Section 111 Shoreline Mitigation

The purpose of the Section 111 program is to determine the effect of Federal navigation structures on the shoreline, and develop plans for the mitigation of shore damages attributable to those structures. By monitoring the Great Lake shorelines over various time periods, the Detroit District can more efficiently manage dredged material from navigation channels for placement within the nearshore region and utilize knowledge gained through substantial analyses to address impacts by all structures. The section 111 program is critical to the Corps' desire to maintain a healthy and natural shoreline.

Great Lakes Section 111 Reassessment Needs

The Section 111 authority of the River and Harbor Act of 1968 authorizes the USACE to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPR’s) to investigate potential impacts on adjacent shorelines and construct projects for the prevention or mitigation of shore damages attributable to Federal navigation works.

The DPR’s created under this authority assessed existing datasets from various sources and utilized field data collection to determine erosion rates attributable to Federal projects. Coupling this information with property values and potential infrastructure impacts, a benefit/cost ratio was evaluated. If a ratio supported the implementation of an erosion mitigation project, solutions were defined.

Many of these reports were developed more than thirty (30) years ago. During this time, the tools, data, and methodologies for determining shoreline erosion have greatly improved. It has become apparent in recent years that existing DPR’s and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manuals may require significant updates. Conclusions made in the past may no longer be valid based on the international coastal community’s understanding of coastal processes and the advanced analysis methodologies available to coastal researchers. Sediment budget analyses need to be conducted at all federal structures in the future to leverage state-of-the-art analytical tools and incorporate sophisticated methodologies to delineate more accurate erosion rates,sediment transport quantities, and accretion rates.

Based on this information, all existing DPR’s and O&M Manuals are subject to speculation as to their validity in accurately describing sediment issues at federal harbors. In order to make more precise sediment management decisions or conclusions, more accurate studies are required.

Section 111 Harbor Map

This map indicates the locations for currently active Section 111 harbors. Click on the dot for a given location to see that harbor's monitoring information.