10 Feb 2026

Improving Dredging and Beneficial Use Project Implementation: Review of Critical Data Needs, Technical, and Market Factors

Purpose: This technical note summarizes key results from an applied research study funded by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to advance US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) dredging technology and dredged material placement practices. The focus is on beneficial use (BU) of dredged material (DM), hereafter BUDM, that results from USACE’s management of navigation channels and ports around the nation. The objective of the study was to identify the current challenges facing domestic dredging practices and develop ideas and specific steps to drive effective projects. Study themes included improving the efficiency, cost, and procurement practices of the dredging industry; driving technology modernization; and fostering greater competition to promote more innovative dredging operations. A companion technical note goes into further details of our study (Mohan et al. 2025).

10 Feb 2026

Sustainable Dredged Material Management on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers to Achieve Multiple Benefits

Abstract: This technical report showcases the sustainable dredge material management practices by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers. Over the years, USACE Huntington District (LRH) has continually adapted their navigation operations, dredge maintenance activities, and sediment beneficial use processes in response to changing local and regional hydrodynamic conditions, the results from monitoring, and proactive stakeholder engagement. This report highlights three project sites—Bonanza Bar and R. C. Byrd Locks and Dam on the Ohio River and Winfield Locks and Dam on the Kanawha River—that exemplify sustainable dredge practices consistent with Engineering With Nature® principles. By implementing these best practices, LRH has established a more sustainable dredging program that generates economic, environmental, and social benefits beyond the mere removal of sediment from the federal navigation channel. These innovative practices have successfully achieved multiple benefits while executing USACE’s navigation mission. The data and lessons learned from these projects can be applied to other riverine projects aiming to use sediment beneficially, enhance the development of USACE sustainable dredging practices, and inspire future projects.

9 Feb 2026

Ice-Resistant Breakwater Rock Sizing at Elim, Alaska

Abstract: The Elim Subsistence Harbor project requires breakwaters capable of withstanding wave action and sea ice forces in Norton Bay, Alaska. This study analyzed meteorological data, satellite imagery, and ice formation patterns to determine appropriate armor stone sizing based on ice forces for the proposed breakwaters. Analysis revealed that Elim experiences predominantly northerly winds during winter, with southwesterly components developing during the May–June breakup period. Offshore ice breakup occurs earlier at Elim (late March) than at Nome (late April). Using the Modified Stefan Equation calibrated with field measurements, end-of-season ice thickness near shore averages 1.4 m. Ice forces at Elim are expected to be less severe than at Nome because of wind patterns and directional constraints, with primary concerns limited to ice approaching from southwest directions during breakup. Using empirical evidence from Nome Harbor and physical model studies, we recommend a zoned armoring approach using 8-ton stone for toes and 4-ton stone on slopes in ice-exposed areas as minimum protection, or 8-ton stone throughout ice-exposed zones for enhanced durability. Relatively steep slopes (1.5H:1V to 2H:1V) should be maintained to encourage protective rubble ramp development during ice interactions.

9 Feb 2026

Optimization of Refueling Infrastructure Locations for Freight Vehicles

Abstract: In both the public and private sectors, there is a drive to implement zero-emission solutions in traditionally polluting industries to limit their damaging environmental impact. The state of California, in particular, has implemented new legislation requiring higher percentages of freight trucks and commercial fleets to be zero- emission vehicles starting in 2024. However, the lack of medium- and heavy-duty refueling stations across California hinders the transition to zero-emission freight. Selecting the locations for such future stations must balance demand distribution, monetary costs, land resources, stakeholder feedback, and the potential for disruptions from natural disasters, cyber interference and socio-economic shocks and stressors. We solve this logistics problem near-optimally by minimizing travel time while accounting for additional variables using a generalized inexact k-medoids method. This approach is relatively fast and scales computationally such that it can be applied on a statewide scale. We propose a near-optimized network of zero-emission stations across the state of California. Our network establishes a mean travel time from a location where a driver is expending fuel to a refueling station of six minutes and minimizes diversions from existing freight routes. In this way, our facility location model can hasten the conversion from a traditional to a clean freight industry in California and can be scaled up to a national level. While facilitating the reduction of emissions from freight infrastructure, our methodology also has the flexibility to incorporate a variety of stakeholder values.

5 Feb 2026

GeoClimate Intelligence Platform: A Web-Based Framework for Environmental Data Analysis

Abstract: Environmental science education faces a critical barrier: programming requirements prevent students, novice researchers, and domain experts from accessing planetary-scale datasets. This study presents the GeoClimate Intelligence Platform, a web-based framework powered by Google Earth Engine (GEE) that eliminates programming barriers while maintaining research-grade analytical capabilities. The platform comprises five integrated modules: GeoData Explorer for climate dataset access, Climate Analytics implementing 20+ ETCCDI-compliant climate indices, Hydrology Analyzer for precipitation analysis and return periods, Product Selector for dataset validation, and Data Visualizer for interactive analysis. This modular design supports integrated workflows while maintaining analytical independence across specialized functions. Development was motivated by workshops where students found programming barriers insurmountable despite strong motivation. Educational validation through university coursework demonstrated effectiveness. Performance evaluation shows robust scalability from educational to research-scale applications. The platform requires only a GEE account and operates through web browsers, eliminating software installation. This accessibility transformation enables broader participation in data-driven environmental problem-solving with scientific rigor, democratizing sophisticated environmental analysis for educational and research communities.

5 Feb 2026

Upscaling Nature-Based Solutions for Reducing Risk from Natural Hazards: From Process to Practice

Abstract: Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer an innovative approach to reducing risks from natural hazards, aligning ecological processes with engineering objectives. However, successfully scaling NbS from site-specific interventions to systems-level applications remains a challenge. This paper examines an Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) case study to explore how NbS can be integrated into broader, systems-based engineering practices, demonstrating the transition from conceptual design to wide-scale, regional implementation. One such case study is Deer Island, located off the coast of Mississippi, USA, where EWN approaches stabilized shorelines and restored critical habitats. The project utilized natural sediment transport processes to rebuild marsh and dune systems, enhancing the island’s resilience to storm surges and erosion. Through careful integration of natural and engineered systems, Deer Island serves as a model for how NbS can mitigate risks at both local and regional scales, increasing the ability to recover from a natural disaster and overall ecological health. In particular, the case study highlights the benefit of designing for multiple integrated ecosystem components to deliver a diverse array of ecological functions, goods, and services. The paper further underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting the role of landscape architects in creating multifunctional designs that incorporate natural features and processes. These designs enhance ecosystem services while addressing societal needs, providing a blueprint for how when combined landscape architecture, science, and engineering can synergize in NbS projects. By synthesizing lessons from the EWN and emphasizing the need for cross-sector collaboration, this paper outlines pathways to scale NbS from localized efforts to comprehensive strategies that reduce coastal storm risk.

5 Feb 2026

Evaluating Snow Pavement Strength in Remote Cold Environments via California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Russian Snow Penetrometer (RSP) Combined Testing

Abstract: Accurate assessment of compacted snow strength is critical for ensuring the safety and performance of snow runways in cold environments. The Russian Snow Penetrometer (RSP) is widely used in snow science and engineering due to its simplicity, portability, and capability for rapid field measurements under extreme conditions. Conversely, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test remains the benchmark for evaluating the load-bearing capacity of conventional granular materials but is seldom applied to snow because of logistical constraints and the material’s complex mechanical behavior. The relationship between these two pavement evaluation tools remains poorly defined. This work investigates how RSP strength indices relate to CBR measurements to determine whether the RSP can serve as a practical proxy for snow pavement load-bearing capacity. Side-by-side field measurements of snow pavement strength were collected over a 30 h period at two test section locations. Both methods captured temporal strength increases and spatial variability, with consistently higher values at the second site attributed to extended sintering. A moderate linear correlation (R2 = 0.44) between RSP and CBR results supports a quantifiable relationship between the two methods. These findings begin to bridge the gap between conventional pavement testing and snow-specific strength evaluation, demonstrating the potential of the RSP for rapid assessment of snow runways. Continued data collection and analysis will refine this relationship and strengthen its applicability for operational use.

5 Feb 2026

Compressed Snow Blocks: Evaluating the Feasibility of Adapting Earth Block Technology for Cold Regions

Abstract: Snow construction plays a crucial role in military operations in cold regions, providing tactical fortifications, thermal insulation, and emergency infrastructure in environments where conventional building materials are scarce or require extensive infrastructure for support. Current snow construction methods, including manual piling and compaction, are labor-intensive and inconsistent, limiting their use in large-scale or time-sensitive operations. This study explores the feasibility of adapting a compressed earth block (CEB) machine to produce compressed snow blocks (CSBs) as modular, uniform building units for cold-region applications. Using an AECT Impact 2001A hydraulic press, naturally occurring snow was processed with a snowblower and compacted at maximum operating pressure (i.e., 20,684 kPa) to evaluate block formation, dimensional consistency, and density. The machine successfully produced relatively consistent CSBs, but the initial 3–4 blocks following block height adjustment were generally unsuccessful (e.g., incorrect block height or collapsed/broke) while the machine reached its steady state cyclic condition. These blocks were discarded and excluded from the dataset. The successful CSBs had mean block heights of 7.76 ± 0.56 cm and densities comparable to ice (i.e., 0.83 g/cm ³). Variations in block height and mass may be attributed to manual snow loading and minor material impurities. While the dataset is limited, the results warrant further investigation into this technology, particularly regarding CSB strength (i.e., hardness and compressive strength) and performance under variable snow and environmental conditions. Mechanized snow compaction using existing CEB technology is technically feasible and capable of producing uniform, structurally stable CSBs but requires further investigation and modifications to reach its full potential. With design improvements such as automated snow feeding, cold-resistant components, and system winterization, this approach could enable scalable CSB production for rapid, on-site construction of snow-based structures in Arctic environments, supporting the military and civilian needs.

3 Feb 2026

Sensitivity and Impact of Atmospheric Forcings on Hurricane Wind Wave Modeling in the Gulf of Mexico Using Nested WAVEWATCH III

Abstract: Precise estimation of hurricane wind-induced waves is critical to enhance the accuracy of predicting coastal flooding events in real-time besides helping in the design of sustainable coastal/offshore structures. In this study, we aim to investigate the importance of atmospheric forcings and their impact on wind wave modeling for extreme hurricane conditions in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) basin. Hurricanes Michael (2018) and Ida (2021) were chosen to be modeled as they were among the two most severe storm events that attained category 5 and category 4 status, respectively, during landfall in the GOM basin. A multi-grid nested modeling approach was implemented in WAVEWATCH III with three different wind forcings: ECMWF’s ERA5, NOAA’s High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR: v3 and v4) and ECMWF’s Operational High-Resolution Forecast Model (ECMWF) to model both hurricanes. The results generated through model simulations of various cases were compared with the field observations obtained at NDBC stations. One of the findings suggests that the ERA5 based wind model substantially underestimates the peak winds of both the hurricanes by 50–60 %, thereby resulting in significant underestimation of the wave heights by 40 %. Although the ECMWF model could not capture the maximum winds generated by Michael and Ida, it still gave better results than the ERA5 and HRRR (v3). The updated version (v4) of HRRR performed better than both ERA5 and ECMWF wind models in predicting the peak wind speeds and wind field distribution of Hurricane Ida in all the quadrants.

3 Feb 2026

Public Risk Perceptions of Advanced Water Purification in an Arid Urban Region of the U.S. Southwest: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract: As water utilities implement potable reuse technology, there is a need to understand how to increase public acceptance and trust in public water supplies. The study objective was to use surveys and interviews in a large metropolitan area in Arizona to characterize tap water and advanced purified water acceptability, and factors contributing to (un)acceptability. Participants were recruited through a water utility email listserv for participation in an online REDCap survey and/or 1-hr Zoom interview. Surveys and interviews inquired about perceptions of tap water safety, familiarity with water reuse terms, acceptability of direct potable reuse (called “advanced water purification” in our study for consistency with state messaging), and rationales related to acceptance. Four hundred seventy-nine individuals participated in the survey, and twenty-two individuals participated in the interviews, with roughly comparable demographics for our city of interest but with slightly higher levels of household income and education. Only 36 % of survey respondents use their tap water for drinking water supplies, but (42 %) would be open to drinking advanced purified water. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2024 on risk-based thinking to evaluate how advanced purified water may compare to current drinking water safety and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. Survey and interview participants wanted more reassurances (e.g., third party testing and opportunities for hands-on testing). Water utilities should prioritize transparent communication strategies, including sharing detailed third-party testing data and direct community engagement initiatives, to enhance public acceptance. Utilities can build trust through clear comparisons between advanced purified water and current tap water quality.