Overview of Flood Damages Prevented by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Flood Control Reduction Programs and Activities

The Missouri River is the longest river in North America and flows from the semi-arid western states to the relatively moist Midwest. An integrated system of large reservoirs, constructed in the mid-20th century, provides important water storage, hydroelectricity and flood control benefits. This system has been managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers which has traditionally followed its original mandate to support navigation and flood control. As water uses and societal values have evolved, the management of the river has slowly evolved, and the Army Corps of Engineers has adopted adaptive management to incorporate biological uncertainties into its decision-making. Other evolution, including the incorporation of economic incentives into water management, has failed to occur.

Download Full-text

Stemming the Flood

Mechanical Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.2011-jul-1 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 133 (07) ◽

pp. 30-33

Author(s):

John Richardson ◽

Pamela Waterman

Keyword(s):

New Orleans ◽

Mississippi River ◽

Flood Control ◽

Storm Surges ◽

Army Corps ◽

Army Corps Of Engineers ◽

Corps Of Engineers ◽

Existing Structures ◽

Commercial Area ◽

The U.S

This article discusses measures being taken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect New Orleans from future flood events. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is redesigning and upgrading the 350-mile network of linked levees, floodwalls, gates, and pumps in the New Orleans area. The Corps of Engineers’ plan for New Orleans flood control involves upgrading some existing structures such as levees and floodwalls and adding some new risk-reduction features, two of which are movable gates. The proposed Bayou Bienvenue Gate will sit near the junction of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet to keep floodwater away from the southern end of the Industrial Canal. The Seabrook Gate will span the northern end of the Industrial Canal where it meets Lake Pontchartrain. By preventing storm surges from entering the Industrial Canal, these gates will protect a densely populated residential and commercial area. However, the presence of the new gates will change day-to-day current patterns in ways that could impact existing structures and use.

Download Full-text

Balancing Fisheries Management and Water Uses for Impounded River Systems

Balancing Fisheries Management and Water Uses for Impounded River Systems ◽

10.47886/9781934874066.ch9 ◽

2008 ◽

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Fisheries Management ◽

Flood Control ◽

Missouri River ◽

The United States ◽

Army Corps ◽

Army Corps Of Engineers ◽

Corps Of Engineers ◽

Earthen Dams ◽

Water Uses

<em>Abstract</em>.—As authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, the Army Corps of Engineers operates six large earthen dams in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska on the main stem of the Missouri River. The six reservoirs make up the largest reservoir system in the United States and are used for flood control, navigation, irrigation, hydropower, water supply and water quality, recreation, and fish and wildlife.

Download Full-text

Recreational Niches & Their Management Implications

Practicing Anthropology ◽

10.17730/praa.5.2.425311071360641q ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 8-9

Author(s):

Curtis Wienker

Keyword(s):

United States Army ◽

Flood Control ◽

The United States ◽

Army Corps ◽

Army Corps Of Engineers ◽

Corps Of Engineers ◽

Scenic Beauty ◽

Rugged Topography ◽

Geological Formations ◽

Control Water

The Red River Gorge in central Kentucky lies approximately fifty miles southeast of Lexington and is probably best known for its natural features. It is a place of remarkable scenic beauty characterized by extremely rugged topography. Until the late 1960's, it was considered one of the more beautiful parts of the Daniel Boone National Forest. At this time, however, the United States Army Corps of Engineers submitted a proposal to dam the river for flood control, water supply and recreational purposes. Although the project was to be located just under the Gorge, it would have resulted in flooding the area and some of the more unique geological formations found there, as well as forcing the relocation of fifty-five families. There was intense opposition to the dam by local landowners and local and national conservation groups. In 1968, Justice William O. Douglas made a highly-publicized visit to the area to indicate his opposition to the project. This resistance generated considerable publicity for the area and finally, in 1975, Kentucky governor Julian Carroll withdrew his support for the project, forcing the Corps of Engineers to put the dam on "inactive status."

Download Full-text