Inspection of Completed Works Program keeps USACE ready, reliable and resilient for emergencies
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, manages responsibilities across South Carolina's diverse landscape—from scenic coastlines and winding creeks to historic landmarks and fragile swamp systems. But long after construction crews leave and equipment falls silent, these projects still require ongoing care. That is where the Inspection of Completed Works Program or ICW comes in.
"This is something that USACE does on an annual basis," said Warner Buchman, marine biologist and ICW Program manager. "We inspect several projects each year to ensure the engineering we established early on continues to perform as intended."
The ICW Program ensures non-federal sponsors properly maintain federally constructed infrastructure, including flood damage reduction projects, in accordance with established operation and maintenance manuals. Each year, USACE specialists inspect completed projects, identify maintenance deficiencies or operational concerns, and work directly with local partners to recommend corrective actions.
Recently, the Charleston District conducted one of its annual inspections at Folly Beach.
On a windy day in mid-March, Buchman joined Charleston District Deputy Commander Maj. Kevin Scruggs, City of Folly Beach Public Works Director Eric Lutz, and local engineers to evaluate the condition of the federally constructed beach renourishment project.
"These inspections give us the opportunity to identify challenges early," Buchman said. "We provide engineering advice to help address and overcome those issues." During the inspection, the team evaluated the condition of the beach, measured how much nourishment sand remained, and examined erosion patterns, dune vegetation, and shoreline sand fencing.
"When we conduct our annual inspection, we evaluate the beach renourishment and measure how much sand remains," Lutz said. His team also monitors erosion rates, vegetation health, and the condition of protective sand fencing throughout the year. "Our partnerships with non-federal sponsors are critical," Scruggs said. "They manage the projects, and we support them however we can. We all share the priority of protecting lives and reducing property damage."
That partnership has grown over many years.
"We've developed a fantastic relationship with Folly Beach," Buchman said. "This collaboration allows us to combine our strengths and determine the best way to solve future challenges."
Lutz emphasized what is at stake. "This beach plays a major role in South Carolina's economy," he said. "Local properties depend on this project for survival. Without it, erosion would gradually destroy the island and homes."
"Folly Beach represents a coastal storm risk management project that delivers environmental and economic benefits," Buchman said. "We must maintain these benefits year after year, making shoreline protection vital in this region." The ICW Program's mission extends far beyond beaches.
In Berkeley County, USACE also inspects the shoreline protection project surrounding the historic Pompion Chapel, a 17th-century church where preserving history is just as important as protecting infrastructure. The county, serving as the non-federal sponsor, works closely with the chapel's vestry to ensure the site remains protected for future generations.
"They knit together to ensure this can be a community and also a cooperative effort to protect what is really essential in South Carolina—the history of why we are here and how we got to be here," Buchman said.
During the inspection, engineers focused on the condition of the streambank stabilization measures designed to prevent erosion from threatening the historic site. "The majority of the inspection was looking at the erosion to the embankment and looking at the riprap," said engineer Hernan Pena. "Everything looked good." Farther south, another historic preservation effort protects Castle Pinckney, located at the edge of Charleston Harbor.
Built between 1809 and 1810 to defend Charleston Harbor, Castle Pinckney's brick walls witnessed the nation's earliest days and later became a silent reminder of the opening moments of the Civil War. Designated a National Monument in 1924, the fort now benefits from a shoreline protection project that helps shield the historic structure from ongoing erosion.
The Preservation Society for Castle Pinckney and the South Carolina Ports Authority work alongside USACE to help preserve one of South Carolina's most recognizable historic landmarks.
Across the Charleston District, the Inspection of Completed Works Program currently oversees 21 completed projects, including five beaches, 13 creeks and waterways, two historic landmarks, and one swamp system. As new projects are completed, they are added to the inspection program. These inspections also ensure projects remain ready when communities need them most. If flooding occurs, USACE teams stand ready to provide technical expertise before, during, and after emergencies.
"These projects bring tremendous value to South Carolina and the Lowcountry," Scruggs said. "We take pride in working with our partners across the state to deliver flood and coastal storm risk management solutions that protect both communities and natural environments."
Through annual inspections, strong partnerships, and continued technical support, the ICW Program ensures South Carolina's flood risk management projects remain ready, reliable, and resilient, protecting communities, preserving history, and safeguarding the state's natural resources for generations to come.
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2026 15:41 |
| Story ID: | 564431 |
| Location: | FOLLY BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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