7 Apr 2025

Review of Mississippi River Sediment-Sampling Protocols

Abstract: The Mississippi River sediment data protocols located in the US Army Corps of Engineer (USACE), St Louis, Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orleans Districts, were reviewed and evaluated. The review included both USACE and US Geological Survey (USGS) sampling sites. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the reported historical sediment data and to provide guidance for moving forward with an accurate and consistent sediment data collection program. The review was focused on the reliability of the reported historical data and its usefulness for use in sedimentation studies related to long-term aggradation, degradation, and dredging. Recommendations to implement effective sediment data collection, laboratory analyses, and reporting were provided.

8 Aug 2023

Evaluation of Structural and Operational Alternatives to Optimize the Distribution of Water and Sediment in the Passes of the Mississippi River

Abstract: Mississippi River shoaling and dredging processes in the vicinity of Head of Passes and in Southwest Pass were investigated. Existing rates of deposition and dredging were determined using near-daily eHydro bathymetric surveys, National Dredging Quality Management dredge operating data, and geospatial processing steps developed for this study. These surveys provide a means to characterize the highly dynamic and variable sedimentation patterns observed in the navigation channel. The HEC-6T one-dimensional numerical sedimentation model was used to evaluate possible modifications to the distribution of water and sediment in the Mississippi River near Head of Passes in an attempt to reduce shoaling in the navigation channel. The model was used to evaluate the effects of partial closures of several distributaries downstream from Venice and to evaluate the effects of channel widening and channel deepening adjacent to the Hopper Dredge Disposal Area at Head of Passes. In this study, various structural alternatives were compared to a base test that represented existing conditions. Sedimentation and dredging effects were projected 50 years into the future.

9 Sep 2021

Mat Sinking Unit Supply Study: Mississippi River Revetment

Abstract: The Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) has maintained the Mississippi River banks for over 80 years. The Mat Sinking Unit (MSU), built in 1946, was considered state-of-the-art at the time. This system is still in operation today and has placed over 1,000 miles of Articulated Concrete Mats along the Mississippi River from Head of Passes, LA, to Cairo, IL. A new MSU has been designed and is expected to be fully mission capable and operational by the 2023 season, which is expected to increase the productivity from 2,000 squares/day up to 8,000 squares/day with double shifts and optimal conditions. This MSU supply study identifies and optimizes the supply chain logistics for increased production rates from the mat fields to the MSU. The production rates investigated for this effort are 2,000 squares/day, 4,000 squares/day, and 6,000 squares/day. RiskyProject® software, which utilizes a Monte Carlo method to determine a range of durations, manpower, and supplies based on logical sequencing is used for this study. The study identifies several potential supply and demand issues with the increased daily production rates. Distance to casting fields, number of barges, and square availability are the major issues to supply increased placement rates identified by this study.

1 Apr 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Comparison of Benthic Fish Assemblages along Revetted and Natural Banks in the Lower Mississippi River: A 30-Year Perspective

 Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/35259Report Number: MRG&P Report No. 29Title: Comparison of Benthic Fish Assemblages along Revetted and Natural Banks in the Lower Mississippi River: A 30-Year PerspectiveBy K. Jack Killgore and Steven G. GeorgeApproved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited January 2020Abstract: Benthic fish

22 Jan 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Comparison of Benthic Fish Assemblages along Revetted and Natural Banks in the Lower Mississippi River: A 30-Year Perspective

 Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/35259 Report Number: MRG&P Report No. 29Title: Comparison of Benthic Fish Assemblages along Revetted and Natural Banks in the Lower Mississippi River: A 30-Year Perspective By K. Jack Killgore and Steven G. George Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited January 2020 Abstract: Benthic fish