Corps scientists are finding numerous creative and environmentally compatible ways to manage infestations of aquatic plants which block our nation's waterways.
Biological controls already studied include a fungus, a species of fly and two weevil species which affect or feed on hydrilla, water hyacinth and milfoil. Biologists note how well such species establish a field population as well as their effect on problem plants. Work continues on accelerating the growth of more desirable, non-problem vegetation to minimize the growth of nuisance plants.
Recent chemical control research focused on finding the correct concentration and exposure of herbicides for a variety of situations. Results allow our Corps field offices to predict the impact of herbicides and use the lowest amount necessary. Corps researchers coordinated closely with the chemical industry and the Environmental Protection Agency. Plant growth regulators are also under study. The growth regulators do not remove nuisance plants, but slow growth and reproduction and therefore allow expanded use of the area.
Studies of integrated control methods -- using combinations of control methods -- are also ongoing. More than 800 possible combinations of currently used control methods have been evaluated so far.
We are developing computer simulation models to allow users to judge which techniques would be best for their situations. These user-friendly simulations run on personal computers and include interactive environmental factors.
Our scientists and engineers are also helping the Tennessee Valley Authority develop an early detection and mapping system for underwater aquatic plants using sound sensors and a geographic information system.
For more information, contact:
Lewis Decell
U.S. Army Waterways Experiment Station
ATTN: CEWES-EP-L
3909 Halls Ferry Road
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180-6199
601/634-3494
What We're Doing to Develop New Solutions
Creative problem-solving is the very essence of engineering. We in the Army Corps of Engineers constantly look for innovative ways to help the nation meet its needs while simultaneously preserving the environment. Thus, while we build systems to solve immediate problems, we make those systems sensitive to nature's long-term needs.
The Corps researches and develops new technologies which can be used for environmental advantages.
Current satellite and aircraft systems can receive large- scale data on snow distribution and characteristics. Corps researchers are developing a procedure to measure snowpack's water content in order to manage water runoff better. Uses include hydropower, flood control, water supply, recreation, and irrigation projects in addition to developing habitats.
We are investigating what to do about the country's zebra mussel problem. Recently introduced from Northern Europe, mussel build-up is clogging municipal water supplies, hydropower facilities, and other water control structures. Research focuses on determining the species' ecological requirements and developing environmentally sound, cost-effective ways to control the zebra mussel.
Our topographic lab uses aerial photography to aid field representatives in issuing wetland permits and also to locate hazardous and toxic waste sites. The lab digitizes the photos at high resolutions on a high-tech image scanner. The system then enhances the photos to highlight the wetlands or the areas with concentrated toxic material. It also incorporates information from the Soil Conservation Service and the National Wetlands Inventory. Best yet, this technology is available on an affordable personal computer system.
Technology, however, is not the only tool we use to solve environmental problems. Often the answer means finding innovative solutions to common problems, using ordinary common sense, or learning about and capitalizing on good ideas used elsewhere.
The Corps headed a volunteer effort to slow coastal erosion in Louisiana and Georgia using old Christmas trees tied together into a fence and then submerged. The fence slows wave action, reducing erosion. Corps volunteers collected donated trees from throughout the two states.
Corps researchers are testing a new recycling method to reduce the stack of some 190 million old tires discarded each year. Along with researchers from the University of Maine, Corps scientists are using rubber chips made from old tires as an insulating layer under roadways in areas where frequent freezing causes heavy road damage. They are testing insulation layers of varying depths, analyzing different gravels to be used in conjunction with the chips. They are also testing ground water to ensure no environmental side effects result from the tires.
Where possible, the Corps uses the labors of horses or mules for timber harvesting rather than heavy equipment. The animals can reach remote areas without having to cut roads.
For more information, contact:
Becki McElhaney
Headquarters
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
ATTN: CEPA-C
20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20314-1000
202/272-1809
Last Updated: July 23, 1996