SAVE the DATE: RIAC 29JUN – STL meeting with USCG USACE rail/barge  /lock 25 1200 ft chamber  /mooring cells

SAVE the DATE: RIAC 29JUN STL meeting with USCG USACE rail/barge  /lock 25 1200 ft chamber  /mooring cells

I will forward more details as they become available. This  meeting may get moved to Mel Price lock’s conference room.

Bernie Heroff

After receiving input from representatives from the Rail and Barge industry separately, and discussions with USACE, I’m happy to share that we may have a significant development towards mitigating this risk and improving the efficiency of the river system. The USACE has authorization to install a limited number of mooring cells on the Upper Mississippi River through the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP). This is being coordinated through the USACE Inland Marine Development Center. The NESP program has a specific objective, and is in the processes of planning the installation of these mooring cells separate from our Rail/Barge Collision Risk Working Group. Since we have connected, it is possible that some locations for these mooring cells may be installed in locations that are mutually beneficial to the NESP authorization and our working group. To better assess mooring cell installation locations and if this is helpful to the mitigation of Rail/Barge collision risk, USACE and USCG are hosting meetings to explore this possibility. The date and agenda are pretty well firmed up, and I’m still preparing the logistics details. When everything is 100% set, I will send out an invite.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022
RAY Federal Building, 1222 Spruce Street, St Louis, MO 63103 - 2nd floor auditorium (location subject to change) 

10:00 - 11:30  USACE/USCG/Industry Rail/Barge Collision Risk Working Group
11:30 - 12:30  Lunch
12:30 - 14:00  NESP L&D 25 New 1200’ Lock Design and Construction Update
14:00 - 14:15  Break
14:15 - 15:45  NESP Mooring Cell discussions

River industry personnel are invited and strongly encouraged to attend all three meetings.

Rail industry personnel are invited and strongly encouraged to attend the Rail/Barge Collision Risk Working Group, and though not required may have some interest in hearing the NESP Mooring Cell discussion.  Note the latter is more geared to be a conversation between USACE and the River Industry, but the nexus here is that - as explained above -  some locations for the mooring cells may alleviate the need to push in near rail lines.

Daniel Every

LCDR, USCG
Prevention Department Head
Sector Upper Mississippi River
1222 Spruce St, Suite 7.103
St. Louis, MO 63103
Desk: (314) 269-2568
Fax: (314) 269-2734