Photo By Samantha Heilig | A contractor uses dredged material from the Rock Island District’s Beneficial Use...... read more read more
The largest and oldest mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District is navigation which involves operating and maintaining the 9 foot navigation channel on the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway. These critical transportation corridors are essential for moving billions of dollars in cargo each year. This work includes the continuous operation and maintenance of 18 lock and dam sites, as well as dredging approximately 750,000 cubic yards of material annually from the navigation channels.
The lock and dam system operated by the Rock Island District is vital for maintaining water levels and ensuring vessels can safely navigate shallow or seasonally fluctuating areas. River regulating structures (wing and closing dams) were designed to increase flow in the navigational channel. However sediment buildup or shoaling is inevitable and must be addressed through regular removal of this material.
To keep the channels open, the District operates a floating plant that includes dredges, barges, and support vessels. These crews work continuously during the navigation season to address “trouble spots” where sediment accumulates and threatens safe passage for commercial vessels. Problem areas are identified through hydrographic surveys and realtime reports from river users, allowing the District to respond quickly and prevent disruptions to navigation.
Sediment removed during dredging is evaluated for placement through the Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP), which ensures materials are managed in a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible way.
According to Wendy Frohlich, program manager for the USACE Rock Island District’s DMMP, the DMMP is essential for the long-term sustainability of navigation along the Illinois Waterway and Upper Mississippi River. The program identifies, evaluates, and secures placement sites for dredged material. When going through this process, the Rock Island District prioritizes operational efficiency, environmental acceptability, and social responsibility to ensure placement sites meet the federal standard.
“The District strives to take a proactive, longterm planning approach by identifying and securing placement sites before existing ones reach capacity,” said Frohlich. “However, as dredging needs continue, cost effective placement options are becoming limited. That’s where the Beneficial Use Program becomes essential – turning a challenge into an opportunity.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Beneficial Use Program promotes the reuse of dredged materials for environmental restoration and community benefit. Rather than viewing sediment as waste, the program transforms it into a resource.
Common beneficial uses include:
• Habitat restoration – Creating or enhancing wetlands and wildlife habitat
• Beach nourishment – Replenishing eroded shorelines and improving recreational use
• Land reclamation – Restoring degraded areas for agricultural or recreational use
• Construction applications – Maintaining or rehabilitation of levees
Frolich said, about 60% of dredged material nationwide is reused for beneficial purposes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aims to increase this to 70% by 2030, and the Rock Island District is leading the way with approximately 86% of its current dredged material being put to beneficial use.
“We’ve been working closely with federal, state, and local stakeholders to identify opportunities where dredged material could be used,” said Frohlich. “Whether it’s enhancing wildlife habitat or utilizing material for levee rehabilitation, we’re always looking for new and innovative uses.”
By evaluating the reuse potential of sediment at every project site, the District maximizes value while minimizing environmental impact. A recent example of this integrated approach is the collaborative effort to restore portions of Steamboat Island on the Mississippi River.
“For the first time in Rock Island District history, the Operations Division’s Channel Maintenance Program partnered with the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program to use dredged material from the main channel of the Mississippi River on the Steamboat Island Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project,” said project manager Jessie Dunton. “Approximately 12,500 cubic yards of dredge material was beneficially used to reestablish the head of Steamboat Island.”
This collaborative effort resulted in cost and time savings for both programs due to the reduction in distance the material needed to be moved. The project also strengthened relationships between USACE programs and provided an opportunity for project sponsors from other agencies to work with the different USACE programs.
“This collaboration has paved the way for future opportunities and innovative ways of working together,” said Dunton.
Through its integrated approach to sediment management, the Rock Island District is not only keeping commerce moving, but helping to support commercial endeavors, protect communities and restore habitats for long-term ecological health of the river.
To learn more about the Beneficial Use Program or how to request free dredged material, visit: www.mvr.usace.army.mil/missions/navigation/dredging/beneficial-use/.
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2025 10:38 |
| Story ID: | 498499 |
| Location: | LECLAIRE, IDAHO, US |
| Web Views: | 25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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