U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District Inland Navigation

👷🏿 Are YOU interested in working with the ? 👷🏻‍♀‍

✍️ Sign up for the virtual open house, Wednesday, Dec. 1, hosted by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division

👔 The event is open to ALL businesses interested in working with the and Division, across any of their seven districts, including their best district:

💼 The open house will include briefings led by leadership and experts, with breakout sessions discussing hot topics, and networking sessions with members from each of the districts.

🤝🏽 Find out how you can with us and serve our nation’s communities!

REGISTER HERE ➡️ https://go.usa.gov/xeX2s

🇺🇸 On this we thank so many members of our civilian workforce who form a lineage of military service.

🖱️ Click through the photos to meet some of our employees who have served in the military!

👔 Some are veterans who traded in their Kevlar helmets and uniforms for engineer ⛑️ hard hats and polo shirts.

🎖️ While others continue to serve today in the U.S. Army Reserve, National Guard and other reserve components across the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

A mighty few, including our commander, deputy commander and a small team of engineering officers, still come to work wearing the uniform every day.

We all for your life of continued service and sacrifice!

⚠️ NAVIGATION ALERT! ⚠️

Level of Service operations at Lock & Dam 6 resumed yesterday at of 10 a.m. for commercial lockage by appointment.

☎️ 724-295-2261 | 724-295-3775

📇 https://go.usa.gov/xeYRc

⚠️ NAVIGATION ALERT! ⚠️

Level of Service operations at Lock & Dam 6 resumed yesterday at 10 a.m. for commercial lockage by appointment.

☎️ 724-295-2261 | 724-295-3775

📇 https://go.usa.gov/xeYRc

👻 People say you can't hear a photo, but we can definitely hear this tree hooting a moody melody as fall leaves rustle across the grass.

🔦 Park Ranger Matthew Pook caught this hooting tree while patrolling the Mahaney Outflow area at

⚖️ "This photo creeped me out because it looked like the tree was looking at me, maybe even judging the way I patrolled the area. Shenango is full of little surprises and gems, if you take the time to actually notice them," Pook said.

🥪 This outflow area is often used for picnics with an overlook viewing the downstream side of the dam and the outflow with fishing access and a new playground installed this winter.

🎃 What secrets do you think this tree holds? What sage advice will it whisper if you listen closely enough?

🌳 Come closer. Listen with us. What's the tree saying?

🦺 "OoOOooh! Alwaaaaaays weaaaaaar yoooooour life jaaaaaacket!"

Well said, spooky tree. Well said.



📸 by Matthew Pook | Shenango River Lake

🎃 We hope you’ve worked up your courage this week, because today we bring you our spookiest yet for .

🕯️ It’s hard to believe that a place as beautiful and majestic as Conemaugh River Lake could look this scary beneath the surface.

🦇 Step inside with us if you dare. Let’s see who is brave enough to join us on this under-ground journey by clicking through each photo.



📸 by Michel Sauret

👻 continues for with this mysterious tunnel.

🔦 Better bring a flashlight! Is this a passageway beneath a haunted house that leads to a hidden crypt? Is it a portal into a demonic dimension? Is it a passageway of human waste to escape Shawshank?

🛥️ This spooky tunnel is a culvert serving as one of many filling and emptying valves within the walls of a lock chamber. These valves help the water levels rise and drop to allow safe passage through the lock. This culvert specifically was photographed at Locks and Dams on the when the chamber was dewatered last year.

🤢 Working inside these confined spaces can actually be dangerous if you don’t take serious precautions. Confined space entry is one example where our safety office has helped eliminate work risks. The hazards of working in a confined space, such as inside a tunnel, require air monitoring, specialized harnesses, and proper training.

☠️ Working in restricted areas without the right equipment can lead to entrapment or suffocation, which can cause brain damage or death.

💵 Due to the cost of the equipment, the safety office helped establish a sharing program where multiple sites can borrow and share gear when needed.

🧷 Learn more about our Safety Program HERE: https://go.usa.gov/xMJcE

📸 by Andrew Byrne

Instead of , today let's look at !

🕵️ Can you spot the difference between these two water monsters?

Here, we’ll tell you!

🐙 The one on the left is Lernaia, a gigantic, nine-headed water serpent from Greek Mythology that haunted the swamps of Lerna. It was Hercules’ responsibility to slay the beast, but every time he attempted to cut off one head, two more would grow back in its place!

🌿 The monster on the right is , which takes its name from Hydra because it can grow an entire new plant from a tiny stem fragment. Hydra is an invasive species haunting the waters of Mosquito Creek Lake and other waterways. There are no native predators that eat Hydrilla, so it can grow unchecked.

Hydrilla out-competes other native plants in the lake causing harm to the aquatic ecosystem. Over time, Hydrilla harms fish because it depletes oxygen levels of the water.

💀🐟 Hydrilla is NOT a plant you want in your lake if you love fishing. The is working a plan to slay this monster for good beginning next year Mosquito Creek Lake while keeping the plants beneficial to its fishery.

LEARN MORE:

https://go.usa.gov/xMuuP

🕵️ Can you spot the difference between these two?

🎃 We continue and with Lecter and Hannibal Locks and Dam on the , which other than its name, really isn’t that scary.

😱 We even asked the lock master if any of his lock operators had ever … you know … eaten somebody.

🥩 To our knowledge, none of our employees are human flesh-eating cannibals. Whew! You can feel safe to lock through on the Ohio without being kidnapped and turned into a meal.

🖤💛 An interesting tidbit: According to – which we trust just as much as that local Yinzer we talked to at a random gas station – filming for “Silence of the Lambs” took place primarily in and around .

📪 Our resident lockmaster told us that Hannibal L&D is not named after any serial killers, but on the local town of Hannibal, Ohio, which was originally called Baresville, named for the founder Jacob Bare. A post office called Hannibal later opened, and the town’s name was soon changed to match.

🚣‍♂‍ So, I guess there really isn’t anything creepy to see here. Lock on through, people. The boaters in line behind you are waiting!

😱 Did we just enter Shutter Island? 😱

Someone please tell Leonardo DiCaprio we'd like to go home now!

🎃 We're kicking off week with and other monster-themed posts with these images on the Lower Monongahela.

🐊Nothing is quite as creepy in Pittsburgh as the Monongahela River. Isn't it a breeding ground flesh-eating alligators? That's what that one Yinzer down at the gas station told us. If you can't believe a random Yinzer, then who can you trust?

👻 In any case ... These spooky images of fog rising from the water are actually just morning shots from Charleroi Locks and Dam. Charleroi is in the final stretch of major construction that will add a brand-new chamber to help industry navigate through the Lower Mon in minutes instead of hours, saving them time and money.

🛥️ That's actually pretty un-scary. We'll try to do a better job to spook you on our next posts this week!

📸 by Michel Sauret

Oh, if you want to learn more about the Charleroi project, READ THIS:

https://go.usa.gov/xMueS

The commander is a man on a mission.

As emails and virtual meetings increase in a constantly growing digital world, nothing replaces visiting people and making real eye-contact in person.

For that reason, Col. Adam Czekanski has been making it his mission to visit all 41 facilities within the district.

STORY: https://go.usa.gov/xMFYW

📸 by Courtesy & Michel Sauret

The newest navigation lock on the is MASSIVE! It can fit nine barges and hold 20 million gallons of water, equivalent to 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

But why is it empty?

Find out by reading the story or by clicking through the photos.

📸 by Michel Sauret

MORE PHOTOS & STORY 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

https://go.usa.gov/xMwad

Diving is business, and these underwater robots help safeguard lives!

The purchases two of the
latest 🕹️ remote operated vehicles, equipped with a high-definition 🎥 video and 📷 photo camera, a multibeam sonar, a claw that can rotate and grab objects, two powerful LED lights, and 🛥️ propelled thrusters that are twice as powerful as the previous version, allowing it to pilot through stronger currents.

The PRO 5 is submergible down to 1,000 feet, with a multibeam sonar that can capture imagery up to 300 feet away.

Find out what else these ROVs can do, and why they are vital to our mission!

LINK: https://go.usa.gov/xMR8R

When battered the Gulf Coast, the responded within hours to provide a team to deploy to help restore 🔋 power. 🔌

It doesn't matter if a 🌀 disaster strikes 🌀 halfway across the country or halfway across the 🗺️ world, our people are ready with the skills and desire to help.



FULL STORY: https://go.usa.gov/xMgDK

⚠️ WEEKEND UPDATE! ⚠️

According to river observations and forecasts reported on the National Weather Service, water levels on the Allegheny, Ohio and Monongahela rivers are expected to return to normal throughout the Labor Day weekend.

💦 The flows on the Kiskiminetas River (downstream of the Conemaugh and Loyalhanna reservoirs) will be high through the holiday weekend due to controlled releases from Conemaugh Dam waters stored from Ida. We recommend against recreating on Kiskiminetas River during the holiday weekend.

🏞️ In addition, the Youghiogheny River is higher than normal for this time of the year. The river level is dropping and the reservoir was able to store runoff without needing to release additional water. If you are planning to recreate on the Youghiogheny River or other waterways this weekend, ensure that your equipment is prepared, you know the waterways and you always wear a lifejacket.

🛥️ We are thankful to announce that none of the lock and dam facilities on the Monongahela had to stop operations in response to the rain received this week. We will continue to monitor the local and national weather, and we will post updates or changes if they impact our operations or our local communities. We are proud to serve the Pittsburgh region and the surrounding areas in our flood mitigation and inland navigation missions.

If the public would like to track river forecasts in the region, please visit the National Weather Service map tracker here:

https://go.usa.gov/xManE

If you could choose any mode of transportation to travel across America, would you pick a 🛶 canoe? 🛶

Neal Moore chose exactly that, opting for a two-mile-an-hour, paddle-powered vessel on the riverways, instead of the comforts of a cozy RV coasting the major highways.

During an interview with Neal, we asked him about what he has learned about himself and our nation throughout his travels, and he gave splendid answers about the beauty of our nation's land. He talks about what unites us as a people, and how this journey has transformed him.

STORY & PHOTOS: https://go.usa.gov/xMxXw

A journey across the rivers that bond America Neal Moore chose a canoe to travel across America, opting for a two-mile-an-hour, paddle-powered vessel on the riverways, instead of the comforts of a cozy RV.

⚠️ Flooding impact in the Pittsburgh region due to Hurricane Ida ⚠️

Due to recent and anticipated rainfall from Hurricane Ida, water levels along the Cheat, Monongahela, Ohio and Youghiogheny rivers will be higher than normal and are expected to remain so throughout Labor Day weekend.

The Point of , located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, is forecasted to have a high-water event and crest above flood stage on Thursday afternoon. During this high-water event, the Monongahela Wharf, 10th Street bypass and parkway “bathtub” are anticipated to be out of service from Wednesday through Friday afternoon.

The Monongahela River is forecasted to crest above flood stage on Thursday morning. The Braddock, Charleroi, Elizabeth, Grays Landing, Maxwell and Point Marion locks and dams along the lower River are expected to be temporarily out of service until water levels recede. The Hildebrand, Morgantown and Opekiska locks and dams will remain in service.

Monongahela riverfront communities, such as Charleroi and Point Marion, may experience localized flooding due to increased water levels in uncontrolled waterways. All residents near small creeks, streams and tributaries should monitor local weather stations for up-to-date information.

The district recognizes there is a potential for uncontrolled flows and is monitoring water levels to ensure the district’s facilities are prepared to react to any possible changes. Facilities along the or rivers are NOT expected to see impacts to navigation.

⚠️ impact in the Pittsburgh region due to Hurricane Ida ⚠️

Due to recent and anticipated rainfall from Hurricane Ida, water levels along the Cheat, Monongahela, Ohio and Youghiogheny rivers will be higher than normal and are expected to remain so throughout Labor Day weekend.

The is performing controlled releases at the Conemaugh River Lake, Stonewall Jackson Lake, Tygart Lake, Usace and Youghiogheny River Lake reservoirs to retain water, reduce downstream water levels, and mitigate potential flooding in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.

The Point of , located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, is forecasted to have a high-water event and crest above flood stage on Thursday afternoon. During this high-water event, the Monongahela Wharf, 10th Street bypass and parkway “bathtub” are anticipated to be out of service from Wednesday through Friday afternoon.

The Monongahela River is forecasted to crest above flood stage on Thursday morning. The Braddock, Charleroi, Elizabeth, Grays Landing, Maxwell and Point Marion locks and dams along the lower River are expected to be temporarily out of service until water levels recede. The Hildebrand, Morgantown and Opekiska locks and dams will remain in service.

Monongahela riverfront communities, such as Charleroi and Point Marion, may experience localized flooding due to increased water levels in uncontrolled waterways. All residents near small creeks, streams and tributaries should monitor local weather stations for up-to-date information.

The district recognizes there is a potential for uncontrolled flows and is monitoring water levels to ensure the district’s facilities are prepared to react to any possible changes. Facilities along the or rivers are NOT expected to see impacts to navigation.

is ONE WEEK away, but the camping season is not over yet! ⛺🔥

East Branch Lake has four gorgeous and cabins available for rent through Oct. 10!

Cabins are $55 per night, and they include power outlets, furnished with wooden bunk bed (bring your own inflatable mattresses), front porch and firepit area outside!

Book your cabin before they’re gone on the Recreation.gov website

BOOK HERE: https://go.usa.gov/xFhgc

Splash!

“I can’t believe we get paid to jump in the water, ride on a boat and teach people this course. I’m enjoying this. This is better than I expected!”

Find out why a group of employees got to jump in the water as part of their jobs!

STORY & PHOTOS: https://go.usa.gov/xFuj4

The work of a maintenance fleet is not exactly surgery, but when it comes to repairing massive machinery on the water it's close. Read the full story below.

Park rangers, lock operators, maintenance mechanics and other employees attended a 🛥️ Motorboat Operator Training Course at Crooked Creek Lake in Ford City, Pennsylvania, this week.

The 24-hour course included training on 🚤 watercraft safety, 🏊‍♀️ a swim test, 🦺 inflatable life jacket certification, 🌊 boat launching, 🎈obstacle courses and ✍️ a written exam.

STORY & MORE PHOTOS SOON!

📸 by Michel Sauret

Watch out for those sparks! 🎇

They call it a "medium fleet" but their operation is massive. This month, the Medium Capacity Fleet is working at the Montgomery Locks and Dam, operated by the as part of a much larger effort of restoring and rebuilding the facility that will take approximately two years.

Although the is headquartered at Neville Island, a few miles from Dahntahn Pittsburgh, the fleet belongs to Huntington District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Thanks for the hard work fleet!

STORY COMING SOON!

📸 by Michel Sauret

There are many rangers out there. 🎖️ Army Rangers. 🔌 Power Rangers. 🦶🏽 Chuck Norris, Walker Texas Ranger …

But 🌲 Park Rangers … Now that’s OUR kind of ranger!

Today we celebrate rangers around the globe for their role as the key protector of our parks. To our 2,000+ that share the responsibility of managing more than 400 lake and river projects across 43 states.

THANK YOU!

Thank you for your commitment to ensuring the safety of our visitors, the protection of our project missions and the conservation of our environment for the enjoyment of future generations.

The Pittsburgh District Change of Command Ceremony will be live on YouTube today at 10:00 a.m.

Col. Andrew Short, commander of the Pittsburgh District since July 2018, will transfer command to Col. Adam Czekanski during a traditional military ceremony. Col. Kimberly Peeples, Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division, will preside over the ceremony.

🎥 YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/AhEAGM3CR-g

Have you ever been 😎 blinded by this much awesomeness? Oh wait. That's just the sun reflecting off a diver's helmet.

But the guy holding the helmet ain't bad either.

Jay Kochuga, the dive program coordinator for the , was on the seat for an interview today, making and the U.S. Army Reserve look good!

Kochuga is a sergeant first class with the

Video coming soon!

🚨 NAVIGATION NOTICE! 🚨

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District is alerting mariners to periods of lock chamber closures at the Locks and Dam, located on the Ohio River mile 31.7, beginning July 25.

The auxiliary chamber at Montgomery L/D, will close July 25 at noon until 6 a.m., July 26 and again Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. until Aug. 28 at noon. The primary chamber, will close July 26 at 6 a.m. and will reopen Aug. 27 at 8 p.m.

The primary chamber closure is due to scheduled maintenance while the auxiliary chamber closure is required for mooring the repair fleet during the maintenance. The work is needed to reduce the risk of unscheduled closures and increase the reliability of navigation facilities.

The Pittsburgh District has coordinated with key stakeholders to minimize the impact to river users and regional navigation.

The maintenance is expected to cause delays to normal lock operations and vessel movement.

For information on lock closure and temporary locking procedures view Navigation Notice Number 14668 published here 👉 https://go.usa.gov/x6sfN

Mariners are advised to monitor marine radio Channel 13 for work progress updates.

To contact the Montgomery facility, call 724-643-8400.

For media inquiries, please contact the district’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (412) 395-7500/01/02.

. Know the waterways. Take a safety course. Wear your life jacket.