Key Players
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Chicago District is responsible for water resources development in the Chicago metropolitan area, a unique urban area of about 5,000 square miles with a population of about 8 million. The Chicago District is involved in a variety of projects stemming from its primary mission areas of flood control, shoreline protection, navigation, environmental protection, emergency management, and support for others. From storm and flood damage reduction to maintaining safe navigation, the Chicago District is committed to providing quality, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable planning, engineering, and construction products and services.
The USACE, Chicago District is the federal authority responsible for operating and maintaining the Indiana Harbor and Canal Dredging and Disposal Project.
https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Chicago-District/
Map showing USACE Chicago District (February 2020)
East Chicago Waterway Management District (ECWMD)
The East Chicago Waterway Management District (ECWMD) was created to manage and supervise, in conjunction with other agencies, the industrial, commercial, and recreational development of the waterways in the city in which the district is formed, and to improve the commercial and recreational use of those waterways in an environmentally sound manner. The ECWMD is the local sponsor for the USACE Indiana Harbor and Canal dredging project and is the owner of the property on which the IHC CDF is located.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Born in the wake of elevated concern about environmental pollution, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) was established to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection.
USEPA is an active partner and provides regulatory oversight for the IHC CDF site, dredging, and operational activities.
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)
The mission of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment while allowing the environmentally-sound operations of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and government activities. IDEM employs engineers, scientists, and environmental project managers specializing in air, land, pollution prevention, and water quality issues. IDEM is an active partner and provides regulatory oversight for the IHC CDF site, dredging, and operational activities.
Additional Links
U.S. Geological Survey
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is a science organization that provides information on the health of our ecosystems and environment. The USGS, specifically the Water Science Center in Indianapolis, provides important technical support to the IHC CDF project. USGS performs the ambient air monitoring and soil gas monitoring, and has conducted groundwater sampling, well testing, and a well fouling investigation at the IHC CDF.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. The USDA provides wildlife management support at the IHC CDF site. USDA's APHIS Wildlife Services (WS) conducts wildlife monitoring at the CDF. Personnel conduct wildlife patrols as needed based on wildlife activity. Wildlife that is determined to be at risk of exposure to environmental hazards is managed using effective, legal, and environmentally responsible control techniques. These techniques include frightening devices (e.g., pyrotechnics, propane cannons, mylar tape, lasers, electronic equipment, remote controlled airboat) and wildlife restraint equipment (e.g., traps, nets). The CDF habitat and surrounding areas attract a broad array of wildlife species. Habitat on and around the CDF is managed to reduce or eliminate the area's attractiveness to wildlife, within practicality.
Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne), the first U.S. national laboratory, conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research for a variety of scientific disciplines. Argonne provides important technical support to the IHC CDF project. Argonne maintains the extensive database and the project website for the IHC CDF, and provides various information management support for the project.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. U.S. Fish and Wildlife is an active partner and provides regulatory oversight for the IHC CDF site, dredging, and operational activities.
Dredging Contractor / Facility Operations
USACE contracts with different companies and businesses to provide dredging and other services such as water treatment at the IHC CDF. Contact USACE for more information regarding contractors currently operating at the IHC CDF.
