Location
Mississippi River – Lock and Dam 19
Keokuk, Iowa, River Mile 364.2
Description
Invasive fish species, such as Bighead and Silver Carp, jeopardize aquatic ecosystems and affect the recreational uses of our nations’ waterways. The Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ICRCC) is the Federal and State workgroup with the mission to prevent invasive fish from reaching the Great Lakes. Though not directly connected to the Great Lakes, the ICRCC identified Lock and Dam 19 on Mississippi River as an ideal test site for the Underwater Acoustic Deterrent System (uADS) because of its similarity to Brandon Road Lock and Dam. Both dams have a water surface elevation change greater than 35 feet, active commercial navigation, and a style of dam that forces all fish to pass through the lock to get upstream.
The environmental risk of testing failure is minimal because Invasive carp are present both upstream and downstream of Lock and Dam 19. Fish reactions to sound are monitored using telemetry tags implanted in fish and through observation with sonar equipment. Data gathered from this study is essential to determine if this uADS is a viable option for Invasive carp deterrence at Brandon Road Lock and Dam and possibly other locations.
The study objectives include:
- Design, install, and test the uADS in the downstream lock approach channel of Lock and Dam 19.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the uADS to prevent upstream passage of Invasive carp.
- Assess changes in the behavior of native fishes.
- Monitor system performance of the uADS during testing.
This study will inform the engineering and design of barriers to reduce operational costs and create safer options than electric barriers.
Status
The project was successfully installed at Lock and Dam 19 in FY21. The US Geological Survey (USGS) and US Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) are actively studying this technology and maintaining the system. The District continues to support the ICRCC partners on this effort. This is a four-year study with the expectation of final reporting in 2027.
Additional Information
Authority
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
Summarized Project Costs
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Allocations Prior to FY 2024
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FY 2025 President’s Budget
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This project is a multi-year study funded by EPA through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative program involving multiple federal agencies and USACE Districts including USGS, USACE-ERDC, LRC, and MVR. The USGS is the lead Federal agency.
Major Work Item Current Year
FY 2024: The District provided support to the ICRCC partners on the Underwater Acoustic Deterrent System. This is a four-year study with the expectation of final reporting in 2027.
Major Work Item Next Fiscal Year
FY 2025: The District will continue to support the principal investigators as needed.