ARS | Publication request: HERU research in support of the USDA Small Watershed Program

Submitted to: National Watershed Conference National Watershed Coalition
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2009
Publication Date: May 18, 2009
Citation: Hanson, G.J., Hunt, S.L., Temple, D.M. 2009. HERU research in support of the USDA Small Watershed Program. In: Proceedings of the 11th National Watershed Conference, National Watershed Coalition, May 17-20, 2009, Wichita, Kansas. 2009 CDROM.

Interpretive Summary: The nation is confronted with issues related to aging infrastructure. The USDA Small Watershed Program flood control dams are a part of that aging infrastructure and as a result have many unique challenges. The National Rehabilitation Amendment of 2000 has helped set into motion a program of addressing these aging infrastructure issues relevant to the Small Watershed Program, and the 2009 Stimulus Package has provided much needed additional funds for rehabilitation. The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit (HERU) laboratory has historically supported the Small Watershed Program through the development of engineering criteria for the hydraulic analysis and design of these structures. The laboratory’s present research program continues to support the USDA Small Watershed Program by addressing rehabilitation issues with research efforts focused on: Developing generalized criteria for analysis and design of roller compacted concrete (RCC) spillways for placement on existing embankments, and Improving methods for predicting earthen embankment erosion and failure. The purpose of this paper is to review research efforts of the HERU laboratory throughout its history that have supported the Small Watershed Program.

Technical Abstract: The nation is confronted with issues related to aging infrastructure. The USDA Small Watershed Program flood control dams are a part of that aging infrastructure and as a result have many unique challenges. The National Rehabilitation Amendment of 2000 has helped set into motion a program of addressing these aging infrastructure issues relevant to the Small Watershed Program, and the 2009 Stimulus Package has provided much needed additional funds for rehabilitation. The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit (HERU) laboratory has historically supported the Small Watershed Program through the development of engineering criteria for the hydraulic analysis and design of these structures. The laboratory’s present research program continues to support the USDA Small Watershed Program by addressing rehabilitation issues with research efforts focused on: Developing generalized criteria for analysis and design of roller compacted concrete (RCC) spillways for placement on existing embankments, and Improving methods for predicting earthen embankment erosion and failure. The purpose of this paper is to review research efforts of the HERU laboratory throughout its history that have supported the Small Watershed Program.