine barge, railway, and truck of land, including eight islands connected by a causeway. pounds of electronic equipment, 168 pounds of broken lead- transportation to the disposal sites. When the temporary dike The islands, currently designated as the Fort Rousseau acid battery plates, and approximately 133 tons of steel — that was removed, the clean gravel from the bulk bags were used to istorical military facilities can sometimes require a Causeway State Historical Site, were chosen as military were later recycled — human health risks and environmental resurface a hiking trail system that had been damaged by heavy cleanup of environmental contamination that was installation sites during World War II to protect the Naval Air risks were significantly reduced. equipment during cleanup activities. released during legacy operations. The Defense Environmental Station on Japonski Island against attacks from the Pacific. An on-site, lead-in-soil analysis system was developed, Remote cameras were used to monitor the progress of site Restoration Program – Formerly Used Defense Sites program Repeated wave scouring and erosion prevented construction reducing the turnaround time for sample results from one week activities and real-time weather/tidal conditions, 24-hours- isH responsible for this cleanup. efforts to build an 8,100-foot-long, concrete-capped causeway to 24 hours. a-day. This monitoring system allowed the state regulator The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the that would connect the island chain to Japonski Island for road Tidally driven logistics helped to carefully time landfill to identify potential issues and to prevent sediment and FUDS program and must address more than 532 FUDS access and for use as a utility conduit. removal activities to coincide with the lowest high tides of pollutants from entering the intertidal area of Sitka Sound. properties within its Alaska District. The cleanup requires the The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District the year — occurring over a limited week-long period. The The USACE project delivery team accessed the camera district to overcome unique challenges due to complex site completed the remediation of all contaminated soil identified logistics aided in the success of crucial cleanup work, including website to verify site conditions, tidal cycles, marine visibility conditions and difficult logistics. in a decision document approved in August 2016 by the Alaska the complete removal of contaminated soil down to bedrock and weather, construction equipment movement and waste Fort Rousseau is one high-priority FUDS in the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. from depths that would normally be underwater. handling. District that overcame all challenges and earned the “Because of the extremely high mobilization costs in To minimize the risk of contaminating the ocean with “USACE worked hard to maintain communications with the 2020 Secretary of the Army Environmental Award for Alaska, remedial actions must be as efficient as possible landfill material during severe weather, cleanup work was landowner and regulatory agency, and realized the importance environmental restoration. Its successful cleanup and to limit cost growth and achieve program objectives in a conducted in the spring. of public participation and interaction throughout this restoration included excavation and off-site disposal of reasonable timeframe,” said Ken Andraschko, FUDS program A temporary dike was created using large-capacity bulk soil project,” Andraschko said. contaminated soil from the primary coastal landfill source, chief, USACE Alaska District. “The lessons learned at Fort bags that were filled with clean gravel and plastic sheeting. At The project was completed early in the summer, benefitting located on Virublennoi Island, which was actively eroding into Rousseau will be used at many other sites to lower remediation the same time, a permanent breakwater was designed using tourists and local sightseers who can now enjoy the island’s the ocean. costs and increase project effectiveness.” large rocks from within the landfill excavation to limit future historical features. Fort Rousseau was the headquarters for the Sitka Harbor The site that can only be accessed by marine vessels was shoreline erosion and to provide protection for the excavation 26 The Corps Environment 27 Sarah Murdock, director of U.S. climate resilience and water policy for The Nature Conservancy, believes the Natural Infrastructure Initiative and the Engineering With Nature® initiative have shared goals and common interests of promoting the use of natural infrastructure to realize multiple benefits. (Photo by David Ryan) Unexpected partnership advances mutual goals By Holly Kuzmitski and NII as very aligned and similar. Nature®: an Atlas” was valuable, and pointed out that because EWN and NII are an unusual partnership, In October 2019, work U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center “We look at how we can work together to promote TNC, along with National Association of Counties, the people pay attention when we walk through the door with The Nature Conservancy the use and investment in natural or nature-based Association of State Floodplain Managers and others together; it piques people’s curiosity and garners some helped restore the Lightning approaches to achieve maximum benefits,” she said. created something similar, the Naturally Resilient attention.” Point project in Alabama and “EWN and NII are definitely in sync,” said Dr. Jeff Communities, a website (www.Nrcsolutions.org) that NII has been working with the U.S. Army Engineer created 1.5 miles of breakwaters, hey seem like an unlikely pair: the U.S. King, deputy national lead of the EWN initiative. “We’re also showcases case studies of successful projects. She Research and Development Center to help devise Army Corps of Engineers and The Nature jointly pursuing communication at the highest levels feels that because it’s still a new way of thinking and a the Natural Infrastructure Opportunities Tool including two new jetties and 40 Conservancy. to get the public and decision-makers engaged about new way of executing projects, it’s important to illustrate (NIOT, https://ewn.el.erdc.dren.mil/tools.html). acres of coastal habitat consisting What could a federal agency that develops large-scale natural infrastructure and why it should be prioritized.” what investing in nature and using nature-based This application helps align the supply and demand of scrub shrub, tidal marsh Tinfrastructure projects have in common with a 501(c) Murdock described how natural infrastructure generally approaches actually mean. of dredged sediment. The idea behind the tool is that and tidal creeks to reset the (3) environmental organization? The answer from the refers to work that restores the function of ecosystems The two groups also teamed up last year to do a couple opportunities for natural infrastructure construction and

foundation of Bayou La Batre’s Corps’ side is the Engineering With Nature® initiative; while increasing resilience within natural systems. of briefings on Capitol Hill, to members of Congress and ecosystem restoration projects can be maximized through once-healthy natural waterfront. from TNC’s perspective, it’s the opportunity to promote “We’re really talking about reconnecting floodplains their staff. shared knowledge about availability of, and need for, (Photo by Hunter Nichols for TNC). natural infrastructure investments, in part, through its and protecting and restoring marshes, sand dunes, reefs “I’ll say I’ve been working on and communicating dredged sediment, similar to the way it’s being optimized relationship with the Natural Infrastructure Initiative and mangroves,” she said. “We’re thinking about work these issues on the Hill for the last five years or so,” she in TNC’s project for Lightning Point, Alabama. (NII). that is seeking to maximize not only the benefit of those said. “While I’ve been in this U.S. government relations “We hope to continue our close collaboration with the Sarah Murdock, director of TNC’s U.S. Climate ecosystem functions, but the environmental, economic position, I’ve seen a huge transformation in Congress’s EWN initiative as both TNC and the NII,” Murdock Resilience and Water Policy, describes the NII as a and societal or community benefits. So we’re thinking understanding of natural infrastructure. The phrase has said. “We’ll continue to champion the EWN initiative collaboration of partners that came together after the about nature in that context, and the benefits to both now been codified into various statutes like the Water within the Corps and find ways to promote the work both 2015 Restoring Natural Infrastructure Summit. people and nature itself.” Resources Development Act.” within and outside the Corps. “NII brings together private-sector and non- She sees EWN as approaching these goals from Murdock thinks natural infrastructure is a very bi- “And then there’s definitely a need to think about government organizations and academia,” she said. a scientific and technical perspective, conducting partisan issue. advancing policy solutions to challenges that are ongoing “Founding members include TNC; Caterpillar Inc.; demonstrations on how best to utilize and work with “I’ve seen several hearings in the last six months where like how best to measure ecosystem services, so that Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company; AECOM, an nature, where the right locations are to implement these members from both sides of the aisle are talking about we can fully account for all of the benefits that natural international engineering firm; Ducks Unlimited; and solutions, and what the right techniques and guidance the need to invest in resilience and how nature can help infrastructure projects deliver,” Murdock said. the University of Georgia.” are when investing in natural infrastructure. play a role in enhancing resilience,” she said. “It’s great For more information about the EWN initiative,

Murdock described the goals and visions of EWN® Murdock thought the creation of “Engineering With to see that kind of understanding grow. I really think please visit www.engineeringwithnature.org. 28 The Corps Environment 29 Corps defends against invasive lizards By Erica Skolte able to monitor and anticipate the movement Sometimes, he adds, it is not always USACE, Jacksonville District of animal species as they expanded their ranges understood that a cute 10-inch iguana could in South Florida, and proactively put together become a 5-foot-long animal with breeding or a plan to maintain the integrity of much of the food-related aggression, and carry diseases such critical infrastructure within the Corps’ area of as salmonella. old-stunned green iguanas, dubbed responsibility. “More importantly, if you find that you “chicken of the trees,” made national “The Corps has a really good relationship are unable to care for your pet appropriately, headlines as they fell from the trees in South with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s please don’t release it into the natural system,” Florida during a recent cold snap. Wildlife Services and their missions align with Bauer said. “Exotics thrive in the South Florida C News stories and social media helped to ours. We were able to partner with them to ecosystem, which is often similar to their raise public awareness about the damage that provide invasive management services under native habitat, without natural predators or can be wrought by the large invasive lizards, the Economy Act,” said Jessica Spencer, Corps environmental pressures.” which can reach more than five feet and 20 biologist. “The main goal is to manage invasives He adds that not only do they cause pounds. that may compromise structural integrity and extensive damage to the infrastructure as well According to the media reports, the lizards restore ecological stability. They are the main as the ecosystem, battling the invasive species weren’t just munching their way through the federal agency that has been responsible for costs taxpayers millions of dollars every year. succulent plants of South Florida’s gardens, controlling nuisance animal populations, with “Many people know that pythons are a huge they also wreaked havoc on private properties more than 100 years of experience.” problem, but so are other invasive reptiles, such and public infrastructure, shorting out power Nelson Colon, manager, Natural Resources as tegus, which are driven to nesting sites and lines and burrowing under structures, causing Program, explained that these large, invasive eat the eggs of gopher tortoises, crocodilian some of them to collapse. lizards burrow and damage Corps structures, so species and ground nesting birds,” Bauer said. In one city, the lizards reportedly caused a plan had to be put in place to address those “Tegus are an omnivorous large lizard species enough damage to a water control structure potential issues and safeguard the structures’ that will eat pretty much anything - even that the repair bill reached $1.8 million. integrity. if they deplete the resource, they’ll continue Construction, rehabilitation and maintenance “The program to protect critical eating whatever they find. If not managed, the of critical infrastructure are key missions for infrastructure has been very successful,” he said. predation and depletion of resources caused by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is Since the beginning of the program in 2018, these invasives could drive many native species responsible for the 143-mile Herbert Hoover more than 3,700 redhead agamas and more into extinction.” Dike around Lake Okeechobee, five navigation than 350 green iguanas have been removed The Fish and Wildlife Conservation locks and dams and recreation areas along the from the Herbert Hoover Dike, the South Commission’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program 154-mile-long Okeechobee Waterway, and Florida Operations Office in Clewiston and the helps reduce the number of nonnative species Everglades restoration. surrounding area, the Port Mayaca Lock and being introduced into the wild by offering Maintaining the integrity of these structures Dam, the St. Lucie Lock and Dam, and the St. individuals an alternative to releasing their and protecting them from damage are integral Lucie C-44 Canal. animals without penalty or cost. to the success of these missions. A similar program was implemented this Pet owners can surrender their exotic pets, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, year to monitor and remove invasive species whether they are being kept legally or illegally, Jacksonville District has managed invasive that may affect Comprehensive Everglades at events held around the state throughout aquatic plant species since the late 1800s, when Restoration Plan projects and the South the year. The Pet Amnesty Program does not water hyacinth spread and blocked navigation Florida ecosystem. euthanize animals, and finds a responsible throughout the St. Johns River. It was a turning For Jon Lane, chief of the Invasive Species home for them. point, when invasive species were recognized as Management Branch, and Joshua Bauer, Corps For more information about the program, a serious threat to navigation, agriculture, public biologist, the most important message for the visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives or call the health, flood control, and native plant and public is this: Don’t release exotic plants or pets FWC’s exotic species hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 animal communities. into natural ecosystems. These invasive exotic (888-483-4681). Individuals unable to attend Since then, the Corps has developed strong species, both plant and animal, are problematic. pet amnesty events or who are interested in partnerships, working on invasive species “Before you buy a pet, especially an exotic adopting an exotic pet can also call this number issues with local, state and federal agencies animal, do your research and make sure you year-round for assistance. and other groups, including participation in fully understand what you are getting into The public can also call the hotline to report the Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species before making a purchase,” Bauer said. “These invasive species sightings. Invasive species, such as the cold-stunned green iguanas, wreak Management Area. animals are beautiful and wonderful pets as To learn more about the Corps’ Invasive havoc in the South Florida communities. (Photo by Andy Wraitmell) Based on those relationships, the Corps’ long as owners have clear expectations and Species Management programs visit www.saj. Invasive Species Management Branch has been remain responsible.” usace.army.mil/InvasiveSpecies. 30 The Corps Environment 31 Yuma Proving Ground ensures wildlife, like these wild horses, can transverse the ranges unhampered by military training activies. (Yuma Proving Ground courtesy photo)

Yuma recognized for outstanding environmental stewardship By Mark Schauer Fish Department officials in part due to utilizing YPG as a conducted hand-in-hand with Arizona Game and Fish. We Our test schedule is very robust and dynamic, and does not USAG, Yuma Proving Ground protected habitat for it to regenerate. prioritize our resources to best fit what we need for wildlife in always allow entities to easily gain range access in either the In January, the proving ground received the Arizona Game the region.” airspace or land space during a standard work week.” and Fish Commission Award of Excellence recognizing its Yuma’s wildlife biology program coordinates access for “We have very unique hazards here,” Steward said. “When s a natural laboratory for testing virtually every efforts in wildlife and natural resource conservation. Arizona Game and Fish to conduct regular monitoring of we’re doing wildlife conservation work on the range, it’s not piece of equipment in the Army’s ground combat “I think it shows the strong partnership and stakeholder the pronghorn population, including regular overflights just a matter of hopping into a truck and going out in the arsenal, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground has an existential relations between both organizations,” said Col. Ross of the range to track pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and other desert to do your work. A lot of times we have to thread our way interest in responsible ecological stewardship. Poppenberger, commander, Yuma Proving Ground. “We do a conservation-dependent species equipped with GPS and through the range and ensure we have appropriate demolition A Located within North America’s most diverse desert, the lot to facilitate access to our range while still maintaining our telemetry collars. support and range clearances to make sure we aren’t going into proving ground is home to a wide array of wildlife, from desert test mission.” Both organizations also utilize trail cameras at manmade somewhere dangerous or that will interfere with YPG mission tortoises to one of Arizona’s healthiest and most genetically- Though the installation boasts the longest overland artillery water stations across the proving ground and the wildlife activities.” diverse populations of bighorn sheep. range in the United States, a relatively small portion of its vast refuge to monitor wildlife activities. Yuma’s range control Though the proving ground is the nation’s largest artillery More than 100 unique bird species pass through or call YPG land area is subject to the impact of artillery projectiles and section helps accomplish access to the range efficiently and tester, it also encompasses the best preserved and protected home. a safe haven for wildlife, including conservation-dependent safely on a continuing basis whenever the need arises. Sonoran desert landscape in the American Southwest, he The Mojave fringe-toed lizard, imperiled in much of the species that Arizona Game and Fish Department assists. “It’s facilitating working around our schedule so both parties added. The healthy proliferation of a diversity of desert western United States, thrives in dunes here. “We have a lot of cooperative agreements and work joint can meet their goals and missions,” said Darrell Williams, creatures under careful stewardship is, undoubtedly, one of the The Sonoran pronghorn was brought back from the verge projects together a lot,” said Daniel Steward, YPG wildlife range operations lead. “You need to ensure they aren’t positive results of this. of extinction in the past 20 years by Arizona Game and biologist. “Pretty much all of our wildlife monitoring is encroaching on the installation’s test activities or danger zones. 32 The Corps Environment 33 Foresters manage Army’s landscape By Vince Little Proper harvesting and removal also align — we’re generally wetter than the West. USACE, Norfolk District with military operational needs. Open However, if we fall into an extended drought, ranges are created for large vehicles, infantry we’re at risk for fire here.” maneuvers and other field-training exercises. Willey said the Norfolk District program “The Army has a lot of standing timber generates more than $1 million annually or a pair of real estate staffers at out here that, without timber harvest, would in timber sales for the Army, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, otherwise go untreated,” Willey said. “The $550,000 from Fort A.P. Hill. Norfolk District, there really is no confusing untreated stands are less desirable to be The district’s Real Estate Office works the forest for the trees. mission ready for troop training.” with installation foresters to prepare each F District foresters Andrew Willey and Flores says managing the real property — sale. Stefan Flores are responsible for timber the timber on each installation — supports “We award contracts to purchasers, sales and helping manage forests on military the overall Army mission. monitor the sale and close it out,” he said. installations and other Army real property. “It’s an active part in sculpting an “All the revenue that comes in from that Through competitive industry bids – while individual training area’s objective for sale goes through our section. We ensure meeting environmental compliance – they readiness,” he said. “Our services enable the the Army gets the money for disposal of its administer contracts, provide oversight of Army not only to adapt the training area and real property, and the local communities logging operations, and obtain maximum ranges but also capture value in the process. also see a monetary benefit through state proceeds for federal projects and local We are able to manage Army real estate and entitlements.” communities. make way for changing military needs while Flores said there are misconceptions about In support of installation foresters, the collecting potential profits and funneling forestry, timber harvesting and all that goes two handle timber removal for all of North that money back into the landscape through into today’s industry. Atlantic Division, and they’ve got the woods different natural-resource management “I always try to encourage those who covered — from the Canadian border down projects.” haven’t sat down and analyzed just how much to North Carolina. Forest management ensures healthier forest products are integrated into everyday “Fort A.P. Hill is along the southern forests, future timber supply, sustained life to do so,” he said. “That is the simplest extent of our border,” Willey said. “We run growth and replacement. Safety and way to realize how important an industry and into the New England states and extend eliminating environmental risks are other mission it is, and increase awareness about over to Fort Drum in western New York. The key factors. the need for proper management. There are entire North Atlantic corridor is the area we “If you have unmanaged stands, you can places where we have long been producing manage from Norfolk District. have an invasion of disease or pests that paper, lumber and other products through “Conducting timber harvests at these attack trees,” Willey said. “If you had a the management of forested lands.” military installations allows for the monoculture stand of pine, for example, and Beyond economics and mission support, opportunity to manage the Army’s landscape. the Southern pine beetle sweeps through, however, land management is among the It’s a large portfolio of land,” he said. “What essentially you now have a dead stand of federal government’s most significant roles, we can do as a service to the taxpayer is not pine. he said. only own and use this land, but maintain it “We’re mitigating that risk by doing “We are put in a position of public trust as well.” timber harvests,” he said. where it’s expected of us and all other federal By carrying out timber disposal, the Dead trees add another threat to Army land managers to do what’s for the greatest district’s forestry section facilitates the installations and surrounding communities: good of this resource and the American Andrew Willey is one of two foresters with USACE, Norfolk District responsible USACE mission across the region, clearing forest fire. people to which it belongs,” Flores said. for timber disposal and helping manage forests on military installations and space for military construction, housing, “The last thing we want to do is load our “Preservation, growth, planned disposal with other Army-owned land in the North Atlantic Division sector. environmental and civil works projects, he woods with fuel or potential for more fire,” regard to purpose and results. That’s what we (Photo by Patrick Bloodgood) said. he added. “We’re fortunate on the East Coast do as foresters.” 34 The Corps Environment 35 Remediation team on target to clear former WWII range By Shatara Riis USACE, Louisville District

By surface area, Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes and the second largest by volume. Additionally, located on Lake Michigan is Waugoshance Point Target, a Formerly Used Defense Site in which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently completed a remedial investigation. “The area was formerly used by the U.S. Navy for a short time between 1944 and 1945, in support of Naval Air Station Traverse City, Michigan,” said Dr. David Brancato, risk assessment subject matter expert with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District. “There were limited equipment testing and scheduled bombing missions, as well as machine gun strafing practice from aircraft.” After World War II, the needs of the nation changed, and eventually, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources began managing Waugoshance Point Target under the Wilderness State Park, offering year-round recreational activities and natural resource conservation. Training missions ceased at the former naval air station, and the leased target (Photo by Dr. Kari Meier) areas, including at Waugoshance, were no A diver prepares for an underwater investigation in the area surrounding the lighthouse at longer needed. Waugoshance Point, Michigan. Once used as a practice target, the lighthouse is searched for The property was declared eligible evidence of munitions by the diver using a metal detector. for the FUDS program in June 2007, said Nick Stolte, a munitions response practice bombs were used.” that made data collection tedious and subject matter expert with the Corps’ Brancato added that the Corps sometimes impossible.” Environmental and Munitions Center of recommended no further action because Brancato said the team not only had to Expertise, U.S. Army Engineering and no unacceptable risk was found at adjust and delay investigations because of Support Center, Huntsville, Alabama. Waugoshance Point, Temperance lake conditions but also had to consider the Following the authorization of the Island, Waugoshance Island or the old possible impacts with seasonal boaters. Military Munitions Response Program in Waugoshance Lighthouse. Still, the project is tracking an early the spring of 2010, a preliminary assessment Completing the remedial investigation completion. was completed with the recommendation of did not come easy. It took time, effort, “The success of this project is due to a remedial investigation. patience and expertise. the teamwork and coordination between According to Stolte, no munitions have “The biggest challenge was the marine the district, the Military Munitions been discovered, but for a small amount of environment and weather. Collecting Design Center, the contractor, Michigan munitions debris. geophysical data underwater is always Department of Natural Resources, and the “Based on the results of the remedial difficult, but it was especially difficult in Michigan Department of Environmental investigation, there is no evidence that this part of the country,” Stolte said. “In Quality, Great Lakes and Energy,” Stolte high-explosive munitions were used,” the Mackinaw Straight, we frequently said. he said. “All evidence suggests that only encountered high winds and waves 3 Rules to Remember

Recognize – when you may Retreat – do not approach, Report – immediately what have come across a munition, touch, move, or disturb it, but you saw and where you saw it and that munitions are carefully leave the area to local law enforcement, call dangerous 911

36 The Corps Environment Streambank management projects protect New York’s drinking water By JoAnne Castagna, Ed.D. water quality. These streams may eventually flow To perform this work, several agencies floodwaters back up and stay trapped on the trees. USACE, New York District into reservoirs that supply fresh drinking water to collaborated with the Corps, including village streets, flooding homes and businesses. Dutcher said, “Now flood waters will drain the public. the Delaware County Soil and Watershed When this high volume of stormwater runoff from the town’s streets, building rooftops and In New York state, the Cannonsville and Conservation District, New York State floods the streets, it can sweep up contaminates parking lots and filter through the vegetation Pepacton reservoirs are two of several reservoirs Department of Environmental Conservation, and carry them to the West Branch Delaware before entering the river.” rinking water safety has been in that provide billions of gallons of water to New New York City Department of Environmental River that flows into the Cannonsville Reservoir. The vegetation traps and absorbs sediment and the news. A few years ago, the York City. Protection, town of Andes, town of Roxbury, “Today, the floodplain is on its way to pollutants, like harmful phosphorus and nitrogen community of Flint, Michigan, struggled with Several streams that flow into these reservoirs town of Walton and the village of Walton. becoming healthy,” said Graydon Dutcher, particles, from entering the river. The plants’ leadD contamination in its fresh water supply and were eroding until the Corps restored them under stream program coordinator with the Delaware roots also stabilize the soil and prevent it from more recently, residents of Newark, New Jersey its New York City Watershed Environmental Floodplain Reclamation Project County Soil and Water Conservation District. running into the river. experienced the same. Assistance Program. In the town of Walton, the West Branch “The fill was removed and recycled.” An added benefit of this project is that it will What doesn’t always make the headlines are “This program funds projects that are Delaware River flows near the village streets. Dutcher, who is also a Walton resident, added, lessen the damages of flooding. the good things that are occurring concerning the protecting the water quality of New York Bordering this river are 13 acres of floodplain. “The residents of Walton were so happy about this It will provide flood reductions for a 100-year public’s drinking water. state’s watersheds that provide drinking water This floodplain helps keep the river clean and work that they took it further. They used their storm event. This is a flood whose strength and Recently, employees from the U.S. Army Corps to millions of New York City residents and gives it space to spread out and slow down during own time and resources to remove the overgrown water height are predicted to occur, on average, of Engineers, New York District completed four businesses,” said Rifat Salim, project manager, big storm events. invasive plants, such as Knot Weed.” about once in 100 years. The project will also be streambank management projects in Delaware U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York Over the years, the floodplain was filled with The village and town also mowed and graded useful for storms that happen more frequently. County, New York, that are helping to protect the District. 10 feet of fill. This raised and hardened the land, the land to the correct elevation and slope to Dutcher said, “The village is ecstatic. We have a quality of New York City’s drinking water. A watershed is an area of land that catches killed natural vegetation, caused invasive plant allow water to spread out onto the floodplain, clean slate here.” Ensuring that stream banks are fortified is rain and snow that drains or seeps into a marsh, species to flourish, and eroded the river’s edge instead of overtopping the banks and flooding He said that the village’s plans for the land are important. If a streambank is eroding, soil stream, river, lake or groundwater. This water causing soil and trees to fall into the water. nearby businesses. to create a small pocket park for the community and stormwater runoff — that may contain eventually gets stored in reservoirs, a place where As a result, when the river floods, the water that Afterwards, grass was planted on the floodplain that will include trails, walkways, athletic fields contaminates from nearby streets and land — can water is collected and kept for use when needed, would naturally be absorbed, filtered and and native vegetation and shrubs were planted and a boat launch. easily flow into the stream and adversely affect the such as to supply a city. transported by the floodplain is unable to, so along the river including a mix of maple and ash See STREAMBANK, page 39

The Walton floodplain project was completed in late 2019. (Photo by JoAnne Castagna) 37 The Corps Environment 38 STREAMBANK continued from page 38 South Street Bank Restoration pile, so it looks more natural when grown and pollutants before they enter the stream. If you’re standing on the restored out,” said Dutcher. While visiting the Hardscrabble project Walton floodplain that was just discussed, Stormwater runoff will filter through with the Corps, Dutcher said, “The stream’s and look across to the other side of the the vegetation before it enters the river. The water is bubbling as it moves along the West Branch Delaware River, you’ll see vegetation will trap and absorb sediment streambed’s rocks. It looks great. Before, South Street. The street sits high up on a and pollutants, like harmful phosphorus mud was running down the stream.” bank that overlooks the river. This is where and nitrogen particles, from entering the These four streambank management the South Street Bank Restoration Project river. Plant roots also stabilize the soil projects may be completed, but the Corps’ is located. and prevent the soil from running into the New York City Watershed Environmental Over the years, South Street, which is river. Assistance Program continues to support lined with a few houses, has been slowly Recently, employees from the Corps efforts that will protect the quality of New eroding down into the river. were visiting South Street with Dutcher York City’s drinking water supply. This has caused the river’s edge to when a resident and former president of erode, causing trees and soil to fall into the the Chamber of Commerce conveyed her New York City Watershed System water and has created tension cracks in the thanks and appreciation. The New York City watershed region street’s asphalt. Close Hollow Streambed and encompasses approximately 2,000 square miles of land north of New York City. “Under South Street there are water, Bank Restoration & Hardscrabble sewer and gas lines,” said Dutcher. “Under The land includes three watershed a flood condition, if the street continues to Streambank Stabilization Projects systems: the Catskill, Delaware, and crack and shift down into the river, it could These two streambank management Croton systems that are located in the break the sewer line and the sewer would projects have streams that provide water to counties of Greene, Schoharie, Ulster, discharge into the river underground, the Pepacton Reservoir that supplies water Sullivan, Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess contaminating the water and we wouldn’t to the New York City water supply. and Delaware. even know it.” These streams were eroding, causing The New York City Watershed To stabilize the river’s banks and trees and soil to fall into the water. System provides more than 90% of New prevent the street from continuing to shift To stabilize the streambanks, the slopes York City’s water supply. This comes to down, 40-foot steel sheet pile was installed along sides of the streams were cleared of approximately 9.5 million people. along the bank that extends 30 feet below falling trees and debris and the bottom New York City makes sure that this ground. of the slopes and bed of the stream were water is safe by treating it at the source Dutcher said, “If we didn’t perform reinforced with rock. The bare slopes rather than building a costly filtration the sheet pile work, this whole area would were then hydro-seeded and planted with plant. The source is the land that surrounds have cleaved off. We really had to stabilize willow stakes and native trees. the streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. this bank using hard armoring, which is While the plants are taking root, a thick “In 1996, all of the municipalities in the something we don’t typically do, but in this coconut geo mesh fabric was laid along the New York City watershed region came to case it was really needed.” banks to protect the growing plants and to an agreement. They wanted to avoid the To further stabilize the bank and prevent soil from running into the streams. creation of a huge filtration plant. Instead control streambank erosion, loose stone Dutcher said, “The trees will of a plant, they agreed to have small was placed at the edge of the river. The eventually grow full size through the rock projects throughout the region to provide stones slow down the stream along the reinforcements and will enhance the bank’s the public with clean water with minimal sheet pile and reduce potential damages stability.” The plants’ roots will stabilize the filtration. downstream. soil and prevent the soil from running into “This is how our New York City Native vegetation was also planted near the river. Watershed Environmental Assistance these stones and at the bottom area of Stormwater runoff will filter through Program came about,” said Rifat Salim, the sheet pile. “We also plan on growing the vegetation before it enters the river. The project manager, U.S. Army Corps of creeping vines along the top of the sheet vegetation will trap and absorb sediment Engineers, New York District.

The Hardscrabble Streambank Stabilization Project in the town of Roxbury was completed in late 2019. (Photo courtesy of DCSWCD)

39 The Corps Environment Multi-agency partnership to expedite cleanup of former Nansemond Ordnance Depot By Sher Zaman USACE, Baltimore District

artnership is key to the success of any project, particularly when there are multiple stakeholders. It’s particularly important to the FormerP Nansemond Ordnance Depot in Suffolk, Virginia, where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working closely with multiple partners and stakeholders to perform investigation and cleanup activities under the Formerly Used Defense Sites program. That’s why in December 2019, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was entered into between the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Matthew Baumgarten with the Tidewater Community College Real Estate Foundation Army Corps of Engineers, Virginia (front) signs the memorandum of understanding for the Former Nansemond Ordnance Depot Department of Environmental Quality, alongside (from left to right) Kurt Kochan, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; and the Tidewater Community College Brian Poe, Environmental Protection Agency; Hamid Rafiee, Tom Colozza and Sher Zaman Real Estate Foundation, one of the major with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (Photo by Patrick Bloodgood) landowners at the site. The purpose of the memorandum is This support included the temporary tons prompted the EPA to investigate the to increase coordination and cooperation storage and transshipment of various types Former Nansemond Ordnance Depot. among the parties; develop a joint process of ammunition overseas. A Remedial Investigation conducted by and schedule to expeditiously address risks Toward the end of the war, the mission the EPA resulted in the removal of MEC to human health and the environment of the depot was changed to distribution and contaminated soil from the site. EPA from past Department of Defense activities depot and included the reconditioning of Region III issued a Final Hazard Ranking on Tidewater Community College Real ammunition. System package in January 1999 and listed Estate Foundation-owned land located The Former Nansemond Ordnance the Former Nansemond Ordnance Depot on Former Nansemond Ordnance Depot; Depot also received captured enemy on the National Priorities List. and facilitate prompt productive reuse munitions for processing and shipment To date, the Corps has performed a and redevelopment of the land by the to U .S. military facilities for technical total of 14 interim removal actions to Tidewater Community College Real examination. address the most highly contaminated Estate Foundation. Numerous historical documents state areas, and is continuing with activities TheFormer Nansemond Ordnance that tens of thousands of tons of many to address the remaining sites. About Depot consists of approximately 975.3 types of conventional ordnance and 141 acres, or about 15% of the total 975 acres. It is the largest undeveloped parcel chemical warfare munitions were stored acres, have investigation or cleanup work of coastal land in the Hampton Roads, and shipped from the Former Nansemond remaining to be done. Virginia, area. The depot was constructed Ordnance Depot. The recently executed MOU is an between November 1917 and December In 1950, the depot was transferred to the important framework for a continuing 1918 to support the Port of Embarkation at Department of the Navy and named the open dialogue between the parties to work Newport News, Virginia, and was originally Marine Corps Supply Forwarding Annex. collaboratively under the Comprehensive known as Pig Point Ordnance Depot. In 1960, the depot was declared excess. Environmental Response, Compensation, The depot functioned as a storage The Former Nansemond Ordnance and Liability Act, or CERCLA, to address and distribution center and performed Depot came to the attention of the U.S. and resolve technical and policy challenges reconditioning of munitions. Captured Army Corps of Engineers in 1984 when and facilitate the reuse of the Tidewater enemy munitions were also processed at evidence of munitions and explosives Community College Real Estate this location. The depot remained active of concern, also known as MEC, was Foundation property. between World Wars I and II, and in discovered. The parties expect to involve the 1929 its name was officially changed to The 1984 discovery of “bulk explosives, community throughout the process Nansemond Ordnance Depot. small arms munitions, and other ordnance through formal means, such as Restoration During World War II, the depot was items, both spent and unexploded” and a Advisory Board meetings, and through instrumental in supporting operations at slab of crystalline 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in community announcements of significant the Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation. the so-called “TNT Area” weighing several achievements. 40 The Corps Environment Environmental Heroes ERDC research titan retires after 40 years By Holly Kuzmitski million in the program,” he said. “APCRP described Cofrancesco as world-class, U.S. Army Engineer Research and is always zeroed out in the initial budget, saying, “I don’t know how you did it all, Development Center but we have a lot of congressional support, man.” and we’re at $5 million there - that’s Cofrancesco pointed to his wife, A noteworthy but humble figure exited all building relationships, working for Debbie, and said simply, “Support.” the U.S. Army Engineer Research and sponsors, working for people and having The former entomologist found a lot to Development Center’s Environmental them support us, and we’re supporting be inspired about at ERDC. Going back Laboratory for the last time, Feb. 28, 2020. what they need.” to his research on the bench, he said that Dr. Alfred Cofrancesco, Jr. retired from At his retirement ceremony, Dr. working with biocontrol agents amazed his position as senior scientific him at first. technical manager and director “The flea beetle that controlled of the civil works environmental invasive alligator weed by bringing research area for the U.S. Army natural pressures to bear on the Corps of Engineers. weed devastated it, and that was The magnitude of the research ‘an aha moment’,” he said. programs developed under his Cofrancesco also felt the leadership and the breadth of researchers have an energy when environmental research that they do their work that he was ERDC is doing are likely his able to see in the products being greatest legacies. Cofrancesco’s developed. career illustrates how marrying He was intrigued recently by technical expertise with the concept one team advanced relationship-building skills can that there are quantifiable goods bring success for the individual, and services derived from the the team and the organization. ecosystem, and there needed to “The biggest challenges I be a rigorous methodology to tackled in civil works are the effectively account for them. annual budget funding cycles and “We are on the cusp right building relationships to help now of having the Corps take the you out with that,” he explained. framework this team built and “If I had to put it all into one integrating it into the planning perspective, I think I’m most process,” he said. “Once that proud of the relationships I helped happens, the Corps is going to build between the ERDC, to be able to justify ecosystem USACE Headquarters and the restoration activities in a much scientific community at large.” clearer way.” Cofrancesco oversaw several When asked what he will miss research programs during his (Photo by Oscar Reihsmann) most about his work, Cofrancesco 13-year tenure in the ERDC’s Dr. Alfred Cofrancesco, Jr. retired from his position as senior said that it would likely be Environmental Laboratory scientific technical manager and director of the civil works interacting with the ecosystem technical director’s office, environmental research area for the Corps on Feb. 28, 2020. restoration and invasive species including the Water Operations researchers throughout the world. Technical Support program as well as Beth Fleming, ERDC deputy director He predicted it was unlikely that he would the Aquatic Nuisance Species Research and former Environmental Laboratory interact with researchers “in New Zealand, Program, the Aquatic Plant Control director said there was a point when the Europe, or wherever else” on as much a Research Program, the Recreation APCRP was really suffering. She described regular basis as he currently does. Management Support Program, the Cofrancesco as having a tireless work ethic “I chair the U.S. Department of Wetlands Regulatory Assistance Program to turn the program around, coming into Agriculture’s working group for Biological and the Ecosystem Management and her office every day to strategize when she Control Agents of Weeds,” he noted. “And Restoration Program. was director. I’ve been with that organization since 1987 One of the best ways to convey how “Every bit of his success involved and have seen it under various names at these initiatives flourished under his doing whatever it took to make it happen; various stages, and every biocontrol agent direction is to describe how much their sometimes it was working over the that is released in the U.S. goes through funding increased. weekend, sometimes staying until late at that organization’s review process, and you “EMRRP was about $900,000 - it’s night,” Fleming said. “He would say it build up a very good camaraderie with the about $6.5 million now; ANSRRP started wasn’t him, though.” community, and I’ll miss that.” at $1 million, and this year we have $16 Dr. David Pittman, ERDC director 41 The Corps Environment Environmental Heroes Opportunities made Corps a compelling career choice

By Holly Kuzmitski manage the ANSRP, and in 2010 she Interbasin Study Technology Team; served U.S. Army Engineer and Research Center accepted the associate technical director on the Corps’ Invasive Species Leadership position. Team and formed a team with the Buffalo Looking back on her 35-year career, “I was fortunate that after working District to eradicate invasive hydrilla in the U.S. Army Engineer Research and for many years as a research scientist, I the Erie Canal,” she said, citing examples Development Center’s Dr. Linda Nelson was able to apply for the ATD (associate of projects she thought were particularly thinks the opportunities were so plentiful, technical director) position and continue fulfilling. she couldn’t resist staying with the U.S. to do program management. I feel like that Dr. Beth Fleming, ERDC deputy Army Corps of Engineers. was the next step for me in my career,” she director, said that Nelson’s professional The associate technical director for Civil said. approach to her work has been an example Works, Environmental Engineering and In 2010, she also shouldered the program for others, and has had widespread and Sciences, wore three hats until she retired, manager responsibilities for the APCRP. enduring impacts for the Department of Feb. 28, 2020, serving also as program Nelson felt that stepping into managing the Army. manager for the Aquatic Nuisance Species “She has an incredible work ethic that Research and the Aquatic Plant Control makes others’ job easier - just the leader Research programs. you want in charge of a team or on your “You know, when I started in the team,” Fleming said. ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory in ’85, Wearing three hats has become a lot I thought, ‘I’ll get some experience, and I’ll more complex in recent years because of be on my way,’ and lo and behold, it turned increases in funding for the two programs into a permanent position, and I really Nelson managed and the increased enjoyed the work,” she said. congressional interest in invasive species. Nelson began her career as a contract “The ANSRP has been in the employee on an intergovernmental president’s budget for these last few personnel agreement through Iowa State years for approximately $675,000, but we University. After becoming a permanent had supplemental funding this year up employee in 1989, she worked as a plant to $16 million in that program, so that’s physiologist on the Chemical Control a substantial increase,” she said. “And and Physiological Processes Team the APCRP also received $5 million in in the Environmental Laboratory’s congressional supplemental funding this Environmental Processes Branch. year. So now, that’s someone who manages “It was always exciting, there were new $21 million, plus serves as ATD.” projects all the time, and I loved the team As a result, her single position has split I was working on, and what I also enjoyed into two separate ones. was working nationally,” she said. “I didn’t Upon her retirement, Nelson reflects just run experiments in the lab, I went fondly on her co-workers in the Corps and out in the field and worked with USACE (Photo by Jeff Schardt) at the ERDC. district partners and other agencies, doing Dr. Cody Gray presents Dr. Linda Nelson “It was great working with Dr. Al field studies in Washington, Florida and with the President’s Award from the Aquatic Cofrancesco in so many aspects - I just Puerto Rico.” Plant Management Society for her career got to see another side of the Corps Nelson conducted research to identify dedication to the organization. Nelson retired completely,” the South Dakota native said. and evaluate chemical techniques for from the U.S. Army Engineer Research “Yeah, it was a great career, that’s what kept managing invasive aquatic, wetland and and Development Center’s Environmental me here. Vicksburg, Mississippi, wasn’t my terrestrial vegetation. She documented Laboratory, Feb. 28, 2020. home; I was the furthest one from home in her research in 20 scientific papers in my family.” peer-reviewed journals and more than 25 research programs enabled her to interact Nelson offers some advice for ERDC reports on aquatic and wetland a lot more with districts and use her skills researchers starting their careers. invasive plant management. from both the research and programmatic “Take advantage of everything that is “That was so much fun; I worked perspectives to try to solve invasive species offered within the Corps and at ERDC,” on military installations and on Corps problems. she said. “We have so many opportunities: projects,” she said. “To be able to see and “I was able to use my skills to build participating in interagency committees, understand the variety of invasive plant partnerships with districts and divisions detail assignments, emergency operations, problems in the field was key to finding and ERDC, and I’m very proud of that,” long-term training, leadership programs appropriate solutions for management - it she said. - there are so many opportunities. I took was great.” “I worked with the Chicago District advantage of several of them, and I wish I In 2009, she had the opportunity to on the Great Lakes and Mississippi River would have done more.”

42 The Corps Environment Environmental Heroes Geologist’s career spans through tunnels, reservoirs Story & photo by Vanessa Villarreal USACE, Chicago District

Understanding the nature of earth materials from soils and rock that are part of an excavation wall or used in embankments is pretty much imbedded in the mind of Joe Kissane, senior geologist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District. His 40-year career has taken him from tunnels around Niagara Falls in Ontario to the Chicago shoreline project. Nineteen years ago, Kissane came to the Chicago District from Harza Engineering where he worked on tunnel projects that were connected with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan; a tunnel at Fermilab for the Nutrinos at the Main Injector (aka NuMI) project; a tunnel in Ontario around Niagara Falls; and other tunnels in New York, California and Turkey. “When I came to the Chicago District, Joe Kissane, a senior geologist with USACE, Chicago District, inspects the foundation to I became immersed in the TARP/ ensure the stability of the McCook Reservoir’s main tunnel connection. McCook reservoir project and also picked up on the Chicago shoreline work,” he Technology). burden of hundreds of pounds of said. “And those two made up more than He said when it came time choosing samples, and for some time I was a rarity two-thirds of my work for the next 15 a university, his criteria were focused among my peers for the minimalist years or so.” on the ability to see “geology” out the approach to rock collecting.” He started working for USACE in 1980 windows of the place, and places where he He is currently involved in the design in the St. Louis District’s Construction could easily go out into the mountains at of a tunnel for the Louisville District Branch as a grouting and foundation a moment’s notice. at Rough River Dam in Kentucky, prep geologist at Clarence Cannon Dam. “At Montana State University, I could and emergency repairs to the Chicago Between 1982 and 1994, he worked ride a bike for 10 minutes and be in the shoreline at Morgan Shoal. in its Geotechnical Branch where his mountains or at a trout stream,” Kissane He explained that the tunnels and work included projects for other Corps said. “And Yellowstone National Park was reservoirs in Chicago are excavated districts and federal agencies across the a little over an hour away by car.” into rock, and understanding geology country. His interest in geology began when and hydrogeology (i.e. the interaction “Although I spent about seven years he was four years old. While on vacation between groundwater and rock/soils) are in the private sector between my time in Idaho to visit his grandparents, his essential parts of that. The characteristics in the St. Louis District and my joining father told him he could look for agates. of earth materials from soils that are Chicago District, I still think of my So over the next few hours he combed the part of an excavation wall or are used career as almost entirely Corps-related,” mountainside — and was broken-hearted in embankments impact the design of he said. “I applied the experiences to learn that there wasn’t room in the projects that use these materials. of St. Louis District to my work as station wagon for his collection. “Every project we build has a an environmental and geotechnical “We used to go on long stereotypical foundation and those foundations consultant in the private sector, and then 1960s summer vacations in a station are soil and/or rock,” Kissane said. applied the experiences in the private wagon driving all over the western “Understanding the properties of sector to my work here at the Corps in United States, and the manner in which different types of rock and the impacts Chicago.” geology impacted not only the physical those properties have on the strength Kissane has a bachelor’s degree from landscape but the cultural landscape and stability or instability of these Montana State University and a master’s fascinated me,” he said. “After my initial materials allows us to design things more degree in geological engineering from experience with rock collecting, I learned efficiently.” University of Missouri, Rolla (now that photography offered me a means of Missouri University of Science and documenting geology without the 43 The Corps Environment 44