The United States Army Corps of Engineers Protecting Pittsburgh, PA

The United States Army Corps of Engineers has played a critical role in protecting the city of Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas from devastating floods. Over the years, the Corps has implemented various measures to reduce the risk of flood damage, ranging from structural improvements to river management strategies.

The Army Corp of Engineers has a long history in the Pittsburgh area.  One of the Corps' key projects in Pittsburgh was the construction of a series of locks and dams along the Ohio River. The locks and dams serve to control the flow of water in the river and reduce the risk of flooding. In a statement, the Pittsburgh District of the Corps of Engineers explained the significance of this project:

"The Ohio River Locks and Dams system provides navigation and flood damage reduction benefits to the residents of the Ohio River Basin. The locks and dams serve as vital links in the 981-mile long river system and are an essential component in the transportation of goods, including coal, grain, petroleum, and other commodities."

In addition to the locks and dams, the Corps also implements a comprehensive river management program that involves monitoring river levels and releasing water from upstream reservoirs as needed. This helps to prevent the river from overflowing its banks and causing widespread damage. According to the Pittsburgh District of the Corps of Engineers:

One statement  that was interesting was "The Corps' river management program involves closely monitoring river levels, releasing water from upstream reservoirs as necessary, and providing flood warnings to the public. This helps to reduce the risk of flood damage and protect communities along the river."

One of the biggest challenges, as stated by the Corp, in protecting Pittsburgh from flood waters is the city's topography. Pittsburgh is located at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which can cause the river to quickly rise and overflow its banks in the event of heavy rainfall. Additionally, with the formation of the Ohio River, the city has 3 Rivers around it which increases the areas close to water.  To address this issue, the Corps has undertaken a number of projects to improve the city's stormwater management systems.

One such project involved the construction of a new stormwater pump station in the city's South Side neighborhood. This is an old part of the city.  The pump station helps to prevent street flooding and sewer backups during heavy rains by pumping excess water into the Ohio River. The Corps also worked with the city to install new stormwater pipes and upgrade existing ones to improve the city's overall stormwater management capabilities.

In recent years, the Corps has also focused on improving floodplain management in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. The Corps works with local communities to identify areas that are at high risk for flooding and to develop plans to reduce the risk of damage. The use of floodplain mapping and modeling to identify the areas most vulnerable to flood damage, as well as the development of local floodplain management plans, are what they are looking at.

The Corps also helps communities to prepare for floods by providing flood insurance and working with local authorities to develop evacuation plans. In addition, the Corps provides technical assistance and training to communities on how to reduce their flood risk and prepare for floods.

In conclusion, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has played a crucial role in protecting Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas from devastating floods. Through its locks and dams system, river management program, and stormwater management initiatives, the Corps has helped to reduce the risk of flood damage and protect communities along the Ohio River. The Corps' commitment to protecting Pittsburgh and its residents continues to this day, and the city is better prepared for floods as a result.

Sources:

1. "Ohio River Locks and Dams." Pittsburgh District, United States Army Corps of Engineers, www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Ohio-River-Locks-and-Dams/.
2. "River Management." Pittsburgh District, United States Army Corps of Engineers, www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/River-Management/.