Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

16
1 Follow the Pittsburgh District on Twitter twitter.com/PittsburghUSACE By Dan Jones, PAO The Pittsburgh District and the Port of Pittsburgh hosted an Upper Ohio River Modernization Tour for navigation stakeholders at Corps shares modernization plans with navigation stakeholders Pittsburgh District change of command the Emsworth Locks and Dam in May. Emsworth, along with Dashields and Montgomery locks and dams, are the oldest and smallest locks on the Ohio River. They are all showing significant signs of structural and operational degradation, which increases the risk of failures. Some failures could potentially halt navigation for a year or more. Participants of the tour traveled from Station Square to Emsworth on the Gateway Clipper’s Princess and were updated on the District’s Upper Ohio Navigation Study efforts and the recommended plan for maintaining safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally sustainable navigation on the first 40 miles of the Ohio River. On July 16, District Engineer Col. Mike Crall will transfer com- mand to Col. William Graham, in a ceremony at the Senator John Heinz History Center in down- town Pittsburgh. Lakes and Rivers Division Commander Maj. Gen. John Pea- body will preside over the time- honored military ceremony where the passing of authority from one leader to the next is signified by the passing of the command flag. Lenna Hawkins, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management, will also participate in the ceremony as the represen- tative of the district’s civilian workforce. Graham comes to Pittsburgh from MIT where he was the Army War College Fellow to the insti- tute’s Security Studies Program. Prior to his fellowship, he served his third tour in Iraq as the Divi- sion Engineer for the 1st Armored Division and Multi National Divi- sion-North in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Kansas. Graham commanded combat engineer units at the company and battalion level, served as the deputy commander of the Pitts- burgh District, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. The ceremony will also mark Crall’s retirement after more than 25 years of military service to the (Cont’d on page 7) Stakeholders tour the dewatered lock chamber at Emsworth. PHOTO: DAN JONES, PAO

description

Headwaters Update is a quarterly publication of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District. It is produced for electronic distribution by the Public Affairs Office. Views and opinions expressed in the Headwaters Update are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Transcript of Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

Page 1: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

1

Follow the Pittsburgh District on Twitter twitter.com/PittsburghUSACE

By Dan Jones, PAO The Pittsburgh District and the Port of Pittsburgh hosted an Upper Ohio River Modernization Tour for navigation stakeholders at

Corps shares modernization plans with navigation stakeholders

Pittsburgh District change of command

the Emsworth Locks and Dam in May. Emsworth, along with Dashields and Montgomery locks and dams, are the oldest and smallest locks on the Ohio River. They are all showing significant signs of structural and operational degradation, which increases the risk of failures. Some failures could potentially halt navigation for a year or more. Participants of the tour traveled from Station Square to Emsworth on the Gateway Clipper’s Princess and were updated on the District’s Upper Ohio Navigation

Study efforts and the recommended plan for maintaining safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally sustainable navigation on the first 40 miles of the Ohio River.

On July 16, District Engineer Col. Mike Crall will transfer com-mand to Col. William Graham, in a ceremony at the Senator John Heinz History Center in down-town Pittsburgh. Lakes and Rivers Division Commander Maj. Gen. John Pea-body will preside over the time-honored military ceremony where the passing of authority from one leader to the next is signified by the passing of the command flag. Lenna Hawkins, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project

Management, will also participate in the ceremony as the represen-tative of the district’s civilian workforce. Graham comes to Pittsburgh from MIT where he was the Army War College Fellow to the insti-tute’s Security Studies Program. Prior to his fellowship, he served his third tour in Iraq as the Divi-sion Engineer for the 1st Armored Division and Multi National Divi-sion-North in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical

engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Kansas. Graham commanded combat engineer units at the company and battalion level, served as the deputy commander of the Pitts-burgh District, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. The ceremony will also mark Crall’s retirement after more than 25 years of military service to the

(Cont’d on page 7)

Stakeholders tour the dewatered lock chamber at Emsworth.

PHOTO: DAN JONES, PAO

Page 2: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

2

M.J. Kirwan ranger wins first, second place in water safety photo contest

Julie Stone, Park Ranger at Michael J. Kirwan Lake, won first and second place in the Corps of Engineers 2009 National Water Safety Photo Contest, Hunters and Anglers Category.

By Julie Stone, M.J. Kirwan Lake The first place photo (above) was taken at Berlin Lake while I was on routine boat patrol in June 2009 near the Route 224 Bridge. I observed these two fishermen wearing inflatable lifejackets. The new jackets are a long way from the orange horse-collar ones of the old days that no one liked or would wear. These lifejackets are light-weight, comfortable and will either auto-inflate or can be inflated manually. I felt the photo was an excellent demonstration of the use of the lifejackets in real life and submitted it to the contest. The second place photo (right) was taken at Tionesta Lake in September 2008 at the Nebraska Access Area boat ramp while I

was conducting a water safety survey. Resource Manager Rodney Daum escorted me around the project and took me to this ramp since it was outgranted. Shortly after our arrival, I observed two older gentlemen launching a canoe from the ramp and both were wearing lifejackets. Older hunters and anglers are generally reluctant to wear lifejackets because they feel their experience outweighs the risk. A good example was the hunter who drowned a

few years back at Crooked Creek Lake. I thought the message, “You’re never too old to save your life,” was depicted very well in this photo. I quickly snapped it before they paddled away. (Since there was no photo contest held in 2008, entries to the 2009 contest included both years.) All of the winning entries can be viewed at http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/employees/cecwon/memos-drill.cfm?Id=790.

Page 3: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

3

Students support ‘Earth-stravaganza’By Melissa Slater, Mosquito Lake Mosquito Creek Lake Army Corps of Engineers, Ohio’s Mosquito State Park and Trumbull County MetroParks coordinated a special opportunity for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. This

students involved was to increase their awareness of outdoor opportunities and encourage development of a personal interest in protecting the aesthetic value of the lake and our natural resources,” said Corps park ranger Melissa Slater. Several of the volunteers spent their time enhancing the owl sanctuary trail. Fifteen trees were also donated and planted at the Lakeview Recreation Area in honor of Earth Day. Each student that participated received a Bobber water bottle from the Corps for their efforts. T-Shirts, gloves, garbage bags, seed packets and garbage grabbers were provided by the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District and Trumbull County MetroParks.

Berlin Lake’s maintenance team poses in front of the solar powered, composting restroom they recently installed; (from left to right) Todd Aston, Waylon Reigle, Sidney Wolfe, and Patricia Walker.

event gave local students and the park and lake’s regular volunteers the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community. Forty-three high school students from Trumbull Career and Technical Center spent

the day lending a helping hand to beautify Mosquito Creek Lake. Corps employees led two groups of the students around the recreation areas to work on landscaping activities and litter pick-up. “One of the main goals in getting the

Berlin Lake and Dam ‘going’ greenBy Sheila Tunney, PAO The Berlin Lake and Dam maintenance staff recently installed a solar powered, composting restroom at the Bonner Road day use area locat-ed near the foot of the dam. The small building helps in the District’s efforts to make its facilities greener. The new restroom reduces water use and electrical costs for lighting and heating, and eliminates the cost of removing waste associ-ated with traditional outdoor restroom structures. Additionally, the compost, which is stored in an underground holding tank, has a relatively fast turnover rate and can be used for other gardening needs at the lake. A wooden walk and deck were constructed to allow for easy access to the restrooms and is Americans with Disabilities Act approved. Solar panels will soon be installed to operate

a venting pump. The restroom is located on the former site of the old concession building below the dam.

Mosquito Lake ranger Melissa Slater (right), and maintenance worker Jackie Martin, flank high school students who helped spruce up the lake’s recreation areas on the fortieth anniversary of Earth Day.

PHOTO: COURTESY MELISSA SLATER, MOSQUITO LAKE

PHOTO: COURTESY RENE BERBERICH, BERLIN LAKE

Page 4: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

4

By Mark Jones, Engineering The Pittsburgh District was represented at the Corps’ first Levee Safety Community of Practice (CoP) meeting, which was held this month in Westlake, Texas. More than 150 levee safety professionals from Corps Headquarters, divisions and districts attended. LRP was represented by Mark Jones, LRP Levee Safety Officer and Chief, Engineering, Construction and Technical Services, and Brian Farmer, Levee Safety Program Manager. The objectives of the conference included information sharing on main program components, levee safety screening tools

By Brian Farmer, Engineering The ninth periodic inspection of Youghiogheny Dam was completed in April. A periodic inspection is conducted every five

(From left to right) Mark Jones, Eric Halpin, Special Assistant for Dam and Levee Safety, and Brian Farmer at the Levee Safety CoP meeting.

LRP at first levee safety CoP meeting

Dam safety team inspects Youghioghenyyears at each of the District’s 16 reservoirs and 23 locks and dams. The inspection team consists of structural, geotechnical, hydraulics and hydrology, mechanical and electrical engineers, along with Operations Division personnel.

The Dam Safety and Periodic Inspection Program is intended to ensure the continuing structural stability, safety and operational ability of the various projects constructed and operated by the Corps of Engineers. The program requires periodic inspections and instrumentation programs designed to detect structural distress or operational deficiencies and provide the basis for initiation of timely repairs.

and policy developments. Presentations included the status of the Levee Safety Program, pending legislation

and updates on technical work in the areas of levee safety and interim risk reduction measures In addition, workshops were conducted on improved definitions of the roles and responsibilities of levee safety officers and program managers. The program was established in 2007 and is quickly gaining momentum. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, all federally sponsored District levees will be assessed this year by contractors Rhea or Black & Veatch. The conference was arranged by Kathy (Takach) Evans, who was recognized at the event by James Dalton, USACE Chief Engineering and Construction and Dam/Levee Safety Officer.

PHOTO: COURTESY MARK JONES, ENGINEERING

Safety inspectors enter the tunnel at Youghiogheny Dam.

PHOTO: COURTESY BRIAN FARMER, ENGINEERING

Page 5: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

5

Park rangers Luke Houston and Jason Bowers assisted the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in March with a lake inventory net fishery survey.

Fishery survey conducted at Shenango Lake The intent of the survey was to document fish reproduction success, growth rates and overall population health. Many species of fish, such as northern pike, musky, walleye, hybrid white bass, white bass,

largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish, brown and yellow bullheads and others, including various forage species, found their way into the nets. All fish were measured and released

unharmed. Target species and size classes were scale sampled for age and life cycle information. The samples will be analyzed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission biologists. A final report will be provided to Shenango Lake once all data has been reviewed and compiled. Shenango Lake has a history of being a very productive fishery. This still holds true and was proven by the survey. Many fishermen travel long distances to enjoy the diverse and high quality fishery that Shenango offers. The lake has a very healthy ecosystem with strong populations of both predator and forage fish.

Kinzua riverside watchable wildlife trail, viewing platform unveiledBy Rachel F. Haring, PAO The Riverside Watchable Wildlife Trail and Viewing Platform at the Big Bend Recreation Area of the Kinzua Dam was unveiled on May 19. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Allegheny Outdoor Club and Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council were in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Getting everyone to come together and partner for this project was definitely worthwhile,” said Kinzua Park Ranger Steve Lauser. “We’re very happy about it. Col. Michael Crall, Pittsburgh

District Engineer, said the project will benefit nature enthusiasts as well as the economy, considering the potential to draw people from other regions. Additions to the area include a circuitous nature trail, picnic tables, nature-oriented interpretive panels and a bird viewing platform. Although the area is considered complete, there is a possibility for additional amenities such as benches and interpretive signs, depending on funding.

Lauser also expressed hope that one day the trail will be made more accessible to the handicapped and meet ADA requirements.

By Luke Houston, Shenango Lake

Shenango ranger Luke Houston holds a 28- inch walleye during a fishery survey in March.

PHOTO: JASON BOWERS, SHENANGO LAKE

Visitors came out in February to the new viewing platform for Kinzua Dam’s annual eagle watch.

PHOTO: COURTESY STEVE LAUSER, KINZUA LAKE

Page 6: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

6

By Rich Egger, Shenango Lake Kyle Kraynak, a student ranger at Shenango Lake, coordinated a water safety campaign with the potential of reaching more than 900,000 Shenango Valley, Pa., visitors and residents. Kraynak reached out to local vendors and government entities, who are providing free water safety advertising in an effort to prevent deaths by drowning during the 2010 recreation season. The partners include:

• Donofrios Grocery Store, Hermitage, which is printing the “Wear It!” water safety logo on plastic grocery bags, reaching 40,000 people between May and September.

• Hickory High School, also in Hermitage, will display water safety messages on an electronic message board beginning in May. The school is located on State Route 18, near the busiest highway intersection in Mercer County, and will reach an estimated 500,000 motorists.

• Shenango Valley Shuttle Service buses are currently displaying signs with the “Wear It!” water safety logo, and traveling through Hermitage, Sharon, Farrell, Wheatland, and Sharpsville. An estimated 160,000 residents will see the signs.

• The Giant Eagle Grocery Store in Hermitage and Sparkle Market in Transfer, are displaying “Wear It!” water safety banners outside of the stores. An estimated 240,000 customers will see the banners during the summer months.

• Park Ranger Hank Sallmen also made arrangements for the “Wear It!” logo to be printed on campground vehicle passes, reaching more than 8,000 campers during the recreation season.

Shenango launches water safety campaign

The contract negotiation for the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) lasted a mere four weeks this time around. “This is a major feat compared to the last contract negotiation, which took more than a year,” said Debra Black, human resource specialist. Jim Sekela was the chief negotiator for the management team which consisted of Don Fogel, T.J. Fichera, Tom McHugh (Legal Advisor) and Debra Black (CPAC Advisor). The management team negotiated for the commander. The union team consisted of Dave Andreko (President) and Bill Lenart (Vice President). The contract will remain in effect for three years once it is approved by the Field Advisory Service (FAS). --PAO

Col. Mike Crall signs a labor contract between the District and the IFPTE. Crall is flanked by Tom McHugh, Don Fogel and Deb Black to the left, and Dave Andreko and Jim Sekela to the right.

Quick agreement on engineers’ labor contract

A Shenango Valley Shuttle Service bus sports the “Wear It!” water safety logo thanks to student ranger Kyle Kraynak.

PHOTO: JEFF HAWK, PAO

Page 7: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

7

By Grover Pegg, Mahoning Creek Lake The Martes pennanti, more commonly know as the fisher, has found a new home at the visitor center at the Mahoning Creek Lake and Dam. Otherwise known as the tree otter, tree weasel or fisher cat, this midsized carnivore has a well-furred body and full tail that comprises about one-third of its total body length. The agile and slender body of the animal allows it to pursue prey in trees or burrow in the ground. Their paws, which also help with tree climbing, each have five toes

By Rene Berberich, Berlin Lake A pair of ospreys recently took up residence at Berlin Lake on the nesting platform that the staff and employees of Ohio Edison installed in February. Ohio Edison donated the 40-foot pole and manpower for the installation. The ospreys started gathering materials and building on April 23 and had settled by April 26. This is certainly a success for Berlin Lake, since installing the platform was considered experimental due to the close proximity of Route 224. However, the causeway provides off-the-shoulder parking for fishermen, sightseers and birdwatchers. The location of the nesting platform is located far enough from the parking area so that sightseers will not disturb the birds, but can still use the naked eye to make out the nesting birds. The causeway also attracts many birdwatchers due to Berlin’s location as a migratory fly way.

Ospreys build nest at Berlin

‘Fisher cat’ finds new Mahoning homewith sharp, curved and semi-tractable claws. Despite their name, fishers rarely eat fish. Instead, their primary prey is porcupines. Fishers generally have a life span of eight years. In 1995, Pennsylvania state biologists reintroduced and released over 150 fishers into several remote locations across the state. Even with their re-

introduction to the local area, many people have never seen a fisher. Now that the fisher has found a new home, guests are welcome to the Mahoning Creek Lake and Dam to visit.

nation. He recently received an offer of employment as an en-gineering consultant and plans to make Pittsburgh his and his family’s permanent home. Crall will long be remem-bered by the people of the dis-trict as a leader whose ongoing candid communication, leader-ship and rapport with employ-ees, stakeholders and the media brought to light the importance of Corps of Engineers naviga-tion and flood control assets to the region’s and the nation’s economy. He was proactive in organiz-ing emergency management people and assets and was com-mitted to sustaining the environ-ment and promoting recreational opportunities and water safety at Corps sites. --PAO

Change of Command(Continued from page 1)

PHOTO: RENE BERBERICH, BERLIN LAKE

PHOTO: COURTESY GROVER PEGG, MAHONING CREEK LAKE

Page 8: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

8

Bobber visits ‘Outdoor Adventures’By Brian Rossi, Conemaugh Lake Pittsburgh District park rangers Emily Schantz, Crooked Creek, and Brian Rossi, Conemaugh, teamed up with Bobber the Water Safety Dog in May to provide a water safety exhibit and activity demonstrating the proper use of rescue throw-bags. The annual two-day program, known as Outdoor Adventures, was held at Quemahoning Reservoir near Hollsopple, Pa., and was coordinated by the Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team. This organization is dedicated to fostering environmental education for the public and monitoring environmental well-being through water sampling, recruiting volunteers and establishing conservation plans. Pennsylvania agencies such as the Game Commission, Department of Natural Resources and Fish and Boat Commission, along with other non-profit volunteer associations, also provided exhibits. Approximately 1,200 kindergarten through sixth-grade students from Westmoreland and Somerset counties attended. The students toured the exhibits in groups of 10 to 15 at their leisure. Schantz and Rossi provided the students an overview and discussion of how to properly use throw-bags and their importance to water safety. After a demonstration by the rangers, the students

were split into two lines and had to toss the throw-bag into a hula hoop on the ground about 10 feet away. All of the students were successful and were awarded a Bobber coloring book for their participation. Afterwards, Bobber made an appearance and was available for photos with the students. This was the District’s first appearance at the Outdoor Adventures program. It was an informative and fun way to promote our goal of water safety!

By Megan Gottlieb, Water Management The dedication of the Leadership Development Class of 2009 Solar Tracker at Shenango Lake

was held on Monday, June 7. The solar tracker is a state-of-the-art device that pivots to follow the sun throughout the day to generate maximum power. The endeavor has sev-eral goals: to reduce electric costs at the Ranger Station; to help implement President Obama’s executive order of providing leadership in reduc-ing energy consumption; and to act as an interpre-tive tool to educate visitors on the benefits of solar energy. The installation was completed by the students of the Warren Electrical Trades Institute of North-east Ohio as part of a partnership agreement that not only provides the school with a valuable train-ing experience for students, but reduces installa-tion costs of the system by providing free labor.

LDP Solar Tracker at Shenango complete

Crooked Creek ranger Emily Shantz helps children learn the importance of water safety at the annual Outdoor Adventures program.

PHOTO: BRIAN ROSSI, CONEMAUGH LAKE

PHOTO: COURTESY MEGAN GOTTLIEB, WATER MANAGEMENT

Page 9: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

9

By Sherrie Plonski, Small Business Offfice The Huntington and Pittsburgh Districts of the Corps of Engineers and the Small Business Association of West Virginia cosponsored its first joint outreach event in April. The seminar, dubbed, “Dynamic Networking for Small Business – A Federal and Prime Government Contracting Event,” was held in Fairmont, W.V. More than 180 business owners representing eight states and 79 cities attended this matchmaking and training gathering. The one-day event had four concurrent workshop tracks along with panel presentations from federal agencies, prime contractors and support organizations. Workshop topics included registering in Central Contractor Registry (CCR), Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), SBA Certification

Small business, big eventFirst joint Corps-Small Business Association training held in W.V.

Programs, USACE Architectural and Engineering Contracting 101, USACE Material Submittal and Payment Processes, and Veteran’s Issues and Joint Ventures for the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business. The informative seminars offered by both Districts to help small and potential contractors understand the nuances of working with the Corps of Engineers were well attended, interactive, and produced many useful discussions in a variety of Corps subjects. The training was well-received by all who attended and positive feedback followed. An air of excitement surrounded the small business

owners and representatives who actively engaged their peers and the 16 large prime contractors attending. “Well done! You have raised the bar for future outreach events,” said

Pittsburgh District Engineer Col. Mike Crall. Huntington District Deputy for Project Management Coy Miller also attended, and along with Crall, networked with many of the company representatives. “Excellent first event and coordination by SBA, LRH and LRP. You should be proud of the effort you and your counterparts put into the event,” said Cynthia Smith, Pittsburgh District Contracting Chief. The event was organized through the combined efforts of Melissa Loder, SBA West Virginia Small Business Development Specialist; Barbara Weaver, SBA Procurement Center Representative-Region 3; Sherrie Plonski, Small Business Deputy Pittsburgh District; and Deborah Czewski, Small Business Deputy Huntington District.

Small business representatives joined prime contractors for the joint Corps of Engineers-SBA training held in Fairmont, W.V. in April.

PHOTO: COURTESY SHERRIE PLONSKI, SMALL BUSINESS OFFICE

From left to right, Melissa Loder (WV SBA), Deborah Czewski (LRH), Barbara Weaver (WV SBA) and Sherrie Plonski (LRP) coordinated the first joint Corps-Small Business Association training seminar in April.

PHOTO: COURTESY SHERRIE PLONSKI, SMALL BUSINESS OFFICE

Page 10: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

10

District shares East Branch Dam repair proposal in public meeting A public meeting on the status of East Branch Dam repairs was held May 4 at Johnsonburg High School. More than 40 citizens and stakeholders attended. Project manager Mike Rattay provided details and answered questions about the proposed plan to fix the 58-year-old dam, which is at risk due to seepage-related problems. The District’s proposed repair is a concrete cutoff wall, constructed through the center of the dam (see illustration), approximately 4 feet wide and running the height and length of the dam. This proposal is currently under agency technical and independent external peer review. The dam safety project could begin as early as fall 2011.

Completion of the cutoff wall could occur in 2017 if it is funded thoroughly and no other problems arise during construction. The estimated cost for the project, should funding remain available in this timeline, is $280 million. --PAO

In the public eye….

By Sheila Tunney, PAO The Pittsburgh District began building site infrastructure in preparation for cleanup of the Parks Township Shallow

Land Disposal Area (SLDA) in Armstrong County, Pa., after years of studies, plans and public meetings. Infrastructure being built by

contractor Cabrera Services, includes a road, parking lot, wastewater treatment plant and material handling building, along with administrative trailers. After the infrastructure build out, remediation work should begin in spring 2011, with project completion expected in 2015. The most recent public meeting concerning work at the site was held in March and more than 50 residents and legislators from the surrounding area attended. Project manager Bill Lenart of the Pittsburgh District was joined by District Engineer Col. Mike Crall and technical experts from the Buffalo District in fielding questions about the safety, environmental impact and milestones for the project. The property was previously a disposal site where nuclear fuel and other products used by the Department of Defense were buried. The project aims to unearth, contain and remove the nuclear waste which was buried in 10 trenches on the site. The trenches were created between 1961 and 1970. Uranium, thorium, americium and plutonium contaminated waste were identified as some of the materials present. When the trenches were built and filled, the disposal methods met federal nuclear regulations, but no longer do. The environmental remediation and authorization to perform this work falls under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Plan, which oversees environmental restoration of defense sites and became a Corps of Engineers responsibility in 1997.

Infrastructure build out begins at SLDA

PHOTO: JEFF HAWK, PAO

GRAPHIC BY ERIC QUINN, ENGINEERING

Page 11: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

11

By Steve Frost, Engineering The Pittsburgh District was asked by the Kansas City District (NWK) Value Engineering Officer, Walter Heimbaugh, to conduct a study on the Harry S. Truman Dam stilling basin erosion repair overlay. The Pittsburgh District (LRP) staffed and facilitated the study. What is value engineering? The concept of value engineering is based on public law which requires any Army Corps of Engineers construction job of $2 million or more (design job of $1 million or more) to be studied for the best value in fulfilling it. The study began April 12 with a virtual kick-off meeting between the NWK’s Seth Laliberty, the design team, and the LRP Value Engineering Team. NWK provided LRP with plans, specifications, design data and funding for the study. The LRP team included Glenn Bush, materials engineer; Sara Hillegas, hydraulic engineer; Sean Weston civil engineer; and Steve Frost, Value Engineering Facilitator, along

Executive delivers inspiring career perspective By Patrick Kopriva, EEO Kathy Dillaman, Associate Director of Investigations for the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Investigative Services, spoke passionately about her experiences in public service to approximately 60 employees at the District headquarters during a Women’s History Month presentation in March. Her inspirational talk included a brief autobiography of her rise from a GS-02 file

clerk to the ranks of the Senior Executive Service. Dillaman encouraged the attendees to

step out of their comfort zones, try new things and continue to reach for their goals. The program was coordinated by Deb Campbell, the District’s Federal Women’s Program Chairperson, and sponsored by the Special Emphasis Program Committee. Project Manager

Carmen Rozzi worked with Dillaman at OPM for more than two years and introduced her before the presentation.

with Paula Boren and Tom Andre as special consultants. The six-phase Corps of Engineers value engineering job plan was used to conduct the study. The study concluded April 23 with a virtual presentation to Laliberty and the NWK team. The team developed 29 proposal items and recommended nine of these for NWK’s consideration. The largest proposal item, in terms of savings, recommended could potentially save $1.72 million out of an estimated $4.1 million for the construction project, if implemented. NWK will consider the study report and implement the recommendations as necessary for the construction phase of the project. The value of this exchange to LRP was value engineering study experience, cross pollination of civil works designers and a positive working relationship with NWK. The value to NWK is meeting the value engineering study requirement and enabling the procurement of construction services for the project on a fast track schedule.

Value Engineering effort could save Kansas City District project $1.7M

Kathy Dillaman speaks passionately during a Womens History Month presentation in March.

PHOTO: JEFF HAWK, PAO

Page 12: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

12

Corps Snapshots

As the MV Evan Wharton pulled into Pike Island Lock and Dam, it definitely gained some attention. The towboat, from American Commercial Lines, was pushing seven other towboats up the Ohio River to Glenwillard, Pa. According to Lockmaster Jim Kirchner, it’s “something you don’t see everyday.”

Employees from across the Pittsburgh District participated in Bring your Child to Work Day on April 22. The special day gave children the opportunity to see and learn about what their parents do at work every day. The event was coordinated by Joyce Voynick. Pictured is Robert Turner with his daughter.

Don Bole, Regulatory, shows the paddlefish he caught “on a minnow” in the Allegheny River during an evening fishing. Although they primarily feed on plankton, Bole said, he believes the juvenile paddlefish will also eat bugs and small fish.

Emergency installation of three bulk-heads were made to a dam gate at Montgomery Locks and Dam on the Ohio River, Feb 22. Bob Buckel is controlling the bulkhead hoist and Harold Kendall is assisting.

PHOTO: SHEILA TUNNEY, PAO

PHOTO: COURTESY DON BOLE, REGULATORY

PHOTO: JIM KIRCHNER, PIKE ISLANDPHOTO: SEAN MCCANN, ACE-IT

Page 13: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

13

Edris, Mullen get ASA Regulatory Team Award

Dave Plas, a geologist in the Dam Safety and Geotechnical Section, began a four-month assignment in April at Nashville District to support dam safety remediation of Center Hill Dam. Plas’ assignment was arranged through the USACE Headquarters Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) University Program. This program takes designers and constructors who will be responsible for future dam safety projects and sends them to current dam safety modification projects in need of staff allowing them to work alongside the folks who are making it happen today. Students in this program learn by doing as the Corps builds the bench for future success.

By Elaine Lisk, Management Initiatives Newly certified District quality management ISO auditors are leading the way to regional certification. ISO is an international standards setting organization that recommends quality management standards for all types of businesses and industries. The completion of an internal ISO audit in February brings the Pittsburgh District one step closer to regional certification. Team members recently audited eight regional quality processes and identified four opportunities for improvement, resulting in improved processes. No instances of non-conformance were found. ISO Team members pictured are (from left to right) Michelle Baldridge, Janelle Kaufold, Elaine Lisk, Tammy Myers-Putnam, Patty Schwirian,

Plas to support center Hill Dam repairs

ISO auditors lead way to regional certification

Nancy Mullen and Allen Edris, regulatory project managers, were recently on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation/Corps of Engineers Program enhancement team. Mullen and Edris contributed to the development and implementation of an electronic permit application submittal and review process. The more efficient process helped 900 project authorizations for Pennsylvania’s $1.6 billion Accelerated Bridge Program to be reviewed and authorized on schedule. The group was nominated by the North Atlantic Division and received the Assistant Secretary of the Army regulatory team award. Through their diligent efforts, permitting of transportation projects have been enhanced.

Nancy Mullen

Barbara Hopkins, Samantha Peitz, Patty Hawk and Michael Debes. Additional members include Elliott Porter, Judy Sisteck, Joshn Bridge, Ryan Fisher, Kate Cohen, Gary Livacari, Bryan Ciccocioppo, Marc Glowczewski, Pam Broglio, Ian Vega, David Gillingham, Marcia Haberman and Al Wiegand.

Alan Edris

PHOTO: COURTESY ELAINE LISK, MANAGEMENT INITITATIVES

PHOTO: COURTESY MARK JONES, ENGINEERING

Page 14: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

14

Intern gains hydroelectric experience in Portland

Hillegas joins Flight 93 memorial effortsBy Joe Elwell, Engineering Sara Hillegas has been selected to join the Corps of Engineers Flight 93 Construction Office, which is providing construction management to the National

Park Service for the $11.6 million Phase 1A contract. This is the initial construction contract for the Flight 93 National Memorial. The contractor is Arrow Kinsley Joint Venture. The project is located in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County, Pa. Phase 1A construction is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 11, 2011. The memorial will begin to take shape in the coming months as construction crews begin grading and shaping the half-mile-wide Field of Honor and providing protection for existing ponds and wetland habitats. When completed, more than 2,000 acres will have

been restored from previous coal mining use into a self-sustaining memorial designed landscape. Later in 2011, construction will begin on a 1,000-foot-long viewing plaza that will surround and protect the crash site, which will remain undisturbed. The plaza will bring visitors closer than ever to the site where the heroic actions of the 40 passengers and crew members of United Airlines Flight 93 ended on Sept. 11, 2001. A wall engraved with each of their names, oriented along the final flight path of the plane, will be located at the end of the plaza.

By Doug Komoroski, Engineering I spent five weeks following my construction rotation with the Portland District at the Hydroelectric Design Center. It is the Corps’ national center of expertise for hydroelectrical engineering services. While there, I was able to participate in the commissioning of a turbine at Big Cliff Dam. I also did data analysis and data reduction for the Gate Blade Optimizer (GBO), which over time should provide increased efficiencies in hydropower turbines. The GBO works to find

the ideal blade angle for the turbine blades based on the head and wicket gate angles. This real-world check verifies the calculated data or improves upon it. Additionally, I worked to design the housing and setup for the programmable logic controller (PLC) and desktop computer that ran the GBO. My time at the center gave me a unique opportunity to work with and gain insight into turbo machinery design and operation from experienced professionals in the field. Many of these concepts and the methods of problem solving

I learned can be applied outside of the hydroelectric field to problems and situations the Pittsburgh District may one day face.

PHOTO: COURTESY DOUG KOMOROSKI

Page 15: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

15

Corps Employee Update

US Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District

COL Michael CrallDistrict Commander

Public Affairs Office412-395-7500

[email protected]

Headwaters Update is a quarterly publication of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District. It is produced for electronic distribution by the Public Affairs Office. Views and opinions expressed in the Headwaters Update are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Submissions may be sent to [email protected] for consideration in upcoming edi-tions. Stories submitted should be in a Word document format. All photographs should include a caption and be high resolution (at least 4x6 inches and 300 dpi).

Outstanding 3rd Quarter Employees

GS: Dana Adipietro

Office of Council

Wage Grade:Chris BushawRepair Party

Retirements...

Thank you for your service to the District

Brian Greene, Environmental, is retiring in July with 32 years of service.

Debra Black, Civilian Person-nel, is retiring in July with 33 years and 6 months of service.

Lawrence Spisak, Point Marion Locks and Dam, is retiring in July with 32 years of service.

Kenneth F. (Buzz) Palmer, Repair Team, retired in May with 46 years of service.

Tom Johnston, Emworth Locks and Dam, retired on May 31 with 12 years of service.

Paul Yeso, Engi-neering, retired on May 31 with 23 years of service.

William Zelina, Lower Mon Field Office, retired in April with 21 years of service.

Page 16: Summer 2010 Headwaters Update

16

District hosts second Water Safety Night at PNC Park

Clockwise from left: Corps mascot, Bobber the Water Safety Dog, joins forces with the Pirate Parrot to help promote water safety. Paul Toman, Natural Resources Manager, is shown on the field and the JumboTron during the District’s annual Water Safety Night at PNC Park. Stone-wall Jackson Ranger, Nicole Dickson was one of three water safety officials to take part in a joint public service annoucement video with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

By Sheila Tunney, PAO The Pittsburgh District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosted its second annual Water Safety Festival at PNC Park on May 20 and 21. The event helped to kick off Safe Boating Week, May 22-28. More than 15 different displays and activities were presented by the Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pittsburgh River Rescue and many other civic and recreational groups. Corps employees from around the district served as color guard. District Engineer Col. Mike Crall threw out the first pitch and also signed a joint proclamation with Coast Guard and Fish and Boat Commission leaders honoring safe boating week. On average, 700 people die each year in boating related accidents in the U.S. Nearly 70 percent of these are fatalities caused by drowning. A significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning would be alive today had they worn their life jackets.

PHOTO: JEFF HAWK, PAO

PHOTO: JEFF HAWK, PAO

PHOTO: DAN JONES, PAO