The Corps Galveston Side the Box.” Community Education Tool

TThehe CorpsCorps US Army Corps of Engineers ® EnvironmentEnvironment July 2005 EnvironmentEnvironmentEnvironmentVol. 6, No. 3 Galveston District security upgrade environmentally friendly By MARILYN UHRICH Galveston District

The time was right: the opportunity and the funding were present. Security, plus habitat, plus cost savings, were built into the plan. With all these factors present, there was no reason not to depart from the sterile security design of iron fencing and concrete barri- cades and instead build a security system that would be a catalyst for community environmental education and outreach. Thus was the reasoning of the Project Delivery Team, led by landscape architect Rhonda Brown. The team was charged with the responsibility of bringing the Galveston District’s headquarters up to the standards required by Homeland Security Department guidance.

As a secondary benefit, the U.S. Army Photo project brought the district hon- Galveston District’s Jadwin Building overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay. A sustainable environment orable mention in the 2005 White barrier was created to bring the headquarters up to Homeland Security Department guidance standards. House “Closing the Circle Award.” quarters for the Corps Galveston side the box.” community education tool. Funded through a grant from District. The PDT looked at the The district could receive sav- Once established, the wetlands Homeland Security, the entire advantages of creating “sort bar- ings of more than $10,000 a year and its typical plantings would re- project cost $428,000. riers,” i.e., wetlands, as opposed by eliminating of mowing and fer- quire only occasional invasive spe- Included were relocation of an to installing the traditional hard tilizing the areas that would be cies control, estimated at around existing guard house, excavation structures. turned into water barriers. $4,000 every three years. The typi- of two acres of two to six foot Resistance to the plan faded as Emissions from the mowing, cal iron fencing would have cost deep water barriers, raising and therefore, would be reduced. The $500,000 and would have required widening of the main entrance excavated material would be re- thousands of dollars in annual road, installation of a new bullet “Security, plus habitat, cycled for use as fill to raise and painting due to the corrosive resistant guard house with widen the entrance road for the coastal environment. restroom and installation of new plus cost savings were built new guard-house providing a sav- The Seaborne Challenge entry gates, conduit and entrance ings of more than $18,000 on con- Corps, a local program for high card readers. into the plan. ” struction costs through not truck- school students with personal The Jadwin Building, built on ing the fill to the site. challenges, and a local Boy Scout the eastern end of Galveston Is- the team explained the benefits of Most important was the cre- Troop joined with the Corps on the land overlooking the Gulf of such a plan and persuaded Dis- ation of a sustainable environ- project–planting trees and shrubs, Mexico and Galveston Bay, is head- trict leadership to venture “out- ment, which would serve as a See Security on Page 14 Environmental awards showcase Corps work

nology. Send email to: [email protected] for more in- US Army Corps For the past several years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engi- formation. of Engineers ® neers has received recognition from the Department of Defense, the Army and this year, the White House Clos- The National Trust for Historic Preservation spon- The Corps ing the Circle Award for excellence in environmental work. sors three awards for those who work with historic sites. Environment However, those are not the only entities that recog- Check out www.nthp.org/preservation_awards. is printed quarterly by the nize people and projects promoting the Corps’ environ- The National Wild Life Federation recognizes those U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an unofficial newsletter mental ethic. There are many organizations and pro- people who have demonstrated a long-term commitment published under the grams that offer Corps districts, divisions and employees to conservation and environmental protection with the provisions of AR 360-1. The the opportunity to showcase their work, but many are National Conservation Achievement Award. More in- purpose of this newsletter is to provide information about little known. formation can be found at www.nwf.org/about. Corps environmental actions, Here are just a few of the possibilities: Recognizing the importance of teamwork in public issues, policies and The American Academy of Environmental Engineers service is the goal of the Public Service Excellence technologies. Opinions expressed are not necessarily sponsors an Excellence in Environmental Engineering Awards, sponsored jointly at federal, state and local those of the U.S. Army. Award, which is open to individuals, companies and or- levels. Programs should demonstrate substantial im- Inquiries can be addressed to ganizations that have demonstrated a comprehensive, provement in productivity or services, increased quality U.S. Army Corps of integrated approach that considers all environmental of life for Americans, and most cost-effective govern- Engineers, Attn: CEHNC-PA, P.O. Box 1600, Huntsville, AL media. ment programs or services. Contact the Public Em- 35807-4301. Phone: (256) The Federal Energy and Water Management Awards ployees Roundtable for more information. 895-1692 or fax (256) 895- are sponsored by the Interagency Task Force, Federal En- Renew the Earth sponsors awards in five categories: 1689. Lt. Gen. Carl A. Strock ergy Management. This award recognizes outstanding Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diver- Chief of Engineers contributions in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable sity; Clean Energy and Protection of the Atmosphere; Publisher energy, water conservation and cost-beneficial landscap- Integrated Natural Resource Management; Sustainable Carol Sanders Corps Public Affairs Officer ing practices. Military nominations are submitted through Agriculture and Food Security; and Pollution Reduc- Stacey Hirata the Department of Defense and are limited to 30 nomi- tion and Prevention. See www.renewtheearth.org/ Executive Editor nations. index.cfm. Candice Walters Managing Editor The Wildlife Society recognizes organizations or The River Network River Heroes Award recognizes Joan Burns groups that accomplish outstanding achievements to an individual who has successfully worked with a river Acting Editor benefit wildlife with the Group Achievement Award. conservation organization to improve a river and its The Innovations in American Government Award, watershed. See www.rivernetwork.org/index.cfm for sponsored by the Ford Foundation and the John F. more information. Kennedy School, recognizes creative governmental initia- The Award for Excellence in Cultural Resource tives especially effective in addressing vital domestic pub- Management is presented by the Society of Ameri- lic needs including base conversion, energy conservation, can Archeology to an archaeologist or group of ar- Submissions and environmental protection. All units of government chaeologists working in a cultural resource manage- The Corps Environment are eligible for recognition and awards. ment setting, whose innovative research, or repeated welcomes submissions. Sept. 25 and 26 are the deadlines for the three awards and enduring contribution, has contributed signifi- Please send your sponsored by the International Erosion Control As- cantly to archaeology. The deadline is Dec. 20. Check information (article, photos, events, letters to the editor, sociation: the Environmental Achievement Award, out www.saa.org/Aboutsaa/Awards/crm.html. etc.) or questions via e-mail Excellence in Technology Award and Sustained Con- The Soil and Water Conservation Society sponsors to: tributor Award. Check out www.jeca.org for informa- three awards, all with a Dec. 12 deadline, the Scholl Excel- [email protected] tion on these awards that recognize efforts in the ero- lence in Conservation Award; the Merit Award and the .army.mil sion control field. Hugh Hammond Bennett Award. Check out Deadline for publication: Keep America Beautiful, Inc., honors individuals, www.swcs.org/en/awards/. Feb. 15 (April issue) groups, and companies working to prevent litter and The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation sponsors the Water May 15 (July issue) improve communities’ waste handling practices and Conservation Awards, recognizing individuals, public and Aug. 15 (October issue) environment with the Keep America Beautiful Na- nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and/or Nov. 15 (January issue) tional Award of Excellence. This year’s deadline is private companies who are leaders in water conservation. All submissions are subject to editing. Sept. 3. Three awards, the President’s Award, the Touchstone The National Association of Environmental Pro- Award and the Distinguished Service Award, are all pre- The Corps Environment is fessionals issues the President’s and National Envi- sented by the Wildlife Management Institute. All three available on the World Wide ronmental Excellence Awards in up to eight catego- are open to federal, state or provincial natural resource Web at:hq.environmental .usace.army.mil/newsinfo/ ries: NEPA Excellence, Education Excellence; Envi- agency divisions, departments or programs. Check out current/current.html ronmental Management; Planning Integration; Public www.wildlifemanagementinstitute.org. Involvement/Partnership; Environmental Steward- Editor’s note: Information about these awards was com- ship; Conservation Programs and Best Available Tech- piled by the Army Environmental Center Public Affairs Office.

TheEnvironment Corps 2 Tulsa District leads multi-agency team in Tar Creek cleanup By JONNA POLK remained in the mill tailings. that work is complete, and cleanup of water was Tulsa District As milling technology improved, increased determined to be technically infeasible. amounts of lead and zinc were recovered. Be- Through OU-2, EPA has remediated more In the 50-square-mile part of Oklahoma tween 1916 and 1924, more efficient crushers, than 2,000 residential yards and public areas. known as the Tar Creek Superfund Site, tainted jig mills, and shaker tables were developed. An emergency action, OU-3, removed drums waters run orange in creeks and streams; poi- The improved technology also created the op- and chemicals from a mining company labo- sonous mountains of chat define the hori- portunity to remill the tailings stockpiled on ratory. Under OU-4, EPA is investigating chat zon; hundreds of dangerous and deteriorat- the surface. piles, mine and mill residue, smelter waste, ing open mineshafts dot the landscape; sink- By 1924, a new milling process, flotation, and flotation ponds; a Record of Decision is holes constantly threaten; and children have was installed in most mills. Small particles of expected next spring. high blood lead levels. lead and zinc could be made to float on a chemi- What’s Happening Now? How did Tar Creek happen? cal bath for extraction. Over the years, almost At Tar Creek, federal and state agencies and Tar Creek’s disastrous environmental con- all of the chat piles were remilled, most at least ten tribal governments face environmental ditions come from nearly 100 years of hard twice. However, about 10 percent of the lead damage issues so severe that no single agency rock mining for rich ore containing lead and and 25 percent of the zinc still remained in the has the authorities needed to undertake them zinc. Underground mining began in 1891 and mill tailings. all. lasted through 1970. About 5,000 surface acres, including most of With the support and encouragement of The Mississippian Boone Formation, the the Picher and Cardin communities, are covered Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., a Tar Creek Memo- major source for the lead and zinc, was also with various forms of mill tailings. Large parts randum of Understanding was signed by the saturated with groundwater. Mining compa- of the towns were built on lands that were for- EPA, Department of Interior, and U.S. Army nies had to continually pump large volumes merly mill ponds, flotation ponds, or chat piles. Corps of Engineers in May 2003, with sup- of water from their extensive underground In 1980, Oklahoma’s governor established port from the State of Oklahoma and Quapaw workings. The amount of lead and zinc con- the Tar Creek Task Force to investigate the acid Tribe. tained in the crude ore in the Picher Field aver- mine drainage into Tar Creek. In 1981, the Envi- The MOU has encouraged agencies to work aged only 4 to 6 percent combined. ronmental Protection Agency proposed the Ot- together and share information and resources to The low-grade ore meant that about 95 per- tawa County area encompassing five communi- identify methods to address the area’s many prob- cent of the crude ore mined was discarded on ties for the National Priorities List. It was num- lems. Partners now have joint public meetings, the surface in the form of mill tailings in enor- ber one on the list at its inception and is still the monthly team meetings hosted and facilitated mous chat piles and large flotation ponds. nation’s largest superfund site. by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa Dis- Due to inefficient milling processes, only about Since EPA’s final listing in 1983, four Oper- trict, and a website for information and data ex- 80 percent of the lead and 50 percent of the able Units have been established for Tar Creek. change. zinc were removed from the crude ore; the rest OU-1 addressed surface water and groundwater; The Tar Creek MOU assigned the Corps the task of developing a Watershed Management Plan (WMP). In August 2004, Tulsa District is- sued a Draft WMP within budget and on sched- ule. The federally funded Reconnaissance Study was completed under the Corps’ General In- vestigations civil program. The 12-month process provided an opportunity to build a team of the many stakeholders. The resulting report documents the area’s problems as well as past, ongoing, and planned work by the various agencies and tribes. Most importantly, communities identified serious watershed problems that were not being addressed at all. These included hundreds of open mineshafts, the likeli- hood of more subsidence, flooding, and continuing surface water and sediment contamination. Gene Lilly, former Tar Creek project manager and lead planner for the watershed U.S. Army Photo study, notes that Tar Creek problems require An open mine shaft just north of the Picher-Cardin High School. Most shafts are 200- 300 feet deep. Because of its location, it was the first shaft closed by Tulsa District. See Tar Creek on Page 7

July 2005 3 Puget crew keeps Puget Sound hazard free By PATRICIA GRAESSER the floating plant for U.S. Army Corps of Puget at the spill site and climb aboard to be- Seattle District Engineers Seattle District. gin clean-up. The Coast Guard, having worked with the In the October test, they were able to get The crew of the Puget clears navigation haz- Puget on spill response and training in the past, everything set up and begin collecting oil in ards from Puget Sound waters to provide safe approached the district in spring of 2004 to about an hour to an hour and a half. vessel passage, and now they’re able to protect see about testing the equipment with the The Coast Guard and Corps are working the Sound from environmental hazards as Puget. out details of a memorandum of agreement well. The Puget worked along with 80-100 other about responsibilities, but any costs to the Last fall the Puget crew worked with the responders to try out the new equipment and Corps are reimbursed by the Coast Guard— U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and other partici- run through a spill drill. During the October labor, materials, and equipment. pants to test new oil skimming and collection 2004 exercise, “the water was choppy,” and the The systems should be at the Locks and equipment for use on the Puget. agencies didn’t know quite what to expect. ready to move into action in August, when The system is comprised of four basic com- “It worked better than I thought it would,” another spill exercise is planned. ponents—the skimmer unit, motor, hydrau- said Gustafson. “The Coast Guard was happy The Navy and the Coast Guard simply lic controls and boom. with it.” don’t have available to them another vessel With a skimmer attached to each side of The new equipment will be stored at the like the Puget. The Puget provides a flat work the Puget and booms that reach 1,000 feet to a Hiram M. Chittenden Locks on trailers. The surface, is self-propelled and has a crane and small vessel ahead in the water, the Puget is Corps’ role will be to store the equipment at operator. These features make it ideal for the transformed into an oil collecting machine. the Locks, respond with the Puget either to the skimmer systems. The booms direct oil into the skimmer, Locks or the spill site (whichever is closer), and There are a number of Corps snag vessels where hydraulic belts pick up the oil and feed provide the Puget as a work boat for respond- operating around the country—a handful of it into a hopper, and from there it is pumped ers. which are built very similar to the Puget. The into a barge tanker provided by the Navy or If the Puget is in the area, it can motor back Puget will be the first in the nation to work the Coast Guard. to the Locks, load the equipment in about with the Coast Guard to use the new skim- “The belt turns pretty quickly and it uses a half an hour and be on its way to a spill. The ming equipment. six-inch hose so it can move quite a bit of oil equipment requires two operators per skim- For more information call the Seattle District quickly,” said Joe Gustafson, who manages mer. Coast Guard operators would meet the Public Affairs Office at (206) 764-3760. Conference looks at coping with change in new Corps environment By CANDICE WALTERS others. pants to learn what the Environmental Op- HQ USACE All told, participants had more than 140 erating Principles mean and be able to dis- breakout sessions from which to glean in- cuss them with stakeholders. He explained ST. LOUIS – Sustainability and the U.S. formation from their fellow Corps profes- the principles are “guidelines for Corps em- Army Corps of Engineers environmental sionals. ployees and a report card for others to use ethic took center stage May 3 – 5 here as It brought together Corps professionals to grade the Corps on just how well the prin- more than 550 USACE professionals from committed to working together to find com- ciples are being implemented.” the environmental and natural resources mon ground, learn new tools and tech- Incorporating the principles in everything communities met to discuss “Teamwork - niques, meet new people and discover steps the Corps does will help the Corps become Coping with Change in the New Corps En- they can take to truly make a difference for “better, faster, cheaper, safer and greener.” vironment.” the Corps. The environment cannot be looked at in The biennial USACE Environmental and During his address to the conference, isolation, and it is imbedded in everything Natural Resources Conference covered a wide Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. Carl A. Strock the Corps does. range of strategic, operational and career pro- stressed the need to make the USACE En- It is also one of six common themes gram topics facing USACE. vironmental Operating Principles “a reality” found across all Corps business lines. The Working sessions included Policy and and an integral aspect of the Corps’ culture, other common themes are external focus, Implementation of the Civil Works Strate- “just as safety is today.” It’s time to take meeting commitments, integrated solutions, gic Plan for Environmental Sustainability; them beyond seven principles found in a sustainability and adaptive management. New Mitigation Rule Making; Environmen- brochure, he said. The Chief stresses the importance of work- tal Stewardship Budget Evaluation; Invasive The principles, which grew out of the ing through communities of practice, noting Species; The Truth about Communities of E&NR Conference four years ago, focus on that the conference and the work being done Practice; Interpretive Management Solu- the concept of sustainability and the need here to keep technical skills sharp was moving tions; Land and Water Use Policy for Recre- to balance environmental considerations the Corps in the right direction. ational Requests; International Munitions with economic and security concerns. That was the message of John McQuary, and Explosives of Concern Operations; and The Chief challenged conference partici- See Conference on Page 14 TheEnvironment Corps 4 New Jersey community pines for beach season By JOANNE CASTAGNA New York District

It’s below 30 degrees on a February day on Brad- ley Beach in New Jersey. A group of ear-muffed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel walk along the shore of Bradley Beach with a group of local residents and local and state officials sur- veying the dune work the community has created. The residents are literally “pining” for beach season. For the past five years they’ve been do- nating their used Christmas pine trees to the town to create dunes along the mile long Bradley Beach shoreline to maintain the sand nourishment work completed by the Corps in 2001. The Bradley Beach shoreline had experienced erosion due to previous storms and was in need of sand nourishment. In July 1999 the Corps of Engineers’ New York District began a sand U.S. Army photo nourishment project on Bradley Beach, in Christmas trees with snow fencing and dune grass capture windblown sand, aiding in Monmouth County, N.J., as part of the Corps’ dune growth and resulting in erosion control on Bradley Beach. Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet Beach Erosion Bocamazo said, “Bradley Beach is not the first grass has proven to be very effective in captur- Control Project. community along the 21-mile Sandy Hook to ing windblown sand that results in the growth The Corps contracted Weeks Marine to create Barnegat Inlet Beach Erosion Control Project of the height and width of the dunes,” said seven groin notches and four outfall extensions, area to create dunes. Manasquan Beach and Bianchi. and to place 3.1 million cubic yards of sand on Monmouth Beach created dunes using fencing The dunes provide a more diverse habitat the shore, adding over 200 feet of beach front. or dune grass, or a combination of planting and than just sand alone. “The dunes create a sanc- “Dune creation was not a part of the Corps’ fencing. Bradley Beach is the first to use Christ- tuary for sparrows. They also attract all kinds project because they are not needed in this project mas trees.” of insects that all wild birds eat,” said Bianchi. area for protection because the area has a natu- Every January Bradley Beach residents leave Bianchi adds that the public now has a per- rally high backshore. If dunes were needed the their used Christmas trees (that are pine trees) on sonal connection with their beach that draws Corps certainly would have added this feature,” the curbside where a truck from the Bradley Beach 20,000 residents every beach season. “Their do- said Lynn Bocamazo, Senior Coastal Engineer, Public Works Department picks them up. nated trees will be there forever. They don’t rot. USACE New York District, who designed and So far an estimated 20,000 trees have been The residents are now a part of the beach.” monitored the completed beach nourishment used to create a stretch of dunes, four to nine Community officials are also very supportive project. feet high, along the mile-long oceanfront. This of the project and think it’s beneficial to the pub- After the project was completed in January past holiday season an additional 3,000 trees were lic. “When you walk through the dunes to get to 2001, a local effort arose. The Bradley Beach resi- added. the beach from the promenade, psychologically dents wanted to take an additional step to pro- On the beach, the trees are placed on the ocean it provides the illusion that you are leaving one tect the Corps’ work, so they decided to create side of the dune system in what is called a saw- world for another,” said Stephen Schueler, Mayor beach dunes. Beach dunes control beach erosion tooth design. “Snow fences are being placed on of Bradley Beach who is a strong backer and the by limiting wind-blown sand loss. an angle along the promenade side of the dune financial supporter of the project. Schueler will “We wanted to protect the beach’s promenade to support the dune system. This also makes be funding the project till 2008, the year the dune from future storms and give it a new look, like the beach look appealing from the shore side,” project is expected to be completed. no other town has,” said Richard Bianchi, Oper- said Bianchi. It’s this type of community involvement that ating Supervisor of Public Works for Bradley “When the project began, the town planted the Corps likes to see. Bocamazo said, “A pro- Beach who is a life long resident of Bradley Beach 50,000 plugs of dune grass on the dunes to active municipal public works department is a and designer of the dune project. keep the dunes anchored,” said Bianchi. “We beneficial addition to any Federal or State beach “We also wanted to block out the noise for are in the process of receiving a grant for an erosion control project. Bradley Beach is trying sunbathers on our beaches. The only noise that additional 25,000 to 50,000 plugs of dune to aggressively maintain the sand that was placed you hear now is the sound of the waves and grass.” there and is an active participant in the project’s birds. The dunes also protect beach residents’ The beach dunes have proven to be suc- success.” homes and provide them a beautiful ocean front cessful. “The placement of Christmas trees in For more information contact the New York Dis- and privacy.” combination with snow fencing and dune trict Public Affairs Office at (212) 263-9113.

July 2005 5 District archaeologist helps preserve cultural history By HANK HEUSINKVELD Wilmington District

During a mid-morning archaeological dig where a Native American village lies near the Roanoke River in Roanoke, Va., two contract archaeology technicians patiently brush away soil from what was once a fire pit used for cooking. Near the pit they’ve carefully unearthed bits and pieces of rock–called flakes. “This was debris of what was chipped away to make stone tools, “ says Genevieve Taylor. “And we’ve also found pottery shards that indi- cate a settlement.” Nearby, District archaeologist Richard Kimmel chats with fellow archaeologists about what they’ve found and how the project is developing. As the contracting officer’s representative, he determines the need for work at a project like this, then develops the scope of work, negoti- ates it with a contractor, and sees that the scope of work is carried out. Kimmel is one of a rare breed of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers team members whose job is to see that historic resources are identified and protected from damage during construction. This site is part of the Roanoke River Upper Basin, Virginia, Headwaters Area and is located in an area that will eventually be used for flood prevention. The team of contract workers from TRC Garrow Associates is comprised mostly of archaeology graduate students. They sift through tons of sandy clay and layers of earth to find clues about how Native American people lived here hundreds of years before Europeans ar- U.S. Army Photo rived on the scene. Richard Kimmel, Wilmington District archaeologist, and Deanna Beacham, Program Spe- “We do this because it’s the law and because cialist of the Virginia Council on Indians, watch an archaeology graduate student sift soil. it’s the right thing to do,” says Kimmel. “’The activities in Virginia are coordinated with the Vir- pecially if they’re respectful about cultural is- law’ is the NHPA, the National Historic Preser- ginia Department of Historic Resources. sues.” vation Act. It first passed in 1966 and has been Kimmel also coordinates USACE projects with According to Kimmel, what makes arche- amended several times since then. It requires Deanna Beacham, program specialist of the Vir- ology more than just a job is the proverbial federal agencies to consider the impacts of all ginia Council on Indians. It’s an advisory group “thrill of the hunt.” Before the project began, potentially ground disturbing activities on his- for the governor and general assembly of Vir- he and his contract workers made historical toric properties like historic buildings and sites, ginia for issues having to do with state-recog- and intuitive decisions about where exactly to prehistoric archaeological sites, sacred sites and nized Indian Tribes and nations. The VCI en- dig. And they were right on target. objects, etc.” sures that sites are treated with dignity and re- “We know from historical documentation Kimmel adds the NHPA also requires coor- spect, especially when human remains are found, where the most recent Native American activity dination of decisions with designated state his- and works with archaeologists to educate the was, purported locations of villages and contact toric preservation officers and any other identi- public about such sites. sites. And we know just from the casual collec- fied interested parties, which might include Na- “Personally, it’s of immense interest be- tion of artifacts that Native American remains tive American tribes and organizations. There cause I like what can be found from archaeol- are going to be found near all of the major rivers are other laws that guide activities on Federal ogy as well as from history,” said Kimmel. “I in Virginia and North Carolina and many of the lands, but the NHPA covers all of USACE ac- think archaeology can tell us a lot. And it’s minor tributaries as well. tivities, including those affecting private or state- great to work for the Indian community and “Recent” means as far back as more than a owned lands. All of the Wilmington District’s work in collaboration with archaeologists, es- See Roanoke on Page 14

TheEnvironment Corps 6 Tar Creek Continued from Page 3 the expertise and authorities of multiple agencies. “I believe that the Corps is a tremendous asset to the public in helping identify a holistic watershed approach to resolve the many technical and social challenges. At the same time, the unique challenges at Tar Creek are providing the Corps an opportunity to demonstrate new and innovative approaches to the planning and implementation of civil works projects.” Tulsa District began its construction projects in August 2004; Jim Martell is the technical lead. First, the district closed two open mineshafts under a relatively new Water Re- sources Development Act authority, the Res- toration of Abandoned Mines Program. Pre- viously, RAMS funding has only been provided for projects in the western portions of the U.S. Section 111 of the Energy and Water Ap- U.S. Army Photo propriations Act was written specifically for Creeks and streams in the Tar Creek area run orange from contaminants in the soil the Corps to address environmental hazards and water. at the Tar Creek site. It authorized $15 million for demonstration projects to mitigate this summer, and BIA plans to provide work federal agencies. It allows work in the area to hazards to the public, with $6.5 million ap- permits for further closures on Indian Trust lands. proceed. propriated over fiscal years 2004– 2005. The E. A. Freeman, mayor of Picher, said, “I’m John Roberts, deputy district engineer for Section 111 work is a cooperative effort with very satisfied with the work of the Corps, and program management has been involved in Tar the state of Oklahoma to construct projects they’ve done a good job of taking care of the Creek for years. He says, “While participating on to protect the community. citizens of Picher. There’s still a lot of work left the original governor’s task force, I had visions One has been completed and others are un- to be done but they’ve made a great start.” of holistic solutions being applied at Tar Creek der way. The first — located between the Boys Hazard mitigation work will start this spring that would result in both remediation of the and Girls Club and the Picher-Cardin schools — on a 29-acre site in the city of Picher to protect health risks and restoration of the environment covered a former flotation pond area with a clay nearby residents from windblown mining waste for future beneficial use. cap and soil and then planted native grasses. containing high levels of metals. It has been “I am so proud that Tulsa District is an Before the work was done, very fine particles with coordinated with the city of Picher and the state integral part of helping make this vision come high levels of metals could be dispersed easily in of Oklahoma. true. Many people thought that because the the wind because there was no vegetation cover- Tulsa District is also leading a team (federal, site was so enormous and so complex, solu- ing the contaminated site. state and contractors) to evaluate the relative po- tions would never be identified. Because our A Mineshaft Closure Program began in No- tential risk for subsidence in parts of Ottawa Project Delivery Team is so talented, so pas- vember 2004. Citizens identified 43 shafts as County. The initial evaluation of high popula- sionate about this project, and so effective in presenting the greatest concern. The sites were tion areas and major traffic corridors is expected communicating and working with other agen- prioritized through work with community to be completed by the end of October. cies and the public, I am confident that we will members, and the first one closed was immedi- In February, a Programmatic Agreement was prove them wrong.” ately north of the Picher-Cardin schools on In- executed to address the National Historic Preser- It’s been more than 100 years since mining dian Trust lands. vation Act for the area. Because of its complexi- began in the tri-state district and more than 20 Although the property was fenced, the ties and the number of tribal governments po- years since clean up started at the nation’s long- mineshaft was accessible to the public and had tentially affected, the State Historic Preservation est-standing Superfund site. Tremendous chal- a rappelling rope hanging from its edge. Office deferred to the Advisory Council on His- lenges remain. Tulsa District and the other MOU Through the Tar Creek MOU with the De- toric Preservation. signators will continue to look for answers and partment of Interior, the Corps was the first With Tulsa District as the lead, the agreement authorities to address problems in the area that’s agency to work cooperatively with the Bureau of was executed within a few months with signa- become known as Tar Creek. Indian Affairs and gain access to conduct mitiga- tures from the advisory council, the preservation For more information call the Tulsa District Public tion work. The program will continue through office, the Quapaw Tribe, and several state and Affairs Office at (918) 669-7361.

July 2005 7 Wilmington District getting excellent results by following nature’s lead By CHARLES R. WILSON and DOUG PIATKOWSKI Wilmington District

Ecosystem restoration is a high priority mission for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Wilmington District has evolved in its approach to restoration design, now conducting ecosystem-based projects that address a range of habitats and consider site context to promote ecological functions and provide sustainable projects. Where earlier restoration practices were fo- cused on marsh establishment, recent projects have incorporated trees, shrubs, marsh grass, seagrass, and oyster reefs to achieve natural structure and function, increasing ecological values. In 1987, three North Carolina disposal is- lands were enhanced by marsh construction as part of a pilot study assessing the feasibility of a

nationwide fisheries habitat restoration and cre- U.S. Army Photo ation. Three 70-meter by 185-meter rectangular Island 13 in the Cape Fear River is a design for an ecosystem following nature’s lead. areas were excavated by the Corps, planted by N.C. State University, and monitored by the Na- cate outstanding natural sustainability including native marsh and trees were planted, and an oys- tional Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). continued expansion of marsh area and regen- ter reef was built. The sites grew lush vegetation but demon- eration of oysters over 10 growing seasons. An offshore rock sill will assure sustainability strated that a more natural form and structure Island 13 restoration provided mitigation for and increase habitat diversity by providing ero- would be better and that protection would im- impacts from deepening the Cape Fear River sion protection and structure for the marine at- prove habitat sustainability. Channel to the Port of Wilmington. Like earlier tachment, and calm interior waters will promote In 1995, the district constructed a successful projects, the goal was to construct a protected growth of seagrass and juvenile fish. restoration project as mitigation for dredging and estuarine ecosystem using a disposal island as The Festival Park project’s major contribu- construction at the U.S. Army Reserve Center at raw material. tion was not technical, but a new standard in Morehead City, N.C. Working with federal and This time, however, the design shoreline partnership and customer satisfaction. The team state agencies, goals and evaluation criteria were would generally follow natural contours while included the Festival Park and the N.C. Coastal developed to establish a functioning estuarine avoiding specimen trees. By allowing a wider vari- Federation staff and their volunteers, the U.S. ecosystem and assess project success. The project ability in gradient, a more natural transition from Army Corps of Engineers, Cape May Plant Ma- plan included excavation of fill from an upland upland to subtidal aquatic habitats was achieved. terials Center, N.C. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and dredged material disposal island. This tidal creek This design with nature approach resulted in a Wildlife Service, N.C. State University, N.C. Divi- within a protected cove layout incorporated a di- lengthened shoreline that provided more edge, sions of Water Resources and Marine Fisheries, versity of habitats including marsh, mud flats, increasing the habitat value for fish and wildlife. and the Nature Conservancy. and oysters. Varying slopes and aspects resulted in a complex By combining funding, expertise, and equip- The protected environment is safe from ero- pattern of marsh growth intermixed with open ment, a significant environmental problem was sion, and provides a quiet shallow water habitat water, providing a natural appearance. The result addressed, and new doors of cooperation were for juvenile fish development. Construction re- is a sustainable estuarine ecosystem, appropriate opened between agencies, and non-governmen- quired grading, planting of dune and marsh in its setting. tal organizations. grasses and placement of oyster cultch. Three Estuarine shoreline at Festival Park, near This approach will be used in the Wilmington years of Corps monitoring assessed ecological Manteo, N.C., was eroding, causing the loss of District’s future ecosystem restoration projects growth. Trawling, seining, and oyster monitor- important fish and wildlife habitat. The district and ongoing basin-wide studies within the Neuse ing by the state measured the abundance of ani- used a Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) River Basin, Tar River and Pamlico Sound, and mals. A final monitoring report in 1998 dem- Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Authority (Sec- the Currituck Sound. onstrated project compliance with success crite- tion 206) to restore five acres of marsh, seagrass, For more information contact the Wilmington Dis- ria. Site inspections and sampling in 2004 indi- oysters, and forest. Eroded bottom was replaced, trict Public Affairs Office at (910) 251-4626

TheEnvironment Corps 8 Seattle District embracing environmental sustainability By ANDREA TAKASH able effect. Then this ‘concept’ will become real- “Using alternative fuel and reducing emission Seattle District ity for everyone sitting at their desks and focus- by-products means less impact on human health. ing on their work,” she said. Recycling returns money to the economy and Every day Mother Nature tirelessly tries to keep The group is forging ahead in making sure conserves natural resources, which again benefits up with the growing earth, but she is running Seattle District operates under the sustainability our own well-being. out of steam as more people consume dimin- principles. They are focusing on such as recycling “In the case of recycling paper, more trees can ishing natural resources. and alternative fuel vehicles. grow, which means less carbon released into the The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made a “I am working with the building manager atmosphere, reducing greenhouse effects,” she commitment to do its part in protecting the on the office waste recycling program,” Bachman said. world’s most precious resources by promoting said. “GSA plans to switch their contract to “We are using resources faster than the earth seven Environmental Operating Principles, Weyerhaeuser because they estimate giving $500 is producing them,” Bachman said. “A variety which are applied to all decisions and projects. to $2,000 a month in recycling proceeds to the of convenient alternatives exist for people who “When the Corps developed the principles, I building’s daycare center. This is a great example are willing to embrace sustainability.” felt Seattle District needed to rally around put- of benefiting social issues.“ For more information call the Seattle District Pub- ting them to use,” said Brenda Bachman, a bi- Most people know about the importance of lic Affairs Office at (206) 766-6447. ologist in the Seattle District’s Hazardous, Toxic recycling for the environment, but many don’t and Radioactive Waste section. “So I asked Col. understand the benefits of alternative fuel ve- (Debra) Lewis (Seattle District Engineer) if I could hicles, she said. form an Environmental Operating Principles/ “Seventy percent of all new vehicles in our Sustainability working group.” fleet must use alternative fuel; however, people The group’s goal is to promote sustainability are refilling these vehicles with regular petroleum principles and its use in work and home lives. gasoline, which defeats the purpose,” she ex- Sustainability is one of the key parts of the En- plained. vironmental Operating Principles, Bachman said. The district has had alternative fuel cars since “There is a misconception that sustainability 1999, but the compressed natural gas to refuel only deals with environmental issues. But, it the vehicles is not readily accessible, said Joe actually stresses balancing social, economic and Hathaway, the district’s fleet manager. environmental issues in every program,” she “CNG benefits the environment because it said. reduces emissions. However, there are only a Seattle District is the only district in the Corps few places where we can purchase CNG with our to develop long-term sustainability goals for its Voyager credit card,” Hathaway said. business processes, operating projects, and cus- “Until CNG becomes more readily available tomers. The nine goals were accepted by the to the general public, Tony Slamin, the district’s Seattle District Executive Team in March. mobile equipment server, will fill up the Takash Andrea Photo by Joe Hathaway, Seattle District’s fleet man- The team has developed an implementation motorpool alternative fuel vehicles,” Hathaway ager, fills one of the District’s alternative fuel plan. “That is where we have a real and measur- said. vehicles with compressed natural gas. Cold Regions Research, Engineering Laboratory opens new greenhouse By BRUCE LYNDES agronomist. sic and applied research in revegetation and Cold Regions Research and Engineering The new building features radiant floor heat phytoremediation, or the use of plants to stabi- Laboratory and a polyacrylic exterior that triples the “R” value, lize or break down pollutants in soil. or heat retaining capacity. Palazzo added, “I’m Soils microbiologist, Dr. Mike Reynolds said, The U.S. Army’s Cold Regions Research and very happy with it. Everything is centralized- the “It’s really an impressive facility. It will really en- Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) features some greenhouse, analytical equipment and environ- hance our capabilities in soil microbiology and of the worlds’ most sophisticated cold-weather mental chambers that can grow plants at proper plant root research.” testing facilities, but its newest building will be temperatures, and office space. Other ERDC labs CRREL acting director James Wuebben said toasty warm, year round. have already expressed interest in some joint re- he believes the greenhouse will provide a direct The new $650,000 greenhouse facility in search projects.” benefit to the military by providing opportuni- Hanover, N.H., quadruples the space of the old The new equipment includes a push-pull ties to better support sustainable military train- greenhouse and lab and features the latest tech- shade system, computerized root-imaging sys- ing lands, both in rehabilitation through reveg- nologies in growing and studying plants. tem, photosynthetic fluorescent/gas exchange etation and in cleanup of contaminated soils. “It’s probably the ‘state of the art’ for any system and a temperature-controlled seed room. For more information contact the Cold Regions similar sized research-type greenhouse in all of CRREL will use the greenhouse for germina- Reseacrh and Engineering Laboratory Public Affairs New England,” said Tony Palazzo, CRREL tion and root-growth studies in support of ba- Office at (271) 398-5569.

July 2005 9 Horse farm makes strides to protect New York City drinking water By JOANNE CASTAGNA vulnerable to non-point source pollution. cated in the watershed region to create and New York District “Non-point source pollution is contami- implement methods to improve how their nation that is not directly placed in the wa- farms are operated in order to protect the A gathering of thoroughbred racehorses ter,” said Douglas Leite, project advisor,New watersheds from non-point source pollu- quietly grazes in a pasture on the Akindale York District. “For example, storm water tion without compromising the farm’s busi- horse farm, 45 miles north of New York passing through barnyards can transport the ness. City in Dutchess County. Some of them are phosphorus and pathogens, or parasites, Under the Whole Farm Planning pro- in training to be gold cup winners, but the which are present in animal manure and de- gram, a team of WAC specialists visits farms farm where they graze is already receiving high liver them to the streams that flow into the and identifies and assesses potential sources points for the Best Management Practices of pollutants, reviews existing farm opera- it’s efforts to protect New York City’s drink- tions and works with the farmer to develop ing water, under a program being funded by “...already the compost pad new operational strategies and best manage- the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New ment practices (BMPs) for decreasing impacts York District. made the farm’s manure to the environment and improving water “The Corps’ New York City Watershed handling and composting quality in the watersheds. Environmental Assistance Program, is an The new operational strategies and BMP inter-agency effort that assists in the imple- system 1,000 times better.” recommendations or “Whole Farm Plan” is mentation of projects that protect the water Michael Saviola then developed in a team approach with the quality of New York State’s watersheds that Watershed Agricultural Council, farmer, WAC and in some cases the local provide drinking water to nearly half of New East of Hudson County Soil and Water Conservation Dis- York State, including primarily New York Program Manager trict. The farmer then signs an agreement to City residents,” said Rifat Salim, project implement the BMPs listed in the plan with manager, USACE New York District. assistance from the WAC team. “The program aims to do this without reservoirs. Algae can feed off these nutri- Presently, approximately 300 WAC ap- harming the economy of the communities,” ents and deplete the water’s oxygen, ad- proved Whole Farm Plans have been cre- she added. versely affecting water quality.” ated. One of these is with the Akindale Farm The inter-agency team includes the U.S. The Watershed Agricultural Council’s that is proving to be an example of the Army Corps of Engineers, New York State Whole Farm Planning program is a volun- program’s success. Department of Environmental Conserva- tary program that works with farmers lo- See Akindale on Page 11 tion and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. A watershed is an area of land that catches rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater. Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes and are usually part of a larger watershed system. This water eventually gets stored in reservoirs, a place where water is collected and kept for use when wanted, such as to supply a city. The New York City watershed region encompasses approximately 2,000 square miles and includes three watershed systems – The Catskill, Delaware, and Croton Sys- tems - all located north of New York City in the counties of Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Ulster, Sullivan, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess. The Watershed Agricultural Council’s (WAC) Whole Farm Planning program, in which the Akindale Farm is taking part, is one of the projects the Corps’ program sup- ports. There are many farms located

throughout the New York City watershed U.S. Army Photo region making the watersheds potentially Rifat Salim, New York District project manager, pets an Akindale horse.

TheEnvironment Corps 10 Innovative tent to help quicken pace of Lot 18 cleanup By MARY BETH THOMPSON in a residential neighborhood of Washington, biggest problem with a larger tent is that the tent Baltimore District D.C., that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Balti- needs to be anchored and sealed to provide pro- more District is cleaning up. Lot 18 is a debris tection to workers and the public, but the un- When Spring Valley Lot 18 Project Manager Craig field dig site, one of several projects in the Spring even terrain at Lot 18 made sealing a larger struc- Georg was challenged to speed up the work at Valley program. The type of work and the safety ture nearly impossible.” the site, he and his team thought outside the of the neighborhood requires that the Lot 18 Looking beyond U.S. boundaries, the Corps box. More precisely, they thought outside the dig be conducted inside a tent with engineering team found an innovative, British-made “in- tent. The team directed its thoughts and research controls. flatable building” that can be configured to 60 beyond the types of tents that have been used “To increase production, we needed larger feet by 100 feet. The structure, made up of air throughout the United States for such work. equipment, and larger equipment requires a big- cells, is strong but relatively light in weight, Spring Valley is a Formerly Used Defense Site ger structure to work within,” Georg said. “The See Tent on Page 13 Akindale Continued from Page 10 we had to provide the animals an alternative prevent excess nutrients from entering the “The Akindale Farm project demonstrates water source in an area that was not wet or water supply. an excellent example of a local, regional and deemed ‘hydrologically active.’ We designed Another measure includes a prescribed graz- federal partnership,” said Michael Saviola, and constructed a winterized animal watering ing plan to rotate livestock to reduce soil com- WAC, East of Hudson Program Manager. system so that the horses no longer had to paction and improve the quality of the pas- Akindale Farm is a 358-acre horse farm rely on the nearby stream as a watering source.” ture grasses. located in the Town of Pawling in Dutchess Another BMP measure that was recently Storm water runoff, which may carry ma- County, on the Croton Watershed. Horses performed and funded by the U.S. Army nure, into the streams is also being controlled represent a large investment in livestock in- Corps of Engineers was the redesign of the by BMPs. The farm is installing a barnyard ventory and equine infrastructure and occupy farm’s manure composting facility. “The farm water management system designed to divert most of the agricultural land use in this re- has a compost facility designed to treat poten- clean water away from any potential agricul- gion. tial parasites and alleviate the need for and the tural pollutant sources. Akindale Farm produces high quality operating expense associated with transport- Stream banks are also being stabilized with thoroughbred racehorses and provides ing manure for off-site utilization and/or dis- vegetation to prevent soil and manure from training for horses both owned and boarded posal,” said Saviola. running off of the banks into the streams. In at the farm. The farm collects manure and straw bed- addition, the farm is improving access road The farm breeds and trains approxi- ding from foals, or young horses, and tempo- construction to limit diffuse sources of sedi- mately 26 thoroughbred race horses and also rarily stores it on an outside 100- by 200-foot ment from the roads to streams. has 45 mature horses, 30 young horses, and asphalt compost pad with a reinforced con- Best management practices that don’t in- 6 Holstein Steers. Approximately 200-acres crete push wall, a filter field and diversion. volve managing manure, excess nutrients or of the land is permanent pasture and 100 The farm’s manure compost facility was sediment are also being implemented. The acres is forest land. improved to prevent any potential pathogens farm is making sure that all fuel products are In 1998 the farm created a Whole Farm from migrating from the pad to a nearby wa- stored away from streams to prevent water Plan in collaboration with the Dutchess tercourse during heavy rainfall. contamination. County Soil and Water Conservation Dis- “Although the compost facility was just Best management practices not only pro- trict. So far several of the plan’s BMPs have completed, already the compost pad made the tect drinking water, but also support the local been successfully completed. farm’s manure handling and composting sys- economy and survival of wildlife habitats. Ac- One of the most successful BMPs imple- tem 1,000 times better,” said Saviola. cording to WAC, well-managed farms keep mented on the farm included using exclu- “It was designed to be a more stable sur- space open, provide refreshing destinations for sion methods to keep livestock away from face with a grass filter area which was created tourists and provide food and fiber for the streams. on the down slope side of the compost pad community. In addition, they can improve the “Exclusion fencing was installed on one to intercept and treat any storm water that hap- habitats of local wildlife, in particular fish spe- of the farm’s pastures to limit the access of pens to run off the pad during intense rainfall cies. brood mares and foals, or young horses, to events.” Farmers and others interested in learning a nearby stream that runs adjacent to the Other BMPs in progress on the farm in- more about WAC’s Whole Farm Planning pro- farm,” said Saviola. clude measures to control the distribution of gram should visit: www.nycwatershed.org or “By keeping the animals away from the manure. One way the farm is doing this is by call 914-962-6355. stream we are preventing potential animal executing a Comprehensive Nutrient Manage- Those interested in the Corps’ New York pathogens from entering the water supply.” ment Plan that will recommend the proper City Watershed Environmental Assistance Pro- Saviola continued, “Since we excluded the type and amount of fertilizer needed to sus- gram should contact the author at: animals from their primary watering source, tain good vegetative cover in pastures and to [email protected]

July 2005 11 Environmental management partnership works regionally By PETER VERSTEGEN holders, authorized the EMP in 1986. The legis- St. Paul District lation recognized the Upper Mississippi River as both a nationally significant ecosystem and a na- The Upper Mississippi River, flowing from the tionally significant commercial navigation system. headwaters in Minnesota to the open river at Rock Island District, centrally located on the Cairo, Ill., has challenged the U.S. Army Corps upper river, became the central dispatcher for of Engineers to work regionally, both within its overall program management. own organization and with the other river stake- “We come to the table and talk hard issues holders. for betterment of the river,” said Roger Perk, The Corps’ Environmental Management EMP program manager, Rock Island District. Program (EMP), designed to protect and restore “Nowhere else in the country does a water- the river ecosystem, offers lessons in how a wide- way serve as both a system of major national ranging community of practice works across wildlife refuges and a commercial navigation sys- agency, geographic and political boundaries for tem,” said Perk. the goal of environmental stewardship. “The priorities of the program focus on both For many years, Mississippi River navigation the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing pools created by the locks and dams in the 1930s habitats as well as long-term monitoring of the to provide a nine-foot navigation channel, sup- river.

ported a wealth of fish, wildlife and aquatic habi- Perk’s interaction with district EMP manag- U.S. Army Photo tat. ers reflects regional processes. With input from Aerial view shows Spring Lake Island dur- But by the 1980s, the ecological health of the each of the Upper Mississippi River Corps dis- ing construction. Upper Mississippi River system was being tricts, he develops consolidated budget and fund- stressed by erosion, sedimentation, diminished ing requests; reports program financial execution ing resource program; facilitates meetings of the aquatic plant beds and declining habitat diversity. to Mississippi Valley Division, Vicksburg, Miss.; EMP coordinating committee; and consolidates Congress, in response to the public and stake- monitors and manages the long-term monitor- See Partnership on Page 15

Investigation, removal actions resumed at Former Camp Wellfleet By TIMOTHY DUGAN This area is a potential piping plover nesting tional Park Service. The investigation for the New England District area, therefore the investigation was performed Wellfleet site was conducted during the winter before the plovers return to the area for nesting. to minimize impacts to natural resources such The National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. The other three areas are inland of the dunes. as the piping plover and to minimize the impact Army Corps of Engineers, and the Massachu- They consisted of an area where military canisters of closures to area residents and visitors. setts Department of Environmental Protection were located. The canisters were previously tested, Zapata Engineering met daily or as needed (DEP) are continuing efforts to determine the and were found not to be hazardous. with the National Park Service staff to coordi- extent of military ordnance identified in the past Another area that was investigated had po- nate safety measures and any necessary area clo- at the Former Camp Wellfleet military site lo- tential ordnance burial pits. The last area of sures. cated at the Cape Cod National Seashore in concern was an area where 150 M28A1 flash All reasonable efforts were made to mini- Wellfleet, Mass. tubes for 105mm cartridge cases were removed mize inconvenience to the public and to allow The Corps’ contractor, Zapata Engineering, last year. public access to the primary visitor sites. Access under the direction of the U.S. Army Engineer- The investigation was conducted to locate to Marconi Site and Marconi Beach were restricted ing and Support Center, Huntsville, Ala., re- any additional flash tubes if they exist . at times during the project. sumed performing an Ordnance and Explosives During the field effort miscellaneous debris It was the goal of the National Park Service (OE) investigation and removal action in por- and ordnance-related material were located and to have the beaches and site open on weekends tions of the Former Camp Wellfleet from Feb. disposed of properly. Soil samples taken at the and only close either the beach or the site on a 28 to March 28. area where the ordnance-related debris was found day-by-day basis, when necessary. Zapata Engineering performed investigation were sent to a laboratory for testing. Results are The recommended removal actions for the and removal at four areas on the site. These areas expected in June. If results are negative, this will various areas inside the Former Camp Wellfleet included a 4.5 acre portion of the site south of be the last field effort for ordnance. The next are derived from the Final Former Camp the Marconi Beach Bathhouse. phase will be Institutional Controls. If results Wellfleet Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analy- This area warranted further investigation be- show contamination, additional field work will sis (EE/CA) completed in May 2000 and the cause ordnance related scrap was found and re- be scheduled. subsequent Action Memorandum, which was moved in this general area during the last inves- The Former Camp Wellfleet site consists of signed in April 2001. tigation. Further investigation will confirm if developed and undeveloped land, the majority For more information call the New England Dis- additional scrap is buried. of which is owned and maintained by the Na- trict Public Affairs Office at (978) 318-8777. TheEnvironment Corps 12 Earth Day brings together Corps, Ala Wai Association

By DINO W. BUCHANAN information and educational sites located Honolulu District throughout the Ala Wai watershed area. At these sites the public and volunteers par- In partnership with more than 460 volunteers, ticipated in activities ranging from Corps envi- the Ala Wai Watershed Association, state en- ronmental project seminars and informational vironmental offices and 25 local civic organiza- booths to stream trash cleanups, storm drain tions, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers con- stenciling and a fish re-stocking at the beach tinued to focus on excellence, innovation and adjacent to the Waikiki Aquarium. enthusiasm for the environment during Earth Inside the Corps’ RVC more than 75 vol- Day 2005. This year’s theme was “Mother unteers and information specialists provided Earth, For You a Lei.” a plethora of environmental information and At the April 23 event, the Corps’ Pacific informational seminars about the environ- Regional Visitor Center (RVC) at Ft. DeRussy ment and Corps environmental projects. in Waikiki served as a hub for free trolley trans- “The Regional Visitor Center was our focal portation to one of seven Earth Day study, point for the 2005 Earth Day celebration as we had more than 10 environmental government, state and local agencies promote the environment with information booths.

“Our informational seminars featured lo- Photo by Dino W. Buchanan cal professional and educational environmen- Elementary students listen as a water hy- tal experts who provided the most current in- drologist explains the salinity content of formation on the Ala Wai Watershed and Ha- a Pacific Ocean water sample at the Pa- waiian reef restoration projects. It was a great cific Regional Visitor Center in Waikiki during Earth Day 2005. event for the Corps, Hawaii and the environment,” said Lt. Col. David E. Anderson, from our surveys in the Waikiki area and to Commander, Honolulu Engineer District. provide updates to the public on our project One seminar participant agreed with Lt. status, “ said Dave Raney, Community Out- Photo by Dino W. Buchanan Col. Anderson that Earth Day 2005 was an reach Coordinator of Reef Check Hawaii. Elementary school students and parents important informational event. board a trolley at the Pacific Regional Visi- For more information, log on to the HED web tor Center en route to the Waikiki “Reef Check Hawaii appreciated the oppor- site at: http://www.poh.usace.army.mil, or contact Aquarium on Earth Day 2005. tunity to present to the community findings the Public Affairs Office at (808) 438-9862. Tent Continued from Page 11 efficient. of accelerating the Lot 18 work does not slow does not require a crane to move and conforms These changes have been reviewed at all over- the other ongoing Spring Valley investigations.” to rugged topography. It is self-supporting and sight levels, including the regulatory partners — For information, call the Baltimore District Public designed for extended outdoor use. D.C. Health and the Environmental Protection Affairs Office at (410) 962-2626 “It takes less time to move, and it can be Agency; the Corps’ Engineering and Support used in very steep areas,” Georg said. “It will Center, Huntsville; Corps Headquarters; and the give us much more flexibility.” Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for En- The team plans other improvements to in- vironment, Safety and Occupational Health. crease production. A larger excavator will dig. Dirt Georg said he expected to have enough of and debris will be sorted on a shaker table in- the improvements in place to be able to restart stead of the present manual sifting table. Until digging at Lot 18 in June. Assuming nothing is now, the soil has been packed into drums and found that changes the character of the investi- loaded onto trucks and carted from the site. gation, the Lot 18 work should be completed by The soil will now go into a more efficient late January 2006. Six underground metallic roll-off container that will be moved by con- anomalies in the vicinity will also be investigated, veyer to a truck. Tarps will cover the soil during making the expected completion of the Lot 18 the loading and removal to keep it contained area to be spring 2006. when leaving the site and until it is ultimately “The increased efficiency comes with a price disposed of at an approved site. A plan is also tag,” said Gary Schilling, program manager, “but An inflatable tent structure will be used being developed to make air monitoring more the Corps and the Army are making sure the cost in the Spring Valley Lot 18 work.

July 2005 13 Roanoke Continued from Page 6 edge, archeologists are able to make accurate pre- thousand years. dictions about where to dig. A lot of the time “When we look at a site with pottery we know they rely on their sixth sense. it’s going to be dated after 1000 B.C. because “Intuition is probably one of the better that’s when the use of pottery became widespread. guides, but it’s intuition based on years of expe- And we know through radio carbon dating that rience. We know that any flat topographic fea- the Roanoke project sites date to around AD ture near a major watercourse is likely to have 1300, because it’s a period when pottery’s being prehistoric remains. Likewise, ridge tops over- made and people were living in settled villages looking floodplains are likely to have the same.” and growing crops instead of just hunting and Kimmel says it’s hard to determine which fishing, and they had a more complex social struc- people made arrowheads and pottery and left ture. the fire pit scattered with tiny clues. By combining science and historical knowl- “In this case, we can’t point to a particular tribe and say this material came from this tribe. What we do have are state recognized tribes, in this case the Monacan Indian Nation whose an- cestors were in the area and who are willing to take possession of human remains and to re- U.S. Army Photo bury them with the appropriate Native Ameri- Richard Kimmel, Wilmington District archaelogist, shows an artifact taken can ceremony. And that’s what will happen. from an excavation site in Roanoke, Va. They’ll be carefully excavated and returned to the Monacan tribe for reburial.” “It is fascinating. We’re always learning some- In some cases, archeologists could double as thing or we’re always surprised by things we don’t

U.S. Army Photo forensic scientists. Kimmel still has the urge to expect. The discovery is the fun part.” Kimmel inspects artifacts found at the dig under some rocks, and see what, if anything, For more information contact the Wilmington Dis- Roanoke excavation site. lies beneath that might be historically significant. trict Public Affairs Office at (910) 251-4626. Security Conference Continued from Page 1 Audubon Society, Coastal America and custom- Continued from Page 4 installing wetland plants, building benches, and ers of the Corps of Engineers Regulatory president of Fluor Corporation, who spoke installing signage to educate others about the Branch. about communities of practice and how the 38 “water barriers.” For more information call the Galveston District “knowledge” communities within Fluor are A local non-profit program, Water Education Public Affairs Office at (409) 766-3005. working. for Teachers, will enable teachers to use the fresh McQuary said Communities of Practice im- water habitat as an outdoor classroom for envi- prove business performance through global ronmental education. adoption of best practices, improved work pro- Other groups that have expressed interest in cesses, reduced overhead and delivery of timely using the habit include Texas Parks and Wildlife expert solutions. Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Communities of Practice: · Are people-driven activities; · Are more than just Web sites, but ways for people to connect with one another to gain knowledge; · Require that everyone in the community has a role; · Require communication to be successful; and, · Will ultimately affect future performance. The plenary sessions also included discus- sions on the Corps’ role in the Global War on Terror, the CP18 Career Program and the new National Security Personnel System. The two U.S. Army Photo U.S. Army Photo and one-half day conference was followed by an Students from a local high school install A local Boy Scout Troop joined with the wetland plants as a part of the security Corps on the project, planting trees and eight-hour Operations Project Managers Semi- upgrade. shrubs. nar.

TheEnvironment Corps 14 Partnership tracts near McGregor, Iowa. Iowa, Missouri and Illinois. Continued from Page 12 Dick Steinbach, manager of the Mark Twain Regional management extends beyond the work plans, funding priorities and contract award Wildlife Refuge complex headquartered in coordinating committee to technical teams. recommendations to division. Quincy, Ill., said, “Our fingers are pretty well en- Project delivery teams of technical specialists, such “We work together to make the program a twined with the Corps out on the river in meet- as biologists and engineers, from the three up- success. The team focuses on the whole system. ing overall federal responsibilities for this multi- per river Corps districts, gather at workshops Collectively, we determine the higher priorities use resource.” every other year to exchange lessons learned and and move money from one district to another The Mark Twain complex includes four wild- discuss other project and program information. for a project,” St. Louis District EMP project life refuges: Middle Mississippi River, Marion, Said Perk, “Mississippi Valley Division over- manager Mike Thompson said. Ill; Port Louisa, Wapello, Iowa; Great River, sees overall program execution and review, Engineer districts in St. Paul, Minn.; Rock Annada, Mo.; and Two Rivers, Brussels, Ill. approval of all budget documents, funds al- Island, Ill.; and St. Louis, Mo., with oversight by Said Don Hultman, refuge manager, Upper location, approvals of schedules, costs and the division, coordinate with a variety of federal Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Ref- approval of definite project reports. MVD [the and state agencies, associations, the public and uge, Winona, Minn., “Before EMP, we could do division] coordinates all program issues, guid- non-profit natural resource agencies, such as The little but stand by and watch the habitat decline. ance, Congressional items and funding with Nature Conservancy and Audubon Society. As much as anything, EMP has restored both Corps’ headquarters.” The U.S. Geological Survey, a regional partner hope and optimism. “Future project selection will use a process in La Crosse, Wis., oversees the collection of data “EMP has also been a catalyst for improving that looks at projects from a reach and system- on water quality, vegetation, fish, sediment, working relationships with the Corps and the wide perspective, rather than just individually with aquatic insects and land use for long-term re- states and finding the common ground among the districts,” said Don Powell, EMP project source monitoring. The USGS Upper Midwest agencies with often different missions and pur- manager in St. Paul. Environmental Sciences Center analyzes the data poses on the Mississippi,” Hultman said. Budget and geographic constraints have chal- to assess the health of the river and forecast fu- “There is nothing quite as powerful as bring- lenged the team. “A large number of projects, ture trends as part of its long-term resource ing people together to work side-by-side on which are in different phases of development, monitoring. projects which make a difference for fish and wild- would be capable of expending the full EMP “As a research agency, the role of USGS is to life and the public who enjoys them. authorization each year,” said Perk. “However, act as an unbiased science advisor for the partner- “The creation of the refuge and the authori- due to numerous budget priorities, the funding ship,” said Barry Johnson, chief of the aquatic zation of the nine-foot navigation channel for- allocations have not come near to the full autho- sciences branch, USGS Upper Midwest Environ- ever linked the service and the Corps. EMP has rization amount for the program.” mental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wis. helped turn that linkage from one of conflict to Perk said the overall EMP has a continual “A large part of the funding that comes to one of mutual benefit.” authorization of $33.52 million per year. The USGS is passed on to state-operated field sta- An EMP coordinating committee meets fiscal year 2005 allocation was $17.5 million, with tions in the five Upper Mississippi River border four times a year to keep check on the pro- nearly full funding in the recently released fiscal states to conduct the annual field sampling and gram. Although the Corps is the primary man- year 2006 budget of $33.5 million. participate in data analyses. Just managing the ager, the coordinating committee provides Said Powell, “It is also important to main- data collected is a big job. The fisheries database oversight. Participants include the Corps; Fish tain program flexibility and the individuality of alone has more than 3 million lines of data.” and Wildlife Service; USGS; the Environmen- each district in order to be responsive to all the Johnson said one of the challenges for the tal Protection Agency; the Upper Mississippi stakeholders.” partnership is to integrate habitat rehabilitation River Basin Association; and representatives For more information call the St. Paul District projects with long-term monitoring. from the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Public Affairs Office at (651) 290-5200. “Only a program like the long-term river monitoring project that operates at large spatial scales and over a long time period can provide the data needed. Regional coordination and project management extends to wildlife refuges operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Upper Mississippi River National Wild- life and Fish Refuge encompasses approximately 240,000 acres in four states in a more-or-less con- tinuous stretch of 261 miles of Mississippi River floodplain from near Wabasha, Minn. to near Rock Island, Ill. Other refuges in the Upper Mississippi

complex include Trempealeau, Wis., and the U.S. Army Photo Driftless Area, a collection of small, scattered Bulldozer shapes Spring Lake Island from the discharge of the dredge, Iowa.

July 2005 15 Army Sustainability

Q Strengthen Army operations: Q Minimize impacts and total strengthen Army operational cap- ownership costs: minimize ability by reducing our environ- MIISSIION impacts and total ownership costs mental footprint through more of Army systems, materiel, facilities, sustainable practices. and operations by integrating the principles and practices of sustainability.

Foster a sustainability ethic: Q Q Enhance well-being: foster an ethic within the Army enhance the well-being of our Soldiers, that takes us beyond civilians, families, neighbors, and

environmental compliance communities through leadership in E to sustainability. E sustainability. NN

Y Y

VV T II I RR O N U N Q Drive innovation: Q Meet test, training and M M mission requirements: M use innovation, technology, and EN M meet current and future training, NT O the principles of sustainability testing, and other mission require- T C to meet user needs and anticip- ments by sustaining land, air, and ate future Army challenges. water resources. “Triple Bottom Line”

The Army’s new Strategy for the Environment outlines our long-term vision and sustainability goals as they relate to the triple bottom line of mission, community, and environment.

For more information visit the Army Sustainability Website at: www.sustainability.army.mil

or contact:

at:

The new Army Sustainability poster can be obtained from the Office of the Director of Environmental Programs, Sustainability Division, DAIM-EDS, 600 Army Pentagon, Washington, DC 20310-0600, 703-601-1573, [email protected].

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY U.S. ENGINEERING AND SUPPORT CENTER, HUNTSVILLE P.O. BOX 1600 HUNTSVILLE, AL 35807-4301

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TheEnvironment Corps 16