VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1

us.Army c :orps
of Engin,eers
JAN/FEB/MAR 2019

LEVEE SAFETY UPDATE

A Warm Welcome to Phoebe Percell, P.E., Chief Dam and Levee
Safety Engineering Branch
By Jamie L. McVicker, P.E., HQ Levee Safety Program Manager
Inside this issue:
Although it may not Since 2017,
feel like springtime in cer- Ms. Percell has served Levee 2
tain parts of the country, it’s on the United States Vegetation
finally here. With the change Society on Dams Management
of seasons, you’ll find the (USSD) Board of Di-
USACE Levee Safety Pro- rectors, contributing Baltimore 3
gram in perpetual motion. to the organization District Public
through her involve- Meetings
ment with various
Ms. Phoebe Percell committees and con- Netherlands 4
ference planning. She Partnership
New Levee Safety Program policies and
procedural guidance are on the horizon and we has authored and Levee 5
extend a warm welcome to the new Dam and contributed technical Inspection
Levee Safety Engineering Branch Chief, Ms. content for several System Pilot
professional publica-
Phoebe Percell. Inspections
tions affiliated with
Ms. Percell is a registered professional the USSD and the Tracking and 6
engineer and graduate from the Colorado School International Commission on Large Dams. Maintaining
of Mines with a Master’s Degree in Civil/ USACE Levee
In her spare time, Phoebe is a cross-
Structural Engineering and a Bachelor’s Degree
fitter, enjoys world-wide travel with her hus-
Portfolio Data
in both Mechanical and Civil Engineering. While
working in private industry, Phoebe served as a band and likes relaxing with their two dogs, Mandatory 8
Wednesday and Valentino.
senior technical advisor for civil works projects, Data Fields in
leading quality control and oversight for design, the NLD
analysis and feasibility studies. Prior to her work As Phoebe gets acclimated this
spring to her new position in Washington
in the private sector, Phoebe spent approxi- Fiscal 2019 8
D.C., expect that she will be striving to meet
mately 17 years with the Bureau of Reclamation.
with as many Dam and Levee Safety Program
Training
During her last position with the Bureau, serving
professionals as possible. (Community of Opportunities
as the deputy director for security, safety and
Practice with
law enforcement, Ms. Percell was responsible Screening Level 9
nearly 400
for the operations of six program offices. In that Risk Assess-
members).
capacity, Phoebe led risk management activities
Please take
ments for Lev-
for an inventory of approximately 450 dams and
every oppor-
ees in USACE
their appurtenant structures. Her background
tunity to meet Portfolio
and experience include advising other agencies
Phoebe in the
on risk-based decision-making, mentoring engi-
coming weeks
neering staff with risk analysis and project man-
Courtesy photos

and months,
agement, leading research initiatives, facilitating
welcoming her
the efforts of multi-disciplinary teams on a varie-
to our organi-
ty of technical assignments and supervising tech-
zation.
nical staff.
Valentino (l) & Wednesday
 Page 2
V O LU M E 3 , I S S U E 1

Levee Vegetation Management Review Update

By Steve Fink, Vegetation Management Policy Lead

Section 3013 of the Water Resources and Recovery

Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014, Vegetation Management
Policy, directs USACE to carry out a comprehensive review of ETL 1110-2-583
the USACE guidelines for management of vegetation on levees 30 April 2014

in order to determine whether current Federal policy relating

to levee vegetation is appropriate for all regions of the United US A rmy Corgs
of Engineers
States. ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

The primary source of these guidelines is the infor- GUIDELINES FOR LANDSCAPE
mation contained in Engineer Technical Letter (ETL) 1110-2-583 PLANTING AND VEGETATION
Guidelines for Landscape Planting and Vegetation Manage- MANAGEMENT AT LEVEES,
FLOODWALLS, EMBANKMENT DAMS,
ment at Levees, Floodwalls, Embankment Dams and Appurte-
AND APPURTENANT STRUCTURES
nant Structures, 30 April 2014. ETL 1110-2-583 is scheduled to
expire on April 30, 2019.

The review mandated by Section 3013 is in progress,

but will not be complete before ETL 1110-2-583 expires. In
order to maintain the status quo while the review mandated by
Section 3013 is completed, the information from ETL 1110-2-
583 is being published in Engineer Pamphlet (EP) 1110-2-18.

Conversion from ETL 1110-2-583 to EP 1110-2-18 con-

sists of formatting changes only. No policy or substantive
changes have been incorporated in EP 1110-2-18.

This action allows for continuation of the existing veg-

etation policy and guidance until the USACE vegetation policy
review required by Congress is completed and the guidelines
are revised based on the results of the review consistent with Letter (PGL), Process for Requesting a Variance from Vege-
Section 3013 tation Standards for Levees and Floodwalls (published for
public comment in the Federal Register, February 17,
A project management plan was prepared that defines 2012).
USACE path forward for performing the levee vegetation policy
The communication and engagement plan is nearly
review. Phase 1 is in progress consists of three tasks:
complete, pending the outcome of the meeting with the Ser-
 Communicate intent and approach to interested external vices, a literature review is nearly complete with efforts to
stakeholders, tribes, and sponsors for their awareness of identify recent research that focuses on levee vegetation ben-
USACE plan for undertaking this effort and how they can efits and risks, and review of the ETL and PGL are completed
provide feedback on the effort. and the results are being compiled in a technical paper.
 Provide a common foundation of understanding across
A key and integral component of this effort is coordi-
USACE, U.S. Fish Wildlife Service (USFWS), NOAA and key
nation with the USFWS and National Marine Fisheries Service
independent experts about updates in technical
(Services). A HQ level meeting is being arranged among lead-
knowledge regarding vegetation and levees through a con-
ers from USACE and the Services. The purpose of this meeting
solidation of research and published articles.
is to discuss USACE environmental coordination priorities, in-
 Identify policy adjustments necessary to translate current cluding the WRRDA 2014 directed Levee Vegetation Manage-
policies into more risk-informed approaches and comply ment review. No date has been set but progress is being
with WRRDA analytical requests, primarily focused on ETL made.
1110-2-583 (EP 1110-2-18) and the draft Policy Guidance
 Page 3
V O LU M E 3 , I S S U E 1

Baltimore District and local levee sponsors and partners hold

three successful public meetings
By Levee Safety Programs Public Awareness and Communications Team

The North Atlantic Division, Baltimore District (NAB)

recently worked with local levee sponsors and partners to
hold three successful public meetings. The purpose of these
meetings was to present information to local communities on
nineteen different levee systems within the District’s area of
responsibility and the risks and benefits associated with living
or working behind those systems. NAB and sponsors sought to
improve public understanding of levee safety activities and
flood risk, promote actions to reduce and manage flood risk,
and build a foundation for shared responsibility in developing
and implementing flood risk management solutions for levee
systems. In planning and implementing the meetings, NAB
worked to support and empower the local levee sponsors –
including Prince George’s County, MD; New York State; and
the National Park Service (in Washington, D.C.) – to take the
lead in communicating results to their public stakeholders. Jehu Johnson, Baltimore District Levee Safety Program Man-
ager, presents during the DC Potomac Park Levee Outreach
NAB, local sponsors and partners worked together meeting held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in
closely to prepare for the meetings, including the develop- Southwest Washington, DC, October 30, 2018. Photo by John
ment of presentations and handouts. In a November presenta- Sokolowski, USACE Baltimore District
tion to other Districts, NAB outlined several key lessons-
learned including:  What residents need to know to reduce their flood
 Early planning and coordination between the sponsor and risk
District are essential. The sponsor should have the prima-  How residents will receive information, including
ry role if possible. evacuation orders, during a flood emergency

 Tailor each meeting based on levee system(s) and stake-  Think through how to clearly explain technical terms and
holders. (i.e. primary flood-related local concerns, local figures. Prepare information and anticipate potential
high-water mark references) questions (make sure all partners use the same termi-
nology).
 Include an “Open House” where staff from various local,
state and federal levee risk management agencies (i.e.  Publicize the public meeting using active engagements
FEMA/ county emergency management agency) can meet at least two—three weeks in advance of the meeting.
face to face with the public and answer individualized Consider how residents typically receive information and
questions. notices (i.e. emails, mailed flyers, social media, press
release, placing flyers in community areas).
 Ensure presentations use simple visuals and many photos
and total no more than an hour.
Include: Overall, the public meetings were a success, not only
engaging local residents, business owners, community organiz-
 History of flooding ers and others to increase their awareness of flood risk, but
 Who is responsible: what agency built the system and also building and strengthening the relationships that NAB has
why, and what agency now maintains it with its sponsors.
 How residents/stakeholders can help avoid impacts
to levee For questions regarding these public meetings or to
obtain copies of publicly available materials, please feel free to
contact Stacey Underwood at:
Stacey.M.Underwood@usace.army.mil
 Page 4
V O LU M E 3 , I S S U E 1

International view of levees during high water gives professional

insight for both sides of the Pond
By Sue Casseau, Public Affairs Specialist, St. Louis District

awareness and everyone has a lifetime of personal commit-

ment to it.
“We are all very passionate about protecting our peo-
ple,” says Levee Safety Program Manager Nick Bidlack, “and it
was great to know that our counterparts around the world
also take government responsibilities so very personally.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for real-life observa-
tions of the processes and practices used here in Memphis, to
build on our own experiences and skills,” says Bart Vonk of the
Rijkswaterstaat, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water
Management in the Netherlands.
Members of the Rijkswaterstaat visited three of the
eight areas involved in Phase II flood fight during their four-
day assignment. The Dutch team consists of seven subject
matter experts on crisis management, levee inspection and
Members of the Rijkswaterstaat of the Netherlands get an levee engineering.
update from Cody Isbell, USACE Geotechnical Advisor at the Memphis District Commander Colonel Ellicott ex-
Yazoo levee in Tunica, Mississippi. Photo by Sue Casseau pressed his support for the international visit, stating “This
sharing of knowledge and skills builds continued confidence
Flood fight Subject Matter Experts from the Nether- that the very best in systems and resources are being used in
lands came to USACE Memphis District the first week in March the protection of the people in both our nations.” Ellicott con-
to share and collect information about how so many resources tinued, “Memphis District is proud to share the many success-
work together in flood fight. es we face in the District, and we look forward to the contin-
ued study and dialogue among these very qualified peers.”
USACE and the Rijkswaterstaat (the Ministry of Infra-
structure and Water Management of the Netherlands) have a
Memorandum of Understanding to promote sharing of infor-
mation and experiences among professionals in each country.
The agreement was the basis for an international
flood response exercise held in the Netherlands in 2016,
where USACE invited the Dutch colleagues of Rijkswaterstaat
and the Regional Water Authorities to observe USACE flood
fighting techniques, which is why the contingent came to
Memphis during high water.
The group toured sites with Levee Safety Program
Manager Nick Bidlack and Geotechnical Chief Cory Williams,
who explained the design and decision process that produced
the results currently holding back floodwaters.
“We are 5,000 miles apart with comparable prob- Members of the Memphis EOC February Flood Fight Team
lems,” says Cory Williams, “and we’ve arrived at similar solu- joined by the delegation of flood fight experts from the Neth-
tions by very different routes.” erlands overlooking the Mississippi River. This photo oppor-
tunity capped a 3-day trip that included visits to field sites and
With so many miles of levees, dikes and seawalls, the the Emergency Operations Center, as well as time to share
Netherlands has a public community culture of levee experiences and lessons learned. Photo by Vance Harris
 Page 5

V O LU M E 3 , I S S U E 1

Levee Inspection System Pilot Inspections

By Cory Williams, Chief of Geotechnical Branch, Memphis District
Nick Bidlack, Levee Safety Program Manager, Memphis District

Teams from six districts, including Dallas Russell from

Kansas City District, Jehu Johnson from Baltimore District, Kris-
ten Bedolla and Cynthia Wong from Los Angeles District, Lacey
Venhaus and Rachel Lopez from St. Louis District, Jordan
Holmes from Tulsa District and John Bass and Almur Whiting
from South Atlantic Division, have hosted pilot inspections with
the new LIS and provided valuable feedback. The pilot teams
tested the new LIS, data migration process to and from the
NLD, the use of the new checklist, and generation of an en-
hanced levee inspection report. Lessons learned and feedback
from participants of these pilot inspections is being considered
in the finalization of the LIS, inspection checklist, and Levee
Inspection ECB. The NLD team is currently working on imple-
menting the comments provided through the pilot inspection
and additional teams will pilot the improvements from the first
Left to right: Randy Rabb, Jacksonville District; Micah Wiggins, go round. The update from the NLD team is scheduled to be
Mobile District; John Bass, Mobile District; Joel Gaillard, Jack- completed by the end of March.
sonville District; Trent Ferguson, South Atlantic Division; Almur
S. Whiting, IV, Jacksonville District; at the South Atlantic Divi- In general, the teams that tested the LIS system
sion Pilot Inspection on the Rome Levee System in Rome, Geor- thought the updates to the system, the use of tablets rather
gia, recently. Photo by Cory Williams than the tough pads, and the connection to the NLD were dras-
tic improvements from the previous set up. The pilots to date
Exciting changes are coming to the Levee Inspection have been successful in identifying opportunities to improve
Checklist, Levee Inspection System (LIS) and the National Lev- the new system. There were also a number of technical issues
ee Database (NLD). In short, new inspection software and “bugs” identified during the pilots that have since been ad-
hardware are being developed to allow for more efficient col- dressed by the contractor.
lection of data and report preparation using the NLD and the
new checklist. Like all new things, these tools must be field Although not all of the pilot inspections are complete,
tested prior to a nationwide rollout. As part of the Quality those performed to date have already resulted in several posi-
Assurance effort, one District from each USACE Division is tive outcomes. First, the pilots confirmed that proposed An-
assisting by conducting a pilot inspection using the new LIS droid Tablets were appropriate for inspection and commented
and new levee inspection checklist that will be part of the ECB on positive aspects of size, cost and function. Second, the pi-
entitled “Procedures for Site Visits and Inspections for Levees lots confirmed that the revised inspection checklist is ready for
within the USACE Portfolio”. prime time. Only minor adjustments were made to the re-
vised checklist as a result of the pilots. Technical issues, “bugs”
These pilot inspections started in early November and areas for process improvement were identified in the soft-
2018 and will conclude in the spring of 2019. The purpose of ware during the pilots. These issues and preferences collected
the pilot inspections is to 1) verify that the revised inspection from the participating district/division have been compiled and
checklist is field appropriate and easily understood, 2) test the are being evaluated as to how to best serve the majority.
functionality of the improved LIS software and 3) assess the Finally, the pilot inspections allowed face to face questions and
capability of synchronizing data between the LIS and NLD and answer sessions with District and Division LSPMs, LSOs and
4) check all of the new NLD Inspection report features. other District staff. The pilots allowed the team to address
individual concerns. Hopefully this kind of communication will
Rich Varuso, Jamie McVicker, Rick Hauck and Cory translate to a smoother transition during the final rollout.
Williams were on the team that revised the inspection check-
list criteria and Brian VanBockern, Cathi Sanders, and Patrick In conclusion, the pilot inspections have been a suc-
Kline are leading the team to provide an improved LIS and cessful soft launch of the levee inspection checklist, LIS and
update the NLD. The improved LIS uses state-of-the-art hard- NLD. The Checklist, LIS and NLD are better products and con-
ware and software and works directly with information tinue to improve based on the feedback received during the
housed in the database. inspections. A full launch of the new inspection tools is ex-
pected in the Fall of 2019.
 Page 6

V O LU M E 3 , I S S U E 1

Tracking and Maintaining USACE Levee Portfolio Data

By Catherine Sanders, NLD Program Manager
Jacob Nienaber, P.G., Great Lakes and Ohio River Division LSPM

Since the launch of the public facing National Levee accurate metrics. Online editing is another great tool that
Database (NLD) last summer, the NLD team has shifted focus should assist Districts/Divisions in quality control of NLD data as
to create internal tools for the Levee Safety Program. The well as documents for sponsors to use such as the Levee Risk
goal of this effort is to consolidate levee information into not Management Summary. The NLD team looks forward to rolling
just another database, but promoting a better understanding out these internal tools and as always, appreciates feedback on
of the District/Division programmatic statistics and instilling a how to make the NLD a better experience for the public and
streamlined approach to data-driven decisions from individual our stakeholders as well as USACE.
project risk to overarching budget considerations. In the com-
ing months, internal resources in the NLD will include a man- This new technology in the NLD is part of a program
datory data fields tab, performance data tab, and metrics wide movement towards tracking and maintaining up to date
tracking dashboards. Additionally, online report generation information about the USACE levee portfolio from USACE to
will be available for inspections, levee system summary and Division to District viewpoints. The metrics dashboard is tenta-
other upcoming documents. tively set to be available by fall 2019 in a phased approach. The
first launch is intended to allow the USACE community to use
These new NLD internal tools use existing data fields and get familiar with the new dashboard or scorecard. The met-
to the extent possible to reduce entry of the same data in rics dashboard or scorecard uses the power of the NLD data set
multiple places or multiple forms. The power of the dash- to generate and compile information regarding progress on risk
boards also provides succinct views of data and information management efforts including risk communication efforts as
for Districts/Divisions to help manage their levee portfolio. well as standard levee safety practices within the organization.
As we move forward capitalizing on the power of the NLD to Inspections, assessments, communication with stakeholders,
use information, it becomes critical to ensure quality data and key monitoring/performance activities are included to help
exists in the NLD. The metrics dashboard is key in keeping the USACE, Division, and District manage their levee portfolio.
NLD up to date by incentivizing recurring updates to maintain

Examples of early prototypes for the dashboard

~ National Levee Database HOME ADVANCED SEARCH DASHBOARD MAP MORE • username@example com •

Location Walla Walla, Walla Wa lla County, Washington USACE Districts Wa lla Wal la FEMA Reg ons 10
MILL CREEK 2 (RIGHT BANK)
Data Stewards USAC E Walla Wa ll a District , USACE - Walla Walla District, Mi ll Creek Flood Control Dist rict
Segment Mill Creek - Federal O&M - Right Bank .... Appl cable Years N/ A

Summary Scorecard
1. Inspections and Assessments (1 .A.)
Summary 1/24/2019
2. Monitoring and Instrumentation (4 6.)

3. Project Response Preparedness Project Poi nt Total 68 of 100 points

~---------~ 61 >--- - -----, 100

4. Public Response Preparedness 24

1. Inspections and Assessmen t s 24 of 32 points
5. Risk Management Measures 1.1 Inspection and Assessment Schedule 2 of 2 points

Inspection and Assessment Schedule 1.2 Periodic Assessments 10 of 10 points

1.3 Periodic Inspection 1 of 4 points
1.4 Routine Inspection 3 of 6 points
EXPORT SCORECARD DATA 1.5 RMS 2 of 4 points
1.6 NLD Data Management 6 of 6 points

2. Monitoring and Instrumentation

2.1 Performance Monitoring
8 of 13 points
3 of 3 points
c::::::::::::::::J~------1 ,a
2.2 Project Features Monitoring and 5 of 5 points
Evaluations
2.3 Instrumentation o of 5 points

3. Project Response Preparedness 6 of 10 points c:::::::::::::::::.~-----_j,o

4. Public Response Preparedness 1 of 20 points oO'- - - - - - - - - - ----<120
4.1 Emergency Action Plan 1 of 7 points
 Page 7

V O LU M E 3 , I S S U E 1

~ National Levee Database HOME ADVANCED SEARCH DASHBOARD MAP MORE • username@example com •

Location Wa lla Walla, Wa ll a Walla Co unty, Washington USACE O,stncts Wa lla Walla FEMA Reg ons 10
MILL CREEK 2 (RIGHT BANK)
Data Stewa,ds USAGE - Wa lla Wa lla Dist rict, USAGE - Walla Wa lla Distr ict, Mill Creek Flood Co ntro l District

Segment M ill Creek - Federa l O&M - Right Bank Applicable Years N/ A

1. Inspections and Assessments 24 of 32 possible points

Summary

1. Inspections and Assessm ents (1 A)

1.1 Inspection and Assessment Schedule
2. Monitoring and Instrumentation (4 a}

3. Project Response Preparedness Is a 10 fiscal year Inspection and Assessment schedule for the levee
1.1.1
establlshed 7
<D Yes 2 of 2 point s
4. Public Response Preparedness

5. Risk Management Measures 1.1. 1 .1 Last Routine Inspection <D 6/2/2017

Inspection and Assessment Schedule

1. 1. 1 .2 Last Periodic Inspection (if applicable) (D 6/2/ 2017

EXPORT SCORECARD DATA 1.1. 1 .3 Last Ris k Assessment (D 6/2/2017

1.1.1.4 Last Periodic Assessment (D 6/ 2/ 2017

1.1.1.5 Routine Inspection Intervals (D 3

1.1.1.6 Periodic Inspection Intervals (D 5

1.1.1.7 Periodic Assessment Intervals (D 10

1. 1. 1 .8 Next Routine Inspection 0 2024

1.1. 1 .9 Next Periodic Inspection (D 2019

~ National Levee Database HOME ADVANCED SEARCH DASHBOARD MAP MORE • username@example com •

Location Walla Walla, Walla Walla Co unt y, Washington USAC E o stricts Wa lla Wal la FEMA Regions 10
MILL CREEK 2 (RIGHT BANK)
Data Stewa,ds USAGE - Wa lla Wa ll a District, USAGE - Walla Walla District, Mill Creek Flood Contro l Dist rict
Segment M ill Creek - Federal O&M - Right Bank T
Applicable Years N/ A

Monitoring and Instrumentation 8 of 13 possible points

Summary

1. Inspections and Assessments (1 • )

2.1 Performance Monitoring
2. Monitoring and Instrumentation (4 a}

3. Project Response Preparedness Are levee surveillance, monitoring, and flood fighting procedures/ actions
2.1.1
established and documented in Project O&M Manual 7
1 of 1 point
4. Public Response Preparedness

Was performance and instrumentation data col lected during the last flood
5. Risk Management Measures 2.1.2 2 of 2 points
event greater than a 25% loading?
Inspection and Assessment Schedule

EXPORT SCORECARD DATA 2.2. Project Features Monitoring and Evaluations

Have project features (e.g _pipes, closures, pump stations, relief wells, etc.}
2.2.1 2 of 2 points
been inspected and/ or tested per Project O&M manual?

Are all project features including instrumentation functional, and none needs
2.2.2 3 of 3 points
replacement?

2.3. Instrumentation

Adequacy of instrumentation (type, schedule of read ings, etc.} has been

2.3. 1 evaluated as part of the PA AND is consid ered adequate for levee hazards <D Select... T A 0 of 2 oint s
 Page 8

V O LU M E 3 , I S S U E 1

Mandatory Data Fields in the National Levee Database

By Corby Lewis, P.E., Modeling, Mapping & Consequence Center,
Levee Program Technical Coordinator

The National Levee Database (NLD) has steadily be- NLD data will be meas-
come a more important tool for understanding and managing ured for each district for
levee infrastructure in the country, and that trend will contin- use as a key Levee Safe-
ue. Following the update of the National Levee Database web- ty Program Metric. Universe of NLD Data
site in the summer of 2018, levee information that USACE
Next Steps: Changes
shares with the public became more visible and therefore
are coming to the NLD
made the quality of the data even more important.
website that will allow a
USACE districts worked hard to ensure that the Pro- summary view of the
ject Description, Risk Characterization and Levee Safety Action key fields (“Mandatory
Classification fields were fully populated and accurate in the Fields”)
NLD prior to the new website going live. This exercise was a for each levee system, Media
great first-step in ensuring that the NLD data for USACE- allowing efficient identi-
portfolio levees is complete, accurate and fresh. fication of missing data.
The process for editing
As discussed in draft Levee Safety EC 1110-2-218,
the key fields through
USACE District LSPMs own all of the NLD data for levee sys-
the website will also be
tems within their district portfolios and are responsible for the
streamlined.
maintenance of the data. The EC also states that the HQ LSPM
is responsible for maintaining a list of NLD “Mandatory Fields” When development is complete, USACE will lay
to ensure a minimum standard for NLD completeness. In the out the specifics of mandatory field requirements, and
near future, the completeness, quality and freshness of the conduct a webinar to disseminate the how-to and me-
chanics of data maintenance.

Fiscal 2019 Training Opportunities

Levee Safety Fundamentals PROSPECT Courses
 Levee Safety Fundamentals 1 Kansas City, Missouri May 7-9, 2019
 Levee Safety Fundamentals 2 Davis, California Sept. 17-19, 2019
Levee Inspection PROSPECT Courses
 Levee Inspection Prospect Course New Orleans, LA Sept. 10th - 12th, 2019*
 Levee Inspection Prospect Course New Orleans, LA April 16th - 18th, 2019 - CANCELLED *
* The April 2019 Levee Inspection PROSPECT Cours has been cancelled based on the current schedule for release and implementation of program updates to
levee inspection tools and guidance. Program updates include revisions to the levee inspection checklist & software, release of a Levee Inspection Engineering
and Construction Bulletin (ECB), and release of the Levee Safety Engineer Circular (EC). A course is being scheduled for September 2019 with planned updates
to include the new tools and guidance. The USACE Levee Safety program will also be holding implementation training sessions with a focus on changes to the
tools and guidance during this timeframe. The ULC will be coordinating placement of students in the September 2019 Course. Course attendance of the Sept.
10th to 12th, 2019 session will be evenly distributed across districts and divisions based on attendees enrolled in the initial two courses that were cancelled.
Please contact the Course Lead, Mr. Rick Hauck, rick.l.hauck@usace.army.mil, 651-290-5750 with questions on course development.
 Page 9

V O LU M E 3 , I S S U E 1

First Round Screening Level Risk Assessments for Levees in the USACE
Portfolio
By Trent Ferguson, South Atlantic Division
Ben Caldwell, Levee Safety Center

USACE continues to work toward completing the first

round Screening Level Risk Assessments (SLRA) for levees in
the USACE portfolio (3,130 segments) through Headquarters
(HQ) Levee Safety Officer (LSO) approval and the assignment
of the Levee Safety Action Classification (LSAC). As of March 1,
2019, 66 percent (2,058 segments) have been approved by the
HQ LSO/assigned LSAC. The 2019 levee safety metric for the
Directorate Management Review (DMR) is to have all non-
project segments (482 segments) HQ LSO approved by the end
of fiscal year. As of March 1, 14 percent (47segments) of the
non-project segments have been HQ LSO approved. With the
completion of the non-project segments all segments/systems
in the USACE portfolio should then have an approved LSAC.

To assist Districts with the completion of the SLRA for

the non-project segments the Levee Safety Center (LSC) is
providing assistance to the Districts.

In January 2019 the LSC put out a data call to all Lev-
ee Safety Program Managers (LSPM) to determine the status
of ongoing SLRAs for non-project segments and to verify if any
District would need assistance in completing their work. Ap-
proximately eight Districts responded to the data call re-
questing assistance in meeting the schedule for the non-
project segments. The LSC contacted the Inventory and Re-
view (I&R) Technical Teams to determine their availability to
help out other Districts.
Three I&R Technical Teams from Chicago, New Orle- will support the Philadelphia District. The remaining work for
ans, and Vicksburg Districts have stepped forward to assist. any District requesting assistance will be contracted by use of
These three technical teams were matched with three Dis- an Architect Engineer (A-E) task order.
tricts that requested assistance. Will McRae, technical team
lead for Vicksburg District, will travel to Portland District to Other Districts willing to help another District with
teach them the Levee Screening Tool and guide them through SLRAs on non-project segments, should contact Ben Caldwell,
the SLRA process. Also, Huntington and Nashville Districts LSC, at ben.s.caldwell@usace.army.mil.
have stated their availability to help and each have been
paired with a District needing assistance. Huntington District

The Levee Safety Update is an unofficial publication of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Levee Safety Program and contains infor-
mation about initiatives that are under development and may change in subsequent updates. It provides levee safety program
information to levee safety officers, levee safety program managers, other communities of practice and others interested in levee
safety. Questions or suggestions for future issues can be emailed to: HQ-LEVEESAFETY@USACE.ARMY.MIL . Please visit our web-
site at: http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Levee-Safety-Program/