what were some failures of the US Army Corps of Engineering
While the US Army Corps of Engineers has accomplished significant achievements throughout its history, there have also been instances of failures. Some notable failures include:
1. New Orleans Flood Protection: One of the most prominent failures of the Corps was its inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Corps' levee system in New Orleans failed, leading to catastrophic flooding and significant loss of life. The levees were poorly designed and maintained, highlighting the Corps' shortcomings in ensuring the city's flood protection.
2. Missouri River Floods: In 2011, the Corps faced criticism for its management of the Missouri River, as heavy rainfall and melting snow caused severe flooding across several states. Some argued that the Corps' decisions to release excessive water from reservoirs exacerbated the flooding. Critics blamed the Corps for inadequate infrastructure maintenance and floodplain management.
3. Mississippi River Dredging: The Corps has faced criticism for its management of the Mississippi River, particularly regarding dredging of the river channel. In certain periods, the Corps focused on maintaining the navigation channel for commercial traffic, which resulted in the degradation of wetlands and ecosystem damage. Environmentalists argue that the Corps' approach has not adequately considered the overall health of the river system.
4. Everglades Restoration: The Corps' involvement in the restoration of the Florida Everglades has been a subject of contention. Critics argue that the Corps' excessive engineering methods, such as channelization and water diversion, have disrupted the natural flow of the Everglades ecosystem. This has led to habitat loss, altered water quality, and threatened the region's biodiversity.
5. Failure to address climate change: The Corps has been criticized for its failure to proactively address climate change concerns in its infrastructure planning and management. Critics argue that the agency has not adequately accounted for the increased risk of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changing precipitation patterns, which can result in infrastructure vulnerabilities and environmental damage.
It is important to note that the failures outlined above do not negate the Corps' overall contributions, but rather highlight instances where its actions or decisions fell short. The Corps continues to adapt and strive for improvements in its projects and operations.