WASHINGTON, D.C. – Working to protect the Duluth–Superior Harbor, Congressmen Dave Obey (D-WI) and Jim Oberstar (D-MN) have asked the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct an in-depth investigation into the cause of accelerated corrosion of sheet pile and other steel structures in the harbor, and are working to ensure that the Corps has the resources necessary to complete that investigation.
“The Twin Ports play an important role in the region’s economy and we must ensure that we fully understand the conditions that might endanger them,” said Obey, who represents the 7th District of Wisconsin and serves as the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. “The Corps of Engineers recently completed a preliminary survey and they concluded that a much more in-depth study is necessary. Congressman Oberstar and I agree that the Corps should move forward with that survey as soon as possible and we are working together to make sure that they can proceed.”
“The submerged steel pilings that support the Twin Port's waterfront structures are being corroded at a rate that is two to ten times faster than normal. The Corps must document and study the spreading underwater damage so that it can be contained and eradicated,” said Oberstar, who represents the 8th District of Minnesota and serves as the senior Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “I am pleased to work with my friend and colleague, Congressman Dave Obey, to secure the authorization and funding that is necessary to conduct a more thorough study.”
In response to local concerns, Obey and Oberstar previously requested that the Corps look into the problem of accelerated corrosion at the Duluth-Superior Harbor. The Corps conducted an initial study and concluded that more investigation is necessary. In its report the Corps recommended that a follow up investigation immediately quantify the corrosion rate, conduct a water chemistry analysis, check microbiologically influenced corrosion, test for stray DC currents, and assess the condition of critical steel structures. The Corps also encouraged long-term monitoring of corrosion in the Duluth-Superior Harbor and other Great Lakes ports, as well as the development of a condition-based strategy for steel replacement and repair.
Congressman Oberstar, through his role as the senior Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is working to secure long term authorization for the Corps to conduct their investigation. In the meantime, Congressman Obey has secured $300,000 in an appropriation measure that was approved by the Appropriations Committee today, to allow the Corps to begin its study.
Cargoes of iron, grain, coal and stone combine to make the Twin Ports the leading bulk cargo port on the Great Lakes, with a total of $250 million in annual economic impact. The harbor welcomes over 1,000 ocean-going and Great Lakes freighters a year.
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