Army Corps Completes Value Engineering Phase of West Fork Dredging Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has posted a new video to YouTube that discusses the value engineering phase of its emergency dredging project on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River.

Galveston District Engineer Jacob Walsdorf narrates the results of a three-day event. It included hydraulic engineers, contracting representatives and project managers.

Purpose of Value Engineering

To reduce flood risks, engineers captured data from survey teams and aerial views, and utilized hydraulic modeling software to better understand areas needing dredging. In value engineering, these professionals work together to examine various scenarios that help them determine where they can achieve the greatest benefit for the lowest cost.

Previously, USACE measured sediment levels and finished field work for its initial sedimentation survey in April. It then conducted a helicopter tour of the area to provide visual confirmation of their measurements and help scope the project.

Likely Areas for Dredging

The value engineering video is less interesting for what it says than for what it shows. Approximately 48 seconds into it, the video zooms into a computer screen that shows “hot spots” referenced in earlier press releases. These represent potential dredging and disposal sites and are consistent with the problem areas identified on my helicopter tour.

The value engineering study concluded May 4, 2018. The completion of value engineering now allows Corps officials to begin the contracting process for the dredging project. See the video below.

Unconfirmed reports printed elsewhere state that USACE hopes to begin the dredging project during the second week in June.

Footage shot Mark Williford, USACE Galveston Public Affairs Chief

Posted 5/9/2018 by Bob Rehak

Day 253 since Hurricane Harvey